Beware TRAVEL RENT scam

[flying fish]

When we returned our hire car to Travel rent on Sunday afternoon the rep got out of his van and went straight to the nearside front wheel and pointed out some damage to the wheel and tyre which we obviously knew nothing about. He made a phone call and told me it will cost 90 euros which we paid. When I inspected it it was obvious that it had been like it for some time. They must have known about it but were just waiting to pin it on someone. By the way, when we picked it up it was dark and we wouldn't have seen it anyway........The moral is don't use Travel rent or do a very detailed inspection (with a torch) first

[laserblazer]

I always make a point of photographing the dents when we pick the car up. Like you, it was dark last time and when we got back, the YOR guy did have a close look but was happy. That's one of the reasons I keep with Algarvedriver.

[Gary/Gaynor]

Yep happened to us last year with a company we had used for quite some time can't remember who they were now. It was also dark and we thought we'd checked everything, our car was in garage most of the time but they spotted a small whole in the side light that looked as though it had been there ages. We are going to buy our own car and leave in our garage next year as we were totally pissed with it all. They do themselves no favours these companies :
Gaynor

[snowbirds]

We have been renting from Travelrent for years with no problems at all. In fact two years ago we picked up our car at night in the pouring rain, and the next morning I noticed a very large dent on the driver's side. I called Travelrent, and because we were heading back to the airport to pick up friends a couple of days later, they suggested we exchange the car then. They were very accommodating and I had no difficulty in getting a replacement vehicle. We have always been very happy with their service and have never been overcharged.

[joeysoap]

same as Snowbird. never had a problem with travelrent. yet. Cursory inspection at best when leaving back. But did have a flying fish type encounter with Locauto (opposite Vimar) 3 years ago. Exactly as flying fish experience, the lady went straight to a 'swirl' mark on the bonnet (bonnet dirty with rain and dusty) and stated I was responsible. Back into the office where she informed me I should have taken out excess insurance (I had, but did not inform her of this - I rented of Argus and took their excess insurance, but obviously they did not inform Locauto of this ) She rang her boss who obviously told her to p**s off and very reluctantly she handed me back the credit card impress with a 'you are very lucky' . First and last time for Locauto. One point that confuses me with Travelrent, whenever I am signing the form and the excess is €750 they usually run an x through it. Also this august I was quoted €375 for 17 days. I accepted the €25 toll fee bringing the rental up to €400. A few days later I actually had a look at the rental agreement and on it was 340 +35 +25 = 400, which was slightly puzzling. I have yearly excess but don't know if it would cover the first €90 or not.

[widge]

When we returned our hire car to Travel rent on Sunday afternoon the rep got out of his van and went straight to the nearside front wheel and pointed out some damage to the wheel and tyre which we obviously knew nothing about. He made a phone call and told me it will cost 90 euros which we paid. When I inspected it it was obvious that it had been like it for some time. They must have known about it but were just waiting to pin it on someone. By the way, when we picked it up it was dark and we wouldn't have seen it anyway........The moral is don't use Travel rent or do a very detailed inspection (with a torch) first

Don't understand why you paid up if you didn't do it and it was obvious that the damage had been there for some time?

I used Travelrent once & confessed to the fact that my wife put a scratch on the car. I thought I was insured but it turned out I wasn't cos she hit a gate & not another car. One phone call to the boss & I was €150's poorer. I thought that was cheap so paid up without argument but came away thinking I wouldn't use them again & I haven't. Drive4fun has a better customer service attitude but don't tell everyone or they'll be fully booked when you need a car !

[laserblazer]

I bet the scratch is still there.

[widge]

Me too.

[Lamby]

Hi. As someone else mentioned, I also take photos of the car. Not just any damage but the whole car. Usually several photos including inside and the dashboard showing mileage!! I will normally do this in clear view of any car hire personel displaying the fact that I have taken pictures and hopefully deterring them from "being silly" when I return the car. With a decent camera with flash you can do this even if collecting in the dark.

[flying fish]

I too have used Travelrent many times through ECH, never had a problem, I paid because 90 euros is not the end of the world and they have my credit card deposit anyway. I am of course persuing the matter with ECH.....watch this space. Is it significant that walking from the apartment to the car to drive to the airport, a black cat crossed the path just in front of me?

[steve]

When I was young a black cat crossing your path was seen as a sign of good luck but over the years it seems to have changed to have the exact opposite meaning so who knows.

[Geoff]

joeysoap says :

I have yearly excess but don't know if it would cover the first €90 or not.

Carhireexcess.com certainly don't have any excess, which I use and have found very good.