Newport man Mark Jensen claims Bargain Rental Cars ‘misled’ him

Newport man Mark Jensen claims a hire car company “misled” and “extorted” him after he received a $15,000 bill following a collision with a kangaroo during a holiday on the Sunshine Coast.

Mark Jensen, says he feels “misled” and “extorted” by a car rental company. Picture: Tony Gough

A Melbourne man stung with a $15,000 bill despite paying a $5000 accident excess for a hire car has spoken of feeling “misled” and “extorted” by the experience.

Mark Jensen, from Newport, was enjoying what should have been a dream holiday with his family on the Sunshine Coast when he struck a kangaroo while driving their rented SUV.

After collecting the medium-sized MG from hire company Bargain Rental Cars, Mr Jensen said he was told his basic $5000 excess covered “any” type of incident.

The damaged rental car driven by customer Mark Jensen after he had a collision with a Kangaroo.

Mark Jensen paid a bill of just over $5000 to remedy the damage caused by the accident.

After returning to Melbourne he received, and paid, a bill of just over $5000 to remedy the damage caused by the accident.

But he then received an invoice demanding a further $10,000, which he said was excessive and not communicated as a possibility at the time of the rental.

“I paid the five grand (as) that was what we had signed and agreed (to) initially,” Mr Jensen said.

“For me, I think (I was) very misled at the time of collecting the car.

“Turns out it’s only if you have an accident in a very certain condition, otherwise you’re going to pay their top tier items, which to me is extortion.”

Mr Jensen said it was only after agreeing to and signing the rental that he was sent a link to the terms and conditions of his policy, which revealed he was only covered for a small amount of items such as third party accidents and windshield damage. Animal damage was not included.

Mark Jensen, says he has been scammed by a car rental company. Picture: Tony Gough

The hire car company refused to comment on the specific case but said: “Bargain Car Rentals strive to be transparent with every customer in all our dealings.”

A company spokesman said terms and conditions, including excess inclusions and exclusions, were sent to customers ahead of collecting their cars.

“In addition to this, terms and conditions and excess reduction packs are summarised to the customer upon collection of their vehicle so that they can make an informed decision on which option to select when commencing their journey,” the spokesman said.

Mr Jensen said this summary was not provided and he claims he was given incorrect information.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission states it is essential that information provided at the point of sale “does not mislead customers about key issues such as liability when things go wrong.”

The dispute between the two parties is yet to be resolved.