Common Scams Committed by Car Rental ... - Travel and Leisure

There are a lot of annoying things to deal with when it comes to renting a car. You are pressured into purchasing upgrades and insurance, and sometimes the car you reserved is ?no longer available.? Many people feel like they would be better off taking a cab. Before you rent your next car, look out for these common car rental company scams:

Cheap Upfront Prices

Many companies allow you to reserve a car that is 40 dollars (or more) cheaper than competing companies. This is typically because on the day you show up, that car will no longer be available. To get a car, you will need to pay for an expensive upgrade or leave without a vehicle. Assuming you get a car, you will also have taxes and other fees added on in addition to the initial cost of the car. These fees typically raise the price 25% on average.

Extra Insurance

Most people renting a car will be covered by their current insurance policy. However, many people are still pressured by car rental companies to purchase extra insurance. This is the main way car rental companies raise the price of their rentals. Some companies will ask you to pay a deposit, or refuse to rent to you if you do not purchase the insurance. However, in most states, this is illegal ? extra insurance is entirely optional.

Damage Charges

Some companies rent out vehicles that are not in the greatest condition. When you bring it back, they will charge you for damage they claim you caused, when in reality it was already there. After you?ve accepted the car and signed that it was in good condition, it is hard to fight these charges. It is important to make note of any damage prior to taking the vehicle off the lot.

Toll Fees

Some states no longer use tollbooths, and instead automatically mail you (or the rental company) a bill after you drive through a sensor. Car rental companies may take advantage of this and charge you well above what the actual toll was.

Gas Fill-Up

If you fail to return your rental car with a full tank of gas, you may be charged for the fill-up, plus an extra surcharge. Another scam is the ?fuel package? which allows you to purchase gas from the rental company; at a much higher price then you could down the street.

This entry was posted on August 29, 2012, 3:41 pm and is filed under Travel & Leisure. You can follow any responses to this entry through RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Source: http://www.indianacs.com/common-scams-committed-by-car-rental-companies.html

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