Katlyn W.

They use predatory tactics to extract money from renters after rentals have been returned. I rented a car from here in May of 2022, and returned it without any damage. I received a claim from them asking for $1459.79 in damages, $385 in "loss of use", and an $150 administration fee. $1993.79 in total. They refused to send me a picture of the supposed damages.

The claims agency they go through was able to provide me a picture of the damage, which was a scratch on the *underside* of the front bumper. (Before dropping the car off, I had run my hand along the underside and did not feel anything there, but did not go through the trouble of lying down on the ground to visually inspect it.) According to them, rather than paint and refinish the scratch, the repair that needed to be done was to replace the entire bumper. When I looked up the shop that had given the estimate, it was one located at the exact same address as Rent A Wreck. Meaning that Rent-A-Wreck themselves were the ones giving the estimate. I asked for more details about how they had come to that number, and a few weeks later, the claims agency came back with a repair cost of only $500 (my deductible for my car insurance). But still the same amount in "loss of use" and the admin fee.

I asked for proof that they had even had the bumper replaced, since the scratch was entirely superficial and not visible unless the car was up on a lift. The claims agency was unable to provide this, but offered to waive the admin fee and reduce the "loss of use" amount as well. (Which makes me think it's possible the car never had its bumper replaced at all, but obviously I don't have proof of that.)

$750 is a very expensive lesson to learn not to rent from this company, and I'm hoping to save someone else the same trouble. If you're already in the same situation as me and finding all these bad reviews just now - don't just pay the full amount, contact the claims management company to get more details. Be polite and understanding - it's not their fault this company has predatory tactics. It may take several months of phone calls, but they may be able to help you out.