Missed pickup for postpaid rental still charged
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Independent
Posts: 461
Missed pickup for postpaid rental still charged
Just a warning that if you miss your postpaid pickup you might still get charged. I'm PC and missed a pickup without cancelling. After the time of the original reservation return, I noticed that I'd both been charged and issued a receipt. When I called to complain they made me email them evidence that I hadn't rented it, perhaps because they'd flipped a single (middle) digit on the odometer and recorded a very round number of miles. TBD on how long it takes to get a refund.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Independent
Posts: 461
#4
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: UA MM Gold, AA Gold, HHonors Gold, Marriott Gold, WN CP AList
Posts: 293
Just a warning that if you miss your postpaid pickup you might still get charged. I'm PC and missed a pickup without cancelling. After the time of the original reservation return, I noticed that I'd both been charged and issued a receipt. When I called to complain they made me email them evidence that I hadn't rented it, perhaps because they'd flipped a single (middle) digit on the odometer and recorded a very round number of miles. TBD on how long it takes to get a refund.
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Independent
Posts: 461
It also happened to me recently that they "pre-checked-out" my car, and it wasn't even there for me upon arrival. Where was it? Who knows! Glad I went to pick it up so there was evidence of me having another vehicle.
I wonder if we can submit a complaint to the FTC.
#6
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,620
I had no problems with cancelling post paid after pickup time has past (no RA created).
If you select a car in app, a RA will be created. That is when you have to reach out to the station to be explain you didnt pick up to void it out.
If you select a car in app, a RA will be created. That is when you have to reach out to the station to be explain you didnt pick up to void it out.
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Independent
Posts: 461
Sadly in both instances an RA was created without me selecting a car. In the most recent instance, the RA was created at precisely the pickup time while I was still in the air.
#9
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,620
i would dispute with credit card if Avis turns this into a hassle. It is Avis responsibility to verify the car didnt leave the lot by pulling their security recordings.
The two times I did play around in the app and selected a car resulted in a RA but I was able to call the station and tell them in no uncertain terms I was not even on the premises. They voided out without issue.
#10
Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,025
While I agree that this is a pathetic business practice, one must fully think through a charge-back against rental companies. There have been reports of car companies placing customers on DNR lists if a charge-back is filed (even if the renter is fully in the right).
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Independent
Posts: 461
Wow. This is a stupid practice.
i would dispute with credit card if Avis turns this into a hassle. It is Avis responsibility to verify the car didnt leave the lot by pulling their security recordings.
The two times I did play around in the app and selected a car resulted in a RA but I was able to call the station and tell them in no uncertain terms I was not even on the premises. They voided out without issue.
i would dispute with credit card if Avis turns this into a hassle. It is Avis responsibility to verify the car didnt leave the lot by pulling their security recordings.
The two times I did play around in the app and selected a car resulted in a RA but I was able to call the station and tell them in no uncertain terms I was not even on the premises. They voided out without issue.
It seems like this "100 miles" nonsense is pretty consistent.
#12
Join Date: Nov 2021
Posts: 7
Avis backup reservation
I am planning to have an Avis Backup Reservation and reading the rental agreement it is said that cancelation made within 48 hours before pick up date is charged, not sure how much but anyway. I wonder if that really happens and if I am risking being charged for this.
#13
Company Representative - AutoSlash and HotelSlash
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: autoslash.com | hotelslash.com
Posts: 5,645
I am planning to have an Avis Backup Reservation and reading the rental agreement it is said that cancelation made within 48 hours before pick up date is charged, not sure how much but anyway. I wonder if that really happens and if I am risking being charged for this.
#15
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: BUR
Programs: AA, DL Platinum, AS, AF/KL, UA, VS, HA, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 1,788
This happened to me with Budget. Didn't pick up a car I had made a non-prepaid reservation for. Used Hertz which had a cheaper rate and neglected to cancel the Budget reservation. Got charged for the full Budget rental period despite not having set foot on the Avis/Budget property (same facility at RDU). Strangely they said I "drove" 56 miles and returned it at a time a few minutes after my return flight landed in Los Angeles. It's like they wrote a script for me.
After a few calls including to their "security" team - it was initially thought someone had fraudulently rented the car in my name - the charge was fully reversed.
After a few calls including to their "security" team - it was initially thought someone had fraudulently rented the car in my name - the charge was fully reversed.