Europcar paid a fine before I could appeal and invoiced me the fine + an admin fee. Completely refute the basis of the fine. Cant appeal because Europcar paid the fine. Can I just refuse to pay to the invoice? What's the worst outcome?
Hey,
As per my title need some advice on fine/ invoice I received from Europcar.
About 2 months ago I hired a car from Europcar and used the short stay carpark at Stanstead Airport. When leaving the exit barriers malfunctioned and a large queue built up. Airport staff eventually came, manually opened the barriers, and waved everyone through not giving us any chance to pay for the parking.
Thought nothing of it at the time until a few weeks later I received an email from Europcar with an invoice for the fine & an admin charge £110. Also them stating that they already paid the fine and if I want to dispute it, I need to with the issuer using a third party authorization letter.
The issue is because Europcar already paid it they have essentially accepted liability and it would not leave me appeal online and the PCN clearly states “You can pay or appeal this charge; you cannot do both.”. When I contacted fine issuer they flat out refused to deal with me regardless of the third party letter.
Europcar attempted to charge my card but I cancelled it and have been emailing back and fourth basically stating that I dispute the invoice because:
- They way I was meant to appeal under Europcars terms is not possible because Europcar paid the fine and now I have no way to challenge the PCN.
- The basis of the fine is completely unfair (Was ushered through by Airport staff)
Europcar are refusing to back down just stating that they acted within the terms of our agreement and even though I explained all of the above they maintain there position is final.
- Am I right in saying that I have a valid reason to refuse to pay for this? Yes the hire agreement says they can pay the fine without transferring liability but now I cant dispute. Surly this is an unfair contract?
- I'm based in Ireland rather than the UK, have Europcar any way of actually enforcing this and if so what's the worst case scenario? Like will they take me to court and I have to pay legal fees etc?
- Am I better off holding my ground or just paying the £110 to make it go away? Like what's the worst case repercussions
I'm probably complete overthinking this but can tend to worry but at the same time feel like it's very unfair that I now have to pay £110 for no reason.
Any advice would be amazing and if anyone needs more info just let me know.