We rented cars from Alamo on many occasions and have never had a problem...until NOW!
Before renting a car, I do a visual inspection and photograph ANY preexisting damage, even if minor. I also ask the exit employee to note any preexisting damage on my rental agreement. This was advice given to me here on the DIS.
In April, we rented a minivan from Alamo at FLL (Ft. Lauderdale). This particular vehicle had a superficial scratch on the rear bumper. Most vehicles I have rented has had damage of this magnitude. I photographed the damage before I moved the car. I pointed out the damage to the exit agent. He said the damage was minimal and not chargeable. At my request, he did note the damage on the rental agreement.
When I returned the car, the employee did a complete search of the car (more than usual). He advised me of the scratch to the bumper. I showed him the rental agreement, indicating the damage was preexisting. He looked at the rental agreement and said I was off the hook.
Two weeks later we received a form letter from Alamo, asking us to provide Alamo with our credit card and/or car insurance policy information as the vehicle we had rented had damage. No details were provided - no information about the actual damage, no estimate - NOTHING!! We sent Alamo a letter asking to provide further information (my husband is an attorney). Finally Alamo sent us an estimate for the damage. $480 (less than the usual $500 deductible). $280 for the bumper, $50 administrative fee, and 2 rental days. Apparently, this may be a scam, as there have been many consumer complaints about being assessed for preexisting damages, which are mostly under $500. There are allegations that the same car/damage has even been charged to multiple renters of the same car. Fortunately, I have photographs with date/time/location stamps and a copy of the original rental agreement, so I am confident I will not have to pay. My husband cancelled our reservation for an upcoming Alamo reservation and vows to never rent from them again!
Renter be aware! Regardless which rental company, photograph and identify/document any/all preexisting damage to rental cars before leaving the lot. This advice was given years ago here on the DIS Board and hopefully, it will save someone else money and aggravation.
Before renting a car, I do a visual inspection and photograph ANY preexisting damage, even if minor. I also ask the exit employee to note any preexisting damage on my rental agreement. This was advice given to me here on the DIS.
In April, we rented a minivan from Alamo at FLL (Ft. Lauderdale). This particular vehicle had a superficial scratch on the rear bumper. Most vehicles I have rented has had damage of this magnitude. I photographed the damage before I moved the car. I pointed out the damage to the exit agent. He said the damage was minimal and not chargeable. At my request, he did note the damage on the rental agreement.
When I returned the car, the employee did a complete search of the car (more than usual). He advised me of the scratch to the bumper. I showed him the rental agreement, indicating the damage was preexisting. He looked at the rental agreement and said I was off the hook.
Two weeks later we received a form letter from Alamo, asking us to provide Alamo with our credit card and/or car insurance policy information as the vehicle we had rented had damage. No details were provided - no information about the actual damage, no estimate - NOTHING!! We sent Alamo a letter asking to provide further information (my husband is an attorney). Finally Alamo sent us an estimate for the damage. $480 (less than the usual $500 deductible). $280 for the bumper, $50 administrative fee, and 2 rental days. Apparently, this may be a scam, as there have been many consumer complaints about being assessed for preexisting damages, which are mostly under $500. There are allegations that the same car/damage has even been charged to multiple renters of the same car. Fortunately, I have photographs with date/time/location stamps and a copy of the original rental agreement, so I am confident I will not have to pay. My husband cancelled our reservation for an upcoming Alamo reservation and vows to never rent from them again!
Renter be aware! Regardless which rental company, photograph and identify/document any/all preexisting damage to rental cars before leaving the lot. This advice was given years ago here on the DIS Board and hopefully, it will save someone else money and aggravation.
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