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Renting a car is one of those transactions that should be fairly straightforward. But if often turns out to be anything but ... and Dollar customers seem to have more than their share of problems, as the complaints in this section show.
Here are a few of the more recent complaints:
James of Horseheads NY (07/13/08)
I rented a Jeep Cherokee from Dollar Car Rent A Car at the ABQ airport on 5/14/08. Vehicle needed to be returned prior to the rental agency opening the morning of 5/19/08 due to an early flight home. I specifically inquired of the agent handling my rental about times for returning the vehicle. The agent stated that the standard procedure for early drop off was to park the vehicle in the lot and drop the keys in a provided box on the counter. After expressing some doubt, the agent assured me there would be no problem. Based on our past experience and the agents assurance, I decided to return the vehicle before the counter opened.
At about 4:15 am on 5/19/08, we arrived at the rental terminal. I unloaded my passengers and luggage. The vehicle was then parked in the Dollar Rent A Car lot area at approx. 4:25 am. I inspected the vehicle and there was no visible damage. At 4:30 am we boarded the shuttle to the airport for our return flight home. Imagine my surprise when about 10 days later I received the letter from Dollar Rent A Car. Its obvious that any damage to the vehicle was incurred after I returned it. I returned the vehicle in good shape and I do not see why I should be held liable for what may have occurred in there lot after I left.
I am frustrated that everything came about long after I had left the area to go home! The pictures I have received from Dollar Rent A Car were photocopies with low resolution and showed white specs. There is no way to state whether the white specs were even damage or a poor photo. I have no way to verify any damage to the vehicle. They could easily have been photo-enhanced images. Dollar Car Rental never returned any phone calls made to them to discuss the damage. The matter was instead immediately handed over to a credit collection agency.
I am 3,000 miles away and have no way to prove or disprove my dispute. I had to pay the credit collection agency or risk damaging my excellent credit rating. This cost me 559.53. Furthermore it was intersting that the lady I did manage to speak with at the credit agency stated that this was the 2nd time in 2 months that the same bumper had damage. Quite a coincidence don't you think! The body shop that provided the quote for repair is T.P Body Repair, Albuquerque, NM.
I feel that it is very poor customer service not to mention business practice to immediately turn a claim over to a credit agency without even trying to negotatiate in good faith or communicate with a customer. Obviously Dollar has the upper hand and I am as a customer am a being taken advantage of. What a poor way to do business. I will never deal with Dollar Car Rental again or recommend them to anyone.
Invoice for damages including fees, loss of use, physical damage came to 559.43. Swanhild of Brookfield, WI July 6, 2008
Swanhild of Brookfield WI (07/06/08)
I had a car reserved with a computer Confirmation # and price of 291.63 including necessary taxes. The initial amount asked for upon pickup was 781.75. I argued that it wasn't correct and I was met with that's the deal, take it or leave it. Upon bartering further, the cost was lowered to 420.75. This is still 129.00 over the initial quote.
The fact that a written quote from their offices wasn't honored and I ended up with no choice but to sign the line. Manoj of Fremont, CA June 26, 2008
Manoj of Fremont CA (06/26/08)
Took a rental from San Jose airport on 06/06/2008. Returned on 06/10/2008. Paid full 250.11 for the rental. No accidents, no dents. While returning the guy checked the car, charged my CC for 250.11 and give me the receipt. On 06/25/2008, some guy called me, saying that there a dent on the car and the replacement cost is 756. I didnt do any damage. Still the company is saying that damage was done on 10th. If it was not there while returning, it would had happened after I returned.
I dont have protection on my CC. Thats why I'm filing this complaint. I dont wish and will NOT pay them a penny. Michael of Sharon, MA June 12, 2008
Michael of Sharon MA (06/12/08)
I am being charged for replacement of a windshield, and I can prove that it didn't happen while I had the car. On April 6th I rented a Hyundai from the Salt Lake City Airport Dollar Rent A Car. On April 7th I returned the car to switch to a four wheel drive. The time of return is recorded on my copy of the ticket. I parked next to the attendant booth, and recognized the attendant who had checked me out the previous day. I spent at least 30 minutes getting to the counter and arranging the new rental. When I came out the same attendant was there, said he recognized me from yesterday, checked out the four wheel drive for damage, and directed me out of the lot.
A month later I receive a nasty letter from a collection agency telling me that I owe them 273 for a replaced windshield on the Hyundai. The damage ticket records that a large crack in the windshield was found 5 minutes after I returned it, and I wasn't notified and my signature obtained because I had left. There was no crack in the windshield, large or otherwise, while I was driving the car. There was no accident, or incident. Someone identifying themself as Andrew at the SLC Airport Dollar told me their investigation was final, and I could take any complaint to the collection agency. The national Dollar Rent A Car customer service refuses to help saying that the SLC company is a franchise that they have no dealings with. I would appreciate knowing if I could file a complaint with the police.
Refusing to pay will probably ruin my perfect credit rating. Nicole of San Carlos, CA June 4, 2008
Nicole of San Carlos CA (06/04/08)
To add to my rotten experience with Dollar Rent a Car, I checked my credit card and they overcharged me on every fee they listed. The amounts were over double what they should have been based on the total. Be very careful renting from Dollar Rent a Car at airports becuase they rip people off. And if you're smart, you won't ever rent a car from Dollar at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, because those guys are out to screw the customer. Watch your credit card and dispute the charges if they seem out of line. I don't trust these people and will never give them my business again.
Nicole of San Carlos, CA May 28, 2008
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