Don't rent from Avis Car Rental
Sep 26th, 2014, 11:13 AM
#41
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One of my points was to 'be nice' ! No purpose in offending anyone, we are just a bunch of Imperfect people trying to enjoy our travels, and to assist people in good or bad decisions! You must be having a bad day because I have noticed a few more negative, argumentative comments from you! Maybe settle down a bit because you might have something beneficial to offer!
Sep 26th, 2014, 12:26 PM
#42
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"One of my points was to 'be nice' !"
Yes, exactly. And one of the "beneficial" things I have to offer is that posters shouldn't post such "DON'T" or "STAY AWAY FROM" type posts because they had a single problem. I was suggesting that there is a nicer way to do it, even if you apparently don't see the original title as NOT being nice the way I do. Do you not think that "Be careful when" or "watch out for" would have been a much "nicer" way to title and direct the post?
Yes, exactly. And one of the "beneficial" things I have to offer is that posters shouldn't post such "DON'T" or "STAY AWAY FROM" type posts because they had a single problem. I was suggesting that there is a nicer way to do it, even if you apparently don't see the original title as NOT being nice the way I do. Do you not think that "Be careful when" or "watch out for" would have been a much "nicer" way to title and direct the post?
Sep 28th, 2014, 09:19 AM
#43
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In case anyone is interested in the laws governing rental car liablity insurance in FL, the sections to read are
1) Title XXXVII 627.7263.
This part states that unless the rental agreement has in bold 10-pt type that the renter's own insurance is primary coverage, the rental agency's is primary and liable only up to: 100k/300k/50k. The renter-and/or their own liability policy-could then potentially be on the hook up to a max of an additional 500k.
Title XXIII Chapter 324.021, section (9)(b)2.
1) Title XXXVII 627.7263.
This part states that unless the rental agreement has in bold 10-pt type that the renter's own insurance is primary coverage, the rental agency's is primary and liable only up to: 100k/300k/50k. The renter-and/or their own liability policy-could then potentially be on the hook up to a max of an additional 500k.
Title XXIII Chapter 324.021, section (9)(b)2.
Sep 29th, 2014, 12:48 PM
#44
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"What I don't like is when the customer standing next to me pays 1/3 what I pay just because he's from the UK. And he's getting liability insurance thrown in that apparently I'm subsidizing."
Travellers from the UK who rent cars in the US have to pay all the insurances. They do not get cover from credit cards. They pay for CDW, PAI and every insurance going plus tax.
Travellers from the UK who rent cars in the US have to pay all the insurances. They do not get cover from credit cards. They pay for CDW, PAI and every insurance going plus tax.
Oct 1st, 2014, 01:41 PM
#46
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The problem may be with the location at which you rented the car rather than with Avis as a business.
I often rent from Dollar with great satisfaction, but i was disappointed recently when a rented a car in Denver and soon after learned that it had not been properly prepared for rental. The tank was not full (down three gallons) and, after driving about 300 miles the tire pressure monitor lit up. I had to put air in the tires. I called about the defects, but the message wasn't delivered to the office in Dallas. I had to put up a bit of a fuss to get a 10% discount. I would have preferred a properly prepared car.
Since my previous experience with Dollar has been very good, I will continue to rent from them--but not in Denver.
HTtY
I often rent from Dollar with great satisfaction, but i was disappointed recently when a rented a car in Denver and soon after learned that it had not been properly prepared for rental. The tank was not full (down three gallons) and, after driving about 300 miles the tire pressure monitor lit up. I had to put air in the tires. I called about the defects, but the message wasn't delivered to the office in Dallas. I had to put up a bit of a fuss to get a 10% discount. I would have preferred a properly prepared car.
Since my previous experience with Dollar has been very good, I will continue to rent from them--but not in Denver.
HTtY
Oct 1st, 2014, 01:50 PM
#47
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Read the dam* contract. You are responsible. Every time I have declined coverage I check a no box and initial it. The Avis contract is the same. Don't be lazy.
The milk of human kindness does not run through the veins of some of those who post here.
Here is a better plan: I am registered at Dollar, Thrifty, Hertz, and other car rental agencies. They have information about me, my drivers license, my credit card information, and my preferences with regard to insurance. When I book a car, I am not concerned about being presented with a confusing form to sign. The work has been done. I pick up my car, often without even stopping at a desk.
HTtY
PS When I have an experiences such as you had, I consider them part of my post-graduate education.
The milk of human kindness does not run through the veins of some of those who post here.
Here is a better plan: I am registered at Dollar, Thrifty, Hertz, and other car rental agencies. They have information about me, my drivers license, my credit card information, and my preferences with regard to insurance. When I book a car, I am not concerned about being presented with a confusing form to sign. The work has been done. I pick up my car, often without even stopping at a desk.
HTtY
PS When I have an experiences such as you had, I consider them part of my post-graduate education.
Oct 2nd, 2014, 08:29 AM
#48
>
The nastiness to the OP by some posters is kind of weird. It is a little silly to say don't rent from Avis based on one occurrence at one specific location but it hardly calls for the response he or she has received.
The nastiness to the OP by some posters is kind of weird. It is a little silly to say don't rent from Avis based on one occurrence at one specific location but it hardly calls for the response he or she has received.
Oct 2nd, 2014, 10:20 AM
#49
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AvisTeals,
I had another thought. Since you have received no satisfaction from Avis Customer Service, contact your credit card company to dispute the charge. Credit card companies know that car rental companies sometimes confuse customers into purchasing unwanted or unnecessary insurance. It is a major source of additional income for them. Your credit card company may have more compassion for your situation than you received from Avis or from some of those who responded to your post here.
HTtY
I had another thought. Since you have received no satisfaction from Avis Customer Service, contact your credit card company to dispute the charge. Credit card companies know that car rental companies sometimes confuse customers into purchasing unwanted or unnecessary insurance. It is a major source of additional income for them. Your credit card company may have more compassion for your situation than you received from Avis or from some of those who responded to your post here.
HTtY
Oct 2nd, 2014, 04:23 PM
#50
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I love the Seinfeld Episode on Car Rental Issues. One of my all time favorites episodes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T2GmGSNvaM
Sorry for your misfortune AvisTeals. There, someone gave you a little sympathy. It does remind me to read the things I sign. I frequently sign things/contracts without really reading them.
Sorry for your misfortune AvisTeals. There, someone gave you a little sympathy. It does remind me to read the things I sign. I frequently sign things/contracts without really reading them.
Oct 3rd, 2014, 03:42 AM
#51
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If I'm reading this correctly, and if we believe the details, then I'm not sure I understand the caustic comments made toward the OP.
a. The rental agent asked the OP if he wanted extra coverage/services.
b. The OP said no.
c. The rental agent said OK and "sign here" -- and added the extra coverages, against the OP's wishes.
I've had the same experience, but not with Avis, at the Orlando Airport and caught the problem at the counter and had it corrected, but it was clear to me that the rental agent was trying to pull a fast one. And not for a minute do I buy the idea that it was the work of some rogue rental agent; that person was operating under instructions from management. Nor do I think it was "accidental."
So the OP warns us about unethical practices by a business, and the response is (characterizing): "It's your own fault." I disagree. Sure, the OP should have been more careful, but the source of the problem lies in unethical practices by the business.
BTW, OP: Thanks for the warning.
PS: We're going to criticize that the title of the post somehow didn't perfectly describe the situation to our standards? C'mon.
a. The rental agent asked the OP if he wanted extra coverage/services.
b. The OP said no.
c. The rental agent said OK and "sign here" -- and added the extra coverages, against the OP's wishes.
I've had the same experience, but not with Avis, at the Orlando Airport and caught the problem at the counter and had it corrected, but it was clear to me that the rental agent was trying to pull a fast one. And not for a minute do I buy the idea that it was the work of some rogue rental agent; that person was operating under instructions from management. Nor do I think it was "accidental."
So the OP warns us about unethical practices by a business, and the response is (characterizing): "It's your own fault." I disagree. Sure, the OP should have been more careful, but the source of the problem lies in unethical practices by the business.
BTW, OP: Thanks for the warning.
PS: We're going to criticize that the title of the post somehow didn't perfectly describe the situation to our standards? C'mon.
Oct 3rd, 2014, 04:12 AM
#52
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I think you're oversimplifying, a bit Vincenzo. Many of the comments have been about the title and the thrust of the OP, not just the incident.
It's one thing to post about a bad experience and to tell others what to avoid, but to title a thread not to use a major company because you had a problem? Well, frankly I'm a little tired of those posts -- from people who have an axe to grind. I've had a really lousy server in chain restaurants. Should I post for all the world to avoid that chain because of it? Should I post "close your account with Visa" because I had a bad experience with a service rep there"? There's a big difference between posting some HELPFUL advice and simply exlaiming that you should avoid a major company because I had an issue there (which to be perfectly honest) could have been avoided anyway if the poster was a little more diligent -- like comparing his estimate with his contract, or reviewing the contract before he signed.
The most helpful comment appears in the original post in the second paragraph when he says, "... make sure you carefully examine every line of their confusing contracts to ensure they have not snuck in additional charges that you didn't want." That makes for a much better post on a travel website than an overall "Don't rent from Avis" because of single issue. In fact, in my humble opinion, that would have made a very worthwhile post here -- to warn others to check their contracts carefully -- a much better post than simply saying to avoid this company.
And there are some other things too, that make the whole incident hard to swallow. For example "When I found the charges on my credit card bill, Avis refused to correct the mistake because it appears on an obscure line of the contract." I've seen an awful lot of car rental contracts and I'm still trying to figure out where this "obscure line" is that shows the total paid and hides the checked boxes for coverage or rather checked boxes for declining coverage. How is it possible to "hide" the total on some "obscure line" so you don't see it when you sign?
It's one thing to post about a bad experience and to tell others what to avoid, but to title a thread not to use a major company because you had a problem? Well, frankly I'm a little tired of those posts -- from people who have an axe to grind. I've had a really lousy server in chain restaurants. Should I post for all the world to avoid that chain because of it? Should I post "close your account with Visa" because I had a bad experience with a service rep there"? There's a big difference between posting some HELPFUL advice and simply exlaiming that you should avoid a major company because I had an issue there (which to be perfectly honest) could have been avoided anyway if the poster was a little more diligent -- like comparing his estimate with his contract, or reviewing the contract before he signed.
The most helpful comment appears in the original post in the second paragraph when he says, "... make sure you carefully examine every line of their confusing contracts to ensure they have not snuck in additional charges that you didn't want." That makes for a much better post on a travel website than an overall "Don't rent from Avis" because of single issue. In fact, in my humble opinion, that would have made a very worthwhile post here -- to warn others to check their contracts carefully -- a much better post than simply saying to avoid this company.
And there are some other things too, that make the whole incident hard to swallow. For example "When I found the charges on my credit card bill, Avis refused to correct the mistake because it appears on an obscure line of the contract." I've seen an awful lot of car rental contracts and I'm still trying to figure out where this "obscure line" is that shows the total paid and hides the checked boxes for coverage or rather checked boxes for declining coverage. How is it possible to "hide" the total on some "obscure line" so you don't see it when you sign?
Oct 3rd, 2014, 05:30 AM
#53
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>>It's one thing to post about a bad experience and to tell others what to avoid, but to title a thread not to use a major company because you had a problem? Well, frankly I'm a little tired of those posts -- from people who have an axe to grind. I've had a really lousy server in chain restaurants.> "When I found the charges on my credit card bill, Avis refused to correct the mistake because it appears on an obscure line of the contract."
Oct 3rd, 2014, 06:52 AM
#54
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"I appreciate that you think the OP is over-wrought and that the "warning" is of no value to you. From my experience, I see it differently."
What an expert at twisting words! As I said, his WARNING to check contracts carefully is great and would make a great post. But his warning "Don't rent from ____" is something I see differently.
But you say "The company put a charge for the service on there after the customer specifically refused the service. That overrides everything else." But I'd say, unless they added that charge AFTER he signed and walked away, it does NOT override the fact that he still signed a contract without looking at the bottom line which from all accounts included those charges. Sure it's a mistake anyone could make -- but the bottom line which in MY book overrides everything else is the OP's actual words -- to check the contract carefully.
Another issue is that the warning to avoid Avis because they did this would seem to indicate that they are alone in it and that using another company would prevent the problem. Nothing could be further from that suggestion! One will not avoid a potential unwanted charge being added with ANY company, but it IS a good policy to check a contract carefully from ANY company, not just Avis.
What an expert at twisting words! As I said, his WARNING to check contracts carefully is great and would make a great post. But his warning "Don't rent from ____" is something I see differently.
But you say "The company put a charge for the service on there after the customer specifically refused the service. That overrides everything else." But I'd say, unless they added that charge AFTER he signed and walked away, it does NOT override the fact that he still signed a contract without looking at the bottom line which from all accounts included those charges. Sure it's a mistake anyone could make -- but the bottom line which in MY book overrides everything else is the OP's actual words -- to check the contract carefully.
Another issue is that the warning to avoid Avis because they did this would seem to indicate that they are alone in it and that using another company would prevent the problem. Nothing could be further from that suggestion! One will not avoid a potential unwanted charge being added with ANY company, but it IS a good policy to check a contract carefully from ANY company, not just Avis.
Oct 3rd, 2014, 07:11 AM
#56
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Oh, so after I carefully explained which of the two warnings I considered a good one and which was unfounded, I was supposed to ignore the fact that you twisted my words of which warning was the good one to "I appreciate that you think the OP is over-wrought and that the "warning" is of no value to you"? Seriously?
If that's not "twisting words" I sure don't know what is.
But I guess it's actually easier for you to run away as if you've been personally insulted rather than back up or expalin why you think "Don't rent from Avis" is a more helpful warning than "check your contract (with any company) carefully".
And, Vincenzo, unless your personal example of how that company your "friend" worked for acted was indeed Avis, you've actually supplied more support for the idea that it isn't just AVIS which should be avoided to avoid this problem.
You are welcome to support the idea that "Don't rent from Avis" will solve the problem for other travelers. I see the advice of "Check your contract carefully" being far more valuable. As you say, "from my experience,I see it differently".
If that's not "twisting words" I sure don't know what is.
But I guess it's actually easier for you to run away as if you've been personally insulted rather than back up or expalin why you think "Don't rent from Avis" is a more helpful warning than "check your contract (with any company) carefully".
And, Vincenzo, unless your personal example of how that company your "friend" worked for acted was indeed Avis, you've actually supplied more support for the idea that it isn't just AVIS which should be avoided to avoid this problem.
You are welcome to support the idea that "Don't rent from Avis" will solve the problem for other travelers. I see the advice of "Check your contract carefully" being far more valuable. As you say, "from my experience,I see it differently".
Oct 3rd, 2014, 08:31 AM
#57
"well frankly I'm a little tired of those posts".
So what? A hundred people have told you what kind of posts THEY are tired of but you're still posting away, taking threads off on rant-tangents to nowheresville.
So what? A hundred people have told you what kind of posts THEY are tired of but you're still posting away, taking threads off on rant-tangents to nowheresville.
Oct 3rd, 2014, 09:11 AM
#58
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OK, is this where I'm supposed to go off in a huff saying, "How did I know this eventually was going from a discussion to an ad hominem attack?"
I'll assume, Clark, by your tone that you actually support these posts where people register here specifically to complain about a single company after a bad experience? And I guess you also support the idea (that I was trying to refute, but that you consider "nowheresville") that "Don't rent from Avis" is a much more helpful travel comment than "Check your contract carefully". Whatever, Clark.
I'll assume, Clark, by your tone that you actually support these posts where people register here specifically to complain about a single company after a bad experience? And I guess you also support the idea (that I was trying to refute, but that you consider "nowheresville") that "Don't rent from Avis" is a much more helpful travel comment than "Check your contract carefully". Whatever, Clark.
Oct 3rd, 2014, 11:20 AM
#59
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1. I might have chosen a slightly different title for this thread, and I might have omitted the first sentence of the original post. Nevertheless, I appreciate the OP's taking the time to post about his or her experience. I also appreciate the helpful information provided by other commenters, in particular the warnings about car rentals at MCO. I do not appreciate all the nasty unconstructive comments about the OP. I would prefer that the "you deserve to get screwed because you're an idiot" comments be taken over to the YouTube comments section, where the rest of the 12-year-olds hang out and insult each other.
2. Nobody here reads every word of every agreement they sign. Nobody.
3. I'm not a lawyer, but it's my understanding that if a company lies to you about the contents of a contract that you're about to sign, then the parts of the contrast that were the subject of the lie are not enforceable. Of course, proving that the company lied may be difficult or impossible, once you've signed the contract.
4. I recently had a bad car rental experience with Avis in Spain, specifically at the Barcelona Airport. I'm going to hold off on posting about it in detail until the matter has reached its final resolution, because I think that will make my telling of the story more helpful for everyone. For now, I'll say that when I returned home to the U.S. and called Avis about what happened, I was not at all impressed by their desire to handle the issue properly or retain my business.
2. Nobody here reads every word of every agreement they sign. Nobody.
3. I'm not a lawyer, but it's my understanding that if a company lies to you about the contents of a contract that you're about to sign, then the parts of the contrast that were the subject of the lie are not enforceable. Of course, proving that the company lied may be difficult or impossible, once you've signed the contract.
4. I recently had a bad car rental experience with Avis in Spain, specifically at the Barcelona Airport. I'm going to hold off on posting about it in detail until the matter has reached its final resolution, because I think that will make my telling of the story more helpful for everyone. For now, I'll say that when I returned home to the U.S. and called Avis about what happened, I was not at all impressed by their desire to handle the issue properly or retain my business.
