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Elliott Report

Elliott Report

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LEGAL ISSUES

Renter receives $2,212 bill from Thrifty for damage already noted on rental form. Claims company insists on payment despite evidence. Learn how to document rental car condition and dispute false damage charges. PurCo

Thrifty is billing me $2,212 for damaging my rental — but I didn’t do it!

June 14, 2025June 11, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

When Natasha Bird rents a car from Thrifty, she notes damage to the front bumper. So why is she getting a bill for $2,212 for the same damage?

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter
Renter faces $1,800 bill for a "small scratch" on an Enterprise rental car in Germany. Dispute leads to threats. Learn how to document rental car condition and fight false damage claims.

A “small scratch” on my Enterprise rental — and now a $1,800 bill. Do I have to pay?

June 7, 2025June 4, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Eric Weiman rents a car from Enterprise in Germany. He is later accused of damaging the car. When he disputes the charges, Enterprise threatens legal action. Can he get them to drop the claim?

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter
Tourists are increasingly breaking laws and exhibiting poor behavior while on vacation, from cultural faux pas to criminal acts. Experts attribute this to entitlement and post-pandemic recklessness. Learn how to avoid legal trouble and cultural missteps, and why a sincere apology can go a long way.

What’s the worst thing you’ve done on vacation?

June 4, 2025June 1, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Confession time! What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done on vacation?

Categories On Travel
Darrell Eldridge faced a $3,000 charge from Turo for a blown tire during his rental of a 2021 Dodge Durango. Despite providing evidence of poor tire maintenance, Turo initially upheld the charge. Eldridge took detailed photos, proving negligence in tire upkeep by the vehicle owner. After appeals and advocacy intervention, Turo rescinded the charge. This case highlights the importance of thorough documentation, especially of tire condition, when renting from platforms like Turo.

Turo repair problem: Do I have to pay $3,000 for this blown tire?

October 10, 2024September 16, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When a tire on Darrell Eldridge’s Turo rental blew out, he was relieved that he didn’t get into an accident. But his relief soon gave way to rage when Turo sent him a $3,000 bill for damage.

Categories Advocacy
In a quest for better customer service, frustrated travelers like Robert Grunfeld are recording their calls with airlines. While this tactic can yield mixed results, experts suggest alternative strategies, highlighting the complexities of customer service interactions and the evolving legal and ethical considerations in the digital age.

Frustrated travelers start recording customer service phone calls. But does it work?

January 16, 2024January 13, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Oh, the lengths some people will go to get better customer service. Like recording phone calls with a customer service agent. 

Categories On Travel
Erin Mahoney, banned by Airbnb without explanation, faces the opaque world of customer blacklists. Discover how to navigate and resolve such bans in the secretive travel industry, and what happened when she appealed...

Blacklisted by a travel company? Here’s how to avoid it — and what to do if you’re banned

February 5, 2024December 16, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

If you’re banned by a travel company, how do you get unbanned? It’s happening to more people than ever. Here’s what to do.

Categories On Travel
Jeff von Bargen discovered mouse droppings in his vacation rental in San Luis Obispo, California and left the home after a sleepless night. The owner offered to refund part of von Bargen's rental fee in exchange for a five-star review, but von Bargen refused and contacted Vrbo, the vacation rental platform he used to book the property.

Mice in my vacation rental! But why can’t I get a refund?

September 20, 2024February 20, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

What are the policies of the major vacation rental platforms when it comes to mouse infestations? And what should you do if you find a mouse in your vacation rental?

Categories Advocacy

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