Carwiz under scrutiny after renter complaints

Tourists report confrontations and extra charges at Carwiz rental outlets, raising questions about franchise governance and customer rights.

Carwiz franchises accused of bullying tactics against British renters

Tourists have alleged bullying tactics, verbal altercations and even physical contact at Carwiz branches, with some reports centered on a Bucharest location. The Sun quotes travelers who say they were pressured over damage claims and faced hostile treatment when trying to return vehicles. Several deposits were refunded after complaints, while others involved disputed charges that the customers later challenged with payment providers. The incidents span multiple countries where Carwiz operates, including Greece, Cyprus, Romania and Poland, and they come as the company markets a network of more than 450 locations.

Carwiz has responded by distancing itself from such practices and pointing to potential dual-branding at the same sites. The company says some services appear under a different brand identity within a CARWIZ-branded environment, and it has launched an internal review to eliminate dual-branding across its network. Critics argue that this kind of arrangement can blur responsibility for billing and customer service, undermining trust in a global brand. Public ratings cited in the article show low scores on Google and TripAdvisor, underscoring reputational risk as the controversy unfolds.

The reporting highlights a broader issue in the rental industry: how to govern a global brand when local franchises control the customer experience. When a site carries more than one brand, customers may not know who is accountable for damage claims or refunds, creating room for disputes to escalate. If verified, these cases could invite regulatory scrutiny in several markets and prompt calls for stronger franchise oversight. The episode also shows how quickly a brand can be judged online, even before independent verification, forcing leaders to balance branding flexibility with clear consumer protections.

The story also exposes the limits of a single corporate voice in a sprawling network. Independent franchise operators can blur lines between brands, and customers may feel misled by signage and uniforms. To protect shoppers, investors and regulators will want transparent dispute processes, consistent damage-reporting standards, and a concrete plan to separate branding where needed. This is a test of how well Carwiz can police its partners while maintaining trust across borders.

Highlights

Travelers deserve clear labeling and fair dealing across all brand partners.