Beware of scams test water
We all had our indignities car rental - long waits for shuttle services, upgrading of unwelcome bids, rude counter staff told them they're sold despite a reserve in hand it happened to me in San Francisco last week - but s childishness.
I have since learned that it is the mild punishment compared to a rental car scams There are dozens of worse things happening regularly, I felt almost lucky I ended up taking $ 200 taxis decrepit place but they can be Here are some things to guard against.
Super-low initial rates If a company is priced at $ 40 or less per day, it is probably because the entry-level car you reserved is not available when you show up - you'll experience a costly upgrade and inadvertently, sometimes three times the initial estimate, and there will be nothing we can do taxes and other fees Elevate car rental rates assessed an average of 25 percent, reports Travelocity one trick phone on the price works especially well when the customer has purchased a van shuttle to a desk away from the airport and wants to take the road at all costs.
Insurance add-ons Many unhappy customers say they were pressured to buy expensive policy, despite being covered by their existing insurance According to consumer sales cover additional insurance, often duplicate the coverage they have needlessly, is the main way car rental companies increase the cost of renting These policies can be disguised as any of lifting following collision damage; Protection of additional responsibility; insurance against accidents; or coverage of belongings You are likely to pay up to 30 per day extra if you accept these charges Some companies will ask for huge deposits if you refuse insurance, or no rent at all - which is illegal in most states.
Damages claimed Companies hire poorly maintained vehicles, and then claim you have caused the stone chip in the windshield or dent in the rear bumper Proving otherwise after you have already accepted the car and signed a form indicating that it was very difficult they said spoiler damage happened on my watch, complained one disgruntled customer When I denied being responsible they turned to her and collections pursued by a third party.
Toll Inflated In some states, toll booths are gone and the mounting cost of the car itself through rental E-ZPass companies use this fact to impose surcharges on customers beyond the amounts without 25 actual costs for treatment in one case 9 in another.
Huge gas costs Woe to inexperienced tenant that returns a full half-car If the scam artists behind the desk, the supplement will be much more than the cost of gasoline and then there's the fuel package, which means that buying your top gas-off of the rental company and pay through the nose for it.
Local travel only Despite claims of large unlimited mileage, some companies have hidden clauses indicating that these policies apply only to travel in state Yes, that means a heavy burden for violating company rules.
Bizarre, dangerous return policies A friend rented a car, and tells the tale of woe I carted a suspicious hole in the wall where they stuck me with cigarette burns Camry smelly and scratches to $ 450 for 3 days, I had to park in one place every day at the airport to return the keys and leave the ticket and he can not wait to see my AmEx bill when they try to stick to the stolen vehicle charges.
Late fees Let's say you've booked the car for a fixed term, but your flight is now delayed the rental period is over According to this website now you are faced with new rates and if plans change and you want drop the car stop another airport, these scamsters will ensure that you pay extra for that too.
To be honest, I found most car rental agencies that I dealt with to be honest Paula Rivera Hertz spokesman said his company provides free upgrades if the car class reserved is not available, and if sold on will work on an alternative means of transport, which could include renting a car from another company - Hertz pick up any difference in class s cost.
Hertz policies support against prepaid reservations, if a prepaid reservation is canceled more than 24 hours before the scheduled pickup time and cancellation fee of 25 is charged if it is within 24 hours, that s high 50 If you can just show t and 20 to 30 percent of gift book holders t show up then disappears your prepaid expenses.
As for the rental car, the buyer should beware not only, but also read the fine print.
Car Hire Eight common CBS News Scams, rental cars, scams.