The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has called for new industry standards on daily rental recharges.
Members of the AFP reported ‘excessive’ bills for late servicing and damage on rental vehicles.
Paul Hollick (pictured), chair of the AFP, said: “This is an area where there has always been some inevitable friction between fleets and daily rental companies but our view is that there has undoubtedly been rising frustration during the last couple of years – and it appears to be worsening.
“At the heart of this lies what is seen as an unbalanced approach to inspections.
“A common complaint is that the handover process on delivery involves only a quick look at the car or van, while examination on collection is much more detailed and often identifies damage that may well have already been present.”
On longer term rentals, AFP members reported that efforts by rental companies to notify fleets when a vehicle is due for servicing have been lacking.
Hollick said: “Although we understand there can be strong penalties invoked by manufacturers for neglected maintenance, we know of one bill for £4,000 for a missed service, which is difficult to justify.
“At least one AFP member employs two people full time largely to deal with damage and servicing recharges of this kind from daily rental companies and they successfully fight claims often running into tens of thousands of pounds every month.
“This seems to us indicative of daily rental processes that really need re-examination.”
Hollick blamed the longer vehicle replacement cycles seen since Covid-19 for the issues, as rental fleets now operate older vehicles, yet apply the same inspection procedures previously used on nearly-new vehicles.
Similarly, the increasing age of rental fleet vehicles means that MOTs and servicing are now a concern for rental companies, where vehicles would typically be retired before needing such work.
Hollick said: “Daily rental is an essential service for many of our members but there is a high level of ill-feeling around the whole issue of recharges at the moment.
“Many fleets feel that they are effectively being forced into paying unfair recharges and having to spend much too long fighting them.
“They want to see an improvement in the situation and in initial discussions with industry bodies, it appears a positive approach is being taken to the concerns raised.
“Our hope is that this will lead to improved best practice guidance in the industry that will quickly have a positive impact on real world fleet experiences.”
