Payless Rental Car Company rental insurance ripoff *EDitor's Comment

I ASSURE YOU AS A TWELVE YEAR VETRAN OF PAYLESS CAR RENTAL FRANCHISEES, THAT THE COMPANY IS FULLY WITHIN ITS RIGHTS TO SECURE PROOF OF INSURANCE COVERAGE FROM A CUSTOMER BEFORE RENTING THEM A VEHICLE.

ALL TOO OFTEN CUSTOMERS ARE UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THEY HAVE THE NECESSARY INSURANCE WHEN IF FACT THEY ONLY CARRY LIABILITY OR THEIR INSURANCE COMPANY EXPLORES EVERY ANGLE POSSIBLE TO GET OUT OF PAYING AN ACCIDENT CLAIM FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER.

I ASK THAT YOU TURN THE TABLES AROUND AND ASK YOURSELF,"WOULD I ALLOW SOMEONE TO TAKE MY $15,000+ VEHICLE PRIOR TO BEING A HUNDRED PERCENT SURE THAT THE INDIVIDUAL IS COMPLETELY COVERED FOR DAMAGES THAT MAY OCCUR TO MY CAR?" IN ADDITION, MOST STATES REQUIRE ANYONE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE TO PRODUCE PROOF OF INSURANCE IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT.

BY ASKING FOR PROOF OF INSURANCE AT THE RENTAL COUNTER, WE ARE INDEED OFFERING A HIGH DEGREE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE.

THE LARGER COMPANIES REALLY DON'T CARE WHETHER OR NOT A CLIENT HAS INSURANCE BECAUSE THEY EMPLOY SUFFICIENT LEGAL STAFF TO GO AFTER THE CONSUMER FOR DAMAGES AFTER THE FACT.

PAYLESS IS A VERY HONEST FRANCHISE OPERATIONS AND IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER MISUNDERSTANDINGS OF POLICY, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO CALL 1-800-PAYLESS. PRICE PLUS SERVICE IS THE PAYLESS WAY!

This employee or former employee misses the point. There is evidence that there is not full disclosure about the insurance policy so that it forces the prospective client to either buy their insurance at usurious rates, or go somewhere else. When dealing with car rental dealers, remember that insurance sales is part of their gravy train, especially if they have especially attractive daily rates.

I have worked for Avis and Alamo Rent A Car and have alot of friends in the car rental industry. The collision waiver is always an option, it should NEVER be forced to purchase by a bossy, aggressive rental agent. If it is forced then perhaps the reservation agent should inform people that proof if insurance is required otherwise LDW must be purchased at the counter.

At Alamo and Avis, it was always offered and suggested, but it was not mandatory. Alot of people have car insurance that will cover a rental, regardless of what the rental agents say. Yes there is down time, etc.. that may not be covered, people just be aware that you are fully responsible for that vehicle, regardless who is at fault, if you do decline the waiver.

If payless is going to force people to purchase the LDW/CDW and not tell them before hand when they make the reservation, that is bad business. I would take my business elsewhere too.