CAR RENTAL Archives

Gordon White is 79. Kevin Chang is 24. Both recently tried to rent cars but ran into trouble because of their age.

Should travel companies be allowed to practice age discrimination?

January 22, 2024August 18, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Gordon White is 79. Kevin Chang is 24. Both recently tried to rent cars but ran into trouble because of their age.

Oh, I know, I sound like a broken record by now, but consider what happened to David Balovich when he rented a car through Alamo

Is the car rental industry’s damage claims process fair to travelers?

January 22, 2024August 9, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Always, always, always take pictures of your rental car.

Mark Spritzler gets a surprise bill for $312 after he returns his rental car. Seems his windshield was cracked.

Was I scammed by my car rental company?

September 16, 2024April 27, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Mark Spritzler gets a surprise bill for $312 after he returns his rental car. Seems his windshield was cracked. But he says he didn’t do it — and he’s got proof. Why won’t Thrifty see things his way?

The late model Hyundai Elantra that Joe Gershman rented from Dollar in Charleston, SC, recently looked fine from the outside.

No spare tire in my car rental – do I deserve a credit?

January 22, 2024April 23, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

The late model Hyundai Elantra that Joe Gershman rented from Dollar in Charleston, SC, recently looked fine from the outside.

I rented a car from Hertz in Miami a few months ago. Before returning it, I filled it up with gas. I double-checked the fuel gauge.

Can a car rental company double my rate because I’m not American?

January 22, 2024February 29, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

There’s something funny going on with car rental prices, and Hal Gordon wants answers.

When it comes to airline fees, there’s no shortage of outrage. The mention of the word “ancillary” or “surcharge” draw hundreds of comments.

Why isn’t anyone mad about car rental fee disclosure?

January 22, 2024November 30, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

When it comes to airline fees, there’s no shortage of outrage. The simple mention of the word “ancillary” or “surcharge” in a story is enough to draw hundreds of comments.

With all the stories about questionable damage claims on rental cars, it’s no surprise that Mike would insist on inspecting his vehicle.

Ridiculous or not? Just ignore those dings and dents – your bill is in the mail

January 22, 2024August 17, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

With all the recent stories about questionable damage claims on rental cars, it’s no surprise that motorists like Mike Weaver would insist on inspecting his vehicle before renting it. Or that he expects to note every ding and dent before he drives away.

I leverage this little corner of cyberspace to advocate for travelers who don’t have the clout of an elite-level frequent flier.

Your turn! The other side explains why we’re so wrong

January 22, 2024April 7, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

I’m frequently accused of using this site as a bully pulpit, which is, of course, completely true.

Tim Carpenter thought he had done everything he could to avoid a frivolous damage claim on his rental minivan.

How to win the car rental claim game

January 20, 2024March 31, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Tim Carpenter thought he had done everything he could to avoid a frivolous damage claim on his rental minvan.

I recently returned from a nine-day trip to Cancun, Mexico. I booked a car rental through Hotwire.com, with Europcar for $9.80 a day.

Snared by the Mexican insurance scam

January 19, 2024February 11, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Gordon Houston is offered a $9.80-a-day rate for a rental car in Mexico. But an agent refuses to rent the car to him without insurance, which more than doubles the price of the vehicle. Now neither his agent, nor the rental company, will refund the difference. Is he stuck with the bill?

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