Beware of L&M Car Rental

[texasflycatcher]

Rented a car in Dec 2004 from L&M. Once it was returned, the paperwork was signed by both parties stating everything was good on both sides. About 2 weeks later, we got a bill for $700 to replace the windshield of a KIA. Beware, the paperwork alone may not be enough to save you from being ripped off by the rental car company. Don't rent from L&M in Orlando.

DVC Member since 2001
200 Wilderness
200 Beach Club
300 Saratogoa Springs

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

Rented a car in Dec 2004 from L&M. Once it was returned, the paperwork was signed by both parties stating everything was good on both sides. About 2 weeks later, we got a bill for $700 to replace the windshield of a KIA. Beware, the paperwork alone may not be enough to save you from being ripped off by the rental car company. Don't rent from L&M in Orlando.

DVC Member since 2001
200 Wilderness
200 Beach Club
300 Saratogoa Springs

Wow I am surprised this has happened with L&M! We used them twice and had incredible cars with speedy rental time and an easy return at the airport. I hope this is one of few, if any cases, and I hope EVERYTHING works out for you!

 

[inkkognito]

Sorry to hear that you had a bad experience!
We have rented from L & M twice and had wonderful experiences both times. I was worried because of bad reports that I've read, but both times there was no line, no pressure for insurance, and free upgrades. The vehicles were both brand-new too (one literally had less than 10 miles on it).
A suggestion: When you rent a car, take photographs of it. We always do this with our digital camera; we've never had a problem, but we rent cars a couple of times a month in Orlando and we like to be careful just in case.
Since they signed the paperwork that the car was okay, I doubt there's much they can do. If they try to charge it to the credit card that you used, dispute it immediately!
Barb

 

[seashoreCM]

Currently I am suggesting immediately reporting the incident plus the fact you are disputing it, to both your credit card company and your car insurance company. Mark each report "Information Only".

It is not unheard of for a rental company to send a bill to a renter when one of their car jockeys caused the damage after you returned the car or even if the next renter damaged the car or got the parking ticket.

I read a story somwhere, I forget where, from someone who rented a car and told the rental company what hotel he was staying at and a few days later found the car vandalized. He was starting to suspect the rental agency and a body shop were in conspiracy against renters who declined the agency's collision coverage.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm
__________________________________

<small>Mahatma Gandhi, as some of us know, walked barefoot most of the time, which produced an impressive set of callouses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him rather frail and with his odd diet, he suffered from bad breath. This made him...a super-calloused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis. (Max L. on Hometheaterforum.com)</small>

 

[inkkognito]

Interesting story! Was it an Orlando company that was doing the scam?
I'll be wary if any of them ever ask where I'm staying. The only thing I've ever been asked for is a contact phone number, and when I tell them I'm giving my cell number, that's never been a problem with any of the companies I've rented from.
Barb

 

[DebbieB]

About 5 years ago, I rented a Grand Am from National. It only had about 1,000 miles on it. I did a quick walk around in the garage, looked OK and left. We stopped at the gas station across from Downtown Disney before going to our hotel and when I walked around the car in full daylight, I noticed that the plastic cover around the back right light was broken on the corner and there was a nasty 3 or 4 inch scratch on the side. Looked like someone clipped the corner backing up. I called National's 800# when we got to the resort to report it, I did not want to get blamed for it. They said to mention it when I returned it. I did take a picture of it. When I returned it, they refused to give me a receipt in the garage and said I had to go inside to fill out a report. I filled out the report and explained the circumstances, said I did not do it, I only noticed it after we left the garage. Never heard from them about it again. It's possible they had in on record from the previous renter.