Prepaid Reservation Denied Due to Unclear IDP Requirements – No Refund Provided
Dear Auto Europe Customer Support Team,I am writing regarding my prepaid car rental reservation arranged through Auto Europe with Europcar, details as follows:Auto Europe Voucher Number: 176117392Europcar Reservation Number: 1197286730Renter Name: Ta* Tagh*Pick-up Location: Venice Marco Polo AirportPick-up Date & Time: 28 December 2025, 13:00I arrived at the Europcar desk at Venice Marco Polo Airport on time and presented all required documents, including my valid physical national driving license, passport, and credit card. However, Europcar refused to release the vehicle solely on the basis that my driving license was not an International Driving Permit (IDP).I would like to respectfully point out that, as stated on the Auto Europe voucher and rental conditions, an International Driving Permit “may also be required”, indicating that it is not mandatory in all cases. At no point was it clearly or unequivocally stated that the vehicle would be denied without an IDP, especially when holding a valid physical driving license.Given this wording, I relied on the information provided by Auto Europe in good faith and reasonably understood that my existing license would be acceptable. Unfortunately, the lack of clarity resulted in the rental being denied despite my full compliance with the documented requirements as presented on the voucher.As the rental could not proceed due to ambiguous documentation requirements rather than negligence, late arrival, or missing primary documents, I kindly request a full refund of the prepaid amount for this reservation.I value Auto Europe’s reputation for customer care and trust that this situation will be reviewed fairly, considering that the refusal was based on interpretation rather than a clearly defined mandatory requirement communicated at the time of booking.Please let me know if you require any additional information or documentation from my side to process this refund. I look forward to your prompt assistance and resolution.Thank you for your understanding and support.Kind regards,Ta* Tagh*
Wise User
Disgraceful Customer Service and Delayed Response – Auto Europe Failed to Support Their Customer
I booked a car rental through Auto Europe, trusting their reputation and assuming they would support customers when issues arise with one of their partner rental companies. Unfortunately, my experience was extremely disappointing.When I arrived to collect the car at Katowice Airport, the supplier (Flex To Go) refused to release the vehicle and immediately tried to add multiple extra charges. Their behaviour was uncooperative and suspicious, and I did not feel comfortable proceeding with the rental.After this refusal, I checked the supplier’s online reviews while still at the airport and found numerous complaints about deposits not being returned, unexpected charges after return, damage claims for tiny scratches, and aggressive upselling. Based on both their behaviour and these reviews, I genuinely feared being financially exploited if I continued.I contacted Auto Europe immediately, on 27 December, the very next day I was supposed to collect the car, asking for urgent help. I expected Auto Europe to intervene or at least provide meaningful assistance when their partner refused to deliver the service.Instead, Auto Europe responded two weeks later, on 5 January — after my booking period had already ended. Their response was a generic message instructing me to submit a claim through their website and stating that complaints can only be submitted 24 hours after the drop-off date.This was particularly frustrating because:I contacted them immediately while the issue was happening via the phone call and the follow-up email.Their response arrived one week after the rental period endedThey then instructed me to wait until after the rental to complain — even though the car was never providedThis contradiction and delay show a complete lack of customer care and accountability. Once you pay, they don't care at all.I relied on Auto Europe’s platform and reputation and therefore did not research the rental company as thoroughly as I otherwise would have. That trust was clearly misplaced. Auto Europe’s choice of partners and their failure to support customers when things go wrong is deeply concerning.Overall, this experience demonstrated poor communication, unacceptable response times, and no real customer support. I would strongly advise others to be extremely cautious and not rely solely on Auto Europe’s reputation when booking, and choose other companies to make the reservation.I will not be using Auto Europe again.
Michal Simko
Simple
Simple, cost-effective booking. Now we're hoping for an equally easy pickup at Porto Airport and a great rental. We'll update our review after the trip!
Steve Lai
Do not rent from these people
Do not rent from these people. They are out to scam you.
Rafe Goldman
The booking process with Auto Europe…
The booking process with Auto Europe was smooth and easy. However, the rental company they partnered me with (Italy Car Rent) caused significant issues during my trip.The vehicle I received from Italy Car Rent developed a dangerous fuel leak, making it unsafe to drive. I had to take a €290 taxi to reach the airport. Unfortunately, Italy Car Rent’s customer service was slow, often taking days or even a full week to reply, and they ultimately reimbursed only €100 of the expense.While this experience was caused by the supplier rather than Auto Europe directly, it had a major impact on my trip. I believe Auto Europe should carefully review the quality of the companies they partner with to ensure better safety and customer support for future renters.
nejat cingi
In a Crisis - Auto Europe Delivered!
I needed to drive from Florida to Massachusetts at the last minute due to a family medical emergency, and no one would rent me a one-way vehicle. After exhausting every booking platform, one call to AutoEurope changed everything. Within 20 minutes, they had arranged the rental at a very fair price. The pick-up experience was smooth; they even upgraded me unexpectedly, and drop-off was effortless! I was just handed the keys! Tolls were exactly as explained, there were simply no surprises. Auto Europe turned a stressful situation into something easy and manageable. They’ve earned my loyalty and deep gratitude.
Jodi Hinkle
DON'T BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY-TOO MANY HIDDEN COSTS
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I AM POSTING A REVIEW ON LINE. DON'T BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY. WHEN YOU BOOK WITH AUTO EUROPE YOU THINK YOU KNOW YOUR COSTS BUT YOU DON'T. THEY TACK ON SO MANY OTHER COSTS WHICH WILL BE DOUBLE WHAT YOU ORIGINALLY PAID FOR THE CAR RENTAL. ALSO TAKE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS OF THE CAR BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE LOT. THEY WILL LOOK FOR THE TINEST MARK AND SAY YOU DID DAMAGE. WE DIDN'T DAMAGE THE CAR AT ALL BUT BECAUSE WE DIDN'T TAKE PHOTOS THEY CHARGED US. THEN SAY YOU HAVE DAMAGE COVERAGE AND CHARGE YOU A 50 EURO FEE. WHAT A SCAM. I WILL NEVER USE THEM AGAIN. I GOT TO EUROPE EVERY YEAR. I AM TELLING EVERYONE I KNOW NOT TO USE THEM.
michelle
No contact to solve the problem
No contact to solve the problem. Only phone number I can't use at that time.
Iryna Burmii
Rented with them for 6 months since…
Rented with them for 6 months since arriving in Spain.Great company and price, nothing more to say
Shaun in Spain
Not for Canadian drivers
Extremely disappointed by my experience with this company. I rented a car to be collected in Malaga Airport in August. When I arrived to collect the car from the airport I was informed that I could not collect the car because I only had a Canadian license and not an International Drivers License (IDL). In fairness, I have been directed to the part of the contract that states all non-European drivers must present an IDL. However, I also note that the contract states that an IDL MAY be required. Nor does the confirmation email state that an IDL is required. It is also worth noting that Auto Europe claims to work with multiple partners including Goldcar and SIXT. Goldcar the organization I was unfortunate enough to be linked with required an IDL while SIXT the organization that I eventually rented a car from does not.Almost two months and much correspondence later I've lost $766. In sum, don't use this company - use another. Woeful
Geraint Harvey
I rented a car and paid for it in advance, received no credit for the pre payment
I rented a car and paid for it in advance on the Auto Europe website 3 months from my trip. I received a voucher for my $803 payment that went to Auto Europe. I handed my voucher to Dollar Rent A car. They then charged me $1257 and did not give me credit for the $803 covered by my voucher. I sent a request to Auto Europe and they checked with Dollar (now part of Hertz). Auto Europe now tells me that there is nothing they can do. DO NOT RENT FROM THESE PEOPLE, i should only be charged additional of $454 dollars.
Mr. SIDNEY HEDRICK
Got blackmailed into an upgrade
They filled our voucher with quite a shady company "Top Rent".TopRent blackmailed us to pay for an upgrade otherwise they would cancel the voucher.Now AutoEurope feels there is nothing it can do about it...
Martin
Low rate for an automatic Mercedes
Low rate for an automatic Mercedes, within Europe. Very quick to reply to my email inquiries. Easy to change itinerary. When I didn't receive the final invoice from Europcar, they sent it to me, but first they looked at it, and credited me for a minor error.
MA
Travelers Beware: My Latest Experience with Auto Europe
I want to caution fellow travelers and colleagues about my recent experience with Auto Europe and their partner Green Motion. I prepaid $1,342.71 for a rental, but when I arrived in Edinburgh the car I reserved wasn’t available. My voucher was dismissed as “worth nothing." The agent even tossed my printed Auto Europe voucher aside. I was forced to pay an additional $4,145.34 for an unwanted upgrade — a total of $5,488.05. Auto Europe later admitted in writing that my voucher covered the base rental, yet refused to reimburse me, hiding behind Green Motion’s refusal. After 25 years as a loyal customer, this feels like extortion, not customer service. Travelers deserve to be warned.
Jenean Lindley
good car selection and good prices
Ease of using website and good car selection and prices
Chiara
Quick and easy modification process.
Quick and easy modification process.
JEFFREYCICHOSZ
Reviews are more useful after picking…
Reviews are more useful after picking up the rental. There’s no reason to demand a deposit when I’ve already paid for super cdw with zero deductible, so there’s nothing you can charge me for even if it’s returned in a sack. $55 a day to rent a small vehicle is outrageous. I’m a travel blogger in the U.S. so we’ll see what my experience is.
Glenn D
Italy
very quick to reserve
JAYBAUMGARDNER
Easy to book
Easy to book, fees and insurance are transparent. Prices are better than booking on company sites, and I don't have to search 8 times for the same rental with 8 different companies
C Jones
Easy to navigate.
Easy to navigate.
DavidHartson
