minow@decvax.UUCP (Martin Minow) (03/13/84)
On a recent vacation trip to LA, I had my travel agent find a "cheap rent-a-car agency." They booked me with Alamo, who were $20/week cheaper than Avis. I won't rent there again, and recommend you don't either. Unlike all other rental agencies I have dealt with, Alamo doesn't give you a full tank and ask that you return it full -- it gives you a half-tank and charges you $9.20 (in my case) for the privilege. This extra charge wasn't described in any advertisements or rate cards. They have a very hard sell to convince you to accept collision damage waver (at over $6.00 per day) -- claiming that over 25% of all cars rented at LA come back with some damage. They also say that, in case of any damage, they will not deal with your insurance agency, but will get the money from you first, and you can deal with your insurance company later. They also charged me the full daily rate ($19.95) for the two days I had the car over and above the week. (I.e., my charge was $79.95 for the first seven days, and $19.95 per day for two additional days.) Never again. Martin Minow decvax!minow