potential liability for damages I did not incur.
Surpise #1. The Kia Sorento I rented from THRIFTY was a USED 50k mile 2009 model covered with dings and scratches. Soaking wet, driver door open and back hatch shut, I was left to assume this was my ride. After walking around the vehicle and waiting for an attendent to do the usual exit exam, I tracked down the manager to ask who and when the damage report would be completed so I could get on my way.
“We don’t do that anymore,” was his response. “Huh? How do you know what damage I’m responsible for and how do I protect myself from FALSE ALLEGATIONS?” “Anything over a quarter in size is marked with a sticker and we know about it.” “Well there are over five such marks; including the entire rear bumper scraped to the paint thanks to years of suitcases and no such stickers,” I pointed out, snapping away with my vacation-ready camera. No such paper appeared and the “manager” walked away, no stickers forthcoming.Surprise #2. Only after I called Thrifty’s corporate 800 number, did I get any attention. As I explained to Brittney my frustration over their new policy, allegedly designed to “speed-up the process”, she offered to take down all the damage reports I dictated to her.
Surprise #3. Yet, when I asked for a transcript of our conversation, (proof I had properly listed the unmarked, over a quarter in size and all other obvious damages) she told me she had no way to send it to me. I offered a fax number or email, but apparently Thrifty hasn’t heard of these new technologies at corporate.
As I finished my photos and disconnected from the 800-help line, the local franchise manager magically re-appeared with the “stickers” he placed everywhere he decided until I pointed out several other “items” I felt were potentially costly. [caption id="attachment_5072" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="damage stickers on Thrifty rental cars"]
