Complain about a product or service

Thrifty Car Rental

Thomas of Holbrook MA (10/31/08)
I verbally told the rental agent that I did NOT want their insurance for $21.99 per day and that I had my own insurance. The agent said okay and initial and sign here, here, here and sign here. I assumed I was all set and I continued on to my rental car.

I got back to Boston, MA and received my bill from thrifty car rental and find that the agent had used TRICKERY and went ahead and charged my credit card $21.99 for insurance for ten days! I ask why would the agency(Thrifty car rental) do this to me as I would of declined and saw declined as I had initialred the agreement. I am livid with the Thrifty Agency and I want justice and I feel slighted.

Jim of Kernersville NC (10/24/08)
booked on line for $153 and was given a confirmation #. no one could find my conf. # and the counter rate was to be $280. Their excuse was that I hadn't completed the transaction when booking-never mind that I had a conf. # and rate. NEVER AGAIN.

Jim of Kernersville NC (10/24/08)
booked on line for $153 and was given a confirmation #. At DFW, no one could find my conf. # and the counter rate was to be $280. Their excuse was that I hadn't c9ompleted the transaction when booking-never mind that I had a conf. # and rate. NEVER AGAIN.

Norbert of Gauting OTHER (10/24/08)
On pick-up of a THRIFTY car at Munich Airport on 14.10.2008 a credit card 'reservation voucher' for Euro 1.000 was requested as security for the rented car. On check-out on October 18, 2008 a few miniscule scratches on a door were found that I had never noticed (the car was taken over in darkness). The counter staff made a report and promised to e-mail the result of his investigation. One week has passed without any further message, but a charge of Euro 1.000 was immediately made to my credit card. Communication by fax and e-mail to THRIFTY Germany remain unanswered.

Even if the company claims the scratches should have happened during my rental period, of which I am unaware, withholding such a high unproportinal amount from me is unacceptable and unethical to say the least. Due to this unjustified charge my credit card has reached its limit.

Tina of Murrells Inlet SC (10/09/08)
We had a death in the family and had to fly to Boston,Ma. We called in advance and spoke to Susan and she quoted us $285.99. We asked if that included taxes everything and she said yes. So we agreed and recieved a confirmation #. We arrive at the Thrifty and was told that I had to have the insurance beacuse of the loss of use clause. I told them that my car insurance covers all of that loss of use as well as med...liab and so on. I told them I have full coverage.I was charged a total of $500.66!!! The rental was for October 2 until October 8th. When we called the rental Co back on Oct.9th we told them what was going on and them they left us on hold for 42 minutes and then hung up on us.

I was overcharged by a total of $214.01.

Emerson of Snow Hill NC (09/05/08)
I distinctly told the representative that I did not want the additional insurance and they put in in the contract anyway. I was in such a hurry, that I did not detect it until I was re-embersed by my organization. So now I am in the hole for about 200 dollars. Never rent from them.

Bobbie of Richmond VA (08/12/08)
Stay away from these people. Do not ever get a car with Thrifty! This is the worst service I have ever had. I called on Sat. to reserve a car. I explained that I was renting a car because my car was needing repair and that I did not know how long the repair would take. The customer service rep did NOT explain that if I did turned the car in eariler I would have to pay an early return fee. When I got to the airport I found out that if i returned the car early there would be a $15 fee.

I then told the clerk I did not think this was fair since the reservations person had not mentioned this. She then stated that she was telling me now and that it was on the contact. This hardly was helpful then since I had already gone to the airport to get the rental car. She became rude and I did not appreciate her attitude.

This was a horrible experience. I also think this is fraud because NO ONE told me at the time of the reservation that the early return of the car would require an extra fee.

N. of Ventura CA (07/06/08)
When I pulled into the Thrifty Gas Station near my home on the 4th of July, the gas station was quite busy. Unfortunately, it didn't occur to me that this was completely overwhelming for the cashier. I paid her $30.00 cash for gas on #8. When I went back to pump #8, it had not been reset to zero, it still said $29.60 from the previous customer. After a few minutes I had to go back in the store to ask her to reset it.

After it was reset to zero, I put the nozzle in the gas tank and proceeded to pump 46 cents of gas, at which amount the pump shut off. When I again went inside to ask her to reset it, there were several people waiting in line and the cashier was clearly overwhelmed. She insisted that I had pumped the $29.60.

She would not give me the $30 gas that I had paid for, and she would not give me my money back. She gave me the receipt for the previous customer's $29.60 purchase, and later I asked for the receipt for MY 40 cent (it actually pumped 46 cents) purchase. I tried calling the police department and was told it was a civil matter. I was told by the cashier (Pamela?) that I would have to speak to the manager, Darrell Gossett. Whenever he happens to BE there? I have been buying gas for many, many years, and this is the first time a gas station has STOLEN my money!

I was unable to buy gas. Or food. That $30 was all the money I had. I am very poor and on a fixed Social Security Disability income. I have to choose between food or gas. This incident has raised my blood pressure so much it could give someone a heart attack or stroke.

Michael of Pierson FL (06/26/08)
I rented a vehicle from Thrifty at the airport on 6/11 returning on 6/13. I had reserved the vehicle online at Thrifty's website and was told the cost would be around $131.00. The total cost actually was $279.84. The additional charges were Loss Damage Waiver for 2 days at $18.95 a day. I was lead to believe that this was the charge to decline insurance coverage and that I had to take this. I have since found out I did not have to take this coverage.

I called Thrifty and they took that charge off. My big concern is that I was charged tax on the total amount of the bill including the pre paid gas. The tax was already paid on the gas why should they be charging it again. Also should they be charging tax on the 6% RI rental car charge and other service charges.

When I called thrifty they did agree to remove the loss damage waiver charge but insisted the other charges should be taxed and refused to remove them.

Janice of Sanger CA (06/20/08)
After comparing rental car prices for our upcoming vacation in Florida I found Thrifty to have the best rates so reserved a car for the date of 6-9-08 and to return on 6-14-08. My quote online was 163.10. When we arrived we got our Pt Cruiser at 166.68. We did not get anything but base car because we have insurance that covers us in a rental so we declined that and brought our own gps. We returned the car fully gased up an hour and a half before it was due. There was a guy with a ticker tape machine that clicked out a small receipt upon returning.

We got on our bus to the airport and I noticed that the charges were very confusing and did not make sense and a final charge of $470.44. I knew that could not be right since I had my copy of original charges with my initials on the quote of 166.00. I received my American Express bill with the charge of $470.44. I was MAD! I immediately contacted DTG Operations DBA Thrifty Car Rental and spoke with Janiece who was at first as lost as anyone could be concerning these charges. Finally after asking for a supervisor she came back with giving a credit of $259.76. After hanging somewhat satisfied I realized I was still out $44.00.

I then contacted them again and they said they cannot refund more than that because they have to see what the taxes...fees...etc. was going to be which would eventually...might be...credited also. At that point I said thank you and hung up. I then called American Express and opened a dispute for the $303.76 overcharge since I will not wait to see if I am credited or not. I will not deal with this unscrupoulous company again!

Overcharged $303.76 on my credit card.

Jefferson of San Francisco CA (04/25/08)
I have been renting a car, in monthly basis on Thifty Car Rental, I did not even bother to contact another company(even thou i was paying a lot a compact car), because, that was the first place i walked in and this gentleman called Dixon attend us very well. On the fourth renovation of the contract, my wife went there to contact Dixon for another month of rent, upon arrival, she requests Dixon to keep this same car for another month. Unfortunately, she met this very arrogant, non-professional lady called Valerie,General Manager of that Trifty branch on Mason and O'ffarel Streets in San Francisco. This lady, who call herself a Manager, treated my wife like a nobody, disrespected her and screamed over this guy Dixon(who has been doing great business for the company), saying this car could not be rented anymore, because of oil changes.

Dixon ment to say something and she screams Clear and Loud : SHUT YOUR MOUTH NOW, in front of the costumers, in the midle of the store. My wife, not used to these kinds of situatons, tried to say to Mrs.Williams that she was a frequent client,why was she doing that, Mrs, Williams was rude and said she could not rent the same car or model and that's it. My wife, took the option they have given her and left the store.

I have arrived today from a business trip and my wife told me about what happened, I imediately returned the car and went to another company for another rental. Bottom of line,I have a company myself, I am an employer, I treat my staff with dignity and I don't think a costumer(such my Wife) nor an employee(such Dixon) deserves that kind of treatment. Above all, I believe that most of staff from Trifty are working hard to rise the Flag of their company, and a person such Valerie does not deserve to be in the place she is. I am a very busy person, my wife is an Attorney, we have lots of more important matters to take care of,however, we tought was right to inform this situation, a company name could be harmed hiring people like this lady. Thank you so much for hearing our complaint, I am sure you're one of the persons that likes things fair and right. Best Regards.

Trifty must be advised

J of Alpharetta GA (04/12/08)
rented a car on breezenet for 11.44 a day. When I arrived the counter person said that he could give me the GPS unit for the car. I found out that it was 10.99 aday and said no thanks only to be told that he could not change it since he had already printed the rental agreement.

Before leaving the site I asked if I needed to extend the rental it would be a problem and was told no - just call and let us know. So on 4/11/08 I called and was speaking with a person in the phillipines who told me that there was a 10.99 per day late fee in addition to the daily rate for the extention. When I pointed out that there was a paragraph printed on the contract I signed that said that the late fee applied if the car was returned after 4/12/2008 1900. the call was disconnected.... Called back and spoke with Cali who seemed to be pretty nice bugt started with the same you will have an additonal fee speach. After a few moments she said she would get the late charge waived but wanted me to know since the car was due for a routine maintance she could not extend the agreement..

Seems as Thrifty doesnt want to acknowledge the contracts they use

Eric of Millington NJ (08/31/07)
On 8/12/07 I arrived at Manzanillo airport in Mexico, the Thrifty agent told me that the Orbitz rate of $71.98, under which I have reserved the car through Orbitz was wrong, it should have been $201. Left with no real choice at that airport, I agreed to the increase and signed the rental contract.

I picked up a Dodge Stratus with 54,000 Km, it had a loud, clearly audible rumbling noise emanating from the front ends, and it felt excessively spongy and lethargic when it bounced over the many speed bumps on the road in Manzanillo; a strong indication that the shocks and struts were in very poor condition. Also the back seats were broken and sunk in when sat on. Nevertheless, given that it was Mexico, I assumed that it was nothing out of the ordinary to have a rental car in poor condition and high mileage. Besides, the 45 minutes drive between the airport and my hotel made me decided to just stick with it.

During the 7 days, from time to time, the car's lower right front panel would come unattached, I would just push it back in, to its mounting clips on upper panel, until it came off and just hanging loose again.

At the end of my trip on 8/20/07, I drove it back to the airport, the AC stopped working, and a black rubber flap about a foot square came off the hanging lower front panel, flapping in the wind and against the right front tire. Anyway, I was able to make it back to the airport and returned the car.

After checking the car upon my report of the problems, the Thrifty manager told me that the oil pump was leaking oil because, she determined, that I must have run over something. She also mentioned dirty muddy water (which was from the rain in the previous several days and the muddy sections of some roads) -- and I will be responsible for the repair cost. I told her that since I was not offered to inspect the oil pump prior to renting, there was no way for me to know what was the condition of the oil pump, for all I know, the car could very well had an oil leak long before I picked up the car, therefore I would not pay for it. She had since charged $1,425.23 on my credit card which I have filed a dispute with my credit card company.

So there you have it -- Thrifty at Manzanillo airport used deceptive, low rates at Orbitz to lure renters, then charged the higher, normal rate once they showed up. Provided a beat-up junk that had numerous pre-existing mechanical problems through years of traveling the bumpy roads of Manzanillo. And, if something goes wrong as hoped and expected, then charge the renter for the repair costs. Sounds like a classical third world fraud to cheat the tourists.

They charged me $1425.23 on my credit card which I'm disputing.

Jimmy of Gainesville GA (06/21/07)
We booked a car rental on Travelocity for Cancun Mexico for a week for a $95 quoted rate. When we got to Cancun we were told the rate would increase by $11 per day or $77 for the week. We disputed the charge there but had to take the car since it was late in the afteroon. It took forever for the car to be given to us (probably as retallation for our dispute). Our charge ended up at $206 (over two times the amount quoted). Thrifty car rental has been totally unconcerned, and refuse to discuss any credit.

They blame Travelocity and Travelocity blames Thrift. I've appealed to my credit card and disputed the charges.

We were overcharged over $100 above the quoted rate. We had to wait over an hour and a half to get the car. It was poor service, we were embarassed before a crowd and forced to do something and felt blackmailed because we had to take the car on their terms or find another and at the date of pickup was above what we were willing to pay.

Ruxandra of Wilmington NC (11/20/06)
WARNING: renting with Thrifty for a trip abroad is like renting with a foreign company, as Thrifty does NOT assume responsibility for any dispute you might have with the foreign franchise.

For a trip to Romania in June 2006, we made a two week reservation with Thrifty for an Opel Zafira from the USA, for the amount of $1,497.94. We were looking for a minivan with seven seats, and we were not familiar with the Opel Zafira car make. So we called Thrifty and made the reservation by phone, and we were assured that this minivan? will fit seven people and luggage.

We went to the Thrifty counter in Romania, at the Bucharest Otopeni airport, and once again asked about the car size, only to receive the same response. Big mistake not to check the car before signing the contract and giving away the credit card information!! We had the very unpleasant surprise to find that the minivan? was more like a station wagon, with 5+2 seats, if you pulled out the two small seats in the luggage area, there was aboslutiley no room left for any luggage at all. So we went back to the counter, returned the contract, and refused to rent, as they could not offer any larger minivan.

So WE NEVER RENTED THE RESERVED CAR from Thrifty. We were misinformed TWICE by Thrifty about the size of the car. The Thrifty counter employee told us we would see a refund within days. Thriftys misleading manner about the car size has caused us great inconvenience, as we found ourselves at the Romanian airport after a long flight, with three small children and two elderly parents. We had to pay for two taxis to take us to the first destination, then look for another car to meet our needs.

Upon our return from Romania, there was no refund to our credit card. We called Thrifty multiple times, and although the American Thrifty employees tell us that we are entitled to a full refund, the case opened at the end of June was never resolved. We opened a dispute case with the credit card company, but that has not helped either until the time I am filling out this complaint. Once again, they sent us the copy of the contract and credit card receipt as mailed by the Romanian Thrifty franchise.

credit card charge of $1,497.94 without receiving any service at all from Thrifty.

Rick of Chicago (9/10/04):
I rented a car at thrifty at Orlando Int'l airport 8-31-04. When Hurricane Francis was approaching, airports were shut down. Since I had nowhere to ride out the hurricane and no way to fly back, I had to drive my rental car to Chicago. I called Thrifty to let them know and they clearly did not want to help me. But I got permission from someone named "Cameron" (sp?) who said I would be charged an extra $200 to drop the car off in another city. I told them they were taking advantage of me during a natural disaster, but I had no choice.

Now I find out they charged my card over $400 extra beyond the original amount. Probably would have gone further if my credit limit would have allowed. There was no one at the Chicago drop off so I had to leave the and put keys in a drop box. I haven't been able to get a receipt yet.

Thrifty took advantage of me during a Hurricane and cost me an extra $400 - even though I returned the car in perfect condition and 2 days early.

Albert of New Castle PA writes (8/6/01):
After booking a package vacation with Expedia.com, I went to their car rental site and rented a car with Thrifty Car Rental for the same dates as the package. The price quoted by Expedia was $74.99 plus fees (no problem).

When the confirmation came via email the price had gone to over $160.00. I phoned the 800 number for Thrifty and they made the adjustment. When we arrived at the airport we found that Thrifty had no facility at the airport but instead we had to catch their bus to an off-site facility. When we got there they did everything to upsell us to a much more expensive package and ended up charging us an additional $30.00. I'm not sure what for?!

When we returned the car it was extremely difficult to return it and our schedule required us to be at the airport for our flight. (We arrived in plenty of time to catch our flight, luckily). We finally just left the car and went to the airport and haven't heard from them since. They have our credit card number if there was any problem (which there was not).

We used the car little and there was no damage whatsoever. It was such an ordeal using Thrifty that I would not recommend them to anyone. Better to pay an extra $100.00 up front than to get it stuck on the back end with no service to speak of. Finding their facility was a ridiculous hassle. Dealing with them was a ridiculous hassle. Why bother?

Michele of Cleveland (8/8/01):
On May 15, 2001 a charge of $783.04 was posted to my credit card account from Thrifty car rental. This charge was posted WITHOUT my knowledge or consent. Thrifty stated that the charge was for damages to the car. I rented from the Lewis drive Thrifty on a monthly basis for over a year.

On the last Volvo that I received, the latch which holds the plastic bumper, located under the car, broke. They took the position that I was liable for this damage when in fact this was a defect on the car. There was no accident and the damage was in no way casued by me. Marie stated to me that I should not worry about this, they would return the car to the office in DC and we will go from there.

I stated to Marie and Frank that they are not to charge my credit card for any other fee except for the may rental charge. They agreed. It took over 2 months for Thrifty to provide the paperwork to my credit card company to back the charges in which I never authorized. Yesterday, I spoke to a Volvo dealer in Richmond and they stated that this latch would have been covered under the original dealer warranty. Instead, Thrifty took the car to EAST COAST COLLISION, 5320 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, Va 22304 which assessed the following charges: $344.04 for parts, 144.00 for labor, $102.00 for paint labor and $57.60 for paint supplies for a total of $663.04.

East Coast Collision needs to be investigated also due to the following reasons: the car was still under dealer warranty, a new bumper, painted, costs $224.00 (info obtained from Volvo dealer) and they stated to me on the phone that the labor would be no more then $100.00. So, even if it is not their duty to mention the dealer warranty, why was the bill $663.04 and not $334.00? Thrifty had no authorization to assess my credit card for these charges without contacting me first.

Kathleen of Woodbridge VA (7/28/00):
On July 1, 2000 I rented a car from Thifty Car Rental for seven days. On July 8, 2000 I contacted Thrifty to inform them I would be returning late and would not be back until July 9, 2000 and to please extend my rental agreement for one day, to which they agreed.

Upon returning the vehicle on July 9, 2000 my daughter who was driving the vehicle was involved in a car accident. The police were there at the scene and contacted Thrifty Car Rentals, this was about 8:30am in the morning and the car did not have to be back until 9:00 am. Since no one was hurt, we handed the keys to the police officer who stated he would wait for the tow truck and Thrifty Car Rental informed him to inform us that we need to go to a Thrifty Car Rental office to fill out an accident report. I filled out the accident report that morning at the Woodbridge Thrifty Car Rental.

On July 27, 2000 I contacted Capital One and to my dismay they charged me for the week which I agreed to but also an additional $99.00, when the price for the additional day was to only be $49.65. When they overcharged me for whatever reason, this caused my credit card to be over the limit causing me to have additional fees.

I spoke with Sonia of Thifty Car Rental, who informed me that she would reimburse me for the overcharge plus the additional fee of $25.00 on my credit card. All that I needed to do was send a copy of the fee charged to my account. I did this all on the 27th of July 2000. Ms. Begg returned an e-mail stating that she was not going to reimburse the fee because she felt that I would have been over the limit anyway. I do differ with her and I spoke to Capitol One over this and they also stated to me that if the Thrifty Car Rental would have never charged the $99.00 but $49.65 like they were supposed to none of this would have ever happened. Also no one has ever informed me what those additional charges were for or why I got charged.

I do plan to dispute this charge with my credit card agency and if need be I will take Thifty Car Rental to Small Claims Court.

Well ... ummm ... it seems likely that the car, which after all was wrecked, probably didn't get towed back by 9 a.m., when it was due. So maybe the extra levy is a late charge? Also, we hate to bring this up but presumably the car was damaged? Seems like there might be an extra charge for that as well.

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