In defence of car rentals

In response to my item about car rental companies, I received this reply:

Dear Keith

I have just read your blog regarding Car Rental Companies.  When we moved to Spain back in the eighties we created our own Car Hire Company and none of the incidents that you outlined ever occurred with us.  Yes, we did charge for a full tank of fuel and yes, we did charge about five pound sterling more than the cost of the actual fuel.  This small amount covered the oil that was necessary and the valeting of the vehicle.  Customers were always given a sketch of the vehicle and any damage to the car was marked on this.  Inspection and instructions on indicators etc. were given at point of delivery and also inspection at point of return was made.  All necessary items that were required by law were in the vehicle.    It is reasonable to understand why many car companies do not place these items in the car because very often everything that is not locked down is removed, even down to windscreen wipers, cigarette lighters and car documentation.

I feel it is unfair to blame the Companies 100 per cent as the customer has played a large part in prompting the rental company to carry out their actions.

We retired from the business eight years ago and if everything is as bad as it is painted now, I think we must be pleased that we decided to take the action of a living a leisurely life in Spain.

Name removed

To be fair, my experience of car rental here is limited to just a few companies. I have no doubt there are others which operate in different ways. The point about not equipping cars with vests, spare bulbs etc. because they would just be taken is a valid one however I doubt that the Guardia Civil would take that as an excuse.