Never, ever rent a car with your ATM card. If you already knew that and are shaking your head as I type, then you already know where this is going.
Back in July we rented a car to go to Las Vegas. We made our reservations online, everything was smooth. Well until we picked up the car. On the way to work we noticed the car was dirty and smelled. To make matters worse bugs decided to start running around when we got on the freeway, I guess the noise woke them from their peaceful slumber. Totally gross right?
I called the rental place and let them know that their car was dirtier then a box in an alley. I received no trouble and was told to come and trade it in for a new one. Ok, I thought was going to have to get all hood on those folks in order to get a replacement. I was wrong. We went to Vegas, had fun and came home. We dropped the car off as planned and everything was good. They had placed a $250 hold on our account because we were not using a credit card, whatever right? WRONG!!!
They released the hold about 3 days later, and I thought it was a nice experience, aside from the bugs. Well almost 2 WEEKS later, they decided to try and take out $1500 from my bank account. Lucky for them my bank graciously handed over $1000. I was livid to say the least. I called the rental place and they said they had no idea why I was being charged and stated that the charges were coming from the corporate office. So of course I call them, waited patiently on hold for about 45 minutes only to be told that they were not charging me. Ok, I called the bank back gave them that information and they put the money back into my account.
I vowed never to rent a car again, and went on with my life. Well on Oct 1, the bank decided that the rental company provided proof that the charges were legitimate. The proof consisted of nothing more than the invoice we signed when we rented the car that was authorizing them to charge the car for the rental fee and the 250 hold. A total of $338. The best part is that they took the $1000 back out of my account, which really made me so mad.
I called the bank to get more details, which they did not have. So I asked what in the world would make them think that I authorized the amount to be charged, they stated that it was the invoice. I then kindly pointed out that the invoice did not authorize the amount. They then asked me if I had crashed the car, which of course I did not. All of that would not matter anyway since I bought their insurance which stated right on the invoice that they waive their right to collect on ANY damages.
I had to write a lengthy letter and I still have to wait from the bank. I am out $1000 of my precious dollars. So beware and do not rent from Blue Oval rentals they suck balls and are very rude.
Wish me luck resolving this and if you have any tips on how I can possibly get my money back please let me know.
