Where is my car? I had a reservation! I'll never rent from Hertz again...blah, blah, blah!
I once got in trouble because a customer asked if I work for Hertz, and I said "NO!" Let's see, I have a Hertz cap, a Hertz jacket, and a Hertz shirt, and even as a walking billboard, people still ask that question. Then you get the people who are ticked off because something went wrong with their car and refuse to give you(the billboard) the key to their car!
You can all relax, I've moved on to better employment. I was actually an exemplary employee, and received many letters of thanks from customers. Most customers are actually unaware of what is going on at The Rental Cars' Counters. It's corporate action at it's best.
Ever notice that when Hertz is out of cars, so are the competitors? Hertz would have to pay another rental company and get a car if you really demanded it, or pay the differtence between it's price and the competitor. This was just my observation. At one time cars sat idle for days. Solution-cut the fleet. The fact that they really have no cars is good for them because that's how they make money!
Do yourself a favor and check your
insurance policy, if it covers rent-a-cars. It may cost a low price and be worth it if you rent often. Remember the price quoted on Hertz insurance is DAILY not the duration of your rental. If you don't have coverage, GET THEIRS! Even the minimum. You may be a great driver, but the other guy is an idiot! If there's damage to the vehicle and you have no insurance, you will see the DARK side!
If anyone other than yourself is going to use the car, tell them. If an unauthorized person uses the cars and has an accident YOU will be liable for all damage. Strange thing is that one year a bunch of SUVs were overturned in accidents and except for once, it was some one who was unauthorized. Just food for thought.
Unlimited mileage does not mean Rent It Here and Drop It There! Unlimited mileage means you return it to the place, or location, where you rented it from. A friend got a bill for over $300!
Keep in mind that the people at the counter are SALESPEOPLE and want to sell you something. They also want to keep you a satisfied customer. A satisfied customer is a returning customer. If you have a complaint about the rental, the bill, or the service, let them know. Ask to speak to the manager on duty(trust me they're there!). Tell them why you are unhappy, and I guarantee you that you will be happy with the outcome. The last thing they want is for you to go one step higher!
But most people are either uncivil, or just leave mad expecting people to read their minds. These points apply to any rental company. We had classes on nothing but to satisfy the customer. As rediculous as it was, I found myself apologizing for the snow storms and frigid temperatures!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Years ago there were crimes against tourists, and it was thought it was due to the rental cars. I don't really want to comment on whether this is true, but I disagree with it.
Regardless here are some tips to stay safe especially here in the US. Make sure you ask for directions if you have never been there before. Make sure you understand them. My first time at LaGuardia, the car checker told me to take 2 lefts and 1 right, to get where I'm going. Long/short-He started from the exit, I thought he meant from the intersection(which was actually the second left!). Far-fetched, but it iseasy to get disoriented and lost.
Stay out of dark areas at night. Stop only at well lit areas, where there are many people. Always have a map. Keep luggage in trunk. I hear some cars have that satellite guidence system, may be worth the extra cost. Don't be affraid to ask if there are places you should avoid at all cost.
Almost forgot...Prices! Hertz is rather reasonable and if you call it's competitors first, Hertz will beat their offer either in price or upgrade. Don't try to fool them because they call their competitors to find out their prices!
Check if you are given a grace period for returns. I believe(but don't quote me) you have 59 minutes. If you return later, you will be charged another day. This gets tricky if you had it for a period(like a weekend rental)and return it on say MONDAY and it's a higher rate than the whole weekend. Make sure you always know what your getting into by asking questions.
ALWAYS RETURN THE CAR FULL OF GAS! Usually the rental gas price(usually posted at the counter) is higher than the regular pump. Although very rarely it is lower. Sometimes a location may run out of gas. This is good for you, because if your car did not have a full tank at the start of your trip, you may get reimbursed at their price on return(IF YOU RETURN WITH MORE GAS THAN THE START OF YOUR TRIP). This too is a rare occurance.
PS:a bit of advice...check the car from top to bottom. The visors, under the seats, in between the console, in the trunk, between the seats, and any nook and cranny you find. You wouldn't believe what I would find!
***Be advised that in some areas Car Rental Agencies can be privately owned, and policies can change. The thing with these agencies are that they are not required to give info, UNLESS THE PROPER QUESTION IS ASKED. Don't be affraid to ask questions, no matter how tough! Being in an embarassing situation later, may cost DEARLY!
****Sometimes in an accident without insurance the contract holder and driver may only be liable for about $200! Questions to ask:
Without insurance what is my monetary liability in an accident?
What if damage to a vehicle is discovered after we exit the lot?
What is your charge and policy on an extra driver?
If you ask, they have to go over every detail of the rental agreement. Yes, they hope you will be discouraged...and find out for yourself!
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I regularly hire cars overseas, I once got into trouble when I hired a car (specifically requesting an autiomatic), when I got into the car and turned the key it shot forward ! It was a manual !!! Thinking I could actually drive it, I attempted it and was doing rather well until I hit a parked car whist trying to find a forward gear ! Bye bye Opel Corsa !
nancymac 27.09.2003 11:57
Interesting stuff! Nancy
mumsymary 20.09.2003 07:29
have wated a couple of times at Tolouse airport to get hire carsfor too longnot enough staff , cars not returned /cleaned on timeits frustrating.
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Record Rent a Car is present in the main spanish airports and has a very wide fleet. We offer: exceptional discounts, free additional drivers,
unlimited mileage... subscribe to our Club Record and take advantage of special offers.
Advantages: Excellent prepaid rates, nice car, helpful staff Disadvantages: Confusion over discount rates, high excess if you don't pay the waiver charge
sue.51 30.12.2004 (31.12.2004)
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Sep 20th, 2003
(Jan 28th, 2004)
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