Bad experience, then good renting a car at MCO

[torinsmom]

I reserved a car for our current trip through Dollar Rentacar. It was to be a standard at $207 for the week. Got to MCO and went to pick it up. Was told that we had to purchase the minimum insurance, which was $90 extra. Have never had to do that since I have full coverage car insurance, but they said it was required, so we did it. Brought our total to $310. Went over to get our car and they sent us way out in a parking lot, telling us to pick any standard, keys in them. Walked forever and found the only standard with NO key. Went back up and was told to go back and wait. Waited 10 minutes and then waked back up to the kiosk. Found about 25 people waiting and very rude attendant who was no help. People were being given the wrong size car and being told "Take it or leave it!" So we went back to the main desk and asked for a refund. Took a lot of pushing, but we got it.

Went over to Enterprise where we were told walk up rate was $69.99/day Luckily, I was able to go online and reserve one for $210 for the week. Got a brand new car too. And guess what? No extra insurance required. Guess Dollar folks lied!

Anyway, I DO NOT recommend Dollar at MCO. Cost us a lot of time and frustration.

 

[laurabelle]

What a hassle. Thank you for posting your bad experience with Dollar. Time to cancel my reservation. We've never had trouble with National or Alamo, quick in and out.

 

[mmouse50]

I have never had a problem with Dollar - rented with them the last 2 times at MCO - last time was in May - never had to purchase the extra insurance - I guess it is because I am a Dollar express member - I never go to the counter - I just get my bags - go out to the lot and they will either have my car waiting or have been told to pick my car and head out of the lot.

 

[bumbershoot]

Dollar's up to that again, eh?

Every so often I read about the "you must have insurance" thing, and it's always Dollar when I read about it. (but Dollar doesn't ALWAYS do it)

 

[rwdavis2]

Unless there are some very unusual circumstances people are never required to purchase insurance. You should have walked away right then.

 

[bdoyledimou]

I once had the Budget at MCO demand my home car Insurance Policy number to prove i had the insurance rider --

once i pulled my slip out of my wallet they decided that was "good enough"

 

[seashoreCM]

Yep, the Dollar agent lied to you. You can still say no and refuse to pay for the insurance.

If he refuses to hand over the keys then you call the nationwide headquarters using the pay phone at the back of the rental office (or using your cell phone).

No harm bringing a copy of your insurance summary but if you don't have the insurance he wants then he still has to rent you the car.

 

[Chief Powhatan]

Unfortunately, this is not an issue that is specific to Dollar at MCO. Picking up a rental at a counter has become painful in recent years as the agents will tell you anything in order to up-sale you on insurance so they can make their commission dollars. Don't rent a car unless you are prepared to stand at the counter and say "no" repeatedly until you walk away with a contract at the rate you reserved for.

 

[DVC-Don]

I've had that problem several times, but with Alamo. Depends on the counter rep you get. They get paid a commission on extras they sell you. I just politely and firmly say no.

 

[katallo]

I once had the Budget at MCO demand my home car Insurance Policy number to prove i had the insurance rider --

once i pulled my slip out of my wallet they decided that was "good enough"

We had similar problems with Budget. When we arrived they tried to raise our rates 40.00. Told us our rate must have been a "mistake". Had to argue for 20 minutes until I found the rental agreement and asked for a manager. Overall, it worked out, but what a hassle when you arrive from a long flight. And they all seemed very annoyed with the situation. Budget has also done this to us in other locations. Needless to say...no more Budget.

 

[wdwrich]

Dollar is the only rental agency that I have had to cancel on the spot and walk up to another company's counter and rent on the spot. I'll never use Dollar again regardless of price. Terrible customer service and outright lies from their personnel.
My 2 cents.