What must Goldcar prove before charging me for damage?

that the damage exists: dated photos taken at return; that it was not there at pickup: the pickup condition report and photos; that it was found at return, ideally in an inspection you could attend; what it actually cost: a repair invoice or an itemised quote; the contract clause relied on, within the excess or deposit you agreed. In Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Croatia and Malta the general rule is that the party claiming payment proves the facts. Pre-written clauses that shift that burden onto the consumer may be unfair (Directive 93/13/EEC).

Language: EN DE PL

Goldcar charged you for damage or fuel? What Goldcar must prove

If Goldcar has charged your card after a rental (for damage, fuel, an admin fee or extras), you can ask for the evidence before you accept it. This page lists published facts about Goldcar and the routes open to you. It is not a review and says nothing about any individual case.

Who you contracted with

Goldcar Spain S.L.U., Camino del Campet s/n, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain (Source: www.goldcar.es)

The company named on your rental agreement is the one you contracted with; it can differ by country and for franchised stations.

Part of Europcar Mobility Group. Goldcar is not itself listed as an ECRCS participant, so do not assume Europcar's membership covers it.

Official complaint channel

https://www.goldcar.es/en-gb/customer-service/

Customer-service page with a 'Report a problem' form. Post-rental claims email for Spain published by Goldcar: [email protected] (also pt-, it- and [email protected]).

ECRCS: free conciliation

Goldcar is not on the ECRCS participant list (checked 2026-11-14), so ECRCS cannot take complaints about it. Use the firm's complaint process, the local complaint book where there is one, your European Consumer Centre and, if you choose, your card issuer.

Public regulator decisions

2019-11-18: Italy's competition and consumer authority AGCM fined Goldcar €3.4 million for continuing unfair commercial practices, including pressure to buy extra cover and charging for minor damage not recorded at pickup. (Source)

What a rental firm must prove for a damage charge

that the damage exists: dated photos taken at return
that it was not there at pickup: the pickup condition report and photos
that it was found at return, ideally in an inspection you could attend
what it actually cost: a repair invoice or an itemised quote
the contract clause relied on, within the excess or deposit you agreed

In Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Croatia and Malta the general rule is that the party claiming payment proves the facts. Pre-written clauses that shift that burden onto the consumer may be unfair (Directive 93/13/EEC).

Your steps

Ask the firm in writing for the evidence (condition reports, dated photos, repair invoice, fee calculations) and give it 14 days.
In Spain or Portugal you can also use the complaint book (Hoja de Reclamaciones / Livro de Reclamações).
If you live in another EU country, your European Consumer Centre helps for free.
Card payments: your card issuer has its own dispute process and decides on it. We give general information only.

Upload your agreement, invoice or card statement and see what the firm must prove, your red flags and which routes apply.

Run the free check

Renting soon? Use our free pickup photo mode.

Checked 2026-11-14. Facts with sources; corrections welcome at [email protected].