Pursuant to Article 18 of Law No. 144/2015 of September 8, Freerent informs consumers about the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms applicable to car rental contracts. ADR is an extrajudicial means of resolving consumer disputes, usually faster, simpler and less expensive than court proceedings. ADR methods include mediation, conciliation and arbitration. If you prefer not to immediately resort to the courts, you can submit your complaint to an ADR entity – this avoids the costs of a court case and facilitates the resolution of the dispute.
For consumer disputes in the automotive sector (including vehicle rental), consumers can resort to the following specialized entities:
Porto Consumer Information and Arbitration Center (CICAP) – with jurisdiction throughout the Porto metropolitan area (including Vila Nova de Gaia). Offers mediation, conciliation and arbitration procedures. Contacts: Rua Damião de Góis, 31, Porto; Tel. +351 22 550 83 49 / +351 22 502 97 91; Email [email protected]; Site: cicap.pt.
Automotive Sector Arbitration Center (CASA) – an authorized entity for disputes related to the acquisition, use, assistance, and maintenance of motor vehicles. It covers the entire national territory and deals with issues related to the automotive sector. Contacts: Tel. +351 217 827 330 / +351 217 951 696; E-mail [email protected]; Site: centroarbitragemsectorauto.pt.
These centers have simple procedures and are independent, with specialized personnel to facilitate the amicable resolution of disputes. Participation in arbitration centers is generally voluntary. Freerent clarifies that it voluntarily joined CICAP and CASA to promote the rapid resolution of potential consumer disputes. However, the consumer always retains the right to opt for legal action if preferred or if an amicable agreement cannot be reached. In any case, the use of ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) is permitted. does not replace The consumer may resort to the competent judicial courts, and may appeal to the court at any time if they so wish.
Freerent also provides, in compliance with Regulation (EU) No 524/2013, a link to the European Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform. This online platform (odr.europa.eu) is designed to facilitate the resolution of disputes arising from purchases or contracts concluded online. Traders established in the EU must inform consumers of the existence of this platform and provide a direct link to it. Consumers can submit complaints through the ODR, which forwards the case to the appropriate ADR entity.
Consumer Portal: www.consumidor.pt Official website with information on consumer rights and a list of ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) entities.
EU RLL (ODR) Platform: ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr – European portal for submitting complaints online.
European Consumer Centre (ECC): cec.consumidor.pt – Support in cross-border disputes; Email: [email protected].
CICAP (Porto): Rua Damião de Góis, 31, Porto; Tel. +351 22 550 83 49 / +351 22 502 97 91; Email [email protected]; Website: cicap.pt.
HOME: Tel. +351 217 827 330 / +351 217 951 696; E-mail [email protected]; Website: centroarbitragemsectorauto.pt.
In case of a dispute, the consumer should first contact Freerent to try to reach a direct solution. If necessary, they can then resort to the alternative dispute resolution mechanisms indicated above. Note that these mechanisms do not prevent Consumers have access to the courts if they wish to pursue a complaint through legal channels. Resorting to out-of-court procedures is always voluntary and complementary, offering a quick and free way to resolve consumer disputes with the company.
Sources: Information based on the provisions of Article 18 of Law No. 144/2015, Regulation (EU) No. 524/2013, and official guidelines on consumer dispute resolution.