Car rental damage claims

[Atash Hagmahani]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2012768289_webtroubleshooter31.html

The "ombudsman" is being a tad deceptive. For a while now there has been a surge in fraudulent car-rental agency damage claims.

I extensively photograph vehicles when I rent them. I also photograph myself cleaning them, and do before/after shots. Problem is that the agency would never sign off on the photos. But having taken the initiative might sway a court if it came to that.

I try to avoid renting vehicles. The tax on cars here runs around 30% or so. No joke.

[Lady Lilya]

We rented a Toyota Camry when we visited here in May for a week.  It cost us about $150 for the whole week, when all was said and done.  I didn't really look at what was the base cost and what was fees or taxes.  I just wanted to know the total.  We had no issues with it. 

[wander]

I have rented several hundred cars, and have never gotten a damage claim from any of them, even when there was actual damage done. I've had a rental stolen, another was broken into once. Every company I've dealt with has tripped over themselves to look the other way and get it take care of. I do belong to several of their renters clubs.

All it takes is 1 protester and an airport, and that company would lose millions of dollars. The rental business is very competitive.

[The Future]

I am going to rent a car next month in the US.  What firms do folk reccomend?  I need to pick it up in Miami and return it neat Fort Myers.

[offdalip]

Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise is also very good

welcome to FL !!!!

[offdalip]

You can p/u right @ MIA

best way to get to ft myers is to take 8th st, ( calle ocho, highway 41, the tamiami trail ) across the everglades
to the first blinking light (gas station) then turn right on CR 29 until you hit I-75 straight to ft myers. done that trip hundreds of times.

good luck w/ Fiona

[The Future]

Thanks for the help.  This will be my first foray into any serious driving in the US so GPS will guide the way.  Fiona will be a direct hit but is a weak one.  Will be great to experience the eye of a storm no matter how small.  Haven't done that since Emily 87.  21 mile eye sat on 21 mile island.  Just like in the movies.

[opsec]

Enterprise has always worked well for me. Never had a problem with them.

[The Future]

Thanks for the help.  This will be my first foray into any serious driving in the US so GPS will guide the way.  Fiona will be a direct hit but is a weak one.  Will be great to experience the eye of a storm no matter how small.  Haven't done that since Emily 87.  21 mile eye sat on 21 mile island.  Just like in the movies.

Update: Fiona's eye will be right on us tommorow morning.  5 miles away from my home.  However she has weakened to barely a tropical storm.  Should bring some much needed rain.