Alamo car rental - UK
Thread Starter
Alamo car rental - UK
I appreciate this will be (rightly) moved but place it here for a bit of exposure on the most popular forum.
Has anyone had problems with Alamo hard-selling expensive insurance, delaying coming to inspect car at end of hire & subsequent problems with damage allegations etc?
Has anyone had problems with Alamo hard-selling expensive insurance, delaying coming to inspect car at end of hire & subsequent problems with damage allegations etc?
Suave yet Shallow
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: half way between the gutter and the stars.
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Never used them in the UK, used them loads in the US. I've had a variety of experiences with them, got a date with one woman there in Memphis TN, nearly chinned one bloke at Miami, and another in Tampa. But the UK offices...I've no idea.
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: uk
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have used them on numerous occasions in USA over many years and have never had a problem ( other than queueing to get to the desk - but that applies to all car hire companies in USA at busy periods )
I particularly enjoy the trade discount given to airline staff - about 33%, I think.
One tip for UK renters is to pay in UK before leaving - it makes the pick-up in the USA much quicker and usually with a better £/$ exchange rate.
Recommended.
I particularly enjoy the trade discount given to airline staff - about 33%, I think.
One tip for UK renters is to pay in UK before leaving - it makes the pick-up in the USA much quicker and usually with a better £/$ exchange rate.
Recommended.
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Up North
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Funny you should ask. Returned a car to LGW last week, after opening hours so car parked and key dropped in the key drop.
Just got an invoice that included £200 for damage to the car!!
After 3 calls to them explaining there was no damage to the car when I left it and asking what the hell was going on they just said "oh there was some damage to the door but as you have questioned it we will reimburse you the £200."
I was left with the feeling that they were trying it on, bit sad really as I have used them lots in the past and had no problems.
Just got an invoice that included £200 for damage to the car!!
After 3 calls to them explaining there was no damage to the car when I left it and asking what the hell was going on they just said "oh there was some damage to the door but as you have questioned it we will reimburse you the £200."
I was left with the feeling that they were trying it on, bit sad really as I have used them lots in the past and had no problems.
Join Date: May 2003
Location: gatwick
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just a quickie guys about car rental in the US.
I've just booked with Alamo for a two week hire in August.
Will they accept the Uk paper license or do you need a photocard license ? also I don't suppose they will get funny about 3 points for speeding will they ?
I've just booked with Alamo for a two week hire in August.
Will they accept the Uk paper license or do you need a photocard license ? also I don't suppose they will get funny about 3 points for speeding will they ?
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: LTN uk
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Used them many,many times in North America and found them fantastic on every occassion. Have never had a problem, ever. All, and I mean all costs are paid prior to picking up car, unlike many other places in the USA. The cars are always brand new, or nearest to it. Best of all is the airline staff discounts on offer. Had an Open top sporty number in Miami at 60% off normal rate - about 40% in peak season.
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SE UK
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Used Alamo/National at GLA last week, they were crap. Usual upgrade required on CDW to get the excess down from £500 to £500, not quoted on net. They won't accept new UK plastic license without the old paper one which shows endorsements (what's the point of the new one then). Waited nearly an hour for them to produce a car. Next day found that my father-in-law who had shown his license was not covered. Car had 300 miles on clock and an annoying squeak/scream deep down in A/C.
Not recommended.
Sorry, that should read excess from £3500 to £500.
Not recommended.
Sorry, that should read excess from £3500 to £500.
Supercalifragilistic
expialidocious
expialidocious
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Essex, UK
Posts: 588
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
They won't accept new UK plastic license without the old paper one which shows endorsements (what's the point of the new one then).
When you get a new or updated licence it is now in 2 NEW parts, so strictly speaking you need to carry both parts.
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I can confirm you need both bits of new licence, having just had the same problem with Hertz in Ireland. However was very impressed to be given number of DVLC in UK, who after a quick phone call faxed all details to Hertz in Cork within 2 hours and didn't charge anything for it!! (so that's where my tax money is going...)
Thread Starter
Thanks for comments.
Don't get me started about UK DL!
a) It isn't robustly constructed.
b) Why isn't reqd info stored on a magnetic strip with data available to those entitled to have access, e.g. driving convictions available to car hire company through their reader etc. etc?
US renters do not seem to require paper part of UK licence but UK renters do.
Don't get me started about UK DL!
a) It isn't robustly constructed.
b) Why isn't reqd info stored on a magnetic strip with data available to those entitled to have access, e.g. driving convictions available to car hire company through their reader etc. etc?
US renters do not seem to require paper part of UK licence but UK renters do.
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: London, UK
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Interesting stuff.
I rented a car from AVIS and got charged for damage when I returned it -- damage which was conveniently in exactly the same place as the damage they'd already pointed out when I booked the damn thing.
Their claims (all ridiculously unjustified) would have been laughable if they hadn't made me so furious.
The last I heard was that my complaint was being dealt with and that they'd call me back within 21 days. That was eight months ago.
AVIS' entire service from beginning to miserable end was utter sh*te. I won't be going back.
My advice:
- Don't accept a car which is anything less than immaculate.
- If you accept a bent car, take pictures so that they don't shaft you for existing damage.
- Go to Hertz. Good rates, helpful staff. Never had any complaints about their service.
I rented a car from AVIS and got charged for damage when I returned it -- damage which was conveniently in exactly the same place as the damage they'd already pointed out when I booked the damn thing.
Their claims (all ridiculously unjustified) would have been laughable if they hadn't made me so furious.
The last I heard was that my complaint was being dealt with and that they'd call me back within 21 days. That was eight months ago.
AVIS' entire service from beginning to miserable end was utter sh*te. I won't be going back.
My advice:
- Don't accept a car which is anything less than immaculate.
- If you accept a bent car, take pictures so that they don't shaft you for existing damage.
- Go to Hertz. Good rates, helpful staff. Never had any complaints about their service.
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: USA
Posts: 844
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have had nothing but the best to say for Alamo in the USA.
Whenerver I return home my pre arranged car is always ready for me and always with an airline discount.
I have never experienced the extra charges mentioned earlier.
Perhaps in the UK they are trying pass on the blame, probably has happened in the US too.
Whenerver I return home my pre arranged car is always ready for me and always with an airline discount.
I have never experienced the extra charges mentioned earlier.
Perhaps in the UK they are trying pass on the blame, probably has happened in the US too.
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: France, why do you think I have this ouuuutrageous accent?
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have used Alamo once or twice in Milan MXP. Don't remember why, probably because the other desks were too crowded or the ladies had big tits.
Like their name, too. Giddyup
No worse than any other Italian company such as Avis Herz or Europcar. They all manage to add a refueling tax, even if you bring back a full tank.
On the other hand, they don't seem to mind if you bring the car back with a few bruises and scratches...
Like their name, too. Giddyup
No worse than any other Italian company such as Avis Herz or Europcar. They all manage to add a refueling tax, even if you bring back a full tank.
On the other hand, they don't seem to mind if you bring the car back with a few bruises and scratches...
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: USA
Posts: 844
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Forgot to mention that my experience has been at Chas SC and Myrtle beach SC.
Did try to rent one in New York and was transferred to national which I think is a side company of Alamo.
Need less to say it appeared more expensive and I declined on the offer.
I do hold a valid SC drivers license and was required to purchase the extra insurance which amounted to about 7.00 USD per day.
This would not have been needed but since my move to Turkey all policies in the US were cancelled and was required.
If you still have US coverage on your vehicle apparently your own insurance covers the rental an may not be required.
Even though they try to sell you as such.
Check with your insurance company.
Never once have they tried to charge me anything extra.
But you know what they say about never saying never.
Did try to rent one in New York and was transferred to national which I think is a side company of Alamo.
Need less to say it appeared more expensive and I declined on the offer.
I do hold a valid SC drivers license and was required to purchase the extra insurance which amounted to about 7.00 USD per day.
This would not have been needed but since my move to Turkey all policies in the US were cancelled and was required.
If you still have US coverage on your vehicle apparently your own insurance covers the rental an may not be required.
Even though they try to sell you as such.
Check with your insurance company.
Never once have they tried to charge me anything extra.
But you know what they say about never saying never.
niknak
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 2,335
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Slightly off the subject, but the questions has been asked -
the reason that our driving records (endorsements, data etc) is not stored on the plastic strip on the photocard licence, is because under the data protection act it isn't legal.
In turn, this is because the DVLC have not been able to guarantee the security of the information, i.e in the same way that fake credit cards can have data stored on the strip, so can driving licences, consequently the paper part of the licence is required.
It shouldnt be too long before we can use the photocard alone, but I suspect that it will be a combined passport/ID/National Insurance card when it comes about (which I, unlike some neurotics, have no problem with).
the reason that our driving records (endorsements, data etc) is not stored on the plastic strip on the photocard licence, is because under the data protection act it isn't legal.
In turn, this is because the DVLC have not been able to guarantee the security of the information, i.e in the same way that fake credit cards can have data stored on the strip, so can driving licences, consequently the paper part of the licence is required.
It shouldnt be too long before we can use the photocard alone, but I suspect that it will be a combined passport/ID/National Insurance card when it comes about (which I, unlike some neurotics, have no problem with).
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Way North
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I used to work for a regional in the UK and hire cars before and after duty were the norm. I had plenty of oocasions after the hire my company would ring me ( usally some weeks) asking
to explain the damage to the hire car I had caused. Usally
wheel trims scratches and cigerette burns etc.
After explaining I didn't do any of this it was dropped by the
hire company concerned.After this my pre and post flight duties include preflight and post flight of the hire car.
On most occassions i found unrecored damage,.
The hire car companies seemd keen to chrage this to coporate customers in the hope that it would get paid out with no questions.I also took great care on my personal hires and took out the extra no claims discount, as some excesses are now over£500.00, you could reduce this to about £70.00 for £10.00 per day. Well thats my 2p worth
to explain the damage to the hire car I had caused. Usally
wheel trims scratches and cigerette burns etc.
After explaining I didn't do any of this it was dropped by the
hire company concerned.After this my pre and post flight duties include preflight and post flight of the hire car.
On most occassions i found unrecored damage,.
The hire car companies seemd keen to chrage this to coporate customers in the hope that it would get paid out with no questions.I also took great care on my personal hires and took out the extra no claims discount, as some excesses are now over£500.00, you could reduce this to about £70.00 for £10.00 per day. Well thats my 2p worth
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: In "BIG SKY".
Age: 84
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Renting a car in the UK is a pain. I always warn anyone going over to go over the thing with a fine toothcomb as they will always try and catch you for something when you get back. Scratched hub caps is a favorite.This has happened to me almost without fail on several trips a year over the past 15yrs.
Once you stand up to them they seem to back off and I have never had to pay, but they seem to try it every time? That is not just Alamo/National but the others as well.
What about the excess charges such as airport/location fee's? This is the price of doing business and should not be added after the rate is quoted. The UK car rental industry seems to be able to dream up more extra charges than anywhere I have been and I have been around a time or two.
It is time the UK car rental folks got a dose of reality but then with a captive audience they can do what they like.
The alleged full tank on departure is another issue as the first tank of gas gets a lot less mpg that the second. Once more the captive audience is caught as they have just got in after a flight and want to get away, so who is going to stop and fill it up as soon as you leave the airport and would the rental outfit accept the receipt??
Do they do it in the US? Probably, but itis not as blatent as the UK
Once you stand up to them they seem to back off and I have never had to pay, but they seem to try it every time? That is not just Alamo/National but the others as well.
What about the excess charges such as airport/location fee's? This is the price of doing business and should not be added after the rate is quoted. The UK car rental industry seems to be able to dream up more extra charges than anywhere I have been and I have been around a time or two.
It is time the UK car rental folks got a dose of reality but then with a captive audience they can do what they like.
The alleged full tank on departure is another issue as the first tank of gas gets a lot less mpg that the second. Once more the captive audience is caught as they have just got in after a flight and want to get away, so who is going to stop and fill it up as soon as you leave the airport and would the rental outfit accept the receipt??
Do they do it in the US? Probably, but itis not as blatent as the UK
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Canada
Age: 68
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Used Alamo/National in many countries including the US and never had a problem with costs, lines or service....until the last time I rented from them in Houston. I returned the car outside of business hours, followed the procedure exactly as given. Two weeks later I get a phone call at home thousands of kilometres away and in a different country and get asked "How much longer will you be keeping the car?" Explained that it had been returned blah blah blah. "Sorry sir but the car is nowhere to be found and you are responsible until it's logged in." Received my credit card bill a week and a half later and the replacement cost of 1 car had been added! To make a four month ordeal short I worked my way up through various levels of management being assured everytime that it will be sorted out. Finally got through to the president of the company, explained it all to him. He was speechless, put me on hold. Came back 15 minutes later and guaranteed that it was now dealt with. Indeed it was complete with the interest charges of course, a cheque sent to cover all phone calls and much apologizing. Three days later a couriered envelope arrived which included a HANDWRITTEN letter of apology from him again and slips for 6 free 4day rentals anywhere in North America. So what does all this say? A guy named Murphy says that if crap can happen it will. But here was a guy at the top that when finally made aware of a situation took imediate steps to remedy it and make amends. And that is really all you can ask. Oh where was the car? Turns out an employee had stolen it along with two other vehicles.
Last time I hired a car in the UK was from European/(Sixst?) at LHR. They don't appear to be the cheapest until you look at ALL the hidden charges - especially insurance (CDW is often not needed if it's covered by your credit card). They were good, as was the car (Skoda Fabia aka VW Polo). R1jr threw up in the back on the way back to the airport - they were completely unfazed, and there was no charge...
