Complain about a product or service

Thrifty Car Rental

Steven of Kaneohe, HI February 16, 2009

Steven of Kaneohe HI (02/16/09)
For the back drop to this story, we arrived at Thrifty (Sea-Tac) at approximately 11:30pm on December 18th. The weather was the worst storm in decades, dumping close to a foot of snow on the ground and then freezing. (verifiable with any news agency) At the time of our arrival temperatures were in the mid-teens. It took close to an hour to get the car and then when we were issued the Chrysler PT, we were unable to find it. I went back into the office, now after midnight and told the clerk. He couldnt find it either and re-issued another PT that he retrieved from the snow covered lot.

The employee then went to an upper parking lot and drove the PT down to the lower lot where it was impossible to inspect the vehicle. The car was covered with approximately six inches of snow and ice with over eight inches of snow on the ground. We removed what snow we could off the hood with our bare hands in the freezing weather as the clerk was short-staffed and unable to assist. [The] company has a responsibility to ensure that the vehicles can be inspected of which failed to do. It was not realistic to expect me or anyone else to grab a snow shovel and shovel around and under the car in temperatures that were in the teens, let alone that it was in darkness. [Their] employee failed to inspect the vehicle before issuing and company failed to provide an environment suitable for inspection.

I also suspect that the previous party to this car failed to have their car inspected adequately upon their return due to the winter storm conditions or that the car was damaged by employee when parked after their departure. With over eight inches of snow on the ground in parking lot, it could easily have occurred. This vehicle was parked in a dry, underground parking lot for most of the period rented as I was trapped in a motel near the Seattle Space Needle for 3 days. As the damages were to the front, under the bumper, it is obvious that the vehicle was damaged most likely in a parking stall with a concrete stop covered with snow. I never parked in such an area during my short rental period.

Thrifty is now demanding 559.12 in damages that were incurred before I rented the vehicle.

Betty of Miami, FL February 12, 2009

Betty of Miami FL (02/12/09)
I was charged a fee of 1650.00 for a car I rented and had an accident on. I provided my insurance and the car who hit me insurance information, police report. I was threatened if I didn't pay I couldn't leave. I was promised the money would be returned in two months I've been battling with them since august 08' and I have not even received a single response. The insurance has paid according to my credit card company and they have also kept my money.

I have been charged finance charges on 1650.00 since august for this charge which was suppose to be a hold not a charge.

Forrest of Ny, NY February 10, 2009

Forrest of Ny NY (02/10/09)
i rented a truck. i had an accident which minor damage was done. thier appraisal totaled 950 dollars. i asked the rep to fax me over the paper work showing me the damages. i explained to him that he cannot send me anymore faxes because its my place of employment and it may fall into the wrong hands. he forwarded the fax number to the legal department of thrifty. they faxed a letter of intent to sue. explainig the reason, how much the suit was for and varios other details. this fax machine is for employment use and as a result, it fell into the wrong hands and i was terminated.can u help me with this matter

i lost my job

Gil of Leander, TX January 27, 2009

Gil of Leander TX (01/27/09)
We rented a car from the Memphic airport and waved their expensive insurance. We drove to a class reunion in Mississippi, and upon our final day the car was broken into. At first, Thrifty said a replacement car would be coming to us from Jackson, which is about 30 minutes away. They later informed us that a wrecker was bringing a car to us from Memphis! This resulted in a long distance towing charge that was frankly not needed!

We submitted our claim promptly with our insurance company, and they had a problem with the big towing bill in light of the fact that a cheaper solution had been declined by Thrifty without just cause. The repairs were paid in full and Thrifty agreed to drop the excessive towing charges as part of the settlement. However, they lied, and are now hounding us for the remaining 721, and have in fact turned it over to collections.

Thrifty has been horrible since day one, and are intent on getting this money regardless. I hope there is a way for the little guy to fight this 800 pond gorilla. One thing for sure is that I'll neve, never rent from these greedy people again, and in my opinion, nobody else should.

Vernon of Stone Mountain, GA January 8, 2009

Vernon of Stone Mountain GA (01/08/09)
I rented a car from Thrifty on 7-26-08 the car was inspected and I started my drive to Midland TX. Approximately 3 hours after exiting I noticed that the brakes started to squeal. Concerned for my safety I pulled over called customer service and explained the situation. Due to my concern about the brakes I explained that I didn't want to further travel with this vehicle. The representative advised that the nearest location wasn't close but would send a dispatch person out with another vehicle.

About 8 hours later the Thrifty agent arrived with another vehicle which was inspected as the other car was swopped and towed away. I am know being charged for 1236.42 for damages that are not my responsibility 130.75 for estimated repairs and 1105.67 for administrative fees and towing. Thrifty's letter doesn't entail what the damages are for I can only assume it was for the brakes.

As a result of Thrifty's lack of compliance with insuring that there vehicles were up to par and maintained, my life was put in jeopardy. I am not responsible and will not be paying. I have witnesses and I signed affidavit.

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