Ripped off by hire car company, help!

[amidaiwish]

We hired a car for our holiday in spain in May.
we paid a ?300 deposit/bond and didn't take the optional additional insurance.
on holiday we had a puncture and dh changed the wheel using the spare.
on returning the car we told them we had used the spare, he said ok but as you didn't take out the insurance you'll be charged, but don't worry for just a puncture it is only about ?10.

so off home we went. I have just received our credit card bill and for the week's rental we've been charged almost £500. The initial rental was only ?188.

I have rung them but of course i can't speak spanish. I have emailed them and head office but no response.

I am tempted to claim a fraudulent charge with the credit card company and let them deal with it. WWYD?

[scurryfunge]

Yes, report it to your card company but check you didn't sign up to those conditions first.

[amidaiwish]

we paid ?300 "security" but i hardly think a puncture warrants taking it. we didn't smash the car, or incur any big fines or anything like that. a puncture!

[scurryfunge]

I agree it is totally out of order, it is whether it can be classed as fraudulent. I would ask your card company for a refund and state it was an unauthorised transaction.

[amidaiwish]

just to close this, thought i would update they refunded me instantly once i told them i had filed a dispute with the credit card company.

goes to show always pay these things on a credit card!