Holidaymakers renting cars in Spain are being hit with hard-sell tactics at the rental desk, with several firms accused of using pressure and misinformation to push costly insurance policies that customers often don’t need.
Tourists Misled into Buying Unnecessary Cover
Recent undercover checks at major Spanish airports revealed concerning behaviour by car hire staff. Travellers who had already arranged valid insurance through a third party were told their cover wasn’t sufficient or wouldn’t be accepted. Despite having documents in hand, many felt pressured to buy extra protection directly from the rental company – sometimes at a higher cost than the rental itself.
False Claims Used to Push Insurance Sales
Some rental desk agents claimed that customers would be left entirely unprotected without purchasing their in-house policy. In reality, most bookings already include basic cover such as collision damage waiver, and third-party excess reimbursement insurance is perfectly valid. These misleading statements not only confused customers but often led to unnecessary purchases made under pressure. The Telegraph has useful tips on how to protect yourself from this scenario.
Commission Culture Behind the Pressure?
Insiders suggest that many car hire staff earn commission for each added extra they sell, creating a strong incentive to upsell. While there’s nothing wrong with offering optional cover, the problem arises when agents resort to misleading claims or scare tactics to secure a sale. In several cases, customers were wrongly told they’d be liable for thousands of euros in damages unless they upgraded their insurance on the spot.
What Travellers Can Do to Protect Themselves
To avoid falling victim to these tactics, holidaymakers are advised to arrange cover with a trusted third-party car hire excess insurance provider like www.moneymaxim.co.uk/insurance/vehicle-hire/car-hire/excess-insurance/ before travelling and familiarise themselves with what’s already included in their booking. If faced with pressure at the rental desk, it’s important to stay calm, stand firm and, if necessary, make a note of the staff member’s name and raise a formal complaint later.
Travellers are being urged to stay alert and informed to avoid being caught out by aggressive upselling abroad.
