Comments on: Deciphering rental-car ‘dialogue’

By: didaniel

didaniel — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:45:43 +0000

Thanks, Dean. I don’t think reserving through Priceline makes a difference, but that you’ve been lucky to have ethical salespeople. Regardless of how you reserve, the insurance, gas fill-up, and other options are always presented in person at the end. It’s how they’re presented that matters. The ONLY time I felt trusting was when I used a kiosk and no person was there to push me. Then I had only myself to rely on. But even so, the button choices were set up with a logic that you would be choosing the add-on options. Nonetheless, you did have the choice, but you had to be alert. As to the damage claims you write about, I’ve heard of several occasions of that. I guess that’s a new issue. ARGH….

By: Dean-o

Dean-o — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:23:25 +0000

Diane–
Interesting experience. In the past I have had remarkably good luck using Priceline for reservations. Been able to set my own price, usually quite a bit below the discount market price and below the Priceline recommendations. And because they are quoting a price with nothing included the eventual rental company hasn’t pushed the insurance. Although it has been a couple years since I’ve done this.

Further, in the latest AARP Magazine (yeah, some of us are old enough to qualify…) there is a great account of a “Rental Car Quandary”, a couple who rented a car from Enterprise, and got a bill a month later–after the fact–for close to $600 for damage to the air conditioner, not covered by warranty, that could not even be proved to have happened during their rental. Eventually settled, but only after approaching AARP, who in turn went up the chain of command at Enterprise, only getting satisfaction from someone in Corporate Communications.

By: didaniel

didaniel — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:00:54 +0000

Hi Marissa. I’m sorry you had to learn this lesson the hard way. And, yep, this is a case in point that not every Enterprise outlet is alike. I don’t know that the salesperson being a “newbie” is relevant. It’s often the most savvy/experienced ones who know what to say. As far as I know, their income rises in connection with the overall sale. I’m going to contact you directly to see if I can help further. Power of the press and all…

By: Marissa

Marissa — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:30:30 +0000

I recently got pressured into purchasing the insurance from Enterprise in Renton when my boyfriend’s car was in the shop and the dealers were fronting the bill. Unfortunately we were going on vacation in a few days, and wouldn’t be driving the car. The only “dialog” the sales newbie gave me indicated it was a one time charge, not a daily rate. Why would I want daily insurance if we wouldn’t be driving the car? $300 later, they said they’d made my choices clear even though I never actually signed paperwork (the bill was fronted by the shop, but it didn’t include the “optional” insurance).

I filed a complaint with the attorney general, and Enterprise wouldn’t even return their phone calls or mail. Shady… and I’m out $300

By: karel

karel — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 14:56:43 +0000

A bad thing to encounter that misbehaviour seems to be the standard for some people. Thank you to bring this to the attention of everybody.

By: didaniel

didaniel — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 23:28:26 +0000

Well, you’d think, wouldn’t you? If only it were that simple. Not all Enterprise outlets are alike, though I do think it’s a more ethical company overall. Overall, I think where Enterprise shines is at its off-airport sites.

I think **the** most important thing is to know your rights, then go for the best deal, then exert those rights. I most frequently use Budget and Dollar because they’re often the cheapest.

Call me from the airport if you have any questions. ;)

By: Alice

Alice — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:07:41 +0000

I will be renting a car in June at Las Vegas airport, so I guess I should pursue Enterprise?

By: boldlygosolo

boldlygosolo — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:53:26 +0000

Okay, that comment of mine above had one two many exclamation points…

By: boldlygosolo

boldlygosolo — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:52:24 +0000

Great investigative follow-up! We need people like you doing the “dirty” work!
Thanks.
boldlygosolo.com

By: Karen

Karen — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:44:26 +0000

D
Thanx. I needed that!
K