Awful rental car experience in awesome Iceland (AUTO/HASSO/NU CAR RENTALS/ORANGE)
Awful rental car experience in awesome Iceland (AUTO/HASSO/NU CAR RENTALS/ORANGE)
I’m writing this message with hopes of warning everyone about the excessive vehicle repair cost charged by this consortium of small-time rental car operators called AUTO/HASSO/NU CAR RENTALS/ORANGE.
I and my wife rented a white Toyota Rav4 2016 model for 13 days at KEF International Airport.
Near the end of our rental period, while driving out (very slow speed ~2KPH) from a parking space in the evening, the car suffered a dent on the front passenger door when it collided with a wooden barrier. Upon returning the car the next day, I pointed out the damage and acknowledged responsibility with the expectation that the repair cost would be fair and reasonable. Per my rental agreement, I paid the maximum insurance excess / self-risk of ISK 358,000 (US$3,450.00), with the expectation that there will be a refund since only the front passenger door requires some sheet metal work.
I have rented a car in many different countries, up to now without any complaints whatsoever. But I felt ripped off by the rental company when they sent me a repair estimate of ISK 530,427 (US$5,100.00). That’s 10% of the price of a brand new Rav4 for such a minor damage.
To verify the actual repair cost charged by the garage / repair shop, I have made several attempts to get a copy of the official invoice of the repair cost from the car rental company, but they insisted that it is not available. I have sought the help of The Icelandic Travel Industry Association and ECC Iceland to get a copy of the official repair invoice from the repair ship, but after 1 month of waiting, I have not received a response. I have also sought the help of the platform where I booked the rental car, Guide to Iceland. They tried to help, but to no avail. I have obtained a quote from another CABAS-certified repair shop in Iceland and their quote is much much cheaper.
We have met a lot of really WONDERFUL and LOVELY Icelandic people during our 13-day trip around the island, but AUTO/HASSO/NU CAR RENTALS/ORANGE car rental really ruined the magical Iceland experience and there will be more others like me who will be ripped off if this kind of scam is allowed to continue.