Nyetzy

Is it normal to pay for a car that has been reserved 2 weeks before collection??

AnnMarie_C

As in, paid in full? Which site did you use to rent the car? Enterprise now requires a deposit--and perhaps the other agencies do as well but I rent from E more often than not lately.

Nyetzy

Yes, paid in full. Actually this is arranged by the agent who rented me a vacation home in Orlando. I enquired if he has any links with a car rental company and he said that he deals with Alamo Home which is a sister company of Alamo Car Rental. The rates are good and much cheaper than an online quote from the website and given a car upgrade for SF as well. Just that I'm not sure if it is a common practise to pay in full 2 weeks before collection. I'm located in the Far East, so not sure of the procedures in the US. The last time we vacationed there, don't remember having to pay anything until we pick the car up. With the current bad economic climate, maybe the companies are being more careful??

AnnMarie_C

It's possible. It's also possible that, as with hotel rooms, great deals can be had when the room is paid for in full, in advance. In the past I've received some great deals on rooms this way but always there are non-refundable terms associated with this type of reservation. I would assume (someone correct me if I'm wrong) that your car rental agreement with the renting agent is along these lines.

What are your concerns? I would contact the agent for some reassurance.

toedtoes

I did a quick search on the internet for "Alamo Home" and nothing comes up at all. I checked the website for Alamo's parent company (Vanguard Car Rental) and the only car rental businesses it shows are Alamo and National.

Before I paid anything in advance, I'd ask for a corporate phone number for "Alamo Home" to call to verify their connection. I would also call Alamo and ask them.

It sounds a bit too much like some independent company trying to score customers from Alamo. If so, I'd rather find out now, than after I've paid the money.

Nyetzy

toedtoes - that is an excellent idea. I am kicking myself for not thinking of it earlier. I have sent an email to Alamo to find out if indeed they are affiliated in any way.

I have no doubt that the reservation is genuine, just that I need to find out how efficient is the refund should I not make use of the reservation in the end. Anything can happen before a trip! Also, if I have any disputes, whether there are any recourse eg: because I have prepaid, there is no stopping them from giving me a car which I am not happy with or worse, a 'lemon'. I'm just being careful with such things. It is not a small amt..

Nyetzy

I've written to Alamo but didn't receive any reply from them. The agent came back with a reply from Alamo Home. Seems that they book the car with a wholesaler who has a contract with Alamo. Reason why we have to pay in full 2 weeks in advance is because it is a prepaid booking and the wholesaler has paid for it for us in advance. Upon payment, we will receive a voucher for the booking. Has anyone done this before??

esm

Not in the US but I've paid in full for reservations with Auto Europe for car rental in France.

AnnMarie_C

Nyetzy, the following article may be of interest to you.

http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2...ntal-car-fees/

toedtoes

I've never done that, but I think it'd be similar as purchasing pre-paid accomodations through Expedia, etc. It probably will be fine, but if something goes wrong, you will probably have to work harder to fix it than you would if you reserved directly with the company.

Nyetzy

Thanks for the link AnnMarie! Certainly is useful information. I guess it is alright like what Toedtoes said. I supposed it is just like prepaying for your other holiday arrangements. The rates are very good and I cannot find the same rate anywhere on any of the leading car rentals. I checked the reservation number on the Alamo website and it indicates that it was booked by a tour agent - maybe that's why it is cheaper. I will make sure that I have all the terms and conditions and a copy of the contract etc with me when I collect. Thanks guys for all your insights and advice.