View Full Version : Beware of additional charge re roadside assistance
robin395
10-07-2010, 07:09
Having booked through this site on a Gold option, which I have previously done on many occasions, I was shocked to be asked by Alamo if I wanted to take roadside assistance. I was informed this was required if the car needed towed for example after an accident, and that it was not now covered by collision damage wavier. They stated it may cost up to $600 to have the car towed if needed and were wanting an additional $130 for the cover. Roger I would appreciate your thoughts on this
I'm sorry to hear about that. I confirm with our package that basic road side assistance is included that would cover towing etc. There are some exclusions as listed on our site here http://www.uscarhire.co.uk/faq-inclusions.aspx#126
Many agents do not include this, but the rep on the desk will have been aware of what was included in our deal.
I'm not sure how well you will get on, but it's certainly worth you contacting Alamo to see if they will agree to refund.
Katys Grandad
10-07-2010, 11:37
Does this situation apply to all the rental companies? I seem to recall that I am only ever asked about breakdown cover when I rent through Alamo.
Yes, this is the same for all our suppliers. We hope to have a system coming up soon with Alamo (in the absence of the kiosks) similar to Direct Road. You pre-register online and at that point are asked if you want extras like road-side assistance and personal insurance. You decline it at that point (so no sales push on arrival). When you get to the desk, your rental agreement is already pre-printed, waiting for you. This will avoid any issues with unnecessary extras being added or mis-sold.
Roger do you have any arrangements in place in Miami airport so we can get through quicker?
Not with Alamo as yet.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Lynnes
Roger do you have any arrangements in place in Miami airport so we can get through quicker?
[/quote]
What about Dollar or Budget
robin395
10-07-2010, 18:15
Roger, I didn't take the cover, so are you telling me within usacarhire, agreement roadside assist is in place for the likes of towing etc, we are still here at present with another 2 weeks left?
florida4sun
10-07-2010, 18:48
Roger is not around all of the time of the forum, email would be better but he did give a link for an explanation above, here is what I found on the link:
<span style="color:red">Is free 24 hour roadside assistance included?
</span id="red">
Free 24 hour roadside assistance is included with all car types. <span style="color:red">There are some exceptions to the cover where you may be expected to pay a call-out fee as follows:
Running out of fuel
Locking yourself out of the car
Windscreen replacement
Tyre Replacement
Key Replacement
Flat Battery
More often than not the rental company will not charge you for call-outs for some of the above, although Alamo and Dollar offer (a non-compulsory) 'Roadside Service Plan' payable on collection of your car at approx $6 per day. Note, you are not required to accept this service if offered, and you can not claim back the fee charged if during your rental you do not use the Service Plan.
</span id="red">
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by robin395
Roger, I didn't take the cover, so are you telling me within usacarhire, agreement roadside assist is in place for the likes of towing etc, we are still here at present with another 2 weeks left?
[/quote]
If your car breaks down then towing is included. If the battery is flat (which they take to mean you left the lights or air-con on etc to flatten the battery, so your fault) then towing would not be included.
If you collected with 24 hours then Alamo should still remove the item if you go back to one of the depots, as they have to allow a 'cooling off' period on any extras taken, whether they mis-sold to you or not.
robin395
12-07-2010, 06:35
Roger, I think it would be worthwhile you contacting Alamo to make sure this does not occur in the future. As you can imagine when picking up the car after a long flight and then trying to be sold additional add ons that you don" t require is not on. Lots of people will take this additional cover after the sales pitch from Alamo staff, which will result in them being out of pocket unnecessarily .
florida4sun
12-07-2010, 14:06
I recently booked a car and it is made very clear that this is an additional optional charge.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by robin395
Roger, I think it would be worthwhile you contacting Alamo to make sure this does not occur in the future. As you can imagine when picking up the car after a long flight and then trying to be sold additional add ons that you don" t require is not on. Lots of people will take this additional cover after the sales pitch from Alamo staff, which will result in them being out of pocket unnecessarily .
[/quote]
We used Alamo in February at MCO and yes it was clearly marked and stated that it was optional and would be charged at the daily rate shown. Yes the sales staff tried to sell me it but they also tried to sell me an upgraded car, Sat Nav and the Sunpass, all of which i declined along with the extra roadside assistance.
We used Dollar in Las Vegas last July and it was pointed out what you did and didn't get with the inclusive option. I actually took the extra that time as we were driving to the Grand Canyon and up to Utah through Zion National Park so for $80 it was worth it.
For Florida though, i would always decline it and be happy with the standard cover.
robin395
13-07-2010, 09:51
I think everyone is missing my point, Alamo staff are misleading renters saying this is something which is no longer included in your cover, yes it is an additional sales pitch but when you have booked with full gold cover only to be told by Alamo staff that a section of this is no longer covered it puts you on the spot. Thankfully I didn't take it and then asked the question on here was I covered, but what about the poor soul who forks out an additional $100 plus not knowing that they are already fully covered.
This is what needs addressed with Alamo.
Whatever Roger says to Alamo or any other company, they will always try & sell you extras, thats there job, however annoying.