Relating to unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the rental of vehicles and making penalties applicable

This bill relates to unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the rental of vehicles. Current law provides that it is an unfair or deceptive act or practice in the rental of vehicles to place a block or charge against a customer’s credit card in excess of the estimated total daily or weekly charges stated in the rental agreement multiplied by the number of days of the estimated rental if rented on a daily basis or, if rented on a weekly basis, multiplied by the number of weeks of the estimated rental. The bill modifies this provision by providing that it is an unfair or deceptive act or practice for the amount of the block or charge to exceed the estimated total daily or weekly charges and rental deposits stated in the rental agreement.16 (consumer fraud). Several types of remedies are available if a court finds that a person has committed an unlawful practice, including injunctive relief, disgorgement of moneys or property, and a civil penalty not to exceed $40,000 per violation.