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Dollar -- Damage Disputes

Dollar Rent A Car •Rate Disputes •Damage Disputes •No Car Available •Surprise Fees/Taxes

Doug of Wellington, FL, writes (8/23/02):
We rented a car, they checked it over before we left with it. When we left we relized the van was filthy; had to clean the inside completly, vacuum, wipe everything down, remove cup holders and clean, removed a bag of garbage that smelled like smoke. We returned the van in better condition.

I had to take time out of my vaction to make the automobile usable for my children to be in. I get a letter three months later stating we damaged the window of the vehicle and we now owe them for the repair along with missing one day out of service. This is a total fabrication and I think a scam to get more money especially if you do not get the insurance. This happened to us once before and we have not rented a car very often.

They should look at their company internally and stop blaming the customers. I want to get to the bottom of this so others do not go through this. I do not owe this money and am not going to pay it. I will seek legal recourse if necessary.

Doug should dispute the charge with his credit card company.

Stephanie of San Francisco (8/7/02):
I rented a car for the weekend in San Francisco using my sister's Visa miles. I waived the additional insurance (I put down my AMEX which usually covers most damage). The site where I picked up the car is underground, like a parking garage. It is very dark with hardly any lights -- except for the place where you return the car. When I got my car, it was hard to inspect it. The only time you could inspect it is if you left the premises, which means going up a ramp which goes right onto street level. (once outside, you're liable for whatever shape the car is in.)

When I returned the car, one of the Dollar employees said I 'damaged' the car. When I looked at it, it was a mere scratch and I said I didn't do it while it was in my possession. I was told to fill out a damage report. I was upset that there was a scratch, and I believe that it was there before I took possession of the car, I just didn't see it in the dim lights of the garage.

Nevertheless, I wrote in my damage report that I felt it was there beforehand. I also believe that the 'damage' would hardly be over $50, and that it wasn't a big deal. However, weeks later, I received a bill for $794.20 which is completely outrageous! Even the black and white pic they sent me to show the damage hardly shows any damage at all.

I think that they are scamming me by using the dimly lit garage so customers can't accurately examine their cars. It is unfair and ridiculous to think they can get away with it.

Like Doug, Stephanie should dispute the charge with American Express.

Juan of San Juan, P.R. (8/4/02):
I rented two 15-passemger buses. One of the buses got a yellow scratch on the right side of the body with a protective pole on the sidewalk at the entrence of Orlandos City Hall parking building. When I returned the bus at the airport a lady that checked me out told me that I will probably have to pay for the damages. I asked her about the insurance that I paid for. She replied that they have to investigate and after that they will communicate the results and they will charge my credit card for the damages.

I refuse to pay anything on that matter because that's why I paid extra for insurance that covers all kinds of responsabilities in case of any accident.

Manuel of Egg Harbor Twp., NJ (4/17/02):
Paid for car rental with American express card which offers car insurance coverage as member benefit. Car was damaged due to someone in parking lot keying it down both sides while we were at the beach. The bill was $1201.99 for repairs. Of that total, all but last $229.16 was paid. This balance I'm told will be paid by American Express if Dollar Rental will send them a copy of the company's "Utilization Log" which shows the loss time incurred totaled $129.16 while the car was being fixed.

American Express says this has been their policy with rental cars for a very long time but Dollar is refusung to send them this document. The other $100.00 is said to be for "Administration" costs which also should be documented. This whole thing occured 1 year ago and I've tried calling each company several times trying to get it resolved. Dollar has said it would accept $129.16 from me and drop the other $100 but I'd just be paying for something I couldn't verify either.

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