Unfortunately a bicyclist ran into our hire car and caused minor damage so we dutifully filled out the accident claim forms with a request for details of repair costs in order for me to claim on my travel insurance.

Five months later and after many emails to 'Jacob' of UK-Car-Hire still nothing has been received even though we have been told the claim has been completed.

Because this has dragged on for so long the credit card company won't buy into the damage deposit being taken without permission. They have a three month cut off for disputed transactions.

In future I shall dispute any deposits taken before the a contract starts and get them reversed by the credit card company.