Help! My Rental Car Died Within a Mile, and Avis Charged Me $1,367

The Incident

A tourist visiting Italy rented an SUV from Avis in the historic center of Florence. After driving only a short distance—roughly one mile—from the rental office, the vehicle sputtered, stalled, and finally stopped working altogether. With no nearby service station and a tight schedule, the driver was forced to abandon the car on a side street.

What the Rental Company Said

When the renter returned to the Avis desk to explain the situation, the employee assured him that the agency would handle the breakdown. However, a few days later an invoice arrived by email, demanding a repair fee of $1,367 for “mechanical damage” allegedly caused by the driver.

Why the Charge Is Controversial

The renter argues that the SUV was brand‑new, had less than 5,000 miles on the odometer, and had passed all pre‑rental inspections. Moreover, the breakdown occurred before the vehicle had even left the vicinity of the rental office. Avis’s justification for the charge hinges on a clause in the rental agreement that holds the customer responsible for “any damage or loss to the vehicle during the rental period.”

Legal and Consumer‑Protection Angles

Consumer‑rights experts point out that such blanket clauses can be abusive when the fault lies with the rental company’s maintenance practices. In Italy, the Codice del Consumo (Consumer Code) protects renters from unfair contractual terms, and the European Union’s recent directives on rental services impose stricter transparency requirements.

What the Renter Is Doing Now

The affected tourist has filed a formal complaint with Avis’s customer‑service department, demanding a detailed breakdown of the repair costs and evidence that the damage was indeed caused by his use. He has also contacted the Italian Competition Authority (Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato) and is considering legal action under the EU’s consumer‑protection framework.

Tips for Future Renters

1. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before signing. Take photos or videos of the car’s condition, especially the engine bay and tires.

2. Ask for a copy of the rental agreement in your native language. Make sure you understand any clauses related to “mechanical failure” or “breakdown assistance.”

3. Verify the rental company’s roadside‑assistance policy. Know the phone number to call and whether the company will tow the car at no extra cost.

4. Keep all receipts and communication. Document every interaction with the rental agency, including dates, names, and the content of phone calls or emails.

5. Report suspicious charges promptly. If you receive an unexpected invoice, contact the rental office immediately and, if necessary, involve local consumer‑protection agencies.