If you have used one of the websites that give you the cheapest car hire rates then you might find that they have allocated you to use Dickmanns car hire.
Naturally you might be concerned that when you get to Spain you may encounter problems.
Just how reputable are Dickmanns?
Will your car be there at the airport or will they try give you a different make and model?
Perhaps you want to read some reviews from previous customers?
You will find out everything you need to know below. Dickmanns have a long-established track record having operated for over 10 years now sadly as our comments section shows, they are picking up a number of complaints from customers. Perhaps this is a tiny minority of customers and maybe most are happy satisfied customers, bear that in mind?
They keep their cars up-to-date and have a number of offices as well as pick up points at the major airports of El Altet (Alicante), Manises (Valencia) and San Javier (Murcia).
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Note that before you rent a car in Spain you should read these essential car hire tips
See our popular area guides on the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Costa Almeria and Costa Calida.
Make sure you have adequate car insurance!
“Dickmanns Rent a Car is one of the market leader in their sector, specialized in the foreign tourism. Since more than 10 years we take a personal interest in our clients. We will be there for you in your language (English, German, French & Spanish) at any time.
We offer very economic prices for every season and have special discounts for long term rentals.
We own various cars, from small useful automatic cars up to large volume 7 and 9 seaters, with diesel or petrol. All cars with the maximum equipment (airconditioning, electric window control, central door locking, etc.) and most of the cars are also equipped with ABS and radio CD.
Each year we replace our fleet, so that you always can delight in new cars in an excellent status.
Our main office can be found in Torrevieja (to the south of Alicante), in addition to that we have offices in Los Alcazares (Mar Menor of Murcia) and in Moraira (to the north of Alicante).
We also offer our service at the airport of Alicante (El Altet), Murcia (San Javier) and Valencia (Manises).
On this website you can find all our addresses and telephone numbers, as well as a map of our locations.
Since 1992 we are an official agency of Allianz Insurance, which enables us to offer each kind of service regarding insurance. Ask for a proposal for your house, car, health or live insurance or a savings agreement – we will inform you with pleasure.”
Contact Details
If you are visiting Spain then consider using the services of Dickmanns car hire from one of the locations at Alicante airport, Murcia airport or in the town of Moraira.
Below you will find all the contact details for each of the different Dickman’s offices, including the address, telephone number, e-mail and the official website.
DICKMANNS TORREVIEJA OFFICE
C/ Granados, 1 – Local nº 1, Urb.
La Siesta – 03184 Torrevieja, Alicante
Reservierungen / Bookings
Telephone: 96 678 50 21 – Fax: 96 678 46 61
Email: info@dickmannsrentacar.com
DICKMANNS MURCIA
Avda. Cartagena, 876
(Salida 786 AUTOVÍA CARTAGENA – ALICANTE)
30710 Los Alcázares (Murcia)
Reservierungen / Bookings
Telephone: 968 583 160 – Fax: 968 574 757
Email: losalcazares@dickmannsrentacar.com
DICKMANNS MORAIRA OFFICE
C.C. Los Pinos – Ctra. Moraira . Benitachell
C/ Pintor El Greco, 36
03724 Moraira (Alicante)
Telephone: 965 745 075 – Fax: 965 745 001
Email: alpha@dickmannsrentacar.com
We would also like you to submit your personal reviews of Dickmann’s car hire so that should other people rethinking of using them, they can see what sort of service you received on whether you would recommend not.
It is an unfortunate fact that service in Spain is extremely poor and many of the major car hire companies based at Alicante airport are renowned for problems and difficulties. Therefore we wish to be able to tell you which companies to avoid and which companies will give you the best price per car hire.
Arriving at Alicante Airport
If you have booked car hire through Dickmanns then when you get to Alicante airport you need to get on the courtesy bus to be taken to their car hire office which is obviously not inside the main airport terminal.
If you have any problems telephone +34 607 333 380 or 669 565 177
“OUR COURTESY BUS AUTHORIZED BY AENA, WILL BE IN BUS PLACES NR.1 AND 2 OF THE BUS STATION ZONE, LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR “-2.
OUR STAFF IDENTIFIED WITH ORANGE COLOUR DRESS, WILL HELP TO SHIP IN THE COURTESY BUS. IF CUSTOMERS need assistance, please phone: 0034 663 300 900, WITH 6 LINE TO LOCATE AND HELP THEM AT ANY TIME.”
Arriving at Murcia Airport
There is a Meet & Greet service:
Desk telephone number:
(+34) 629 360 226 /690 845 848
Directions to desk:
Please exit the terminal and cross the street to the public car parking. At the taxi-stands turn to the left and continue straight on until the end of the street. Here you will find the Dickmanns Office Van.
Reviews of Dickmanns
We would love to hear from you if you have hired a car from Dickmann’s. All you need to do is fill out the comments box at the bottom of the page.
As a result of feedback received from previous customers, we wish to urge that you thoroughly check the car before you leave the compound.
Get a member of staff to mark on your rental agreement where any scratches, marks and dents are, on your vehicle, so that there is no possibility of these being attributed to you upon your return!
This advice doesn’t just apply to Dickmann’s – most Spanish car hire companies suffer from high levels of complaints and poor customer service.
DO YOU NEED A QUOTE FOR CAR HIRE?
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mr paul brown says
DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY EVER just used them by mistake it cost me 340 for week that was supposed to be 140 all extras crap service then they had the cheek to take 340 day after i flew out home it seems this happens a lot read all reviews this site trip adviser site and others all bad people cant get money back over charging charging for damage not done any way they can then not answer when you try to phone Well just phone your credit card up tell them what has gone on they will put money back on your card in 24 working hour then take up dispute on your behalf i did this result got my 340 back unfortuntly cant get money for hire back . i urge you to contact card company and tell them to stop this company using there payment type again dont use DICK MANNS apt name dont you think cos they are a big one
David Haggis says
Dickmanns Do Not Use Them
Dickmanns advertise unlimited mileage But its seems unlimited is not the same in spain as I have just had £926.85 taken from my debit card for extra mileage! It was in November and I have throne away my contract which I signed. they are still advertising unlimited mileage. (I mist my flight looking for there office as there was no address was nowhere on the paper work or in the car(they said it should have been) It cost me another £500 as all airlines were full for a week.
Patrick Davis says
Paid a deposit to Dickmans at murcia of 950 euro when hiring the car and returned it on 26 June 2017 and I am still waiting for return of my deposit . I have sent them at least 10 emails usually answered within a week telling me they have passed it on to accounts for payment but alas nothing comes of it. I would never hire from these rouges again. Have another e mail gone to them and I’m waiting for a reply. It will be 6 months on Boxing Day and I think I will take the legal route with These rogues..
Alejandra says
Worst car hire company and worst customer service ever!! They charge much more than they initially tell you!! Staff is totally unprofessional and rude. Customer service literally insults you in their email responses. Bosses should be aware of how the customers are being treated! Couldn´t be more disappointed. And they take months to return the 950€ deposit!!
Brian Powell says
These people should not be in business. Can we crowdfund a campaign to get them shut down? I would certainly chip in.
Brian Powell says
Waiting for Halifax/Mastercard after lodging a formal complaint to refund me after a month. They also charge for “damage” that you do not do. Totally disreputable.
Lorraine says
Just to let you know I had to raise a complaint with Halifax/MasterCard to receive my 950euro deposit. The bank was very accommodating and paid me in full within 2 days. I left them to fight with company on my behalf.
Carol & John Dugmore says
DO NOT BOOK YOUR HIRE CAR WITH DICKMANNS.
Having booked a car on 18/06/17 & which was returned on12/07/17, on our return to the UK we checked our credit card statement & DICKMANNS had debited 950 euros. We have our own Annual insurance policy so hopefully we should be able to claim our deposit back. DICKMANNS ARE NOT RESPONDING TO ANY OF OUR EMAILS.
Be warned DO NOT BOOK A CAR WITH THIS COMPANY under any CIRCUMSTANCES.
We initially booked the car through DOYOUSPAIN.COM WHO ARE FULLY AWARE OF CUSTOMERS COMPLAINTS but have not also been very helpful with trying to assist us with this problem. We sent 2 emails before we received a reply from them.
Carl says
Hi,
Exactly the same issue, i returned my car on 13/7/17. Have you had a refund yet? I haven’t.
Outrageous that things like this can still happen.
Carol Dugmore says
Hi Carl
Yes, we have got our money back in full thankfully, it was sorted by our Credit Card team, they were extremely helpful. (It took 73 days in total). We tried to get assistance from our ins company here as we had took out an Annual Worldwide policy. We didn’t find them very helpful at all.
We contacted our credit card team & they asked us to send any info that would assist them e.g. photo’s of damage to the car, correspondence re: our insurance com, whom we hired the car from etc. Luckily we had the full amount put back into our acct 5 days later. We hope that they had as big a shock as we’d had when they noticed the money was gone from their acct.
We had phoned DICKMANNS twice & sent a number of emails, they stated it was their policy to keep our money for a total of 40 days but when my husband said you’ve now had ours 60 days, the lady said we’ll get it sorted a.s.a.p. We also received a letter from them stating no damage had actually been reported concerning our car, so there was absolutely no reason for them to have stolen our money.
We hope you have by now received your money back?
Gina says
Weeks after my return from Spain this company phoned me and asked for passport number, driving license number, home address etc with no reason given for requiring this info. I refused to give info over the phone due to it being a possible scam. They then started emailing me still failing to advise why info required. I was suspicious that this was a scam and so didn’t supply the info. They then took an unauthorised payment of €300 from my credit card without prior notification/warning and without giving me a deadline for supplying the info. They said this is a penalty for failing to give info. I did give info but they failed to retain it their error/mistake! Told me it’s illegal to hire a car without supplying details. If they didn’t take my details they wouldn’t have allowed me to take the car. I am taking legal action against them for taking money from my account without authority which must be illegal surely. This is all due to an error on their part because they failed to retain/lost my info when I collected and returned the hire vehicle which I will add was in perfect condition on return.
Maria says
STAY AWAY!! If you carry your own insurance and decide not to hire the insurance offered by Dickmanns reps try to fear-sell you their insurance by stating that yours is probably no good. They go in detail on how recovering your money will be a nightmare and in many cases impossible. They also note that cars always come back with costly damage even for the tiniest scratches (normal wear and tear is considered a damage by Dickmanns). When you return your car they will go out of their way to find the finest scratches (even those that are simply not noticeable when a car polish / cleaner is used) and report as actual damage to the car. They calculate the damage and charge your credit card directly even without your signature or authorization. In my case they gave me a dirty car and the damage they claim (rather normal wear and tear of any vehicle) was probably already there and simply could not be appreciated due to the dirt. This is a company I would never recommend but rather warn about. I will never use again.
Tom Finn says
DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT USING DICKMANNS.
My experience is exactly the same as most of the above. In our case we waited over 3 months for 2 separate deposits of 950 euros to be returned from November 2016, Finally I had to use my solicitors to contact them and hey presto the money was returned immediately.
This web page must be brought to the attention of more people. I also think some of the responsibility must lie with the agencies such as DoYouSpain, Booking Centre Online etc.who promote the cheap rentals. Prices shown for Dickmanns should automatically include the “additional insurance ” ripoff since it is too risky to give Dichmanns unlimited time benefit of customers’ money and there are concerns that the company could fold at any stage. They appear to be a company working on cash flow rather than rental income.
I am not naive enough to expect cheap rentals without some caveats but these people should not be in business. Can anyone suggest ways of reporting/denouncing them officially. Most of the users are foreigners and feel unable to take action when we go home.
Lorraine says
Dear mr Finn,
I have had a similar experience with this company. Hired the car on 27th December and returned it on 31st.
My €950 deposit was kept by the company for 6 weeks. It took several emails and tweets (telephone calls were never answered) to eventually refund me. It is explained that it can take up to a month to return your refund but they don’t explain it is 30 working days! This is obviously for the interest they receive from everyone’s deposits in their bank! It is very unfortunate that they trade this way because I can’t fault anything else in hiring the car.
P.s. I informed my credit card company, who refunded me and were going to fight them on my behalf – and then I miraculously received my deposit back!
Tom Finn says
Thanks Lorraine,
I could have written the script for your message. I never thought about using my credit card company (VISA) to put pressure on them. Good idea.
Ian Glover says
Ian Glover
Horrific is all that can be said about this company. I took out independent insurance which I will probably now have to claim on.
Picked up the car after getting the “courtesy” bus (filthy inside) the 4 miles to their off site office. Javier the customer service man (one of the least courteous people you will ever meet) was fine at first but became angry and aggressive when I said I wasn’t talking their insurance. My wife was upset and distressed by his aggressive behaviour.
I took photos of all chips and scratches and immediately emailed them to myself.
On returning the car javier was true to form and almost crawled under the car to find an old scrape on the front skirt. Obviously an old trick of his and despite me getting under the car and photographing said scrape and showing him how old it was he says I will be charged for it.
DO NOT GO NEAR Dickmans they are rude nasty and aggressive. If you do photograph every blemish on the car and email it to yourself proving when you took them. The poor couple who were in front of me were charged a full day rent €35 for being 1/2 an hour late. Dickmans you are a DISGRACE.
JB says
Dickmanns , no no no don’t rent from Dickmanns. They know every trick in the book to fleece you.. If you don’t take their top up insurance, they insist on taking 950 Euros from your credit card, yes they actually take it. They say they refund between 21 & 28 days after the safe return. THIS IS A LIE. They have still got my money after 50 + days after I returned their undamaged car. I have read hundreds of identical bad reviews where renters have not had this large deposit returned although they are quick enough to take. The only chance you have of seeing your money returned is to contact your back, they will either use “Charge Back” or Section 75 of The Finance Act. When I am next out in Spain, in March 2017, I intend to Denounce Them with the Guardian Civil.
Lorraine says
I, too am now waiting for €950 deposit to be returned to me and want to know how to get in touch with them. It’s now been 4 weeks since they took my money.
JB says
Dear Lorraine, you are one of many who have been conned by Dickmanns. If you look at this and other review sites, i.e. Trustpilot.com, and read some of the bad reviews on there you can see how many have been ripped off by them. They had my deposit from early October to Christmas Eve. You can email them at info@dickmannsrentacar.com but don’t hold your breath. I emailed 7 times, tweeted 5 times and lost count of how many times I rang. Most times they simply ignored me, then when they got fed up with me, they started replying their favourite saying ” We have passed this on to our accounts department” You should contact the bank that your Credit Card is with. Enquire about Sec 75 of The Consumer Credit Act and they can put pressure on Dickmanns under their Charge Back scheme. Dickmanns bank balance must be very healthy, mainly from non returned deposits. I wish you the very best of luck and hope this I reply is helpful.
Lorraine says
Thanks JB. I have contacted the Halifax and awaiting their response. I simply cannot afford to lose this amount of money. I only used this company to hire a car for 4 days as I was going to Alicante for my stepfather’s funeral and this nightmare, I can do without. Thanks for your response.
JB says
Dickmanns took my Deposit of €950 on 7th October 2016, I returned their car on 3rd November and finally received the return of my Deposit on 24th December. Many others waited much longer. Use Setion 75 of The Consumer Credit Act through your bank, that costs them extra due to Bank Charges.
kevin says
STAY AWAY FROM DICKMANNS!
Here is the Dickmanns Deal. On picking up your vehicle you will be asked to identify any damage on the contract. I had a car with multiple scratches and I thought I was being thorough but didnt include the touch up scrapes.
On return they find a mark that you didnt record ( that includes area of touch up or respray ) and your account will be debited on your return. The scam is not complicated but common. I lost €200 and about to raise the matter with Spanish Trading Standards.
Do a search on this company and its hard to believe that they are getting away with it.
Shirley Moore says
I do now but not before it was too late and I had already rented the car. In all the years of renting cars I have always been pleased of all the companies I used but NOT THIS one. The guy when he checked the car when I returned said all was ok but who knows they may find something else to try and blame me for . There was so many scratches and marks on the car when I rented it as depicted on the rental form there would not be room for any more.
Mark Flower says
Having the same horror storey. I have report this to me credit card company and just hope they can sort y refund out as I cant afford to lose 950 euros. I am also now paying interest on it. Such lax business practices yet aren’t Spain supposed to me a member of the EU – glad we are out of it
a smith says
Beware
Dickmanns hold on to your 950 euros deposit even though they check, sign and agree there is no damage. They will not respond to you once you are back in UK.
a smith says
Dickmanns have confirmed on 17th August that they are repaying the deposit in full ASAP. see below:
Dear Mr Smith
The pending refund has been handed over to the accountant to be refunded asap
Un saludo cordial,
Kind Regards,
Mit freundlichen Gruessen
This was over 2 weeks ago and surprise surprise they have not done so yet.!
Michael Edlin says
Please do not use this company for hiring a vehicle.
I hired a car from the Alicante Airport via Atlas Choice – They charged €98.00 for a full tank of fuel – I returned the car full which was signed off by the staff but have only recieved €64.00 in refund.
I finally spoke to a staff member after no email response and the “Contact Us” part of the website not working – Also option 1 during the phone call cut me off and the other enquires number loops back to the menu after a minute or two.
The extra not refunded was a service charge for a member of staff to fill the car – I explained that the car was full when returned which was signed off. They explained that during the booking process through Atlas Choice I selected Full to Empty (there is no option for this) and therefore they have to charge the service cost in case the car needs filling up (non-refundable).
I’ve selected no stars because I would have got a better service hitch hiking and buried alive somewhere.
I will be letting everyone I know never to use this company and I hope they die a slow death.
Lynne Edwards says
I strongly advise that you do not use Dickmanns car hire. I paid a deposit of 950 euros to them on 16th December 2015 and have just received it back today 17.3.16, which means I have had to pay interest on the balance since then. Also when I hired the car it came up on the form to add insurance so I took out the platinum insurance thinking it would cover me for everything. When I got to Dickmanns office I was told this insurance had nothing to do with them even though I only made one payment for car hire and insurance combined. They initially tried to say the car was damaged when we took it back and then said it didn’t matter when challenged, so be sure to take before and after photos with all car hire. will not be using this company again. !!
Robert Bell says
DO NOT TOUCH THIS DICKMANNS CAR HIRE WITH BARGE POLE
Hired a car from this group DICKMANNS CAR HIRE Alicanti in December Paid €1,000 deposit plus fuel. Returned the car in 10th January just now received my Deposit back 10 March T and C say it can take 4 – 6 weeks to return, however they don’t tell you it is working days. When I asked for compensation for back charges to told me to check T and C never going to happen as it not their fault that the money got stuck in the bank. It took several calls and Emails to finally get the money returned. They Said “Dickmanns rent a car, is not responsible for the fees charged by your bank on the return of the franchise”
Natasja says
This is unbelievable, I also wished I had seen your comments before. I rented a car the 21st of December at Dickmanns. Had to pay the deposit of 950€ and they promised me that it would be refunded after 20-28 days latest when I dropped of the car. It is now the 23rd of feb, more than 2 months later and still no refund. I have mailed Dickmanns several times now and called them and they keep on telling me that my file is at the accountant already over 11 days now. Conclusion: don’t ever rent at Dickmanns again.
Anna says
Same for us!!! We have to take legal action to get our money back, so please please all you people out there: DON’T EVER USE DICKMANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Elini says
Had the same problems with DICKMANNS taking 1059euros off of our credit card. Many phone calls and e mails latter I eventually contacted a solicitors who threatened legal action. The money was returned the next day but nog before they had it for 6 weeks Do not use
Angela says
I hired a car 27 th November 2015 returned car 4th Dec, I too am still waiting my €950 deposit.
Ian Ellis says
I am a regular visitor to Alicante and rent a carS 8/9 times a year and as such previously bought an annual fully inclusive car hire insurance. In August it was necessary to visit Spain for 4 days and went to DICKMANNS for my carhire, never used them before but they seemed ok.On arrival at the airport it was necessary to get a transfer bus to dickmanns office ,the transfer took 30mins before I got to their office. .When I arrived there was a further 40mins in a queue. Finally with all papers in tact I was given the hard sell to take out their insuranse which I did not need, eventually they relented but charged me 95 euros for a tank of fuel EXPENSIVE BUT ok! and then took 950 euros deposit on my credit card which I later found out WAS ACTUALLY CHARGED. When I collected the car it was dirty and a strong unpleasent smell of body odour ,but by this time 2 hours after landing I did not feel like making a fuss.
When I returned the car it was checked and ok,d . I then asked for the return of my 950 euros and was told it would be 3/4 weeks before it was returned ,I said that this was unacceptable and demanded the return but they refused, telling me it was company policy. I left very unhappy MY ADVICE , BEWARE!! BEFORE YOU HIRE FROM DICKMANNS!!
Annette says
Having the same problem did you get your deposit back?
Brett says
Do not use them! Got a very good quote, then bought myself car hire insurance for the year for 40 pounds. Got to their pick up point and was told I have to have their insurance which cost more than the hire of the car. Was not told this during booking. The other option was to put 950 euros deposit down on credit card which I never had, again if it told me whilst booking it would have be en easy, as I wouldn’t have booked. Any way couldn’t afford insurance so couldn’t take car, correct I did not receive my 150 pounds back…..
william byrne says
I hired car through vehiclerent and was directed to Dickmanns . Arrived on 6th May and collected not the car I ordered( a small car) but was given a Fiat Panda which was dented and with no hub caps! I complained but was informed it was the only car available. The car park was virtually full and a couple who arriced after me did get a fiat600. Should have canceled then and there! Had to pay 1000 euros deposit which was immediately taken off my credit card and was told it would be refunded 20days AFTER the car was returned.
I returned the car on 20th May and it was inspected and I was told the deposit would be repaid the following week. After numerous phone calls to Dickmanns,Vehiclerent and CapitalOne part of my deposit was returned on 26th june.!!!(20days after return of car?????)
Having read all the above comments I will be astounded if anyone hires from them. Wish I had read reviews before I had any dealings with these awful people!!
David Young says
I note several entries on this site advising “DO NOT TOUCH THIS COMPANY WITH A BARGE POLE. THEY ARE RIP OFF MERCHANTS” I advise you to read the following story (complete with my own mistakes) and form your own opinion.
THE STORY:
(3 months previous to hire):
Booked car through DoYouSpain (DYS) because my usual hire company, Firefly, could not offer me a deal without loading because I am over 70. DYS offered me a reasonable deal and it was only when I had paid for the hire contract did DYS advise me that I would be met at the airport by Dickmans.
Day 1:
Arrived at Valencia Airport after flight delays . It was late and dark and by this time we were tired and hacked off. There was a queue for the car hire and a number of mutterings going on, mostly in Spanish. Came to our turn and the receptionist demanded 950€ deposit (refundable) to cover any damage costs and 96€ deposit for a full tank of petrol. When I argued that I thought I had paid an insurance premium to cover damage through DYS they said that that was nothing to do with them and became particularly aggressive in demanding the damage cover deposit when I protested. Too tired to argue so paid up.
Was told car was 4th car in front row. Was in between two other cars. It was approaching 10pm, compound was not well lit so little opportunity to inspect. I had booked 5dr Clio or similar, what I got was an ageing Seat. (Should have refused the car but was getting desperate.)
Day 2:
Noticed “pea” size dent and scratch on rear passenger side door.
Day 3:
Called at Dickmans office to report the above. Receptionist checked their computer system and said they had no trace of this damage but as the car was normally based at Alicante she checked with that office. Was told that the only damage they knew about was underneath the car for which they had photographs therefore I was responsible for the dent on the door.
Checked damage underneath and there was a significant creasing of the sill below the front passenger door, not visible unless you got on your hands and knees. (Should have got Dickmans to annotate this damage on contract documents and sign accordingly)
Day 25:
Returned car with full tank no mention of any damage so went on our way. Was told deposit would be returned in due course.
Out of country again for essentially three weeks, checked on return but no sign of returned deposits. Rang Dickmans on Thursday and received apology for Spanish tardiness and promised for the following week. On Friday received e-mail from DYS attaching photograph of car, copy of contract and till receipt and three photographs of damaged sill and an invoice. Analysis of the digital signature on the photographs showed that they were taken Valencia after I had returned the car and not at Alicante prior to me taking up the hire.
Attempted to contact DYS who do not publish any telephone numbers and do not reply to e-mails. My son and his partner who were in Valencia two weeks later visited Dickmans only to be told that the receptionist who had told me about the sill damage was not available but gave them names of contacts at Alicante to whom I should speak. It took 4 days to get someone to answer telephone calls to the Alicante main offices. When I challenged the above I was told that no photographs of the sill damage to the car existed at Alicante and I was being held responsible for the damage.
Following angry words and threats my credit card was refunded in three days, with the fuel deposit and the damage deposit less a sum which was significantly less than the invoice had stated. I think in all I was out of pocket to the tune of £112 which, sadly, I am putting down to experience. My credit card company said they were unable to help under the circumstances.
James W-T says
All the things you read above about Dickman’s are true. I am still waiting for my deposit to be refunded from a January rental. Neither Dickman’s nor Do you spain are responding to my emails, and my credit card company deny any liability as it is over 120 days since I paid the deposit.
I will be chasing them (Visa) for a refund under section 75 of the consumer credit act 1974 which covers you for up to 5 years. who knows, maybe a small guy will win for once!
Ged McGuinness says
I would never use Dickmanns again following the trouble I am still having with them in having my deposit refunded….. taken 17th April 2015 at Alicante airport, car returned 24th April and still no refund as of today, 15th June. Their customer service is appalling and I will be doing all I can to ensure potential customers are aware of their malpractice. I have printed a summary of my particular case and will be handing out to anybody I find at their shuttle stop when I return to Alicante next month.
Janet davies says
Picked up rental car from Dickmanns rentacar.com Alicante Airport 28th March 2015. Told credit card details would be held which we know is the usual practice. Returned car undamaged. On returning to UK, checked my credit card statement, Dickmanns had debited my account of 950€ the day we picked car up. Credit card charges on this amounted to £18.91. I have emailed them, their reply is the 950€ is held on deposit, I have emailed them with a copy of my bank statement to prove they took this ammount, I am still waiting for a reply. Avoid this car hire company.
Dave says
We hired a car from Dickmanns via Do you Spain over the Christmas period, returning the car on the 10th January 2015.This car was hired on a Full/Full for fuel and paid for in advance via Do You Spain.
On arrival we had to pay 95.04 euro for fuel and 495.87 as a deposit as we did not take their additional insurance. Like others in stead of blocking the deposit on our credit card it was taken in full, a total of 730.01 euro with tax and a strange charge for “suplemento die” which no one can explain what this is for.
Returning the car on to correct day and time we handed the keys back. The operator then went out to check the car and came back pointing out that there was damage to the front right hand wing. We agreed and explained we had a photo of this before we left the yard. He explained that this could have been taken at anytime but then found photo’s on his system showing the damage. Having spoken to Do You Spain even if we had done this it was covered under the normal insurance that comes with the car. Anyway I asked when will the money for the deposit and fuel be refunded and was told up to 20 days. I had also heard the guy in front of me being told the same thing. This I thought was a long time to wait but could not do anything about it.
I checked with the credit card company up to and including the 20 days and no money was refunded. I then called Dickmanns head office and they said they could not understand why it was not refunded and would talk to Alicante and get it refunded with a promise to call me back, still waiting for this call. I then called the credit card company and put this amount of £574.22 in dispute. They took this off my card and sent me paper work to complete.
Not satisfied with this I called Do You Spain on the 12th February 2015 and explained my situation and they said they would speak with Dickmanns and find out what is going on.
Having heard nothing from any one on the 18th February 2015 I called Do You Spain again. They informed me Dickmanns had informed them that the money had been refunded 2 days ago!!! Well it had not as I found out by calling the Credit Card company. I then called Do You Spain back and told them of my findings. I was told someone would get back to me.
Today, 23rd February 2015 I called the credit card company again and yes some money had been refunded, 620 Euro which exchanged at 1.36 euro to the pound making my refund only £455.33. As the euro is so weak we will loose money we know that but not as much if they had refunded on the correct day. I will still chase the 110.01 euro which has still not been refunded.
My advise is do not use Dickmanns. There are plenty of other car hire companies at Alicante. We hire cars both from Murcia and Alicante throughout the year and have NEVER been treated like this before. We have lost time and money on all the phone calls to Spain plus I had to pay the full amount to the credit card company which now puts me in credit on my card. (The amount was disputed after we had to pay to stop interest costs.)
Now they say the reason for the short fall in the refund was due to us returning the car 1/4 full. We have the receipt from a local Alicante Filling station minutes before we handed the car back. Waiting for their response.
RossCawkwell says
Kept our €400 rental deposit for a stone chip that was already on the car. we have had to involve the credit card company to try get the money back. whoever wrote this article clearly works for Dickmanns, also covered in the sunday times in an article titled “Do not use this Hire Company” says it all really doesnt it never again
Marius says
If I could I would not provide any stars at all, because this company does not deserve any.
I have rented a car multiple times but this experience was something I could not imagine.
We came to their Alicante office very late, at night. And it started, company representative started to lie about consequences of car damage when it has no full insurance. He stated that even for the smallest scratch whole deposit will be taken away. Although some poster in the office stated otherwise, that if car is not fully insured, in case of damage, only for repair required amount of money will be taken from the deposit. Not whole deposit as per employee. Who was not only lying to us but as well bullying (raised tone, pushy talks) us to take full insurance. My first though was, do all Spanish are so crazy… I am glad that during whole trip this was the only one!
We rented car for three weeks and then returned it. Company employee check the car add said that everything is ok (he sat in the saloon as well). During whole rent we have not vacuumed the car so there was some sand in the saloon. As well we have left couple plastic bags, since in parking slot there was no visible trashcan. Due to this company charged us additionally 75 euros, for “excessive dirtiness”. My question how sand can be treated excessive dirtiness if it can be cleaned by vacuuming the car? And the same bill was present for all three cars we have rented.
I suggest not to work with this company neither with Rhino broker, who is working with such reputation companies and do not assist his clients when some issues with car rental company appears.
Paul Fowler says
I Hired a car from Dickmanns Alicante on 13 April 2014, I only wanted a small car but they upgraded me to a larger Citroen for no extra charge (only the extortionate fuel charge for a tank of fuel 30% more that the forecourt price)) also had to leave a 400 credit card deposit.
I returned the car with half a tank of fuel (bonus for them) upon returning home checked my credit card statement to see that they had only refunded 300 euros. After contacting the Alicante office I was told to email their customer services who advised that the vehicle was missing insurance documents from the glove box. After numerous emails back and forth they refused to refund the 100 euros insisting that I had lost the documents. After researching review on the internet I find this is a common scam that Dickmanns uses.
Julie says
We went to Murcia over Easter and hired a car from dickmanns. Not good service at all, an absolute nightmare to deal with and take money they are not supposed to. They took euro400 as security which is fine but didn’t return the same amount. Still awaiting response from car trawler/holiday autos who we originally booked through. Total rip off, beware, stay away.
Barry Gray says
Malcolm – The initial response form my credit card company was sympathetic but enquiries are still ongoing. My local Trading Standards and Citizens Advice were not particularly helpful, but there is an organisation, the UK European Consumer Centre, which can offer assistance and potential resolution. Find them at http://www.ukecc.net. I made my complaint by email to ecc@tsi.org.uk. The initial response was also encouraging, but still under investigation. My point is that, if more people who have been treated this way send a complaint to this organisation, the more chance they have of gathering evidence of a pattern of fraud. I will report the outcomes from both sources.
Barry Gray says
DON’T RENT FROM THIS FIRM. There must be plenty of more-reputable companies. Only now do I realise that there are too many cases like this in the reviews of Dickmanns to be coincidence.
On the 16th February, a friend and I travelled at short notice for a two-day trip, to attend the funeral of a friend. We hired a car for two days via economyhirecar.com , who acted as agents for dickmannsrentacar at Alicante. The rental rate included one additional driver, and no excess for damage, but it did not include cover for damage to windscreen, wheels, keys etc.
So, of course, Dickmanns made a holding charge of €360 to my credit card at the time of collecting the vehicle.
On returning the car, a member of Dickmanns staff took the keys and my copy of the agreement, and went to where the car was parked. When he came back to us, I asked if everything was OK. He replied, “Yes. You can wait here for the bus back to the airport.” He signed/initialled the agreement at the place where the diagram should have showed if there was any damage, and handed it back. The damage chart was otherwise unmarked. We waited outside the office for some ten minutes or so until the transport arrived. At no point did any member of staff advise us of any problem with the returned car.
I heard nothing more from Dickmanns, until I noticed a month later that they had returned €240 my credit card account on the 25th February – deducting €120, or approximately £100. I emailed both Dickmanns and Economy, asking for an explanation. Economy replied that damage had been allegedly found to one of the wheels, and that I could claim through the additional insurance that I had taken. Nevertheless, I had a complete lack of information or evidence to support such a claim, as I had no knowledge of how or when any such damage could have been made or found.
I emailed Dickmanns, asking when and by whom the alleged damage had been found, the nature of the damage, and for an invoice to confirm the charge. Economy replied with an invoice that had been dated the 20th February, almost a month earlier. They also provided a photo of a scuffed wheel, which could have been on the car we used. Economy could not advise when it had been allegedly discovered, or who found it. I wrote twice to Dickmanns, and they have failed to correspond with me in any way since the time that I handed over the car-keys.
I have made representations to my credit-card company, and to Trading Standards Dept to confer with their Spanish colleagues, but I’m not holding my breath. I wonder if any other victims have been successful with chargeback claims from their credit cards?
Malcolm Tite says
In response to Barry Gray – if you do have any success in finding an in-road into dealing with these rogues, please let me know.
andrew jones says
Feeling totally let down by Car Trawler and Holiday Autos. Having used this company a number of times without problem, I noticed this year when booking that Cartrawler appeared in the search page. Not thinking anything had changed I continued to book a car.
However the hire company chosen was not named until I paid with my credit card.
Big mistake!
To make sure that I was totally covered, I took out the recommended security deposit, insurance. This is with Allianz,
So no worries then….
Another Big mistake!!
Arrived in Murcia to pick up my car from a company called Dickmans, should have realised, who on earth, would name their company, Dickmans!
Their office is in a van, row three Murcia Airport.
Trying not to pre judge the situation, I put my paranoia behind me and showed my Cartrawler pre-paid voucher. It was at this point that I started to feel uneasy. The agent took one look at my Allianz Insurance cover and laughed! He would not accept this and stated that I would either have to pay £300 deposit, directly into his bank account, returnable 3 to 4 days after return, or take out their own insurance at £130.
Well common sense should have told me to walk away, but this being Murcia Airport, with few facilities, I was intimidated into accepting the situation or walking.
Another Big mistake!!!
Having paid up, stating I was not happy, an employee then took me to the car and in a whirlwind after making me sign an inspection form, made his exit. No real chance to establish the cars faults, I photographed each elevation of the car and drove some 130kms to our destination, upon which we found there was no Hi viz jacket, emergency triangles or first aid kit, which are all mandatory in Spain. I tried ringing the contact number on the paperwork, but no answer from the company.
You’ve guessed it………….
On return I again photographed all elevations and returned the keys to a hole in the back of the van, things were looking up, there were now 2 pallets stacked up, for customers to reach, the service window.
I am still waiting for my deposit, to be returned, in the meantime I have contacted my credit card company, who will act for me and tried to contact Cartrawler through their complaints website, which allows you to upload your written complaint, but not supporting information, although it states the info, has been successfully updated!
I have always used Holiday Autos in the past, but since Cartrawler have been involved, I believe you have little redress, the company clearly knows there are issues with Dickmans, (see Dickmans rent a car, reviews on Tripadvisor).
Incidently, taking out the recommended extra security deposit insurance with Allianz, is a total waste of time, because unless Dickmans actually states the car is damaged Allianz will not want to know, best thing to do is crash the car into their van, you should then be able to claim!!!
Its such a shame that a relatively reliable company should be let down by the antics of Cartrawler and its car hire partners. Will post again if I hear anything, positive or negative.
Pelican says
Another negative DICKMANNS experience. Don’t touch them with a barge pole is what I’d say. Arranged the deal through HIRE CARS IN SPAIN on a full to half empty basis from Alicante Airport.. Thought this was a good arrangement for me as my trip in December was for only 4 days. Silly me;
– got charged 45 euros for half tank for a very small Fiat on top of the rental.
– they took a 300 euro plus deposit from my credit card although to be fair this was returned in a reasonable time. Nevertheless this makes you feel very uncomfortable to say the least.
– they then charged me a surcharge of 20 euros as they claimed the car wasn’t half full on return. I’d ensured this was the case at a fuel station only 5 kilometres from the airport. A spanish attendant at the garage did this for me! They took this from my credit card account without even informing me.
– I was left in a people carrier for 30-45 minutes at the off site Dickmanns Office waiting for a return lift to the airport and almost missed check in.
HIRE CARS IN SPAIN have been very apologetic but defensive of their client DICKMANNS. RESULT HAS BEEN THAT THIS CAR RENTAL COST MORE THAN IF I’D DONE A FULL TO EMPTY DEAL WITH ANOTHER AGENT. BEWARE FOLKS!!
Leo Millward says
I rented from Dickmanns in July 2013 – NEVER AGAIN!!!
They charged €84 for a tank of fuel when in fact the maximum it would take from empty is €50 – that’s a 68% overcharge and stinks of profiteering!
I think they have a highly unethical approach and users should be very careful to use them with the current practice of charging what THEY choose for a full tank of fuel.
its much safer to rent on the basis of pick up full and fill before returning or pick up empty and return empty – then you aren’t exposing yourself to a possible ripoff such as this.
steve kain says
have rented from dickmans meny times , found them very good , i even got a free upgrade ,
i would use them all the time if they were the cheapest on 3 times they have been the chepest
this was all done via carjet.com i found the starf were very helpful also , you only get what you pay
for , when you get to the desk ask if you can take the car back with a full tank they can only say no but when i asked they said yes (this was in december 2012) i like dickmans car hire
Peter Smith says
Rented car at San Javier Airport on 17/03/2013 ( 13 days ) from Dickmanns. Car not presented to me for 2-3 mins. after completing contract. Paid for car hire plus full tank at very high rate ie 1.89 Euros per litre.
When car presented, Drivers door pulled fully open thus blocking my view of damage over wheel arch. However, friends who came to airport to suprise my wife and I actually noticed this damage which was duly pointed out to Dickmanns rep. who took my PINK copy of contract and marked damage on car diagram plus her signature. On return to UK , my credit card statement showed that dickmanns had taken 300 Euros damage deposit at time of completing contract on 17/3/13. When E-Mailed for the return of the 300 Euroes, Dickmanns reply said they were keeping the deposit re. damage to car that existed when car presented to me. I have now informed my card provider of all correspondence with Dickmanns and am awaiting their assistance. I will never use Dickmanns again. Finally, Dickmanns do not provide Emergency Vests as required by law in Spain. When asked why ? they say customers steal them !!!!!
GLEN THOMAS says
hi exactly the same to me 27th september -4 october 2013i am looking for anyone around that time that hired the same car a red kia picanto 3823 HLL
peter lynn says
Hired a car from Murcia SJV Airport 01/07/12.
Car a Diesel was occasionly missing as you drove along but was ok.
2 days later it wouldnt start.
My wife contacted Dickmanns who agreed they would pick car up on a tow truck next day. we agreed to make our way to get a new car(petrol) from Airport all going well.
When i got home found 300 euros taken from credit card on day they picked up car then 200 euros refunded day before we handed second car back.
sent a number of emails via Dickmanns website without reply.
Emailed them direct to receive following reply “We charged you €100 because we had to pick up the vehicle by our recovery Van and change you the Car because of wrong refill of petrol”.
We asked for clarification of above as we didnt put any fuel in & also why should we pay to have a broken down vehicle taken away but they say that said that was all they would say & we should take it up with our credit card Company if I believe they have de-frauded me.
Contacted my credit card company advised of above they asked for emails & said they would investigate.
Amazingly ha ha within 90 minutes of contacting my credit card company Dickmanns agreed to refund 100 euros.
It appears from looking at other reviews Dickmanns try to get away with “dodgy” charges but don’t give in push them & they will refund. Maybe they feel people are to idle or rich to complain over these rip offs don’t let them get away with it!
robert wall says
Hi well what a surprise not think dickmanns have to stop these tricks. Do they repay deposits that is the question