Your views

Dear Sir,
It’s the same every time. We look forward to a relaxing and enjoyable holiday in Majorca but within the first hour of arrival we are subjected to threats, intimidation, bullying and extortion – courtesy of the car rental companies at the airport.
Prior to arrival we pre-order a vehicle with a promise that it has CDW insurance without excess, passenger insurance and theft, but before being able to drive away the agents insist you need another insurance policy at some 20 euros a day to cover damage to tyres, windscreens, mirrors etc.
Despite that I have an annual policy to protect against such accidental damage the agents – clearly targeted to sell this extra to every hirer – insist on a hard sell. “If you don’t take the insurance you’ll be liable for any costs”; “we’ll charge you 600 Euros to your debit card; “any damage and you’ll lose the full amount”; “you are taking a big risk” etc. It’s high pressure selling that is so aggressive it becomes bullying.
Renter after renter is harassed until they concede. Or if they resist “good luck” becomes the final verbal exchange – like some threat of impending disaster delivered by a mafia don.
And extortion? We’re here for 4 days. The most we’ll drive is 200 kilometres. But we are (over) charged 95 euros for a full tank of petrol – with no refund for anything unused on return of the vehicle.
Can somebody please intervene to stop these oppressive tactics?
It’s an unwelcoming first engagement. A negative start to a holiday. And a bad reflection on Spanish authorities that they allow it to continue unchallenged.
Surely someone can change this?

David Hackett
Moulsoe, UK