Rental Cars in the might USA

[cmadude]

Just received a letter in the mail from Enterprise Rent-A-Car Damage Recovery Unit. They are claiming there was a scratch on a bumper that cost $200 to repair. This rental was a pick up and drop off at Monterey Jet Center.

To protect yourself, take photos before and after your rental. Enterprise contends that even you left the country that day and three days later the Enterprise rep picks up the vehicle your still responsible for that car until then. So if a rampie moves it, and scratches it, good luck. So in hindsight, should have bought insurance.

[Kokanee]

Pay for them with the company AMEX. AMEX automatically covers you for better than average rental car insurance.

[cmadude]

That is true, just gets my goat that the car was in pristine condition when I left it.

[Randyb99]

Must be standard policy in Monterey. I rented from Hertz and returned to the Monterey Jet Center. The rental was prepaid thru Expedia. I returned to the Jet Center and called Hertz and advised they could pick up their car. When I got home, I saw my credit card had a days extra charge on it. Phoned Hertz and they said I returned it a day later. I had to fax my fuel bill from the Jet Center to prove I left it. I must say this had nothing to do with the Monterey Jet Center. They are excellent and even offered to help if I had any problem with the charges.

[CpnCrunch]

I've had a lot of success with Alamo. I've used them many times over the years, and never had any unexpected charges. I typically pay $14/day including all taxes and fees in January at LAX (with AOPA discount), and the rental process is incredibly smooth: book online, turn up and drive out with your car (no need to go to the rental counter). Dropping off is just as simple: drive in, get out of the car, and someone usually checks it immediately. The whole process takes literally a few minutes and is very painless.

[CID]

Careful with the AMEX advice. Make sure it's GOLD or better. Double check the terms. As far as renting cars, absolutely don't trust them. I would never drop it off other than at the facility where someone can inspect it. Even if it means taking a cab from the drop off to the FBO. Those people can't be trusted. Very slimy industry.

[iflyforpie]

+1 for Alamo. My experience at LAX was exactly like CpnCrunch's plus an upgrade, free kids seats, and drop off at a different location. No surprises.