Driving Change: Stronger Consumer Protection in the Car Rental Sector

Car rental is vital for millions of EU consumers, especially when traveling abroad or in areas with limited public transport. Consumers often encounter rental options when booking flights or accommodations, with follow-up emails reinforcing these offers. However, ECC-Net complaint data reveals ongoing issues with unfair practices, unclear responsibilities, and weak enforcement. This paper addresses systemic problems in the sector and suggests reforms to enhance fairness, transparency, and consumer trust.