I recently hired a Europcar rental car at Gatwick Airport, the agent, Marie, advised that it was “mandatory” to obtain theft insurance or the car would not be released. This doubled the cost of the rental. I subsequently learned this was not the case - theft insurance is not "mandatory". I reached out to Europcar who agreed this was sharp business practice but stated since I rented the car they would continue to charge me. It appears their policy is to purposely mislead at the desk and claim there is no record. I have given Europcar the chance to comment on this review, and they had no comments.