Car Rental Warning-Alamo

[ilovefh]

I just wanted to remind everyone to know your reservation before you get to the counter.

Twice in the last month Alamo has tried to charge my parents more for their rental.

In May they had a reservation for a week for $70 (no illegitimate codes, just Alamo Insiders). When they got to the counter the guy said "we don't have rentals for $70" and charged them 15 dollars more. He told them the change in the price was added taxes and reminded them that the reservation says "estimated" on the price because taxes can change at any time. When we looked at the paperwork the increase was not in taxes, but in the rental rate. Upon returning the car they showed their paperwork and their reservation to an agent at Alamo and they apologized and refunded them the money.

Last night they rented another car from Alamo. The wanted to add my sister as an extra driver. With Alamo insiders this is free as long as it is an immediate family member living in the same household, which she does. They tried to tell him that the only people that got additional free drivers were people that booked with a Costco code. After they called me (I booked the rental) and showed the man their paperwork saying they got a free additional driver he said he would "waive the fee this time" for them. Not sure why he was waiving the fee "this time" when it clearly states that is a benefit of Alamo Insiders and on the confirmation my dad had it listed that as part of the reservation.

Just wanted to post a reminder to know the policies and your reservation before going. They'll try to charge you extra for anything and everything if you don't stand your ground!

 

[plutolovr]

First off, if your parents are Alamo Insiders they should avoid going to the counter. They can use the kiosk and pull up their reservation there and compare what they have booked. If there was discrepency I would then go the counter if need be. The less people I have to deal with when I rent a car the better.

Second, if adding a second driver, don't do it at the counter or at the kiosk. If they are Insiders, just present the additional driver's Driver's License to the booth attendant at exit. He/she will add the license to the ressie and there will be no extra charge.

 

[ilovefh]

First off, if your parents are Alamo Insiders they should avoid going to the counter. They can use the kiosk and pull up their reservation there and compare what they have booked. If there was discrepency I would then go the counter if need be. The less people I have to deal with when I rent a car the better.

Second, if adding a second driver, don't do it at the counter or at the kiosk. If they are Insiders, just present the additional driver's Driver's License to the booth attendant at exit. He/she will add the license to the ressie and there will be no extra charge.

They know they don't have to stop at the counter, they are just nervous about going out, getting a car and driving to the booth.

That being said, they should be able to go to the counter without being lied to. Upsell sure, but lied to? Not okay.

And I know this doesn't just apply to Alamo, all car rental agencies are like this at some point. Last summer a friend was told FL had just passed a new law stating all renters were required to buy insurance through the car rental company. When I went back with them they spoke to management and he admitted it was no such law and refunded them the money.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

We have had multiple issues with Alamo at SAN, we won't rent from them anymore. They have tried to add additional fees and charges each time that were not disclosed prior to us getting ready to sign on the line.

 

[kjs1976]

Alamo did the same thing to us only worse two years ago. Said the code I used was a code for another country and that our 2 cars would be three times the amount quoted. Since I didn't have physical "proof" of the coupon we had to take the one car for the higher rate. We searched high and low for the code that was a Wal-Mart code published on Mousesavers.com. I even e-mailed Mary on Mousesavers and she told me I shouldn't have gone to the counter also and did not have a pleasant experience going that route either. Obviously, we knew after the fact not to go to the counter, I was looking for the so what do I do now factor. Sent my DH and DB to get the car not thinking they would stop there but they didn't know any better. We had rented from Alamo 10 times before this incident w/o any trouble. So we ended up getting only 200 shaved off of the 900 price of an SUV to fit us. The only physical proof I found was on mousesavers so I will only use codes through the website from now on because that was all they would take. We also waited with a couple from England who got scammed in a similar way. We've used them once since because it was a last minute deal with no coupons or codes and went through the kiosk. But watch out and avoid the counter at all costs!!!!!

 

[goofy4tink]

Yeah, tell me about it. I rented through Budget in April. I knew going in what my rate was going to be....had no issues at all. At least until I got home. I was emailed an 'updated' bill for my rental. They tacked on an addtl $14 for gas. I emailed them back and told them that the car had just been filled, that yes, we had driven about 10 miles on that fillup but I found it hard to believe it was that discernable a difference. I was then told it is an automatic charge for less than 70 mile usage. Really?? Seriously?? I pulled out the paperwork, which I could still find, just to check what my dh had put down for the odometer reading. We drove from Sanford Intl to US/IoA, then over to Cocoa Beach, then to port where the car stayed for 4 days. Then we drove to WDW, then over to Tampa, and then back to WDW and then to Sanford and returned the car. Do ya think that maybe, just maybe, that was more than 70 miles??? They told me that they would credit my account with that $14. I would think so.
I have to wonder how many other people have just paid what they are told to pay without really understanding what it is they are paying???

 

[ilovefh]

Yeah, tell me about it. I rented through Budget in April. I knew going in what my rate was going to be....had no issues at all. At least until I got home. I was emailed an 'updated' bill for my rental. They tacked on an addtl $14 for gas. I emailed them back and told them that the car had just been filled, that yes, we had driven about 10 miles on that fillup but I found it hard to believe it was that discernable a difference. I was then told it is an automatic charge for less than 70 mile usage. Really?? Seriously?? I pulled out the paperwork, which I could still find, just to check what my dh had put down for the odometer reading. We drove from Sanford Intl to US/IoA, then over to Cocoa Beach, then to port where the car stayed for 4 days. Then we drove to WDW, then over to Tampa, and then back to WDW and then to Sanford and returned the car. Do ya think that maybe, just maybe, that was more than 70 miles??? They told me that they would credit my account with that $14. I would think so.
I have to wonder how many other people have just paid what they are told to pay without really understanding what it is they are paying???[/QUOTE]

And that's the whole reason for my post. Unfortunately it is not just one car rental agency it is all of them. For those that know and take a stand, you'll be fine. Those that don't know this is par for the course when dealing with rental agencies can get taken advantage of.

 

[vellamint]

Happened to us the last two time we rented from them but luckily I am so Type A that I had my printed confirmations and my attitude ready.

 

[nutty4wdw]

surprised to hear this. i have rented from alamo for the past 7 years usually at orlando(MCO) and las vegas(LAS). never had an issue with the reservation. i usually rent online and then check in online. have used the kiosks several times. i have never gone to the counter. i am an insider but find using codes to be a better deal then the insiders discounts. just realize some discounts automatically eliminates the additional driver.

 

[Sue M]

Interesting post. Luckily I've never had a problem with Alamo or Budget. I usually book online via Costco.com site. I always print out my conf, and coupon. Also print out the additional driver info from Costco site. But never had any difficulty. I have always gone to the counter too.

Only problem was once with Dollar, we had 3 people, and 3 sets of luggage a mid size & carry on x3. I rented a mid size and they tried to give me a PT Cruiser- no trunk!!! They said that was all they had, and if I wanted anything else I'd have to pay extra luckily I also had a back up res. for Budget (I usually don't do this, but was first time reserving from Dollar, so wasn't sure about them) so I said I'd go to Budget, and they said fine! So I did, and ended up with a small SUV- no extra charge. Same price.

 

[ilovefh]

surprised to hear this. i have rented from alamo for the past 7 years usually at orlando(MCO) and las vegas(LAS). never had an issue with the reservation. i usually rent online and then check in online. have used the kiosks several times. i have never gone to the counter. i am an insider but find using codes to be a better deal then the insiders discounts. just realize some discounts automatically eliminates the additional driver.

To be quite honest with you, before this I have never had any problems with Alamo either. I've personally never had a problem with any rental agency, but I am always prepared and know exactly what my reservation costs and what it entitles me to.

They only used the default insiders code that automatically comes up when you use your insiders number and an insiders coupon. It was listed on the reservation as included "(1) Additional Driver." But I guess for $70/week in May and $80/week in June (including the extra driver free of charge) he can't complain!

 

[goofy4tink]

The vast majority of the time, the car rental people do the right thing. But there are instances, with every one of them, where an employee gets a bit 'out there' and tries to make the company a little bit more. I have a feeling that the person at the counter can tell if the person on the other side of the counter has 'done this before' and they aren't going to stand there and be 'taken in' by some addtl last minute charges. I know that when I was renting from Budget, in April, the woman behind the counter was going through that litany of extras....I kept saying 'nope, no thanks'..she finally said..'Well, you've done this before!'' and stopped asked me about all those 'extras'.
That's why I figure they thought they could get away with that extra $14 charge via an email...figured I wouldn't look too closely. Wrong!!

 

[gcarney]

Yeah, tell me about it. I rented through Budget in April. I knew going in what my rate was going to be....had no issues at all. At least until I got home. I was emailed an 'updated' bill for my rental. They tacked on an addtl $14 for gas. I emailed them back and told them that the car had just been filled, that yes, we had driven about 10 miles on that fillup but I found it hard to believe it was that discernable a difference. I was then told it is an automatic charge for less than 70 mile usage. Really?? Seriously?? I pulled out the paperwork, which I could still find, just to check what my dh had put down for the odometer reading. We drove from Sanford Intl to US/IoA, then over to Cocoa Beach, then to port where the car stayed for 4 days. Then we drove to WDW, then over to Tampa, and then back to WDW and then to Sanford and returned the car. Do ya think that maybe, just maybe, that was more than 70 miles??? They told me that they would credit my account with that $14. I would think so.
I have to wonder how many other people have just paid what they are told to pay without really understanding what it is they are paying???[/QUOTE]

And that's the whole reason for my post. Unfortunately it is not just one car rental agency it is all of them. For those that know and take a stand, you'll be fine. Those that don't know this is par for the course when dealing with rental agencies can get taken advantage of.

March 2012 we went on our honeymoon. I found a sweet deal with Budget. We got
screwed. They MADE us take the insurance and our rental priced doubled. I am all set with them!

 

[seashoreCM]

March I found a sweet deal with Budget. We got
screwed. They MADE us take the insurance and our rental priced doubled. I am all set with them!

You blinked first and probably too soon and probably unnecessarily.

For those eavesdropping, you do not have to buy the insurance and coverages unless the rental company policies or rules allow that. Just say no and tell the agent to remove the charge before taking the car. Let the agent volunteer to show you the printed brochure with the rules (not a hand written memorandum), don't kibitz the agent.

It doesn't matter if he says that cars have to go out with insurance. It doesn't matter if he and his company are entrusting a $30,000. piece of equipment to you. If the brochure says that insurance is optional then it is your choice.

If he refuses to complete the paperwork and he refusses to give you the car, see the manager and/or call the corporate headquarters using the pay phone at the back of the office (or using your cell phone).

Alamo did the same thing to us only worse two years ago. Said the code I used was a code for another country and that our 2 cars would be three times the amount quoted. Since I didn't have physical "proof" of the coupon we had to take the one car for the higher rate. We searched high and low for the code that was a Wal-Mart code published on Mousesavers.com. I even e-mailed Mary on Mousesavers and she told me I shouldn't have gone to the counter also and did not have a pleasant experience going that route either. Obviously, we knew after the fact not to go to the counter, I was looking for the so what do I do now factor. Sent my DH and DB to get the car not thinking they would stop there but they didn't know any better. We had rented from Alamo 10 times before this incident w/o any trouble. So we ended up getting only 200 shaved off of the 900 price of an SUV to fit us. The only physical proof I found was on mousesavers so I will only use codes through the website from now on because that was all they would take. We also waited with a couple from England who got scammed in a similar way. We've used them once since because it was a last minute deal with no coupons or codes and went through the kiosk. But watch out and avoid the counter at all costs!!!!!

You do need to bring proof that you are entitled to use the coupon. For on line coupons do a print screen (requires more than pressing the PrtScn button).

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

March 2012 we went on our honeymoon. I found a sweet deal with Budget. We got
screwed. They MADE us take the insurance and our rental priced doubled. I am all set with them!

You have not provided enough information here. Why did they say you had to pay for their insurance? If you didn't like the price, you could have walked away and rented from another company.

 

[gmeh1]

I just wanted to remind everyone to know your reservation before you get to the counter.

Twice in the last month Alamo has tried to charge my parents more for their rental.

In May they had a reservation for a week for $70 (no illegitimate codes, just Alamo Insiders). When they got to the counter the guy said "we don't have rentals for $70" and charged them 15 dollars more. He told them the change in the price was added taxes and reminded them that the reservation says "estimated" on the price because taxes can change at any time. When we looked at the paperwork the increase was not in taxes, but in the rental rate. Upon returning the car they showed their paperwork and their reservation to an agent at Alamo and they apologized and refunded them the money.

Last night they rented another car from Alamo. The wanted to add my sister as an extra driver. With Alamo insiders this is free as long as it is an immediate family member living in the same household, which she does. They tried to tell him that the only people that got additional free drivers were people that booked with a Costco code. After they called me (I booked the rental) and showed the man their paperwork saying they got a free additional driver he said he would "waive the fee this time" for them. Not sure why he was waiving the fee "this time" when it clearly states that is a benefit of Alamo Insiders and on the confirmation my dad had it listed that as part of the reservation.

Just wanted to post a reminder to know the policies and your reservation before going. They'll try to charge you extra for anything and everything if you don't stand your ground!

Extra drives with Insiders do not have to be family members, they can be anyone living anywhere. You may have confused them with National. You quoted their policy quite well.
To eliminate hassles, the easiest way to get that free driver is to log on with your insider information when making the reservation. (This is just a general FYI).
Use the kiosk in the future, you will not get any hassles. You can add the additional driver info right there and will show the exit agent the license and whatever else they require (it will be printed at the bottom of the print out). Of course, the additional driver has to be present at the exit with you.

Some of the agents don't get that the additional driver is ALWAYS free with an Insider member regardless of the code or coupon (or both) used. They also like to make a commission on the add ons. Every company does this, it does not make it right and it is very very annoying.

 

[gmeh1]

First off, if your parents are Alamo Insiders they should avoid going to the counter. They can use the kiosk and pull up their reservation there and compare what they have booked. If there was discrepency I would then go the counter if need be. The less people I have to deal with when I rent a car the better.

Second, if adding a second driver, don't do it at the counter or at the kiosk. If they are Insiders, just present the additional driver's Driver's License to the booth attendant at exit. He/she will add the license to the ressie and there will be no extra charge.

I wish people would not wait until they get to the exit booth to add a driver. It holds up the line and most of those people have waited a very long time at the counter and it is not fair to make them wait when you can add that information at the kiosk and it will be checked at the exit. It is, IMHO, very inconsiderate to make others wait longer than necessary. It is time consuming to add anything to a contract and it is supposed to be a quick easy exit from the garage.

 

[CPT Tripss]

I have to wonder how many other people have just paid what they are told to pay without really understanding what it is they are paying???

Probably a lot of people. By the time many folks get to the rental counter on a trip involving airlines and airport security, they are in the total compliance mode with anything stated with a voice of authority.

 

[SamSam]

We've been renting cars for years, mostly Alamo and Dollar. The only time we had problems with Alamo was when we rented from Swan/Dolphin insted of MCO. Two times we were double charged for the rental ( a phone call after getting home took care of that), one time I had my rental agreement paper showing a rental amount of $$, the agent kept trying to get me to accept a price double that. Now I'm not a confrontational person but I held my ground even though there was a line of 3 people behind me, and the agent finally complied!

The only issue we've ever had with Dollar was our last rental when the 'check-in' person when we returned the car added $10.00 in fuel charge when we had just filled the car before returning. We had the receipt ready but he never asked to see it, he also didn't tell us he was adding the charge. Once again, a phone call after we got home took care of the problem and customer service was very pleasant about it.

Overall, we have very little problem with car rentals. I always have our original reciept printed out (with us), we always fill up before returning, we always decline insurance (covered by our own auto insurance - plus our visa card.