Alamo Questionable Code 701111 Update/Information

[Brian Noble]

I remember inquiring about this with Visa and was told that we were covered/insured if we used our Visa card...

Possibly, but possibly not---you need to read the fine print. For example, most "regular" credit card coverages are (a) not primary or (b) require you to wavie the rental car agency's coverage. In the case of one of these codes, this doesn't really cover you.

You should speak with your insurance agent. American Express also sells primary coverage at a reasonable rate.

 

[CPT Tripss]

I agree. But when we see person A saying they used the xyz code, with no problem at all, then person B comes along and says they called the rental company about using xyz code and was told it was only for south american travel agents (as an example), and then person A comes back with a 'well, people need to stop calling the rental companies. They will shut down those codes. You will spoil it for everyone if you call attention to a special code.' Those are the posts that aren't going to be allowed. If a code usage isn't for the general public then it doesn't need to be discussed. A lot of people can use a Costco or BJs code...not too many can use a travel agents code.

Very few of the codes discussed on this board are actually public codes. Neither Costco nor BJs codes are public . . . only "special" people can use them (I'm not special). Same for AAA or many more. Most are restricted in one way or another.

I can't see how a mod can distinguish what is really public . . . they will have to rely on one posters ratting out others. My take is either you allow posts with codes or you ban all code posts. The board owners need to decide what is best for their members.

 

[Lewisc]

Many of DIS members are members of COSTCO, AAA etc. I suspect very few, maybe zero, are South American Travel Agents. Some DIS might join AAA or COSTCO in order to obtain discounts. Probably zero DIS are able to become South American Travel agents in order to obtain discounts.

I don't really see the debate, people who aren't South American Travel Agents shouldn't be using a telling Alamo, via a promotion code, that they are.

We don't see posters on the resort board trying to scam Disney by booking CM or FL resident rates that they're not entitled to use.

Too many of the posters in these thread are basically asking if Alamo has caught anyone, yet.

I think Alamo can share the blame. The confirmation should provide some information regarding the discount. You booked a AAA rate, have your card available. You booked a corporate code, be sure you have company ID available. This would eliminate people who try to claim they're making an "innocent mistake" or who claim it's a general public code.

CPT Tripss--The webmaster decides policy. Mousesavers does a good job of only posting legit codes. Alamo doesn't offer a discount for a bunch of random numbers. Any mention of a code should also indicate, and possibly document, who is eligible to use a code.

I think the discussion (and not the debate) is important. If a code is for everyone, great, but some codes are inapporpriate for some and not others....For example the Costco codes are for Costco members and there is no discussion about who can and can't use those codes. Nobody cares! Why is there so much debate about some codes? Alamo has said this alleged questionable code 7011111 is allowed to be used and it has been used with success for many Disers. If we limit the discussion we are limiting our information sharing...which I believe is the purpose of the board. We will only know for sure if a code is dubious is we share that information.

I think the debating is what needs to stop...not the information sharing.

 

[Disneyhappy]

Would the coverage be on my home car policy? I remember inquiring about this with Visa and was told that we were covered/insured if we used our Visa card...

What kind of insurance is best to have with rentals?

Not 10 minutes prior to reading your post, I called Visa to verify the coverage I have on one of my cards. The one thing that the agent told me is that I must decline LDW (loss damage waiver) for their insurance to apply. The Visa coverage is also excess over my primary coverage (personal auto). Otherwise, the whole insurance contract with Visa will be null and void. I believe most of the questionable codes include LDW automatically with the quote, so be careful. Call your credit card company directly. My card in question was a Southwest Chase Visa. I called Chase and they referred me to Visa directly for the specific terms of the contract. I don't know why I called because I will use our AX Gold Platinum card anyway. I was just curious, I guess. So before you take a chance, call your credit card company before you rely on them to protect you. I work in the insurance industry and actually handled a rental car program many moons ago. Believe me when I say that getting into a coverage dispute on rental car claims is a pain and very expensive for the consumer, not only from the standpoint of being stuck paying for the damages but the cost to litigate if the consumer fights the charge. We routinely filed suits against the individual consumer for damages if there was a violation of the rental contract. Rarely did the rental car company lose because of the contract language is industry standard and has already been tried in the courts for it's validity.
I am not judging anyone and don't care what individuals decide to do. I only want everyone to be fully informed of something that could cost thousands of $$$$ to save $50-$75. Brian Noble is very consistent at reminding folks when these type of threads pop up.

 

[Mich Mouse]

The 7011111 code is not for South American travel agents.

 

[rustyharleton]

Companies negotiate with rental car agencies for special rates . I used the ALAMO code 7011111 to see what rate it would give me. I then called another rental car company and "negotiated" with them to match the special rate. They matched the rate but not the insurance coverage (I had other coverage).
I didn't use a code that I was not qualified for. However, I did use the fact that other people were getting special rates to negotiate the same. If a South American Travel agency can negotiate a special rate, I see nothing wrong with doing the same.

 

[Mich Mouse]

Companies negotiate with rental car agencies for special rates . I used the ALAMO code 7011111 to see what rate it would give me. I then called another rental car company and "negotiated" with them to match the special rate. They matched the rate but not the insurance coverage (I had other coverage).
I didn't use a code that I was not qualified for. However, I did use the fact that other people were getting special rates to negotiate the same. If a South American Travel agency can negotiate a special rate, I see nothing wrong with doing the same.

That is interesting!!! Did you do this with only one other company or did you have to all a few? The agent on the phone was able to lower the rate? I know I've tried to call Alamo and get them to lower my rate and I've never been successful.

Good Job!!!

 

[goofy4tink]

The 7011111 code is not for South American travel agents.

Oh, I know...I just used them as an example.


I guess we have to realize that codes that are good for AAA, Costco, Wal-Mart, BJ's, AARP..those sort of organizations, are vastly different than 'professional' organizations. I know that my friend is able to get some pretty sweet deals for rental cars through her company...a law office. But that doesn't mean that if I plug in that code, I should be able to use it. That's the difference I mean. Lewisc pretty much said the same thing.

 

[JandD Mom]

Didn't I see a link on Fatwallet to print out the ID card to become a South American Travel Agent?

 

[Lewisc]

Didn't I see a link on Fatwallet to print out the ID card to become a South American Travel Agent?

NO, you saw a link to an ebay auction where you can buy the ID card.

Posters on FW like to gamble with questionable discounts. Brag when it works but moan and groan when the discount program is closed before they get to use it. Many of the "deals" involve creative use of price match policies. Many of the deals note YMMV.

Generally posters on DIS, and DIS management, are looking for more legit discounts.

 

[CPT Tripss]

snip

I can't see how a mod can distinguish what is really public . . . they will have to rely on one posters ratting out others. My take is either you allow posts with codes or you ban all code posts. The board owners need to decide what is best for their members.

snip

We don't see posters on the resort board trying to scam Disney by booking CM or FL resident rates that they're not entitled to use.

snip

I think Alamo can share the blame. The confirmation should provide some information regarding the discount. You booked a AAA rate, have your card available. You booked a corporate code, be sure you have company ID available. This would eliminate people who try to claim they're making an "innocent mistake" or who claim it's a general public code.

CPT Tripss--The webmaster decides policy. Mousesavers does a good job of only posting legit codes. Alamo doesn't offer a discount for a bunch of random numbers. Any mention of a code should also indicate, and possibly document, who is eligible to use a code.

You know, we agree on a lot of this . . . particularly Alamo's complicity and the part that you address to me. My question is, just how practical it is to allow some code sharing while prohibiting some. It seems to me to be an all or nothing process.

I do wish that posters would tag a code with its applicability - I'm sure the South American TAs that frequent DIS cringing at the nasty comments about Brazilians would appreciate any discounts we can send their way.

The FL resident codes are out there for anyone to use, or attept to use. I recall a few people asking about getting a FL driver's license with a PO box as well as a couple of people complaining that their time share should qualify them. Similarly, there is a lot of discussion on the budget board about dubious practices to save a buck . . . a few of which have now been "banned."

Guess I've said my piece on this one.

 

[snowbunny]

I called Visa to verify the coverage I have on one of my cards. The one thing that the agent told me is that I must decline LDW (loss damage waiver) for their insurance to apply.

This is very standard.

Some of us have been pointing out for ever that code ch***ers (the word offends a few people) are a fender bender or a valet parking ding away from a big fat bill that would more than wipe out the ~$100 they saved using a code for which they do not qualify and which supplies LDW coverage.

 

[rustyharleton]

That is interesting!!! Did you do this with only one other company or did you have to all a few? The agent on the phone was able to lower the rate? I know I've tried to call Alamo and get them to lower my rate and I've never been successful.

Good Job!!!

National matched the rate. I called during regular business hours and spoke to the supervisor.

 

[Mich Mouse]

National matched the rate. I called during regular business hours and spoke to the supervisor.

Thank you for a great tip.