Hertz Car Rental (Tupungato/Bigstock.com)

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has carried out a review of European car hire firms, prompting five companies to promise change.

The inquiry, which was supported by the European Commission, was especially focussed on insurance complaints.

According to some customers, they feel pressured into buying excess insurance when they come to pick up a vehicle.

Five companies – Hertz, Avis Budget, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Europcar and Sixt – have all agreed to make a number of changes over the next six months, such as providing better information to customers.

The inquiry also looked at other issues, such as motorists being charged for damage to vehicles which they say they did not cause.

Fuel policies were also under scrutiny – with confusion over whether a car should be returned with a full tank or not.

The changes to how cars are hired will take place over the next six months and will apply to the entire European Union. Dispute processes, and the manner in which cars are inspected for damage, are both to be improved.

It has been suggested in the motoring press that all other hire companies in Europe should make similar changes to the way they hire cars.

In the UK, disputes between customers and hire firms are handled by a conciliation service run by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA).

The service helps people avoid high legal costs.

Have you had any issues with a European car hire firm? Do you think the changes go far enough? As ever, let us know your thoughts below.