Beware if using Alamo: ADDITIONAL DRIVER FEE!

[vacationclub]

No one called you a fool. Your decision to let an unauthorized driver drive a rental car was foolish. You are very lucky your husband was not in an accident. Additionally, you broke the terms of your contract with Alamo. You had other options.

The point of my post was to caution others not to behave as you did. That's it.

I think you are responsible for the car even if you are driving and get into an accident, unless you sign the loss-waiver.

If you don't sign the loss waiver, and instead pay for additional protection, and get into an accident, you are protected from loss....unless you let someone drive your car whose not authorized.

But if you let someone drive your car who's not authorized, and waive protection....isn't it a moot point? You're responsible either way (via your own insurance, your credit card insurance on rental cars, or directly with your wallet) regardless of who was driving. Am I missing something? Please fill in the blanks here if I am.

 

[Day-Day]

I think you are responsible for the car even if you are driving and get into an accident, unless you sign the loss-waiver.

If you don't sign the loss waiver, and instead pay for additional protection, and get into an accident, you are protected from loss....unless you let someone drive your car whose not authorized.

But if you let someone drive your car who's not authorized, and waive protection....isn't it a moot point? You're responsible either way (via your own insurance, your credit card insurance on rental cars, or directly with your wallet) regardless of who was driving. Am I missing something? Please fill in the blanks here if I am.

I agree. I haven't seen anything that would be different if I was driving or if my "unauthorized" spouse was driving and we were involved in an accident or pulled over by the police. We both have the same insurance coverage and it covers us for any vehicle we drive.

 

[TamaraQT]

The exit agent could only remove it IF they saw it or it was mentioned to him/her. It is very easy to say "the exit agent should have removed it" when you don't even see the screen we see. All we have is the reservation number, the driver and the license number and a few other details. In other words, we don't see what the counter agent sees. If something like what the OP is talking about is brought to our attention, we need to contact a manager, then if he gives his/her approval, then we can modify, which is a totally different screen and we don't normally go into that when assigning a car. We are NOT mindreaders, so, please don't assume we can do things without knowing what needs to be done. IF the op had been at my booth and had told me what was going on, I would have done my dam*dest to get if fixed right then and there. As to the comment about the kiosk, yes, we can add drivers at the exit booth and can charge or not, depending on the circumstances.

Mindreaders??? Uncalled for Comment! Although I have come across a few EMPLOYEES of ALAMO who think the world revolves around them!! Sounds like you may have distanced yourself from that group, however, the "MINDREADER" comment tells me you aren't that far removed!!

"We can add drivers at the exit booth and can charge or not" That was EXACTLY my point! An "EXIT AGENT" can add an additional driver at the booth. I dont need to see YOUR SCREENS because I am sure that they are FAR BEYOND my conception.....for who am I but a SPECK in your cosmic universe!!

 

[donnishobson]

For our Jan 25 to Feb 7 trip, I used Southwest points. I read the contract before I used them and printed it out. It said that the additional driver is included. I called Southwest who said to check with Alamo to confirm. I talked to Alamo who said the additional driver was not covered. I asked about taxes and airport fees and was told they were all covered. The contract said the airport fees and taxes were not covered but the additional driver was. Got to counter at MCO agent wanted to charge for both but I did have the contract with me with the additional driver covered part circled. Had to pay the taxes and fees - $113. The additional driver would have been over $130. It seems pretty tough to rent with coupons, points, etc. Just luck of the draw. Also, a bad use of points - but I really didn't need them for flights.

I called a few days before I left. I would start earlier confirming that you got what you thought you were getting and get it in writing. Worked out okay for me in the end.

I am an Insider member, too, but usually use Hertz - have a corporate 25% off for them but Southwest (with points) didn't offer them for this trip.

 

[Shannon G]

I agree. I haven't seen anything that would be different if I was driving or if my "unauthorized" spouse was driving and we were involved in an accident or pulled over by the police. We both have the same insurance coverage and it covers us for any vehicle we drive.

I think that many, if not most, car insurance policies provide that they cover any car you drive only if you are authorized to drive the car. Specific to rentals, some explicity state that they do not provide coverage if the terms of the rental agreement are violated, and allowing an unauthorized driver to drive would be a violation of the agreement. So the difference comes down to whether, in the event of an accident, you want to risk having to pay all damages out of pocket.

 

[piglet33]

The same thing happened to me in November. I had called to make sure that the code I used would let me add my husband. I was told yes, as long as I booked it when logged in as a member. So we're at the airport, and because I used a coupon, I had to go to the desk. The person argued with me and didn't want to let my husband be added for free. I would not leave until they went in the back to speak to a manager. The person comes back and says they will waive the fee this time, but that they weren't supposed to. It's very aggravating to start a vacation this way. I did what I was supposed to when I had a question and called, and then got hassled at the counter.

OP - if they wouldn't have added my husband, then I also would have let him drive. We always waive the insurance so if something would have happened, it would have been on us anyway. It's ridiculous to have to pay $10 per day for another person to drive the same car.

 

[gmeh1]

I agree. I haven't seen anything that would be different if I was driving or if my "unauthorized" spouse was driving and we were involved in an accident or pulled over by the police. We both have the same insurance coverage and it covers us for any vehicle we drive.

You are in violation of the contract that you signed. I am not sure how the insurance company would handle this or the credit card company for that matter. I guess you would have to ask and see.

 

[gmeh1]

Mindreaders??? Uncalled for Comment! Although I have come across a few EMPLOYEES of ALAMO who think the world revolves around them!! Sounds like you may have distanced yourself from that group, however, the "MINDREADER" comment tells me you aren't that far removed!!

"We can add drivers at the exit booth and can charge or not" That was EXACTLY my point! An "EXIT AGENT" can add an additional driver at the booth. I dont need to see YOUR SCREENS because I am sure that they are FAR BEYOND my conception.....for who am I but a SPECK in your cosmic universe!!

The EXIT agent should have removed it. Not sure if that is the case, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Your comment implies that we should remove the charge. My comment was to let you know that without some knowledge of the charge we cannot do anything. We cannot remove a charge without manager approval (the counter agents would absolutely revolt if a commission addition was removed, so I cover my butt). We also cannot remove a charge if we don't know it is there or under some dispute. "Could have" (which is appropriate in this case) and "Should have" (which implies an obligation) are two very different phrases.

for who am I but a SPECK in your cosmic universe!!

Nope, a customer, but, I doubt anyone that works with the public is anymore in your eyes.
Now, let's not compare sarcasam, ok, especially since your's rivals your governor's.

 

[gmeh1]

The same thing happened to me in November. I had called to make sure that the code I used would let me add my husband. I was told yes, as long as I booked it when logged in as a member. So we're at the airport, and because I used a coupon, I had to go to the desk. The person argued with me and didn't want to let my husband be added for free. I would not leave until they went in the back to speak to a manager. The person comes back and says they will waive the fee this time, but that they weren't supposed to. It's very aggravating to start a vacation this way. I did what I was supposed to when I had a question and called, and then got hassled at the counter.

OP - if they wouldn't have added my husband, then I also would have let him drive. We always waive the insurance so if something would have happened, it would have been on us anyway. It's ridiculous to have to pay $10 per day for another person to drive the same car.

Definitely an aggrevating way to start a vacation, hopefully that was the only aggrevation you faced. I have a quick question or two. First, do you remember the coupon code you used? If so, please post it. Second, on the confirmation, did it say an additional driver/spouse was free?
Regarding insurance or unauthorized driver. Yes, if you had an accident it would have been on you, but, since the second driver would not be authorized there is some question about insurance/credit card coverage, so, it may have been totally on you in a very big way. I would defintely check with my insurance company or cc company to see what would happen in this instance BEFORE I let an unauthorized person drive.

 

[rynosmom]

Last July we rented thru Alamo in Fort Myers. I used my Insiders # to reserve the car as well as coupons for $35 off. When we got to the counter I asked the agent if she needed my husbands license to add him as my free driver she told me that is was unnecessary as he's covered. I'm glad that we didn't need to find out the hard way that she might have been wrong.

 

[piglet33]

Definitely an aggrevating way to start a vacation, hopefully that was the only aggrevation you faced. I have a quick question or two. First, do you remember the coupon code you used? If so, please post it. Second, on the confirmation, did it say an additional driver/spouse was free?
Regarding insurance or unauthorized driver. Yes, if you had an accident it would have been on you, but, since the second driver would not be authorized there is some question about insurance/credit card coverage, so, it may have been totally on you in a very big way. I would defintely check with my insurance company or cc company to see what would happen in this instance BEFORE I let an unauthorized person drive.

Yes, that was the only thing that caused aggravation. We had a great trip to WDW and a wonderful Disney Cruise on the Dream.

I don't remember the code I used, but my confirmation did say the additional driver was free. When I called, I was also told the additional driver would be free even if it didn't say that on my confirmation. I just had to be logged in and book with my Insiders number (she said all Insiders members get the additional driver free).

 

[TamaraQT]

Your comment implies that we should remove the charge. My comment was to let you know that without some knowledge of the charge we cannot do anything. We cannot remove a charge without manager approval (the counter agents would absolutely revolt if a commission addition was removed, so I cover my butt). We also cannot remove a charge if we don't know it is there or under some dispute. "Could have" (which is appropriate in this case) and "Should have" (which implies an obligation) are two very different phrases.
Nope, a customer, but, I doubt anyone that works with the public is anymore in your eyes.
Now, let's not compare sarcasam, ok, especially since your's rivals your governor's.

Surely you can do better than that!!

I find it hilarious that you are so defensive about your employers policies and procedures. When they work, GREAT. But sometimes they don't work and there needs to be an alternative. And we come here on the DIS and discuss these things with each other. Find out what happened to others and we share our experiences, advice and tips. And thats the main point here. The original poster made a bad decision in allowing an unauthorized person to drive. Ok, granted. We covered that. But in the meantime, as an alamo insider, it clearly states on the membership documents that an additional driver is allowed at no extra charge. Its one of the "PERKS" of the membership. END OF STORY. I would give you credit for trying to figure out WHY it didn't work. But instead, you want to point fingers at customers, and talk about what you are allowed and not allowed to do. Alamo Insider = Free Additional Driver. Lets leave it at that. I think the OP has already suffered enough insults with allowing the DH to drive unauthorized. No need to hash out employees roles and responsibilities. Lets just continue to help each other and try to get along. GEEZ.....its really NOT that serious!!!

 

[vacationclub]

But in the meantime, as an alamo insider, it clearly states on the membership documents that an additional driver is allowed at no extra charge. Its one of the "PERKS" of the membership. END OF STORY. I would give you credit for trying to figure out WHY it didn't work. But instead, you want to point fingers at customers, and talk about what you are allowed and not allowed to do. Alamo Insider = Free Additional Driver. Lets leave it at that. ......... No need to hash out employees roles and responsibilities.

I think what gmeh1 said was pretty clear from the very start. The exit agent can only take care of a problem is he/she knows it exists. You're attacking him/her for making that very obvious statement. Gmeh1 is simply saying that the customer, if they know there is a charge that shouldn't be there, and that the exit agent might be able to do something about it........... should tell him/her about it. How else can they do anything? Even 911 doesn't come to your rescue until you call them....so why do you expect exit agents to have crystal balls?

I find it ironic that you called his use of the term mind-reader to be "un-called for", (even though it perfectly describes what you're expecting the exit agent to be) but moments later throw out the "speck in the cosmic universe" comment. That, and a bunch of other rants were un-called for (IMHO).

 

[Greysword]

I find it hilarious that you are so defensive about your employers policies and procedures.

...Its one of the "PERKS" of the membership. END OF STORY.

I would give you credit for trying to figure out WHY it didn't work. But instead, you want to point fingers at customers, and talk about what you are allowed and not allowed to do. Alamo Insider = Free Additional Driver. Lets leave it at that. I think the OP has already suffered enough insults with allowing the DH to drive unauthorized. No need to hash out employees roles and responsibilities. Lets just continue to help each other and try to get along. GEEZ.....its really NOT that serious!!!

I agree with vacationclub.

Gmeh1 is actually the person most qualified to make a statement, and I think the information provided was extremely helpful. It is interesting that the "End of Story" comment was presented in a way to try and trump an actual employee, who has been trained in the Alamo's policies and procedures, and who has access to the handbook outlining the true company policies on additional drivers.

It is also interesting that Gmeh1 repeatedly stated the counter agents receive a commission from the additional driver fee, which is likely the reason for the interaction (possibly financial or needed to fill a quota). As such, it is unlikely the exit agent would have been able to reverse the fee without approval (as Gmeh stated), anyway.

All in if the OP was a member of Alamo Insiders, why didn't they just pick a car and exit without visiting the counter agent? Is that no longer available in Orlando?


As for the cat fight

Tamara came out swinging pretty hard (which is why I the Transportation board; it is rough n' tumble here ). Gmeh1 was a little over-excited in the initial response, but was absolutely in the right, IMO. Tamara was over the line in this case.

People (and Americans especially) take their profession to heart, since it defines us in this society. As such, any insult on one is likely to be taken as an insult on all. In this case it was true, as your general statements about the entire population of Alamo was very negative. I also think employee roles is a key point for this discussion, as now we know what the Exit Agent can do if asked.


In the end, here is what we learned:

1) Alamo Insiders are supposed to receive an additional driver at no additional cost.

2) Sometimes this may not be the case based on coupons used.

3) Counter agents receive a commission on the fees gathered by adding an additional driver.

4) The Exit Agent has the ability to make changes to the fees, if they are notified of the request and receive the authority to do so from management.

5) It is very risky (financially and legally) to allow someone to drive a rental car under our name if that person is not added as an official driver.

6) Every thread on the transportation board will devolve into a throw down, and this one is no exception

 

[kaytieeldr]

Mindreaders??? Uncalled for Comment! Although I have come across a few EMPLOYEES of ALAMO who think the world revolves around them!! Sounds like you may have distanced yourself from that group, however, the "MINDREADER" comment tells me you aren't that far removed!!

"We can add drivers at the exit booth and can charge or not" That was EXACTLY my point! An "EXIT AGENT" can add an additional driver at the booth. I dont need to see YOUR SCREENS because I am sure that they are FAR BEYOND my conception.....for who am I but a SPECK in your cosmic universe!!

This entire post, with its attacks and sarcasm, is entirely out of line.

The Transportation Board is fortunate to have, among its experienced travelers willing and ready to provide assistance and advice, a few knowledgeable members IN the travel industry who are more than willing to share information. gmeh1 is, obviously, one of them; were he the mindreader you so sarcastically attack him for not being (I think; it's hard to read a shrieking rant), he could probably be earning more money.

I've had two recent experiences with Alamo. Most recently, they were giving all customers $25 discounts because there was only one person checking in returned vehicles. I think I wait five minutes - no longer than usual .

The other time was a couple of years earlier. When I brought the car back, the checker asked how everything had been and I told him the truth (see 'no cars available when you rent' thread ). I was truthful, and he sent me to the office - where, again, my bill got reduced

 

[gmeh1]

Surely you can do better than that!!

I find it hilarious that you are so defensive about your employers policies and procedures. When they work, GREAT. But sometimes they don't work and there needs to be an alternative. And we come here on the DIS and discuss these things with each other. Find out what happened to others and we share our experiences, advice and tips. And thats the main point here. The original poster made a bad decision in allowing an unauthorized person to drive. Ok, granted. We covered that. But in the meantime, as an alamo insider, it clearly states on the membership documents that an additional driver is allowed at no extra charge. Its one of the "PERKS" of the membership. END OF STORY. I would give you credit for trying to figure out WHY it didn't work. But instead, you want to point fingers at customers, and talk about what you are allowed and not allowed to do. Alamo Insider = Free Additional Driver. Lets leave it at that. I think the OP has already suffered enough insults with allowing the DH to drive unauthorized. No need to hash out employees roles and responsibilities. Lets just continue to help each other and try to get along. GEEZ.....its really NOT that serious!!!

If you have taken the time to read my posts to the OP you will find that I have been trying to help her, not point a finger. I don't need to do better than that, as you said. I rarely have a battle of wits with the unarmed, or battle fools, they only bring you down to their level and then beat you with experience.
By "hashing" out roles and responsibilities it gives the consumer a leg up when they are being "bullied" by employees out to make a buck. And, since you were the one that pointed out what and exit agent "SHOULD DO", it only makes sense to explain the duties. Please, don't insult my intelligence by trying to turn this around on me. If you don't like my posts........don't read them.

 

[gmeh1]

This entire post, with its attacks and sarcasm, is entirely out of line.

The Transportation Board is fortunate to have, among its experienced travelers willing and ready to provide assistance and advice, a few knowledgeable members IN the travel industry who are more than willing to share information. gmeh1 is, obviously, one of them; were he the mindreader you so sarcastically attack him for not being (I think; it's hard to read a shrieking rant), he could probably be earning more money.

I've had two recent experiences with Alamo. Most recently, they were giving all customers $25 discounts because there was only one person checking in returned vehicles. I think I wait five minutes - no longer than usual .

The other time was a couple of years earlier. When I brought the car back, the checker asked how everything had been and I told him the truth (see 'no cars available when you rent' thread ). I was truthful, and he sent me to the office - where, again, my bill got reduced

Thank you kaytie!!! Btw and just a FYI, I am female.

 

[gmeh1]

I agree with vacationclub.

Gmeh1 is actually the person most qualified to make a statement, and I think the information provided was extremely helpful. It is interesting that the "End of Story" comment was presented in a way to try and trump an actual employee, who has been trained in the Alamo's policies and procedures, and who has access to the handbook outlining the true company policies on additional drivers.

It is also interesting that Gmeh1 repeatedly stated the counter agents receive a commission from the additional driver fee, which is likely the reason for the interaction (possibly financial or needed to fill a quota). As such, it is unlikely the exit agent would have been able to reverse the fee without approval (as Gmeh stated), anyway.

All in if the OP was a member of Alamo Insiders, why didn't they just pick a car and exit without visiting the counter agent? Is that no longer available in Orlando?


As for the cat fight

Tamara came out swinging pretty hard (which is why I the Transportation board; it is rough n' tumble here ). Gmeh1 was a little over-excited in the initial response, but was absolutely in the right, IMO. Tamara was over the line in this case.

People (and Americans especially) take their profession to heart, since it defines us in this society. As such, any insult on one is likely to be taken as an insult on all. In this case it was true, as your general statements about the entire population of Alamo was very negative. I also think employee roles is a key point for this discussion, as now we know what the Exit Agent can do if asked.


In the end, here is what we learned:

1) Alamo Insiders are supposed to receive an additional driver at no additional cost.

2) Sometimes this may not be the case based on coupons used.

3) Counter agents receive a commission on the fees gathered by adding an additional driver.

4) The Exit Agent has the ability to make changes to the fees, if they are notified of the request and receive the authority to do so from management.

5) It is very risky (financially and legally) to allow someone to drive a rental car under our name if that person is not added as an official driver.

6) Every thread on the transportation board will devolve into a throw down, and this one is no exception

Thank you Greysword!!!
To answer your question about proceeding right to the garage. That is really more applicable to National. With Insiders you really should check in online or use the kiosk (if possible) or, in some instances with some coupons, go to the counter. Exit agents can do a "proceed right to the garage" but, it does take a bit longer than your normal check out and tends to really irritate the people waiting to exit who have done one of the aforementioned check ins. Understandably, they want to be out the exit and on their way in the least amount of time and we often hear about it!!!
The exit agents also get a commission on extra drivers, GPS, gas, etc. however,we do not have a quota to meet. Additional drivers need to be listed on the contract and if it happens that say: husband is driving and wife is on the contract and husband is not on the contract, I mention that fact saying I can add him for an additional charge. I also take the opportunity to tell them about Insiders. To be honest about 75% of the time I add them and waive the fee, the other 25% of the time it is made up of lame reasons why they are driving, nasty attitudes and they switch drivers.
I am still not buying that the coupon should eliminate the additional driver,most especially IF the coupon is included when the folks make the reservation and it states the driver is included. I asked another poster what the coupon she used was so I could do some investigation. I am going to get some answers on this, hopefully today.

 

[gmeh1]

Yes, that was the only thing that caused aggravation. We had a great trip to WDW and a wonderful Disney Cruise on the Dream.

I don't remember the code I used, but my confirmation did say the additional driver was free. When I called, I was also told the additional driver would be free even if it didn't say that on my confirmation. I just had to be logged in and book with my Insiders number (she said all Insiders members get the additional driver free).

I am glad that is the only source of aggrevation. I mentioned this earlier, I am going to try and get an answer to this, hopefully today.

 

[gmeh1]

Last July we rented thru Alamo in Fort Myers. I used my Insiders # to reserve the car as well as coupons for $35 off. When we got to the counter I asked the agent if she needed my husbands license to add him as my free driver she told me that is was unnecessary as he's covered. I'm glad that we didn't need to find out the hard way that she might have been wrong.

That is a common misconception on the part of the agents, primarily because they won't get a commission and are too lazy to add the additional driver. Often, they say, the exit agent will add them, which of course, we will(well some of us), gladly. The exit agents are not exempt from this either, some will not take the time most especially if there is a long line waiting to exit cause it takes time and people waiting to exit get very grumpy (understandably so) about waiting longer than necessary. My advice: INSIST they add the driver and make sure you have the additional driver there with you. We cannot add a driver unless they are present at the time of the addition. There is no "that she might have been wrong", she was definitely wrong in this case.