Car Rental Agencies Worst in Consumer Law Breaches

The ACCC reports that the car rental industry is one of the worst offenders in not abiding by new consumer laws enacted in July this year that outlaw unfair contracts.

Typical complaints, according to the ACCC relate to credit card deductions when consumers are unaware that contracts authorise operators at their discretion to debit a renter's credit card for an unlimited amount to cover vehicle damage and other items. There have also been complaints about misleading advertising on issues such as price, quality and availability of vehicles.

But car renters aren't the only ones in the ACCC's sights over alleged breaches of the new fair-contracts law. Other targets for the ACCC include airlines, as well as telecommunications companies.

Have you been a victim of an unfair contract with a telecommunications, airline or car rental company? Do you think the new Consumer Laws go far enough to address the issue?