CAR RENTAL Archives

When it comes to airline fees, there’s no shortage of outrage. The mention of the word “ancillary” or “surcharge” draw hundreds of comments.

Why isn’t anyone mad about car rental fee disclosure?

January 22, 2024November 30, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

When it comes to airline fees, there’s no shortage of outrage. The simple mention of the word “ancillary” or “surcharge” in a story is enough to draw hundreds of comments.

With all the stories about questionable damage claims on rental cars, it’s no surprise that Mike would insist on inspecting his vehicle.

Ridiculous or not? Just ignore those dings and dents – your bill is in the mail

January 22, 2024August 17, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

With all the recent stories about questionable damage claims on rental cars, it’s no surprise that motorists like Mike Weaver would insist on inspecting his vehicle before renting it. Or that he expects to note every ding and dent before he drives away.

I leverage this little corner of cyberspace to advocate for travelers who don’t have the clout of an elite-level frequent flier.

Your turn! The other side explains why we’re so wrong

January 22, 2024April 7, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

I’m frequently accused of using this site as a bully pulpit, which is, of course, completely true.

Tim Carpenter thought he had done everything he could to avoid a frivolous damage claim on his rental minivan.

How to win the car rental claim game

January 20, 2024March 31, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Tim Carpenter thought he had done everything he could to avoid a frivolous damage claim on his rental minvan.

I recently returned from a nine-day trip to Cancun, Mexico. I booked a car rental through Hotwire.com, with Europcar for $9.80 a day.

Snared by the Mexican insurance scam

January 19, 2024February 11, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Gordon Houston is offered a $9.80-a-day rate for a rental car in Mexico. But an agent refuses to rent the car to him without insurance, which more than doubles the price of the vehicle. Now neither his agent, nor the rental company, will refund the difference. Is he stuck with the bill?