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1.5 135 Reviews

Payless Car Rental Complaints Summary

18 Resolved
117 Unresolved
Our verdict: With Payless Car Rental's very poor resolution rate, careful consideration is needed. Research their service comprehensively, and read up on how they handle customer disputes. If you face issues, be prepared for potential challenges in obtaining resolutions and explore other service providers as backups.
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Payless Car Rental reviews & complaints 135

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4:05 pm EDT
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Payless Car Rental Refund for mistreatment

Our complaint is against Payless Car Rental of Cancun, Mexico. I have called, emailed, and written Payless, Expedia, and Kroger MasterCard numerous times without success of obtaining a refund.
We rented from Payless from 11/21/09 until 11/28. When we returned the car, Payless tried to scam us into paying a large damage amount claiming that we had wrecked the car, which wasn’t true, and despite the fact that there was NO damage.
The scam was obvious and I couldn’t believe they continued to pursue it after I told them nothing happened to the car and I sure wasn’t signing anything that said it had. The car looked great too; but they fussed over it and yanked on the driver’s fender and the bumper. I wondered if they had the fender zip-tied on and they were trying to break it free to make it look damaged. They went immediately to this fender as soon as we drove in, and didn’t check any other part of the car, not even the gas or mileage. The rear end could have been caved in and nobody would have ever even glanced at it. The rental checkout form initially had about 30 tiny dings and scratches marked on it, which led me to believe they would go over the entire car with a fine-toothed comb. But no, just that one corner. Clearly they were up to something.
Additionally; no one would speak to us about the matter after the initial accusations, they just ran off. Every employee I stopped to speak to said we had to speak to the supervisor, who ran away from us more than once, occasionally laughing with other employees that were with him. My family was basically left to stand in the parking lot for 45 minutes wondering what in the world was going on while Payless refused to check us out, or take us to the airport. My wife and children were rightfully frightened and intimidated by this threatening treatment.
I was able to put a stop to this nonsense by announcing to the customers in the lobby that the Payless folks were trying to make me sign a claim against my $3200 deposit on my car, (that was parked right in front of the window where everyone could see it), because they said I had an accident. Well the response was impressive, resulting in people demanding the agents to say if they were" going to do the same thing to them", and "I’m going over to Avis", and "That car sure looks fine to me". Payless then hustled us away in the shuttle with no comment from anyone except the driver who told us to "hurry up" and pushed us into the van. I was literally afraid they were going to take us out to the middle of nowhere and dump us. Instead, he proceeded to drop us at the wrong terminal, which I’m sure was intentional as I had both told him our airline and shown him our printed itinerary with the airline name and logo displayed.
We feel this is a serious matter and that Expedia should not book with this company anymore either, at least in Mexico, and Payless should refund our rental charge. To harass, threaten, frighten, hinder and generally inconvenience customers is no way to do business in any circumstance

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mark24
Los Angeles, US
Jan 25, 2014 6:15 pm EST

I had the same scenario play out in Toronto Pearson airport. Stay away! Unless u want to get ripped off

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3:27 pm EDT
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Payless Car Rental No response

I tried to contact payless car rental cusomer service they failed to respond

i rented a car form payless the tires were bad when i tried to return they said they didnt have a car for 2 days there was a bad odor in the trunk of car i had to go to 2 different locations to get another car and they refuse to discount my final bill and then they said i returned to the wrong location but my contract said i sould return it to the airport location

why they dont have a line for complaints i dont know but hey dont communicate.

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9:40 am EST
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Payless Car Rental Overcharging

Booked on internet a week of economy car - on renting was told that the total would also include $10/day tax, however was charged $10/day tax twice on returning the car and despite showing the contract filled by Carlos - the reply was that he does not work here anymore (this is a week later) and hence whatever I signed was invalid. The cars also are old, dirty inside and the service is slower than I'd liked. I would not ever rent from them again.

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4:58 pm EDT
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Payless Car Rental Pathetic place

I just want to share a recent bad experience that I had from Payless Rental in Orlando, Florida. I flew in from Chicago; I had rented an economy car through orbitz.com. All was pretty standard fare. I arrived in Orlando, took the Payless shuttle to their off-site parking lot, went into their office to get my car. Once there, I was asked, as expected, for my driver's license and credit card. But then I was asked for my drivers' insurance card. I answered, that I don't carry that with me. The service rep answered in a very cool way that I was not possible to rent a car if you don't have the driver's insurance card. I was very furious the way she said, bring my anger back to normal I explained her that it makes no sense to me that I should carry with me for my own protection. And also told her that I was renting cars from 20 years and I was never asked for the insurance card, and besides, nothing on my Orbits confirmation receipt which I showed her tells me that I need to have this with me. She answered, that she doesn't care what the Orbitz receipt says, and that I have to have an insurance card with me, or else I she can't rent you a car. She proceeded to show me photocopies of scroll screens that appeared to be from Payless' own web site in the terms and conditions section. I asked her that I need to rent car and now that I am helpless please help me. She was so rude that she mocked me and simply ignored me. I think if it's their policy then they should inform their customers prior. I will never ever trust this foolish and lousy and of course pathetic place ever in my life.

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Leeto
, US
Aug 23, 2009 12:14 pm EDT

I just want to share a recent bad experience that I had from Payless Rental in Orlando, Florida. I flew in from Chicago; I had rented an economy car through orbitz.com. All was pretty standard fare. I arrived in Orlando, took the Payless shuttle to their off-site parking lot, went into their office to get my car. Once there, I was asked, as expected, for my driver's license and credit card. But then I was asked for my drivers' insurance card. I answered, that I don't carry that with me. The service rep answered in a very cool way that I was not possible to rent a car if you don't have the driver's insurance card. I was very furious the way she said, bring my anger back to normal I explained her that it makes no sense to me that I should carry with me for my own protection. And also told her that I was renting cars from 20 years and I was never asked for the insurance card, and besides, nothing on my Orbits confirmation receipt which I showed her tells me that I need to have this with me. She answered, that she doesn't care what the Orbitz receipt says, and that I have to have an insurance card with me, or else I she can't rent you a car. She proceeded to show me photocopies of scroll screens that appeared to be from Payless' own web site in the terms and conditions section. I asked her that I need to rent car and now that I am helpless please help me. She was so rude that she mocked me and simply ignored me. I think if it's their policy then they should inform their customers prior. I will never ever trust this foolish and lousy and of course pathetic place ever in my life.

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anonyMiss
San Diego, US
Mar 17, 2010 12:45 am EDT
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oh yea, i totally work there, haha
but why would that make a difference if you're the one who is not responsible enough to have your insurance card when you drive?

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bluedevil
Fairhaven, US
Oct 18, 2009 1:24 pm EDT

Wow, i have a rental coming up with payless and that response just made me cancel it. I cannot believe that poster is so rude, and most likley works there. You guys might be cheaper but I do not feel like being treated this way when I get there, cross payless of my list!

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anonyMiss
San Diego, US
Sep 10, 2009 1:47 pm EDT
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someone please remove this post, as it has been reposted more than once under different names word for word. thank you.

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anonyMiss
San Diego, US
Sep 10, 2009 1:45 pm EDT
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Or, you could have your driver's insurance card with you as required by law everywhere. Seriously. If you've been driving for over 20 years then you would know that that card is supposed to be with you whenever you drive, just like your driver's license. It doesn't get any clearer than that. In my opinion, you didn't have insurance, or you would have had your company send it to the rental car agency. Or you could have purchased their insurance, which if you were really in a bind, you would have. And I'm pretty sure right on your card it tells you to keep it in the car you are driving, not the car you own, the car you are driving, as the government requires that this verbatim be placed on the card. So acknowledge that you made a mistake, forgot your card, and move on instead of harping on someone who doing her job and wasn't going to let you drive illegally.

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7:30 am EDT
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Payless Car Rental Phony, should not be in business Car Rental

This car rental will told me if I did not purchase their collision waiver a 350.00 charge will be charged to my credit card and held for several weeks. Did not understand that one. Why for several weeks why not just held for the 4 days I was renting the car. Instead of paying 131.00 as I thought I would be paying per the reservation I made. My bill was 206.00. The salesman had the nerve to make it seem as if he was doing me a favor. I would not recommend Payless Car Rental to anyone. They should be put out of business. I will never use them again nor would I recommend them to anyone.

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anonyMiss
San Diego, US
Aug 06, 2009 3:26 pm EDT
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This was a sales tactic to get you to purchase the CDW, he was waiving your deposit. I'm assuming you were paying with a debit card, which is why it would be held for several weeks and not released immediately. Banks have a different process than credit cards.

Anyway, he was doing you a favor, because there wasn't $350 in your account that you couldn't touch for a month. In my opinion, worth the extra $100. But if you don't see it that way, then look at it this way, when you add CDW you are not responsible for any damages that may happen to the car. Most people don't realize that when you rent a car you are responsible for putting gas, windshield washer fluid and all other fluids to replace what you used, besides worrying about body damage. CDW covers all that in most cases.

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10:51 pm EDT
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Payless Car Rental hidden geographic restrictions on ‘unlimited miles'

Payless Car Rental Montreal – hidden geographic restrictions on ‘unlimited miles’

A few months ago I booked a car on Travelocity to go from Montreal to a location 600 km away and back again. Naturally like a fool I gravitated to the cheapest option – Payless car rental based in the Montreal airport hotel, an independent franchise. What a delight when on the screen I saw unlimited miles; however little did I realize there was a hidden clause on the next tab of the page under geographical restrictions saying unlimited miles is only for the province of Quebec.

Anyway I went ahead and booked the car and also 2 hotel rooms in my destinations for the 3 day vacation. The day before our journey I went over to the location and was straight off asked where I was going, and like an honest bloke I said such and such place. I was immediately nailed with the ‘then sir, unlimited miles does not apply.’ I was reeling. Should I cancel and get another car? Should I try to negotiate? It was too late to cancel my vacation. This was the classic bait and switch.

I left the place and sat in the lobby to think for a bit; it’s interesting that when I dropped of the car later I saw 2 fellows cancel their reservation on the spot. Anyway it was too late so I went ahead and got the car, and begged them to lower my over distance fees. I hate getting surprised like this. I hate losing control over my destiny, and being at the mercy of others. Anyway through their infinite magnificent grace and mercy they decided to extend by daily km allowance out of province and to reduce my charge per over km. Nonetheless when I brought the car back I was hit with a huge excess charge. Of course the smart fellow behind the counter blamed it on me, saying it was my fault I did not read the fine print. How convenient. I wonder how the credit card companies like it now, in North America, that the governments are forcing them to vomit the sneaky fine print out into bold letters in boxes above the sign here line.

I wanted to be a bit of a smartass so I asked the guy, what if I lied and said I would drive around aimlessly inside Quebec. He said, well sir we will check this on the audit of the contract, with the satellite location finder records showing you left Quebec, and we will then hold you in infraction of the contract. So don’t try that – honesty is the best policy always. By honesty I mean the complete truth, not part of it.

By the way this geographic limitation is quite bizarre. I only see this in Quebec only with Payless of course. I used to live in Boston for 10 years and regularly rented cars there for unlimited mileage and I never saw any geographic restrictions. I looked around other rental agencies and I think unlimited only applies to Canada, and entering the USA is altogether another aspect. These is in general a cautionary tale – call ahead and confirm that the unlimited miles means what it says; calls the agent you used [online or otherwise] and the rental firm. Finally get it in writing that it is indeed unlimited.

Conclusion – ‘Payless’ means ‘Getless’, and you end up paying the same as others, through tricks and games and deception.

Located in the Lobby of the Hilton Hotel
12505 Cote de Liesse
Dorval, Quebec H9P 1B7
Canada
[protected]
Montreal at paylesscarrental.net
http://www.paylesscarrental.com/

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Payless Car Rental misleading advertising, old wrecked car, overcharged

When making online Expedia reservations for a business trip with a car rental from Kansas City International airport, I selected Payless Car Rental because it is the only company advertised as being inside the terminal with cars at the terminal. When I arrived I discovered that both are actually a shuttle bus away along with all the other companies. I ordered a full-size car. When they led me to it (the only car in their lot at the time) I find a beat-up Grand Marquis land yacht that had been wrecked (entire front end repainted, and paint was already coming back off, plus big dent on trunk lid) and that had almost 48, 000 miles it. On the road it was also clear that the transmission was on its last legs. THEN when I returned the car after 27 hours, my $56 daily rental cost over $200. What a rip-off fly-by-night outfit! Avoid Payless Car Rental, at least at KCI -- unsafe equipment, overcharged rates, and THEY ARE NOT INSIDE THE KCI TERMINAL despite misleading advertising to the contrary.

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Disgusted ex-customer
, US
Jun 19, 2016 7:49 am EDT
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To the comment: Who are you kidding? I have probably rented 500 cars over the years. I have never come close to paying $100 a day, much less $100 a day more than Payless. The most I've ever paid, taxes, etc., included, is under $400 a week. I had my own battle with Payless. They are totally corrupt, refuse any semblance of customer service, would not respond to me after calling unsuccessfully over 50 times and leaving messages, and wouldn't even respond to the credit card company when I disputed the charges they added without telling me. The dispute was settled in my favor, by the way, when Payless didn't even answer. I will never use them again.

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anonyMiss
San Diego, US
Aug 07, 2009 9:55 pm EDT
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Actually, it's not because there is no room, it's because it's a liability issue after 9/11. This is also why you cannot return a car at the airport and have the company come pick it up.

As for the vehicle, it's obvious that the car was soon to be retired, however, I fail to see how a car with that mileage would be unacceptable, as most dealers consider a to be 'high' mileage at 70, 000. (When most warrenties are up.)

It also looks like your rental was during the summer, in which case it's reasonable to expect few cars on the lot. They're probably all rented! Additionally, a Grand Marquis is considered a Premium car, not a full size because it is slightly bigger than a full size and has additional amenities. I have yet to see one without leather seats for example.

Also, dents happen. Accidents happen. Obviously if it was the last car on the lot, there were no other options. Also, the name Payless means that it's the cheapest rate. Everywhere. You are more than welcome to go to any other company. Hertz and Enterprise for example will have the same car but a difference of at least $100 a day in price.

As you had a reservation, the company was required to provide you with a car. And trust me, no one wants to puts you in a crappy car. If it was all that was available there's nothing that can be done about it, though I am sorry, I do want to state that CLEARLY but I hope I do not offend.

Now, you paid $200 for two days in the car, sounds about right, but I bet your reservation was for three days. Most companies have a no refund policy, as they are required to pay commission to the site you booked with. Additionally, when you return early they have an extra car they have to figure out what to do with and when you return late they are short a car. Some companies charge you an extra fee for returning early or late for this additional reason. And the way they view it is if you did not want the car you had that option before you signed the contract.

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Whiner
Nolensville, US
May 23, 2009 9:01 pm EDT

It seems like that's the trend with Payless and Fox Car Rental and Expedia. No matter what airport you select, they always come up as being in-terminal when that's clearly not possible. It says the same thing for Phoenix, even though ALL rental cars are a bus ride away because there's no physical space at the terminals for rental car facilities.

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6:24 pm EDT

Payless Car Rental overcharge

I rented a car on 9/07/08 and returned it 9/08/08. I did not make a phone revervation. I rented as a walk up. I was told that I could rent on a daily basis, and if I reserved it for three days then I would have to pay for all three days. Consequently, I told the service person I wanted to go on a day by day basis, so as not to pay for days not used. He said it was OK. HOWEVER, I was charged for three days, even though I only used it one day. For two weeks now, I have been trying to get a refund. I have also been trying to get them to send a copy of the contract they claim I signed. The paperwork I have does not have my signature on it.
These people refuse to address the issue and postpone it every time I call. They charged me $127.75 for one day of car rental. Their address is 3346 Kettner Blvd. San Diego, Calif.

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Richard P.
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Oct 01, 2008 10:54 am EDT

It's how car rental companies work lady. I work for the military and I travel an extensive amount for work, thus I rent cars a plenty. If you tell them you want a car for 3 days. It's going to be cheaper than if you would rent for 1 day. Thats how every business works, the more you buy the cheaper it is. From pizzas to bottled water, to computers and cds. The daily rate for 1 day would of been close to the three day rate anyways, it's how they work. It's a business. But if you would of just read what you signed, you wouldn't have this problem. Instead you want to slander a business for a mistake because you didn't read your contract. Your complaint holds not validity.

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8:59 am EDT

Payless Car Rental Unconscionable damage claim

I was on business attending a conference in Boulder, Colorado from August 1 to August 6, 2008. On August 1, I picked up a rental car at Denver International Airport from Payless Car Rental. The time during which I had the car was uneventful. However, when I returned the car on August 6, 2008, the people at Payless noted a few indentations on the left front hood of the car, and filed an incident report. Whereupon, PurCo Fleet Services, Inc., Payless’s claims administrator, sent me a claim for $737.88, representing damage repair, loss of use, and an administrative fee.

The damage is minuscule, and it did not occur while I had the car. It is difficult to even see the indentations in the vehicle; they can only be seen in certain light. I believe the vehicle was in that condition when I drove it away on August 1, 2008. Payless’s position is that I should have noted it before leaving with the vehicle; however, it was not visible to me.

The contract provisions which by which they seek recovery from me require an impossibly high standard of scrutiny by the lessee and are unconscionable. It would seem that they make their profit not on actual rental of the cars but by charging people for bogus, wear-and-tear damage at the back end of their trips, when they are rushing to catch planes.

In all of the many times I have rented cars, no other agency has ever looked twice at such a thing as the indentations on the hood of the Payless car. I will never rent from them again. I will stick with major companies from now on.

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CBM Traveler
Marietta, US
Sep 24, 2014 7:16 pm EDT

Avoid! Avoid! Avoid! They will offer you upgrades...tell you there's no charge for it & then stick you with the fees! We asked repeatedly to view the video tapes they claim to have, but they wouldn't let us. We tried for the whole week to remedy the situation & even offered to return the car back to Denver ( even though we were 2 hrs. away!) They drug the process out all week & basically said, "Too bad!" Don't sign ANYTHING without reviewing it carefully!

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8:09 pm EDT

Payless Car Rental Customer service

Ms D.S., Vice President, Air Travel Rental Corporation d/b/a Payless Car Rental,
500 Route 1 South, Wyndham Garden Hotel, Newark, NJ 07114, Tel: [protected], Fax: [protected]

This letter is to report a complaint about the horrible experience I had on July 3, 2008, about 5:30 pm at the above facility of Payless Car Rental. The entire experience was bizarre and very humiliating. The behavior of Ms. D.S. was extremely unprofessional, rash, rude, and intimidating.

I booked my car rental through Priceline.com. This was for “unlimited mileage” as clearly mentioned on reservation confirmation . By the way, this was deceptive in my opinion not to mention the geographical restriction on the Priceline reservation confirmation and rather mentioning this in the fine prints of rental policies on a separate web link. Even in the fine prints of the rental policy there is no mention that I need to declare names of all the specific cities I may visit.

The staff at the Payless Car rental asked for my driver license and my credit card and charged my credit card (American Express) for $368.43 (which was later voided). Then they asked me to specify which cities I will be going to. I told them I may go anywhere in the areas that is covered in your plan as "free" and colored green in your map. However, they kept insisting that I HAVE to tell them which cities I will be going to. I said I may also go to Philadelphia in addition to New England. I told them to please just mention in the rental car agreement that we may go anywhere in the "free" covered area. I found it strange and odd that they have to know and they have to specify in the rental agreement all the places I may visit in the next 10 days.

I am still mystified as to the reason for the way she (Ms. D.S.) behaved. She was full of attitude. She told me that she will not give me a car and cancelled my reservation. In my hand, I had a copy of the rental car agreement I had just signed and a customer copy of my credit card receipt. She came and PHYSICALLY snatched these documents from me and called the security. A few minutes later, one of her staff gave me the yellow copy of the rental car agreement/invoice and voided Amex receipt (photocopies of which are enclosed herewith). The entire episode happened in front of my wife and my son who were horrified and disgusted, and could not believe if this was really happening. Two security guards came and talked to me and my wife. He told us that this lady is "full of attitude and in the past she has had several incidents with other tourists including a female German tourist recently". We asked them why no one takes action against her. He said she "owns" this Payless car rental franchise.

I have rented cars on numerous agents over last several decades. Needless to say, I have never had any experience anything like this. I was totally shocked with what had happened today. I along with my wife and son then went back to Newark International airport (several miles distance) and rented a vehicle at National Car rental. The experience at National was pleasant, friendly and smooth. My 12 year son told me that why did not we come to this facility first. He is absolutely correct.

I would appreciate if a thorough investigation is done in to this matter and appropriate actions are taken. In my view, at the minimum Ms. D.S. and her company should be stripped of her Payless Car rental Franchise and people like these should be debarred from any participation in customer service. I would not be surprised at all if there are past complaints by other tourists against Ms. S and her Payless car rental franchise.

This was the first day of our long planned 10 day vacation and this experience at Payless ruined our vacation experience, and caused immense emotional and mental harm.

I plan to leave no stone unturned including a possible legal action unless and until appropriate action(s) is taken against Ms. D.S. and her Payless Car rental Franchise.

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morgan
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Sep 09, 2008 10:46 pm EDT

Sir. I do not live in USA. But I worked in the car rental industry last 20 years. I understand your problem. You booked the vehicle with unlimited KM. Buy it is a grey area out there. You can drive to Mexico and back.
As you know car cost is very high .In order to sell this vehicle or turn back to manufactures, rental companies must keep their KM very low. Otherwise they loose their profit. Therefore rental companies manage their fleet by asking customer destination. By doing this procedure, they can give low KM vehicle, if you are travelling long distance. If you are staying in town on the other hand, they will put you in their high KM vehicle in fleet. If it is suitable for you. To determine the right fleet, they must ask you this question.
Your second concern is credit card hold. It is like Hotel booking when you are checking in hotel; they hold certain money on your card for security. It is a same procedure in the rental business. All companies swiped your card and hold money for few days. Remember you are the winner if you get away with their car. Think about the car rental company's risk versus your security deposit. Most Rental companies are self-insured. Therefore if the vehicle ships it to overseas, they will loose the big margin of their profit. On the other hand, third party liability is play major roll in this rental business. If you rent a vehicle and you travel to Mexico and you have a major accident. The people involve in the accident could take the rental company to court for their full compensation. It is a low that rental companies must carry third party liability. Some companies has only restricted region for rental. This is determining by insurance company.
Your credit card hold must gone-off with 5 to 7 days depend on your credit company. It is nothing to with rental company.
I hope you will understand some of the procedure.

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11:41 am EDT

Payless Car Rental SCAM

About 2 weeks ago I rented a car from Payless at the San Diego location. Well about 2 days ago, I was contacted by one of the employees there requesting my insurance information. I then asked, what do you need that for? His response (Mark) was, well to pay for the damage that was done to the front bumper. I then explained that he must have the wrong person because there was no damage AT ALL to my car. He said no, it was me because the date and time conincide with when I returned the car. I then explained that while I was waiting for the shuttle to the airport one of his employees got into the car and pulled into the back lot. Mark replied, after he took the pictures. I said there were no pictures taken because I was standing there for 25 minutes. He said he would fax me the pictures. After about 10 minutes I realized that faxing them would do nothing because I wouldn't be able to see anything. I then called back and was intentionally kept on hold for about 10 minutes. The rep that finally took my call said the Mark was assisting someone else, how conincidental. I gave this person my email address and explained to him to have the pictures emailed and NOT faxed. About 15 minutes later Rob called me back leaving me a voicemail saying, he is going to speak to the manager for further investigation and not to worry about it. I have yet to receive an email or fax.
I find it a bit odd that they retracted everything once they realized that I was going to pursue this matter.
They are obvioulsy in it for the money and will try and squeeze it out of people. Obviously proper business etiquette was not taught to these people.

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anonyMiss
San Diego, US
Mar 17, 2010 12:55 am EDT
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omg, you people are so paranoid.

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amerkajin
, US
Jul 23, 2009 6:40 pm EDT

This is not uncommon with fly-by-night car rental places, from time to time they will come across damage that they cannot get an insurer to pay for, so they will call the prior 2-3 renters of that car with a vague claim of "damage" in a fishing attempt to get their insurance details, so they can pin the bill on them instead.

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anonyMiss
San Diego, US
Jul 23, 2009 6:31 pm EDT
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Ummm. you are a jerk. Maybe they had the wrong person, lile you said in the first sentance.

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1:59 pm EDT

Payless Car Rental Fraudulent Repair Charges

After renting a vehicle from Payless at the Toronto airport location, my credit card was charged over $600 for pre-existing damages to the vehicle. A trumped up invoice from a company called Les Automobiles Autowise was sent to me claiming materials and 5 hours of labour for supposed repairs to the passenger side door. The vehicle was already damaged in so many areas when I rented it that it became immediately obvious that this is a scam and no actual repairs are ever made. The repair company and Payless share the same business address! And an internet search revealed previous complaints against Les Automobiles Autowise in Ontario and Quebec. Luckily, my credit card insurance will cover these costs, but let this be a warning to ALL to never use Payless Car Rental!

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Roberttcan
Burlington, CA
May 01, 2014 10:11 pm EDT

STAY AWAY! STAY AWAY! STAY AWAY!1) They are not cheap. Charges on top of your rental rate (not including insurance) will be >50% of the rental rate! ... Airport based rental companies are 30% more. It makes Payless' cost the same or higher!2) Bait and switch ... was supposed to be unlimited KM, told only 200 when I got there.3) Bait and switch more. Was told it would be $38/day including taxes on the phone. Was $47 when I got there.4) FRAUDULENT DAMAGE CLAIM. I was shown the car at night, wet, in a very dark lot. A car that supposedly was new and in perfect shape ... they rushed me through it. Did my best to indicate scratches. I was never given a copy of my damage report. Brought the car back, and magically, they instantly find a "new" scratch. Yes a scratch. $500 later (will get that back through Visa) ... so much for Pay "Less".As I am sitting there, there is a stack of these damage claims. I have rented approximately 200 cars in my life, never gotten a damage claim once till now! How many others did they defraud?Oh, that damage claim magically says No Tax on the receipt. I wonder what Revenue Canada will think of that?On other person was there when I was, a young female student. They were extorting $750 out of here for an alleged new "scratch" on the windshield. UNREAL!

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Ladeeanne
, US
Jun 12, 2011 3:40 pm EDT

Payless car rental is the worst co. I've ever dealt with. I arrived at the SFO airport to supposedly pick up my car, like their ad said, only to find it was not at the airpost, but 10 miles away from the airport, no shuttle service available and their telephone number had been changed the day before, so noone answered the phone number I had. I had to take a tzxi to my location. I called the 1-800 number the next day, and was told by two customer sevice agents, their p/u location was at the airport. They knew nothing about the telephone number change. I finally insisted to talk with a supervisor, he finally confirmed the phone number had been changed the day before.. I asked him to register a consumer complaint and to have someone call me, . He said someone would call me within 72 hours?. It is now 2 weeks later and still no phone call.. Save yourself the hassle and use a reputable co'. Besides Payless has huge taxes and additional fees that other companies like Enterprise don't have so you don't save any money with their $9/.95 a d ay charge:. It's a scam

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Jerry Gentz
, US
Jul 21, 2016 5:00 am EDT

I told the Las Vegas "clerk" that I didn't want anything except the car rental. I was told that I had to have roadside assistance. So much for payless, they should change the name to paymore! After a BBB complaint they sent me a credit. Needless to say I will NEVER rent from them again!

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Wales Wong
, US
Dec 30, 2015 6:03 am EST

Hi Robert,
I'm currently dealing with a potential situation like this. Just wondering what was the outcome of your situation. Did you end up paying? Get legal aid or support?

It's so ridiculous how these car rental places operate and there's so much of these dirty dealings that I find it a shame that not enough people like the police are getting involved.

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Mario
, US
Apr 02, 2010 5:24 am EDT

Like several others who have commented here, I reserved a car online from Payless in San Diego and when I got to the counter was told that to drive to Arizona I would have to purchase extra insurance which then doubled the rental cost. Since this has happened to others in other states, it obviously is a company authorized scam. Do not be suckered in by a low online rate from Payless. In San Diego they are off airport and you will find it very difficult to get to another rental car company.

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magic70
, US
Aug 18, 2010 7:28 pm EDT
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I agree I got the same thing when I returned a car and the checkin agent looks it over and said there a scratch on the lower rigth side of the front bumper. She says it is your responsibility to0 check the car thoroughly before you leave the lot. Well being tired and rushed after our flight into toronto/pearson and the hassel to find the shuttle pickup location, we are never properly told of all the fine print and was charged over $600.00 for a small scratch that I am sure was there from a previous rental and I was charged again for something that was charged to someone else before. Anyway to stop thes crooks?

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paylessisafraud
Toronto, CA
Jun 19, 2010 2:14 am EDT

oh one more thing... so the money they take from you to fix their cars... they don't even fix them... they get multiple customers to pay for same damages! hence y you get beat up cars. oh and their mechanic... apparently they give him some cut and he makes fake receipts!

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paylessisafraud
Toronto, CA
Jun 19, 2010 2:10 am EDT

I worked for Payless in Toronto. The owner is same for Toronto and Montreal location. HOrrible people. They own a hotel, Payless Car Rental in Toronto and Montreal, EZ rent-a-car in Toronto and Montreal. If there is a way to scam money off of u they will. You have to be smart and blunt to deal with these people. The stories I know you will be shockedddddd...
The owner ARTI acts like a dumb agent that just started working when at a counter. RAJ likes to call himself Roger the agent. lol yea like the owner will really approve of an employee walking around the office in his PJs. No professionalism. He is a sick old horny ******* that flirts and tries to sleep with his employees.

SO you go there... if ur lucky the shuttle will pick u up on promptly otherwise you might be waiting hours bc the owner doesnt want the shuttle going back and forth for one person even if it means tht person missin his/her flight. THen your asked ur driver's license and credit card, ur current mailing address phone numbers, additional drivers, etc. Basic or Full coverage. Normal person would in this case choose basic cuz they think those are the only two options given the structure of the question. For god's sake you just landed from god knows how long of a flight. and then all these mind games. Basic include CDW and liability, CDW covers ur car liability covers the third person n their property. If u have coverage on your credit card you refuse coverage but they scare you tht you needddd 8.95 liability coverage if you hit some1 they can sue u for million dollars... well folks u DONT need to get that because by law all the car rental companies have to have tht coverage. that 8.95 is just a scam under some fancy name to get around legal trouble and the employees are trained to use words wisely. So in short if you know u have coverage denyyy all coverage from them. And oh so ur from states u have ur insurance you know ur covered but now they want the pink slip... like who carries tht. The owner themselves dont carry it. Buncha hypocrites... So make sure you have ur pink slip and sometimes they still try to scare u n push you with fancy terms. Dont fall fot it like i said its all mind and word games! And then they print it tell you sign here here here here... MAKE SURE YOU READ THE CONTRACT INSIDE OUT! THEY ADD STUFF ON THAT YOU HAVENT ASKED FOR... E.G PAI OR CDW U DENIED!

so now ur waitin for your car if your lucky the car will be there but if its one of the busy days get ready to wait hours for it or even a day or two if ur willin to wait tht long. when inspecting the car MAKE SURE U GET EACH AND EVERY LIL DENT MARKED b/c if you dont they WILL hold u accountable for it upon return. CHECK THE WINSHEILD, MIRRORS, STAINS, SMOKE SMELL, ANIMAL FUR, TIRES, HUB CAPS, RIMS, TOP BOTTOM (YES the bottom b/c believe it or not they have bent down and checked if the front bumper got any scratches). Take your time examining the car because if you miss even a small dent only visible from a weird angle or a really tiny chip in the windshield, you will end up paying 100's for it.

OH and make sure you DO NOT pay Cash! Your credit card WILL get charged as well. IF you do pay cash, get a receipt saying you paid cash and HOLD ON TO THAT RECEIPT!

so after a tiring flight your willing to take all these precautions then yes by all means go rent at Payless Car Rental or EZ rent-a-car.

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anonyMiss
San Diego, US
Sep 10, 2009 2:52 pm EDT
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Hey Stephen, in your post you admitted that you damaged the door, but your complaint was that it was already damaged. Not the point. To fix a tiny dent on a car costs a minimum $500. If they wanted to replace the door, the charge would have been at least a couple thousand dollars. So it seems to me that the repair estimate was fair. And as with ant ins claim, you're not actually required to fix the car.

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Greg S
Las Vegas, US
Feb 10, 2009 2:49 am EST

Please Victor inform me of you current situation as I am on the same boat: Payless Orlando charged me for $1149 fro a dent on the roof I had no idea about!
What did you do to try to get your money back?

Thanks,

Greg
rosechma@hotmail.com

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12:00 am EDT

Payless Car Rental over charge repairs

Payless Car rental at SFO has tried to charge my insurance company the full cost of replacement of a windshield for a small rock chip. The insurance company says they can fix that for 50 bucks and will not replace the whole windshield. As such payless says I am responsible for the full cost minus the 50 bucks the insurance co pays.
Seems like a scam to me to charge for a whole windshield when it could be fixed for less but I guess thats the rental car business.

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anonyMiss
San Diego, US
Aug 07, 2009 10:03 pm EDT
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Oh, and for Roger, you can't rent a car with a broken or cracked windshield. It's a liability issue.

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anonyMiss
San Diego, US
Aug 07, 2009 10:02 pm EDT
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It seems you must have paid for Renter's Liability Insurance which covers you on 3rd parties, not your rental car. To cover the rental car it is called Collision Damage Waiver. This seems expensive for a bumper, but I can promise you that the next customer would complain about the chip in the car. I'm not sure what a bumper costs to replace, but you need to pay for the product, installation, an administrative fee to those processing the claim, plus lost time and mielage fees for not being able to use the car. When you look at it that way...I dunno, to each their own. But if you have any doubts, you can ask for copies of pictures of the damage and insurance estimate.

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Filipovic
, NL
Jul 24, 2009 3:43 pm EDT

I rented a a car (Expidia.ca) with Payless car Rental in Montreal, Airport Hotel Hilton, initially charge was suppose to be 344.56 Canadian $.They made me pay extra $25 a day for insurance which I was ok to be on the safe side . They lied about unlimited milage.
When return the car I had a very small stone chip on the rear bumper, sign the paper and took off for the plane to Europe.
Next day they took $870 and two days later $850 from my Visa. I was stupid enough to think they have made a mistake and withdrawn same amount 2 times, but they did not think so. They do not answer my calls and it seems they do not care.
I am Canadian working for NATO forces in Europe, this could never happen over here. Such a company would be closed by customer protection service next day, at least talking from my 3 years life experience here.
So I am short for more than $1700 CAD, initially hoping I got a good deal for $344.56.
I have contacted the Visa and now I am calling Expidia.ca to give them very hard time since they were the one to advertise this company on their booking website. This is the biggest scam I have experienced in my life.

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Lori
,
Sep 03, 2008 6:48 pm EDT

We have also rented a car at the Orlando airport location and received a bill today for $576.00. They are claiming there was a dent in the door. This ia such a scam. Can anyone tell me what to do or what they did? I filed a report to my credit card company and have not yet heard back from Payless car rental. Please help or give advice at bandit1039@hotmail.com.

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TT
,
Apr 28, 2008 3:09 pm EDT

OMG! This happened to me too. Payless is a scam!Never rent from them!

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Joe A
,
Nov 28, 2007 3:30 pm EST

My wife recently rented a payless car in tampa. i didn't fall for their bait and switch with the extra insurance. we returned the car in pristine condition and now they are filing a claim to my insurance company for what, i don't know. this is outright fraud. i had this happen to me years ago on a car rental in ireland too (with another company). DO NOT RENT FROM PAYLESS. THEY ARE FRAUDS. stick with major companies like hertz or national. i have never had a problem with them.

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12:00 am EDT
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Payless Car Rental False advertising!

I made a reservation for a rental from Payless Car Rental in Orlando. I asked for a economy car. When I arrived I was offered a bit nicer car at a added cost. When I declined the increased price and asked for what I reserved, an economy car which they advertised as a Hyundai accent I was given a Large Nissan Titan gas hog. I asked for a small car for economy, ease of driving and yes price. The car I was offered for an increased fee was the closest thing to what I reserved and was available but not given. I voiced my dissatisfaction but was told that was it. Take it or leave it. 11pm on a rainy night in Orlando doesn't give much opportunity to walk away. The truck was not the only thing available. Small cars were sitting all over the lot. No where in their terms was anything mentioned about providing what ever they choose no matter what was reserved. The only mention is economy or SIMILAR. A big truck is not similar. It caused much worry and concern and difficulty as far as driving and parking not to mention over $40 more in fuel than the car I reserved would have used.

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Theflyer
Minneapolis, US
Mar 27, 2010 10:28 am EDT

I have the same thing happen. Recommend other complain to the Better Business Burea, Florida Attorney General and the Orlando Internation Airport.

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Payless Car Rental Very poor customer experience

Payless offers a lower cost service online for car rentals. However, once you arrive at the desk to pick-up your car they use a series of bait and switch type behaviors to add a series of add-ons.

It is high pressure sales and in my case an outright lie to add additional insurance coverage and a misrepresentation of the total cost. I attempted to find the manager once I checked with my insurance company on the coverage I had for a rental. When I was at the car return the manager was inside, when I went inside the manager was at the car return.

The first part of this approach is to have no one at the counter so you're in -line for a very long time. Like myself, their clients are not business people they are families looking for a deal and they use that fact. While you're in line a natural reaction is to want to get out since family or friends are is waiting on you. There were no less than 10 different options I was questioned about, a continuous push to pre-buuy gas and upgrade to a bigger vehicle. Once you've gone through this the form has no less than 10 places you must initial about the what you've purchased or not and then a signature. In my case I was told $10 for coverage my insurance doesn't cover in Arizona, it was a lie and moreover it was $10 per day no total. My fault for not reading more carefully but also, I've never had Hertz or Avis pull this type of thing.

I believe the approach is legal but skirting the edge and it is certainly unethical. Personally, I'll never use them again. If you ever do use them, they are lying for teh most aprt about any upgrades or costs, just say no. Also, there is no way to get them to just give you your contract aas signed up for online, you have to go through the entire 30 minutes wait in line and close to 20 minute loop at the desk.

Then, be sure you look the car over completely. They are all over the car on return looking for any damage to charge you for.

I did email them and got a reply saying they don't see anything wrong, the absolutely cannot refund any money and won't check on it. Also, the note has an attachment stating that I cannot use their direct response as it is a personal and confidential correspondence.

Pretty much they got the money and don't care otherwise. The behavior of the sales rep shows this is obviously a trained situation.

Not much else other than a very poor customer experience.

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Romero4life
, US
Jun 06, 2019 12:04 am EDT

My car was impounded and Payless had to pick up I was trying to get threw to them for 4 days straight never got no help or phone calls and was hung up on took money from my bank with no explanation of charges

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russlindsey
, US
Nov 13, 2018 7:22 am EST

payless charged me $70.00 more than I was quoted. I was assured there would be no additional charges when I picked up the car at the tampa location.

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Lynne Denise
, US
Sep 18, 2018 10:49 pm EDT
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I tried to contact Burlingame, ca. At the San Francisco airport after losing an item in my rental. All numbers on line were incorrect and it took hours to find someone to assist me with lost and found. Payless Car Rental needs to have up to date email and phone information.

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Judydorf
, US
Sep 18, 2018 9:36 pm EDT
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I reserved an SUV for Sat 8/18 thru the 23 Aug.

When I arrived. they claimed to not have an SUV for me only A larger one. Which forced me a bigger SUV and did not give me a discounted price but doubled the price without a promo discount

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Petronela Spoiala
, US
Sep 05, 2018 7:58 pm EDT

On 23.06.2018 I rented a cat from Payless Otopeni, Bucharest. I returned the car on 29.07.2018 and they told me that I will receive my deposit in 10 working days. Today is 30.08.2018, I still didn't received the money. What should I do?...

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Randi McKissick
, US
Aug 21, 2018 12:27 am EDT

Hi,

I rented a car in Texas and it keeps stalling. Every time I drive it it dies. I called and they said the car has to go all the way back to Houston hobby airport to get a new one. I'm here for work and do not have time for this. I am seriously upset.

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Carey Renfroe
, US
Aug 20, 2018 7:49 pm EDT

I was charged $10 a day for adding an addition driver. The young man didn't tell me there was a charge.

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anonyMiss
San Diego, US
Jul 11, 2009 2:25 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Just like anywhere, you are responsible for your belongings. Who's to say someone you let in the car even works there?

And it's so much better to buy the insurance at the counter. Because if anything where to happen they would go after you first and it would be your responsibility to go after the 3rd party. NO ONE goes after the 3rd party directly.

It's like a mail-in rebate. You'll probably never do it.

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jayjayv
, US
Jun 21, 2009 9:32 am EDT

Payless Car Rental in San Juan a total rip off. The quoted prices online are false when you go to the counter your hit with triple of what was quoted and they refuse to take 3rd party insurance only their insurance which makes the rental insanely expensive more than the recognized rental companies. Ontop of that there is an employee that has grabby hands and steals things inside vehicles while they are being inspected for damage i.e. my cell phone was stolen by a chubby employee. DONT RENT FROM PAYLESS! Unless you want to pay lots of money and get your things stolen.

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Ramona King
,
Jan 02, 2008 7:17 pm EST

Payless/Fox Rental Car in Kansas City is a complete rip off-beware! Unless you have had the experience of being lied to and cheated, you can't possibly understand.

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