The car hire franchises 'stealing from Brits with bullying tactics' in holiday hotspot READ MORE: This is the best time to book your car hire - and the dates to AVOID By ALESIA FIDDLER, TRAINEE REPORTER Published: 10:38 BST, 18 August 2025 | Updated: 11:11 BST, 18 August 2025 Many tourists rent cars or other vehicles during their trip to make travelling around easier. However, some holidaymakers have allegedly experienced issues with one rental company's franchises. Carwiz, a Croatian-based company based in over 450 locations worldwide, has reportedly left several customers raging after they experienced verbal altercations, 'bullying tactics' and even physical assault, according to The Sun. The company operates in several countries including Greece, Cyprus, Romania and Poland. Some tourists have come forward, including Simone Baron, 36, and alleged various nightmare scenarios. Simone recalled to the publication how she found a deal from a Carwiz franchise in Bucharest for her break in Romania with her sister Nicole and two young nieces. She declined taking out damage waiver insurance as she already had cover but claimed the employee 'wouldn't take no for an answer'. After finally receiving the car, Simone spent time documenting any existing damage. Carwiz, a Croatian-based company based in over 450 locations worldwide, has reportedly left several customers raging after facing accusations of damage, verbal altercations, 'bullying tactics' and even physical assault, according to The Sun During the trip, she claims they used the car only to travel from their accommodation to a spa, and kept the vehicle in a gated area in the evening. However, things took a turn when she tried to return the rental car. Simone claims the man tried to accuse her of damaging the car, and when she presented video proof of the condition before she hired it, attempted to place blame for a scratch underneath the vehicle. She also alleges he would not give her a damage report. 'When I reached over the counter to take my credit card back, he barged me out of the way and grabbed my arms,' Simone claimed to The Sun. She added: 'Nicole told him it was disgusting that he'd put his hands on me, but he just snapped back, "F**k off".' Simone received her deposit back but says her credit card was charged £359.71 on June 6 by the company. After complaining to her card provider, she received the money back. Some tourists have come forward, including Simone Baron, 36, and alleged various nightmare scenarios (stock) I had a butt injection in Los Angeles' most walkable area - where you don't need to hire a car Another couple, Tim Hunt, 51, and his fiancée Rachel Sim, 44, shared their experience with Carwiz's Bucharest franchise in April. They allege they were charged more than £1,100 for paintwork damage Tim claims they didn't do, and were reportedly sworn at and even kicked. When the pair challenged the damage, they were apparently told to 'Get the the f**k out', while Tim also claims Rachel was kicked in the shin. After returning home, Tim's card was charged £1,109 and he had to claim it back on damage waiver insurance. Tim aired his issues on the company's LinkedIn page and then claimed he received messages from Carwiz CEO Krešimir Dobrilović who threatened to take legal action. Meanwhile, Byron Hayes, 46, shared his nightmare experience with a Carwiz franchise in Warsaw, Poland. He claims no one was around when he returned his rental and was shocked to find a £541 bill in his emails the following day for a 'tiny dent on the bonnet'. Byron insists the damage was not present when he returned the vehicle, and the images sent by Carwiz didn't feature the car's registration. Another couple, Tim Hunt, 51, and his fiancée Rachel Sim, 44, shared their experience with Carwiz's Bucharest franchise in April (stock) He claims they eventually sent a photograph of the car, but without any damage and he complained further. The customer's deposit was then returned on his card and Byron thought the issue had been resolved. However, at the last minute, Carwiz charged Byron '€626.87, plus a €10 (£8.64) currency exchange fee' which he had to claim back on insurance. On Google, Carwiz has a 2.1 rating out of five, with 44 reviews, while on TripAdvisor it similarly has a 1.2 score, with 230 reviews. In response to the allegations, a Carwiz spokesperson said: 'At CARWIZ, we categorically distance ourselves from any suggestion that unethical or aggressive practices are in any way part of our business model. 'These are isolated incidents that in no way reflect the values, standards, or expectations that we support as a global brand. 'We sincerely regret that the potentially injured client did not contact us immediately after the unfortunate event, in order to immediately determine all the circumstances, because it is our goal to prevent all such and possible future unpleasant situations. 'Our franchise partner in Bucharest is operating another rental brand alongside CARWIZ from the same physical location. In several cases, vehicles and services appear to have been issued under a different brand identity, while still being processed within a CARWIZ-branded environment, including signage, uniforms, and physical premises. On Google, Carwiz has a 2.1 rating out of five, with 44 reviews, while on TripAdvisor it similarly has a 1.2 score, with 230 reviews (stock) 'We fully understand how, from the customer's point of view, this leads to the perception that the service is being provided directly by CARWIZ. 'When staff in CARWIZ uniforms hand over a vehicle from a CARWIZ-branded office, the distinction between brands is understandably blurred, even if the booking, payment, and contract technically fall under a separate company or brand entity. 'We are currently conducting a formal internal review and will take the necessary measures to eliminate all forms of dual-branding at CARWIZ locations in the future. 'At CARWIZ International, we continuously monitor, audit, and improve our global network to uphold the standards our brand represents. We are committed to ensuring that every customer feels respected, safe, and well-served.' 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