Alamo Rent A Car
Reviews and Complaints

When I was returning the car, a man started to get all my luggage and putting into a cart (I haven't asked him to do so), he told me that he was not part of Alamo and that he works with tips. The way I understand tips, they are not predefined and that guy told me that for less than five dolars he wouldn't even cross the street, after asking him to leave my luggagem in there, he started laughing on my face and making some comments with Alamo's employees like I was stupid and couldn't understand what they are talking about.

I know that they are not Alamo's employee (at least I am assuming he was telling me the truth), but it's extremelly annoying to finish your vacation like that, I will think twice before renting a car on my next travel.

I rented a car through hotwire with Alamo Rental in the West Palm Beach Airport Terminal on April, 26 2017 and hotwire charged me $112 and change for the rental for 5 days. I opted out of all the extras to keep from spending more money so the Alamo rep scanned my card which was a deposit hold for $129 and I was on my way.
Upon returning the car I checked my bank account to find that Alamo had taken my deposit out of my account and the reps are just giving me a lame excuse about my money.

On April 19, 2017 I rented a car at Sanford international airport in Florida. Several days later I was glancing at my contract and noticed the contract was stamped "return empty". Since I did not authorize this charge I called your customer service department to report my concerns. I was told that they could not help me with that issue and I had to deal with it at the local branch. I told them that I did not want to do that and that I wanted to file a complaint during the call. At that point the phone agent hung up on me. Upon returning the car to the airport the Alamo employee who checked me out and asked me if I had any concerns. When I told him about this issue he became defensive and he stated that he didn't do it and it was not his problem. He the told me that If I had any concerns I needed to go talk to the manager.

I have two simple questions for Alamo car rental. Do your agents get commission for selling prepaid gas? Is it required to get the customers authorization for said charges? If the answer to these questions is yes this is tantamount to stealing. There are companies in the news right now that are facing serious fines and negative publicity because of this exact type of predatory behavior.

Alamo is stealing from customers with unauthorized charges. This problem is pervasive and they do not have adequate controls in place to prevent this illegal activity or a willingness to address the issue. Beware!

I rented a car through Kayak for a rental car from Raleigh airport to be retuned at the Greensboro airport 2 days later. I returnedthe car at the agreed day/time and everything seemed normal with the check in. No damage was reported and the rental aggreement was for $131 in total. I later saw that a charge for $697 was applied to my credit card. I called Alamo and they told me the car was returned Sunday (not Saturday) and there was damage to the car. I told them this was incorrect and filed a dispute. They said a customer service person would call me back. It's been 2 days and I have not heard from anyone. I am extremely upset and horrified. I will never use Alamo again. I am in the process of disputing the charges with my credit card company.

Please everybody check the condition of your Alamo Rent A Car, they could charge you for something you did not cause! Alamo at Miami International Airport - MIA is charging me a damage in my rental vehicle that I did not cause. The vehicle provided by Alamo had a dent and they made a express report and forcéd me to sign it, they forced me to sign, accept a damage I did not cause. I have been renting vehicles from alamo from years ago and I never had an issue with any vehicles. As habitual alamo customer I have been witness how employees treat and drive the vehicles along the lot and I am sure, that my rental vehicle has been damaged in the lot by themselves not me. I need to add that, many alamo rental cars, has dents, the interior sometimes is damaged and alamo just let those cars rented again without fix it and in my case charging me.

RA#[protected] April 5, 2017
I picked up our rental car late on April 5, 2017. I got in the car extremely tired it had a bad odor checked out of your lot and on our way down the highway and my daughter tells me this car smell like marijuana. I am not a person who has ever used this stuff so I thought if I rolled the windows down the smell would go away. Not so.. The odor became over whelming and we had a early meeting at Lewis and Clark College (reason for visit). I was totally embarrassed to even get out of the car the odor was so bad and made my clothes smell like this. Not good. I called and told them I wanted to change the car. It was difficult on the phone and finally I said fine I will drive back to the airport after our meeting. I sat in traffic that day for an hour going back to the airport the exchange the car. There were notedsput in the computer I was assured when I got there they could find no notes and I had to explain what was wrong at this time I felt sick to my stomach and had a massive headache and had to use my inhaler because the smell set my asthma off. I even pulled up with the car in the return area and told the gentleman the reason I was bringing the car back I even bought a deodorizer to help and it was so bad that it didn't help at all when the gentleman sat in the car for the millage he was wowed at how bad this car smelled. I have waited to contact you because I was so upset that all I got was sorry no apology for my wasted time and troubles.

Resolution for me would be a complete refund. I was totally embarrassed to even drive and get out of the car at the college, then to have to drive back to exchange the car. No one offered to bring me a different car nor did they offer to refund or have any other thoughts. This not only affected my time there but my health as well.

I would like to thank you in advance for addressing this matter.

v/r
Denise Bosley

I recently rented a car at the SAV airport. The young man apparently mixed up the information on which car he gave me. I was one day from returning the car when I received a call from the rental company. I could not imediately answer the phone, so they left a message. I called back within five minutes. unfortunately they had already called my emergency contact. My daughter, a professional, had to leave a meeting she was in to call us about it. I do not feel this should be their protocol, since I had the car for several days by this time. It was not an emergency or they should have called sooner. I am very displeased and will consider other companies next time.

My husband specifically declined CDW waiver coverage for a compact car rental. When he had reached his final destination, he reviewed his credit card charges and learned Alamo had charged him for the CDW anyways.
The first call to Alamo, who barely spoke English, instructed him to just tell Alamo when he returns the vehicle and they will give him a credit. (OK, now that's stupid). He called back and was given a different number to call. On hold for 20 min, listening to their same useless and redundant recording every 3-5 seconds. It seriously must be a form of water boarding where the customer, tired and frustrated, just gives up and hangs up. We'll, my husband didn't hang up. He kept waiting. And guess what.. they just disconnected the call after waiting that long!
If you've ever rented from Fox Car Rentals, this is just as bad. Ultimately, these companies end up charging about $100/day no matter what you've been quoted or prepaid.

Dear,

I have already made a complaint with Alamo cust help but I just received the issue is solved but in the way that I get nothing. I simply can not accept that due to several reasons.

We have made booking at Rentalcars.com (booking ref [protected]) online while being in Mexico. Once we came to Alamo (Port Everglades downtown) and showed them our booking they sadi that we have eveyrthing includede and I remember that since we were renting 3 cars but only 2 of us have made booking up front. The 3rd one could not get the same offer since at that time we were already in USA and the terms/offer were different.
Once we came back to our country I saw that from my card two amounts was taken (Rentalcars as well as Alamos). Once I hace contacted them and made a complaint they said that this cost is for what we asked extra.

Why would I take extra assistance and insurance if it was already included in our booking?

They have also said that we have asked for car class upgrade which is not true since we have not asked for class upgrade. If they have give/charge us for that if they didn't have cars we have made booking for this is not acceptable. Once I was geting on a parking lot to pick up our car I saw that there was only the one we got and the rest was SUV's so as I said we have not asked for car class upgrade as well as other insurance as they have charged us.
I also remember that one of their high employees was looking at our booking and he said that we have all covered in our booking.

We were charged for getinf full gas tan kand that we can return it empty and regarding this we are not complaining since this was what we have asked for.

I have forgot to mention that we have booked Car Group: Chrysler 200 or similar and to be honest I don't think the car we got Chervolet Malibu is/should be treated as a class upgrade especialy if there was no other car except SUV.

Brgds

I rented a car with Alamo, and it turned out I got stuck in the most recent storm and needed the car for an extra day. They told me in order to keep the care it was going to cost more money than I had paid for the previous two days, (I bought my car through Priceline). Not only did they charge me more for my car but then they went back and charged me for the prior two days I rented the car that I had already paid for. In addition I got the car and the gas was not full, but there was no one to report it to. I am a small business owner, I cannot afford to have unforeseen costs. Upset in New Jersey.
[protected]@yahoo.com
[protected]

I rent a car from long beach international airport in Feb 18, 2017 and returned the car in the different location. I called Alamo ahead of time asking, was there any charge will be if I returned the car to different location, and the Alamo did not provide the clear explanation about charging for returning the car to a different location. I returned the car back to palm spring int airport instead. So when the bills came, it was almost 300$ extra from the rental agreement. So, I tried to return the car back to the long beach airport but the alamo rent a car manager at Palm springs international did not let me return the car back to a long beach airport. So I called the customer service and they gave me the phone number that no one has ever been there to talk with( this is the phone number that they customer service gave it on me ***[protected]***.) When I saw the over charge on the receipt, I tried to return the car back to long beach airport but the Alamo Rent a car at Palm spring international airport did not let me return the car back to long because airport. I called my bank to dispute the charge and I have never given up for this unprofessional Alamo rent a car staffs. The war has been going and I will continue to complain and not given up on this unacceptable over charge from Alamo.

We rented back in December and sent through all the documentation along with other car rentals during that period to the [protected]@alamo as we rented a few vehicles across the US, similar vehicles and rental periods however at Fort Lauderdale we're charged close to triple for the next vehicle up even after we spoke with a customer agent 2 weeks prior asking why the website didn't provide us this option who then stated that it shouldn't be an issue just sort it out on the day, US120 not at $600 per day! The response we received from customer support "We apologize about the delay. After reviewing your rental invoice and notes, the rental location has decided not to provide any additional refund or compensation. If you would like to discuss this matter further, please contact the location directly.

My family and I were leaving the Alamo exit gate, the gate barricade arm came down while we were proceeding to exit. By the barricade arm prematurely coming down this caused damage to on our car on the roof of the car, both doors on the driver side, and popping both of our rear tires with the spikes that are triggered to come out when the barricade arm comes down. There are no signs that say one car at a time or anything like that. However, there are signs that say wrong way, stop, serve tire damage, don’t enter, and warning do not back up severe tire damage. We were not backing up we were exiting, driving forward, and were over the sensor when the barricade arm came down. However, Alamo is claiming no liability and would not even provide us with another car to get home last night as we could not fit in the tow truck. The manager on duty was Andre and the clerk was Susan. Oh I forgot to mention that was the second time we had proceeded through the gate and the first time we had no issue getting out because she held the button. If you are wondering why we had to go in again well I forgot something in the rental so we had to go back. We arrived at Alamo at 6:30 and were not able to leave until after 9pm if I remember correctly. The customer service experience was HORRIBLE and I will never rent another car from Alamo and if I can save someone the heartache of dealing with this this is what I want to do. Spend a little more money and have a great experience.

Furthermore I was told someone would be contacting me regarding this incident and I have yet to here from anyone. At this time I am requesting Alamo to payment my insurance deductible of 250.00.

Thanks,

Shundrika Houston

[protected]

It was a very bad experience, I have rent in alamo for 3 years and this is the first time this happened to me, I reserved a car online for $29.55 for a day and with taxes and all the charges it was $43.74, when I arrived to alamo they told me there was no car available and that they would give me an upgrade but I need to pay all the coverages ( Personal Accident Insurance/Personal Effects Coverage, Collision Damage Waiver, Extended Protection, , Roadside Assistance Protection plus the full tank fuel ) I told her I didn't want all the protection and that I was going to pay for my own fuel, that it was okay, and she told me she can't rent me anything without that, I really really needed to get to Denver as soon as possible so i accept it all, but in 3 years this is the first time this happened to me, after all this from $43, 74 I was supposed to pay I ended paying $102.90 plus whatever they want t charge me for the fuel, I return it with what It was when I rent it ( less than the half), and also when I got to the car it was very dirty, inside and outside, and the fuel was less than the half tank, we were in a hurry because we had to get to Denver, I really want to let you know because this was bad service, I like alamo is one of my favorite car rentals and wit this I got a bad experience I don’t want to have again.
Thanks.

We made our reservation in June 2016 for an Economy Car (Kia Rio or Similar) for our cross country 34-day road trip from LA to Orlando. When we arrived in the US on November 20 excited to start our holiday it was quickly marred by the customer service we received at the Alamo LAX location. We were bullied into upgrading to a larger car and told that both the that Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Extended Protection (EP) were mandatory and that we would not be allowed to rent the car without these 2 extra insurances despite the fact that the rental agreement lists them both as optional. Given the length of our rental these changes resulted in a very large increase in the total cost and the next day we proceeded to call the Alamo customer service line to check if these 2 insurances were in fact mandatory. They were not and we cancelled the EP.

Despite these initial annoyances we decided to just get on with our holiday and enjoy ourselves, which we did until we had to return the car. Given that our rental was 34 days we had to visit an Alamo location to extend the rental after 30 days, which we did, but rather than paying for an additional 4 days we were charged for another 30. We were not aware of this at the time we extended the rental because the woman who served us did not give us an updated bill but rather just reprinted the original rental agreement. In total we were charged $2383.82 for the first 30 days which is correct and $1447.87 for the last 4 days.

I first called on December 28th or 29th to investigate the charges when they came through on my credit card, was explained the overcharge and told that the issue needed to be sent back to the LA location where we rented the car but that is should be resolved within a week and was given the reference #[protected].

I returned home to Australia on January 3 and had had no contact from Alamo for an updated invoice and had not received a refund. I called the customer service line and was rudely told that I should call back during business hours and that he could not help me. Given the time difference, calling during business hours is not as simple as it sounds.

I called back the following day, as close to business hours as possible and was informed that I should allow up to 7 business days for the refund to be processed.

It had been 7 business days without any contact or refund so I again called the customer service line. The woman I spoke to was very friendly and she informed me that the matter had not even been processed to the correct people. She informed me that she will send the matter directly to a manager and it may take 3-5 business days.

I received a refund of $201.90 on January 11th, an amount much smaller than I had expected so I again called the customer service line. After quickly explaining my situation to the first person I was transferred to escalation. The woman was very helpful and informed me that as the refund amount was so high it was still being approved by the pickup location in LA.

On January 17th I called again. This is now my 5th call since I have been home in Australia, 5 international calls which have not been cheap. Again I was transferred to escalation and had to explain my situation again. Again I was told that he would send the issue to his manager and I should allow a few days for a resolution.

At this point I have become incredibly irate over the situation. I have continued to be polite and civil to the people I speak to over the phone as it is not their mistake that I am trying to correct, but it has been over 3 weeks since I returned the car in Orlando and the issue is still not resolved. I have been hand balled from person to person without any progress being made and now feel that the only way my complaint will be resolved and my refund processed is to share it publicly. Additionally, I have been charged by my credit card company for overdraw fees and am very much out of pocket.

I would appreciate that my refund be resolved as quickly as possible.

I rented an economy size vehicle from Alamo in Port of Spain, Trinidad on December 18th 2016. On December 20th, while driving, I heard a sound as if something struck the windshield then saw a small chip in my line of sight. I looked at the damaged area and realized this was not a chip because there was no evidence of sharp edges on the outer or inner surfaces of the glass where the damage exist. After reporting this to Alamo, I was told that I would have to pay and subsequently charged TTD 8400.00 (USD 1250.00) for replacement of the windshield.
I have refused to pay any amount for a defect that occurred with a component on the vehicle while in my possession. Whatever Alamo's policy is regarding issues of this nature and what I am being charged is unacceptable.
Alamo is the only company I rent from on my travels and to be treated in this manner is not appreciated. I am very reluctant to stop my business with you but unless this charge is retracted, I have no other choice but to seek another rental agency.
The vehicle has been returned to Alamo of 21st December. I have no photo of the damage but attached is the invoice handed to me indicating the charges incurred.
Please I would appreciate your assistance and contact with me on this matter and feedback as to the status of this complaint and remedial actions. I am currently in Trinidad on vacation until 2nd January 2017.
Regards,
Stephen Boyd
Email: [protected]@candw.ky
Phone: [protected] (Trinidad) or [protected] (Cayman Islands)

I can't believe the service I have received. First, someone that rented an Alamo hits me. Then I am asked to provide 3 quotes for the damage, (which required me to take time off work to do) only to then have them tell me they were sending their own person out for an estimate which was hundreds of dollars less than the lowest bid. I call and complain and then I am told well there is a 20% non renter responsibility...they HIT ME? Really? So then they say oh we'll take it off and give you the 20% for your claim. Then I get a letter ADDRESSED TO ME that states I owe $1693 for the damage to my car only to then spend 15 minutes on the phone with a condescending person that tells me the letter is a request for payment from the person that hit me. So, why it was addressed to me I couldn't tell you. So I take my car to the repair shop on 11/28/16, on 11/29/16 they email a supplemental request as additional damage has found. Today is December 13, 2016 I have the repair shop calling me because they have received NO RESPONSE from the insurance in regards to the supplemental damages. I am driving around in a crappy rental, can't get the agent Larry Clinton to return my calls! I AM SO ANGRY YOU CAN'T POSSIBLY IMAGINE! On top of everything the customer service with the rental from Enterprise Ontario...sub par at BEST! The car I had started acting up, engine light came on and the rental company that advertises "we'll pick you up" wanted me to take time off work to come back to the agency and exchange the car! Seriously? Eventually Rancho Cucamonga office referred me to roadside assistance. They came out and switched my car 12/8/16 and I left my garage remote in the car! The car was taken to Ontario Enterprise where I called over and over again only to not get my garage door opener back. All I can hope is the incompetent employees are not criminals.

I reserved an "Economy 2 or 4-Door Car Kia Rio or similar" via Travelocity (RES #[protected]). When arrived at the Philadelphia Alamo counter, I was told the car they'd reserved for me did not have an area in the back to store my suitcase. I was offered another car and an upgrade, and was happy with the car, but I had to pay an additional $95.74.

All the agents I encountered were very helpful. My complaint is not about them, but the policy. A refund would be great. In any case, you may want to reconsider this policy, as it felt a bit like a bait and switch.

On 11/6/16, upon arrival to car rental counter where I had prearranged a rental, it was suggested that we prepay for the EZ Pass for toll roads as it would be cheaper than being charged for the tolls and paying Alamo their fees after. We explained that we were heading to Cape Cod and would not be traveling about in Boston. We asked if we would encounter toll roads? The clerk told us there were toll roads all around and that we should pay the $3.95 per day fee and then we would only be charged the toll fees.

So, at the recommendation of the counter clerk, we paid for the EZ Pass ($3.95 x 7 + applicable taxes). These charges were bogus as there were no tolls between Boston Logan airport and Cape Cod. I would like a refund of these fees as I feel that your clerks should know which routes will incur toll fees.

My confirmation #1128344909COUNT
Rental from Nov. 6, 2016 thru Nov. 11, 2016 at 10:30 (she told us this was a 7 day rental).

The manager @ LAX Alamo rental car is not professional and very poor customer service. When I went with my family for a vacation to LA, we reserve an ALAMO rental car and went to rent a car on sep 24th 2016. Actaully I had a status check with my license and I did have only my previous license which is expiring on 2019. She didn't accept it since there was a cut in it after I went for status check and they did issue a new license which I ahvent received it yet. She didn't even given us a chance to speak and explain about things and she did speak to us very rudely. She didn't responded to us and called the next customer where we were very embarassed and left very frustrated. Such a bad experience with that manager lady. I forgot her name otherwise i would have mentioned here.