Arrived in Honolulu yesterday. We were late for our reservation, of course an hour in the Advantage line didn’t help. At the counter, we were told our reasonably priced vehicle was not available because we were late. A similar sized vehicle was available however for TWICE the price. I’ve rented cars all over the world and have arrived unbelievably late for the pick up time and never, ever has a rental agent ever tried to profiteer, price gouge or try a bait and switch style tactic. The agent refused to give us his name, had no business cards and of course there was no manager on duty. Fortunately there are many other options for transportation and we took our business elsewhere. As all in our party will do in the future. Shame on Advantage!
On October 3rd, 2017, I secured a rental car reservation online through Priceline.com (trip # 134-727-682-87 for an estimated total of $194.01.) When we arrived at the counter after our flight on Nov 1st, the office was crowded and we had to wait awhile. When we finally got to the counter the agent, Erick, asked us all of the regular questions about filling it up with gas (did we want to prepay?) and supplemental insurance (we declined). In fact, we declined those offers rather adamantly knowing this is a typical upsale and we have plenty of our own. When we went to pay with our credit card, the terminal was having trouble. We had to use 3-4 different cards before the terminal took one - it was 'acting up' according to them and he kept telling us to try a different one (our credit was not the issue). By then we had about 15 people walk in behind us, and knew we were holding up the line. We were frustrated by the difficult terminal issues, long wait time at the counter and somewhat "rushed.” Erick told me to initial on the terminal and we were good to go. When he printed out the paper contract after the credit card transaction that day, Nov. 1st, I questioned what the total was (because I did not have my glasses on). Erick told me it was $394.01 At that point I told him,"that is incorrect, it should be $194". He told me the extra $200 was for a DEPOSIT which we would get back when we returned the car. Although that seemed unusual to me, I have heard of some rental cars requiring a deposit, so it did not raise any major concerns.
I asked him a second time if I would definitely get my deposit back and he said, "yes, when you bring back the car." We had no issues with the vehicle and returned it at the predetermined time a week later with a full tank of gas. We were slightly pressed for time but ran inside to grab our receipt. I had to surrender our original contract paper for our final receipt. When it printed, I asked the agent the total and he said $453.81. I said "that is completely wrong! Its supposed to be $194.01!" He said "you purchased additional insurance." I said "NO, we absolutely did not!" I asked for the manager who came over but refused to try to resolve the issue at all. He showed us the contract instead and told us to call the 800 number for customer service. It did not ever cross my mind that the agent would intentionally mislead us in order to make a sale. I have rented numerous vehicles this year and have always and will always decline the expensive additional insurance. I have never experienced a problem with them charging us for something we clearly declined at the counter at the time of the rental. I have never had to worry that the agent might intentionally trick us!
The next day, November 8th, I called the Advantage 1-800 number and spoke with "Felix". I told him what had happened, how we were charged for supplemental insurance we had declined and never wanted. Felix told me that we were charged because "you did not show them a copy of our insurance card". Excuse me? The agent never asked us for any insurance card (which we would have gladly presented and had in our possession). This reasoning seemed to be something Felix was making up on the spot! Another excuse to justify charging us for something we did not owe! I asked for a supervisor but he told me there was no one but him to talk to. I have contacted Priceline to let them know what happened with this trip reservation and called Wells Fargo to ask them to dispute the charges. State Farm sent in proof that we had our own insurance and did not need any. I have also contacted the Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission and written 3 reviews. These people are devious, greedy and nonresponsive to customer concerns. They stole $259 from us.
In summary, there are at least 4 things that Advantage rental car did which were evidence of fraudulent and devious business practices: 1. On Nov. 1st, the agent misled me to sign for insurance I CLEARLY verbally declined. It was his job to guide me in the contract process and I trusted he would do that. There were two people at the counter writing up that contract. This agent did not do his job of helping me to sign for the product I chose to purchase (rental car base rate). He took advantage of the fact that I did not have my glasses on! If there was a video or audio tape of our visit, you would see me shaking my head and saying no, absolutely refusing the upsale. I trusted that Erick was having me sign to DECLINE insurance, and I did as HE told me to on the electronic terminal! It makes sense that anyone would initial in the area where the agent told them to, believing he was guiding the customer to sign for what we specified. 2. The same agent told me (twice) before we left on Nov 1st that I was being charged an additional $200 deposit which I would be getting back when I turned the car in. He told me our total credit card charge was $394.01, which included the agreed upon Priceline charge of $194 plus the refundable $200 deposit. So that was a lie? Advantage kept our deposit then charged our credit card a second time again for $59.80? Apparently there never was any "deposit" at all!? We had to surrender our initial receipt to the agent when we returned the car, and we got back one which included charges for insurance. (Why would they not staple them both together!?) 3. I had to sign on the small electronic terminal which was black and gray and had tiny print, as opposed to seeing a paper contract and initialing on that. I signed where the agent and terminal prompted me to sign to decline on a barely legible machine. Usually you do have to sign to refuse additional coverage and so I thought he was doing that. My electronic signature was superimposed onto the contract. According to the contract, what I "initialed” was not the section to decline additional insurance but apparently called a "CD Waiver"? Again, I was misguided by Erick, but also, this wording is deceptive and unclear. A waiver is defined as "the act of intentionally relinquishing or abandoning a known right, claim or privilege." Why would anyone call opting to buy extra insurance a 'waiver' anyway? Exactly what right is a person relinquishing when they opt to purchase additional insurance? It should be the other way around. The term "waiver" generally means "'no thank you, I am opting out, I have my own plan." 4. On Nov. 7th when we turned the car in, we were told our total was $453.81, and although we disputed the amount. we had no choice but to pay it if we were going to make our flight. The manager deferred me to call the 800 number the following day. I spoke to "Felix" who told me I was charged for the additional insurance because I had not presented proof of my own insurance, which they never requested at any time during our initial communication! This was another outright lie. In conclusion, Advantage customer service and agents lied to us twice, misguided us as to where to sign to decline their optional insurance, and the wording on their contract is extremely misleading and deceitful. Besides that I have received little to no help from Customer service. Erick intentionally manipulated us to sign for something we never agreed to and needs to be held responsible for devious theft. They overcharged my credit card by $259 for supplemental insurance we did not choose to purchase at any time.
To resolve this issue I am requesting that Advantage authorize a refund to my credit card in the amount of $259. Erick should pay for it. This company violated our trust (does "no’ not mean no?) and we will never again use them for our frequent travels to San Antonio.
I used Hotwire to reserve a mustang convertible for my trip to Las Vegas. The price on Hotwire was $223 for 3 days which included $27 of "rental car protection" which is basically insurance. When I get to the rental car place in Vegas the woman asks me if I would like to upgrade to a SS Camero for an additional $15 a day. I say ok, she then tells me the insurance I purchased through Hotwire was not valid and I would have to use their insurance and cancel Hotwires insurance. Again I say ok and ask what the total is she prints me out a rental agreement and says $241.70. I return the car 3 days later and find out my original Hotwire price is still on my credit card. When I called Advantage they said that is the total cost of the car $223 plus $241. I couldn't believe how the representative never told me any of that. The prices listed on Hotwire are lies and Advantage takes advantage of the customer by lying to them about these fees. They doubled the price of the car quoted to me, and their customer service couldnt care less.
A day before my reservation I called to cancel my car reservation, as there's a much cheaper option by B***** C** rental, I talked to the representative over the phone and he said there's going to be a $50 cancellation fee, I agreed. Because after the $50, my new reservation would still be cheaper! The guy over the phone said he has cancelled it for me and I should be getting an email within a few hours. Nope, never received one.
Of course on my trip I never bothered to go to Advantage to check because who thought what would go wrong?
I kept waiting for the cancellation email, couple of days passed and still no news. On my last day of my vacation I decided to call them again making sure it was cancelled. What do you know, a different person on the line said there's no sign of this reservation getting cancelled! So I talked to her, told her what happened, she said she'd cancel for me, and then she realized that the credit card on file was expired (my fault I guess?) and so she can't issue a refund for me right away, she'll have to MAIL a check to me, which will arrive in 30 days (snail mail?)
Okay, so I patiently waited, 30 days passed, I've long returned home from my trip, still no sign of check! I called, emailed, called again, turned out no one can help me now.
Apparently Advantage Car Rental was sold to E-Z Car Rental and Advantage can no longer help me and I have to call E-Z directly. When I call E-Z, they tell me I have to call advantage instead. When I put the reservation number into their website to check the status, it still says active, NOT cancelled. (It's now end of February) 2 months have passed and I have no sign of receiving a refund, for a car that I cancelled, never picked up.
Advantage rent a car EZ car rental i rented a car from Advantage Rent a Car located at the Orlando Florida International airport from 12/9-12/13/15. i filled up gas tank on my way to airport to the max capacity to avoid $9 a gallon charges for an empty tank. when i returned vehicle, the girl who checked me in checked tank, i told her(Yarimar Kskez-Castro) that i had just filled it up, she inspected vehicle and said, ok, your good to go. li asked when i would receive my $200, she said within the next few business days. they only refunded me $40 , when i finally got through to customer service, they claimed i bought vehicle back on an empty tank! i explain ed that tank was indeed FULL, she put me on hold for 20 minutes then hung up on me. i haven't been able to get hold of them anymore. I'm so upset, i was totally scammed.
Advantage rent a car Company located at the Orlando Florida International airport , charged my debit card $160. They said it was to fill the empty tank but i filled gas tank to the max right before turning it in. They refuse to refund my money back.
I rented a vehicle from Advantage Rent-A-Car on December 5th, 2015, at the Denver International Airport location. Prior, I had requested a compact car. When I arrived around 11 PM, I was greeted by a Black, female employee. Her demeanor was very rude, to say the least.
Upon completion of the contractual paperwork, I was issued a car located in lot parking spot #315. Although the vehicle was supposed to be a compact Hyundai, it was a mid-sized Chevrolet. The gas tank was only ½ full. When I went back inside and advised the female employee, she stated to me that I could either change vehicles or bring the car back with the gas gauge at ½. I chose the latter.
When I attempted to leave the lot, the male lot attendant at the security gate would not allow me to leave since my contract stated a Hyundai, and not a Chevrolet. I backed up the vehicle and proceeded into the office area. When I walked into the office area, I requested to speak to the manager. Upon hearing this, the female employee became very irate and began screaming and stated the manager was not there. The office manager ran out of his office and to my location.
The office manager (a Hispanic male) offered to give me an upgrade due to the circumstances. He advised me that he would give me a Chevrolet Suburban at the same agreed contractual price ($53.53). He exited the office and drove the vehicle to the side of the office. When he exited the vehicle, he stated to me that the tank was only ¾ full and that I needed to bring it back at ¾.
I, again, attempted to leave the lot and was met by the same male lot attendant. I handed him my contract and vehicle checkout form. I advised him that the tank was only ¾ full. He looked at the gauge and circled the ¾ number on the form. I signed the form and he handed me the yellow and pink copies.
On December 8th, 2015, at approximately 4 PM, I returned the vehicle to Advantage Rent-A-Car. I was greeted by a female, Hispanic employee. She used a hand-held scanner to check the vehicle back in. She showed me a pop-up screen on the scanner which stated that I agreed to bring the vehicle back ½ filled with gasoline. She advised me if that was correct, to press the “OK” button. I advised her that the vehicle was actually just under ¾ full when I picked it up, and I returned it with just over ¾ full. She looked at the gauge and acknowledged that what I had stated was true. She said I would receive an email of the estimated charges of $53.53 in the near future.
While looking at my emails on December 9th, 2015, I viewed an email from Advantage stating they had charged me a total of $131.96. Apparently, in addition to the $53.53, they charged me a refueling fee of $69.67.
I tried to contact the Advantage Rental Car office in Denver but all their voice message boxes were full. I called several times but no one would pick up the phone. I eventually contacted the national customer service line and was connected to Edgar Cruz. He took my information and I emailed him the paper slip that stated the vehicle was 3/4 full. Eventually, I received an email from Advantage stating they were going to credit back my credit card for the fueling fee.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend you stay away from these a*s clowns. Advantage may be a little cheaper than the bigger, rental car chains but the hassle is not worth the discount. It is one of the most unprofessional companies I have ever encountered. The only reason it is not getting a 1 star is because of the Denver manager and the assistance I received from Edgar Cruz. If you have any question regarding the professionalism of this company, just take a look at the other reviews on Yelp.
Advantage Rent A Car Reviews
Arrived in Honolulu yesterday. We were late for our reservation, of course an hour in the Advantage line didn’t help. At the counter, we were told our reasonably priced vehicle was not available because we were late. A similar sized vehicle was available however for TWICE the price. I’ve rented cars all over the world and have arrived unbelievably late for the pick up time and never, ever has a rental agent ever tried to profiteer, price gouge or try a bait and switch style tactic. The agent refused to give us his name, had no business cards and of course there was no manager on duty. Fortunately there are many other options for transportation and we took our business elsewhere. As all in our party will do in the future. Shame on Advantage!
On October 3rd, 2017, I secured a rental car reservation online through Priceline.com (trip # 134-727-682-87 for an estimated total of $194.01.) When we arrived at the counter after our flight on Nov 1st, the office was crowded and we had to wait awhile. When we finally got to the counter the agent, Erick, asked us all of the regular questions about filling it up with gas (did we want to prepay?) and supplemental insurance (we declined). In fact, we declined those offers rather adamantly knowing this is a typical upsale and we have plenty of our own. When we went to pay with our credit card, the terminal was having trouble. We had to use 3-4 different cards before the terminal took one - it was 'acting up' according to them and he kept telling us to try a different one (our credit was not the issue). By then we had about 15 people walk in behind us, and knew we were holding up the line. We were frustrated by the difficult terminal issues, long wait time at the counter and somewhat "rushed.” Erick told me to initial on the terminal and we were good to go. When he printed out the paper contract after the credit card transaction that day, Nov. 1st, I questioned what the total was (because I did not have my glasses on). Erick told me it was $394.01 At that point I told him,"that is incorrect, it should be $194". He told me the extra $200 was for a DEPOSIT which we would get back when we returned the car. Although that seemed unusual to me, I have heard of some rental cars requiring a deposit, so it did not raise any major concerns.
I asked him a second time if I would definitely get my deposit back and he said, "yes, when you bring back the car." We had no issues with the vehicle and returned it at the predetermined time a week later with a full tank of gas. We were slightly pressed for time but ran inside to grab our receipt. I had to surrender our original contract paper for our final receipt. When it printed, I asked the agent the total and he said $453.81. I said "that is completely wrong! Its supposed to be $194.01!" He said "you purchased additional insurance." I said "NO, we absolutely did not!" I asked for the manager who came over but refused to try to resolve the issue at all. He showed us the contract instead and told us to call the 800 number for customer service. It did not ever cross my mind that the agent would intentionally mislead us in order to make a sale. I have rented numerous vehicles this year and have always and will always decline the expensive additional insurance. I have never experienced a problem with them charging us for something we clearly declined at the counter at the time of the rental. I have never had to worry that the agent might intentionally trick us!
The next day, November 8th, I called the Advantage 1-800 number and spoke with "Felix". I told him what had happened, how we were charged for supplemental insurance we had declined and never wanted. Felix told me that we were charged because "you did not show them a copy of our insurance card". Excuse me? The agent never asked us for any insurance card (which we would have gladly presented and had in our possession). This reasoning seemed to be something Felix was making up on the spot! Another excuse to justify charging us for something we did not owe! I asked for a supervisor but he told me there was no one but him to talk to. I have contacted Priceline to let them know what happened with this trip reservation and called Wells Fargo to ask them to dispute the charges. State Farm sent in proof that we had our own insurance and did not need any. I have also contacted the Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission and written 3 reviews. These people are devious, greedy and nonresponsive to customer concerns. They stole $259 from us.
In summary, there are at least 4 things that Advantage rental car did which were evidence of fraudulent and devious business practices: 1. On Nov. 1st, the agent misled me to sign for insurance I CLEARLY verbally declined. It was his job to guide me in the contract process and I trusted he would do that. There were two people at the counter writing up that contract. This agent did not do his job of helping me to sign for the product I chose to purchase (rental car base rate). He took advantage of the fact that I did not have my glasses on! If there was a video or audio tape of our visit, you would see me shaking my head and saying no, absolutely refusing the upsale. I trusted that Erick was having me sign to DECLINE insurance, and I did as HE told me to on the electronic terminal! It makes sense that anyone would initial in the area where the agent told them to, believing he was guiding the customer to sign for what we specified. 2. The same agent told me (twice) before we left on Nov 1st that I was being charged an additional $200 deposit which I would be getting back when I turned the car in. He told me our total credit card charge was $394.01, which included the agreed upon Priceline charge of $194 plus the refundable $200 deposit. So that was a lie? Advantage kept our deposit then charged our credit card a second time again for $59.80? Apparently there never was any "deposit" at all!? We had to surrender our initial receipt to the agent when we returned the car, and we got back one which included charges for insurance. (Why would they not staple them both together!?) 3. I had to sign on the small electronic terminal which was black and gray and had tiny print, as opposed to seeing a paper contract and initialing on that. I signed where the agent and terminal prompted me to sign to decline on a barely legible machine. Usually you do have to sign to refuse additional coverage and so I thought he was doing that. My electronic signature was superimposed onto the contract. According to the contract, what I "initialed” was not the section to decline additional insurance but apparently called a "CD Waiver"? Again, I was misguided by Erick, but also, this wording is deceptive and unclear. A waiver is defined as "the act of intentionally relinquishing or abandoning a known right, claim or privilege." Why would anyone call opting to buy extra insurance a 'waiver' anyway? Exactly what right is a person relinquishing when they opt to purchase additional insurance? It should be the other way around. The term "waiver" generally means "'no thank you, I am opting out, I have my own plan." 4. On Nov. 7th when we turned the car in, we were told our total was $453.81, and although we disputed the amount. we had no choice but to pay it if we were going to make our flight. The manager deferred me to call the 800 number the following day. I spoke to "Felix" who told me I was charged for the additional insurance because I had not presented proof of my own insurance, which they never requested at any time during our initial communication! This was another outright lie. In conclusion, Advantage customer service and agents lied to us twice, misguided us as to where to sign to decline their optional insurance, and the wording on their contract is extremely misleading and deceitful. Besides that I have received little to no help from Customer service. Erick intentionally manipulated us to sign for something we never agreed to and needs to be held responsible for devious theft. They overcharged my credit card by $259 for supplemental insurance we did not choose to purchase at any time.
To resolve this issue I am requesting that Advantage authorize a refund to my credit card in the amount of $259. Erick should pay for it. This company violated our trust (does "no’ not mean no?) and we will never again use them for our frequent travels to San Antonio.
I used Hotwire to reserve a mustang convertible for my trip to Las Vegas. The price on Hotwire was $223 for 3 days which included $27 of "rental car protection" which is basically insurance. When I get to the rental car place in Vegas the woman asks me if I would like to upgrade to a SS Camero for an additional $15 a day. I say ok, she then tells me the insurance I purchased through Hotwire was not valid and I would have to use their insurance and cancel Hotwires insurance. Again I say ok and ask what the total is she prints me out a rental agreement and says $241.70. I return the car 3 days later and find out my original Hotwire price is still on my credit card. When I called Advantage they said that is the total cost of the car $223 plus $241. I couldn't believe how the representative never told me any of that. The prices listed on Hotwire are lies and Advantage takes advantage of the customer by lying to them about these fees. They doubled the price of the car quoted to me, and their customer service couldnt care less.
A day before my reservation I called to cancel my car reservation, as there's a much cheaper option by B***** C** rental, I talked to the representative over the phone and he said there's going to be a $50 cancellation fee, I agreed. Because after the $50, my new reservation would still be cheaper! The guy over the phone said he has cancelled it for me and I should be getting an email within a few hours. Nope, never received one.
Of course on my trip I never bothered to go to Advantage to check because who thought what would go wrong?
I kept waiting for the cancellation email, couple of days passed and still no news. On my last day of my vacation I decided to call them again making sure it was cancelled. What do you know, a different person on the line said there's no sign of this reservation getting cancelled! So I talked to her, told her what happened, she said she'd cancel for me, and then she realized that the credit card on file was expired (my fault I guess?) and so she can't issue a refund for me right away, she'll have to MAIL a check to me, which will arrive in 30 days (snail mail?)
Okay, so I patiently waited, 30 days passed, I've long returned home from my trip, still no sign of check! I called, emailed, called again, turned out no one can help me now.
Apparently Advantage Car Rental was sold to E-Z Car Rental and Advantage can no longer help me and I have to call E-Z directly. When I call E-Z, they tell me I have to call advantage instead. When I put the reservation number into their website to check the status, it still says active, NOT cancelled. (It's now end of February) 2 months have passed and I have no sign of receiving a refund, for a car that I cancelled, never picked up.
Advantage rent a car EZ car rental i rented a car from Advantage Rent a Car located at the Orlando Florida International airport from 12/9-12/13/15. i filled up gas tank on my way to airport to the max capacity to avoid $9 a gallon charges for an empty tank. when i returned vehicle, the girl who checked me in checked tank, i told her(Yarimar Kskez-Castro) that i had just filled it up, she inspected vehicle and said, ok, your good to go. li asked when i would receive my $200, she said within the next few business days. they only refunded me $40 , when i finally got through to customer service, they claimed i bought vehicle back on an empty tank! i explain ed that tank was indeed FULL, she put me on hold for 20 minutes then hung up on me. i haven't been able to get hold of them anymore. I'm so upset, i was totally scammed.
Advantage rent a car Company located at the Orlando Florida International airport , charged my debit card $160. They said it was to fill the empty tank but i filled gas tank to the max right before turning it in. They refuse to refund my money back.
I rented a vehicle from Advantage Rent-A-Car on December 5th, 2015, at the Denver International Airport location. Prior, I had requested a compact car. When I arrived around 11 PM, I was greeted by a Black, female employee. Her demeanor was very rude, to say the least.
Upon completion of the contractual paperwork, I was issued a car located in lot parking spot #315. Although the vehicle was supposed to be a compact Hyundai, it was a mid-sized Chevrolet. The gas tank was only ½ full. When I went back inside and advised the female employee, she stated to me that I could either change vehicles or bring the car back with the gas gauge at ½. I chose the latter.
When I attempted to leave the lot, the male lot attendant at the security gate would not allow me to leave since my contract stated a Hyundai, and not a Chevrolet. I backed up the vehicle and proceeded into the office area. When I walked into the office area, I requested to speak to the manager. Upon hearing this, the female employee became very irate and began screaming and stated the manager was not there. The office manager ran out of his office and to my location.
The office manager (a Hispanic male) offered to give me an upgrade due to the circumstances. He advised me that he would give me a Chevrolet Suburban at the same agreed contractual price ($53.53). He exited the office and drove the vehicle to the side of the office. When he exited the vehicle, he stated to me that the tank was only ¾ full and that I needed to bring it back at ¾.
I, again, attempted to leave the lot and was met by the same male lot attendant. I handed him my contract and vehicle checkout form. I advised him that the tank was only ¾ full. He looked at the gauge and circled the ¾ number on the form. I signed the form and he handed me the yellow and pink copies.
On December 8th, 2015, at approximately 4 PM, I returned the vehicle to Advantage Rent-A-Car. I was greeted by a female, Hispanic employee. She used a hand-held scanner to check the vehicle back in. She showed me a pop-up screen on the scanner which stated that I agreed to bring the vehicle back ½ filled with gasoline. She advised me if that was correct, to press the “OK” button. I advised her that the vehicle was actually just under ¾ full when I picked it up, and I returned it with just over ¾ full. She looked at the gauge and acknowledged that what I had stated was true. She said I would receive an email of the estimated charges of $53.53 in the near future.
While looking at my emails on December 9th, 2015, I viewed an email from Advantage stating they had charged me a total of $131.96. Apparently, in addition to the $53.53, they charged me a refueling fee of $69.67.
I tried to contact the Advantage Rental Car office in Denver but all their voice message boxes were full. I called several times but no one would pick up the phone. I eventually contacted the national customer service line and was connected to Edgar Cruz. He took my information and I emailed him the paper slip that stated the vehicle was 3/4 full. Eventually, I received an email from Advantage stating they were going to credit back my credit card for the fueling fee.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend you stay away from these a*s clowns. Advantage may be a little cheaper than the bigger, rental car chains but the hassle is not worth the discount. It is one of the most unprofessional companies I have ever encountered. The only reason it is not getting a 1 star is because of the Denver manager and the assistance I received from Edgar Cruz. If you have any question regarding the professionalism of this company, just take a look at the other reviews on Yelp.