I rented a car from Alamo car rental in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua for 3 days, in October.
The Alamo office there ripped me off with a classic damage deposit scam. Its pretty simple: fraudulently claim that preexisting damage is actually new, and charge the customer for it.in this case, I was charged $276 for a light mark that ran down one side of the car (it wasnt even a scratch since it didnt violate the paint surface). Of course, I did not create this mark, and the mark was specifically noted to the Alamo personnel, who indicated he was well aware of it. The damage charge was especially offensive because the vehicle was already heavily scratched and dented. They charged me as if the car was brand new. The fraudulent charge was far away and above the value impairment caused by the scratch. And of course I doubt they ever got it "fixed".
This fraud was perpetrated by a Karla Bermudez and Javier Talavera Martinez of the San Juan Del Sur Alamo rental office.
Here is the story:
When I rented the car, it had scratches all over, on every panel and surface. The front and back windshield were scratched, the front and rear bumpers had dents and scratches, and every single panel on the car had scratches, including one large white mark (which did not appear to violate the paint surface) on one side. During vehicle checkout, I specifically ointed out the large white mark, and other scratches, which were noted on the damage form. Also, a plastic panel under the car was loose when I rented the car. The car inspection was performed by a Mr Martinez and he said for me not to worry about the damage to the car because it was already heavily scratched. Mr Martinez also said to me that he specifically noted the white mark and that the white mark was not a concern because it appeared not really to be a scratch, but rather deposited material or dust which could be wiped off.
Imagine my surprise when I returned the car and Mr Martinez erroneously declared that the large white mark was new and therefore would be subject to damages. I protested and refused to pay. Karla Bermudez, the manager, called the police. I was forced to sign documents agreeing to pay for the damage.
Karla Bermudez and Javier Martinez lied and have stolen $276 of my money. I caused absolutely no damage to the already heavily damaged and scratched car. Also, the $276 charge for the white mark is absurdly excessive, since the scratch did not violate the paint surface and the panels were ALREADY heavily damaged with much more severe scratches and dents. This is a blatant and unconscionable attempt my Bermudez and Martinez to steal money.
Hopefully Alamo car rental will come to its senses and refund my money for these fraudulent charges. A complaint has been filed with Alamo. Alamo said that they will take TWO WEEKS to respond.
So, I strongly recommend against renting vehicles from Alamo, especially in places like Nicaragua! I will update this report when I hear from them.
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