It is imperative you receive everything in writing at this Budget-Avis location, including any existing damage to the vehicle offered to you - no matter how slight - or you will get ripped off or, as in my own case, accused of lying.
Last week, I checked out a car from Budget-Avis (on Webster Street), and noticed dimpling (from hail damage) on its hood. The dimpling was so obvious, I assumed the Budget-Avis agent handling my rental, Gina, also saw it... but no, she didn't. Gina must have a vision impairment or is unable to properly do her job, because upon return of the vehicle, Gina accused me of being responsible for hail damage - even though there was not a single occurrence of hail anywhere in Houston or at my destination (or anywhere in between) during the entire duration of my rental period.
I paid for the extra damage coverage before taking the car so the hail damage didn't cost me anything, but as a long time customer, I resent being accused of something I did not do. Gina basically called me out as a liar in front of another customer!
There was a massive hail storm in Houston a couple days prior to my rental, and I am beginning to wonder if maybe this Budget-Avis location waits for customers to purchase full damage insurance on vehicles that sustain prior damage in their lot so they are not penalized by their own insurance carriers. I plan to find out who their carriers are and alert them to possible insurance fraud.
Gina also told me last week my rental was a weekly rate (after I signed my paperwork), and assured me that I could bring the car back a day later than my original return date and I would only be charged for an extra day of insurance. However, Gina informs me today I am technically late and charged me an extra 10 dollar penalty (plus tax). As I already stated, get EVERYTHING in writing from these people. Better yet, record all your interactions with these people on your phone and photograph the vehicle assigned to you because, whether through incompetence or dishonesty, they will try to nickel and dime you. I don't need that - no one does - and I plan severe my 10+ year relationship with this badly-ran business. read more