Avis - excessive cleaning charge

[Simon & Suzann]

Just had a letter off Avis for a bill of $250 for excessive cleaning charges

They have said about the sand in the front and rear of the car which was from our visit to the beach. I'll hold my hand up and say i have never cleaned, washed or hoovered the cars upon return as we are careful and didn't think we had to. There was a little bit of sand from a normal visit to the beach but nothing much as we shook shoes, mats etc. And i mean it was a tiny amount which couldn't be helped as at some point you have to actually get in the car and some will come with you.
There was no spillages, crumbs etc as i am always careful that no-one eats in the car.

Has anyone had this before and what was the outcome as i assumed they hoovered cars on return ready for the next customers

I have rung the UK number and they have e-mailed USA side for photos etc so i am just waiting to hear back. I said to him on the phone that if i had smashed the windscreen or a mirror off then it would be zero costs due to the CDW but they then charge to hoover the car which should be done anyone.

[RickT]

small amounts of sand in foot wells is fine as that is just general use, its when the seat and center console are covered in sand they start to get a bit picky.

Wait on the photos and take it from there, then depending on the outcome, ring Avis and request a formal complaint is raised with case number.

[The Wards]

also make sure they have the right rental... they tried to charge us for not paying at a toll booth a few years ago and when we queried it they had the wrong rental in the system next to our name !

[Mr Tom Morrow]

Originally Posted by RickT

small amounts of sand in foot wells is fine as that is just general use, its when the seat and center console are covered in sand they start to get a bit picky.

Wait on the photos and take it from there, then depending on the outcome, ring Avis and request a formal complaint is raised with case number.

See more...

Agreed, await photos. As an aside the car we had in August hadn't been hoovered but I still took it as the rest of the row were dogs.

[sotagals]

I'm shocked - we've taken back cars with half the beach in them on numerous occasions.

They are obviously going all out to rake in some extra cash and you have been unlucky to get picked on.

I hope you can get this resolved.

Meantime a warning to everyone planning on going to the beach... buy a dustpan and brush.

[Simon & Suzann]

We were the last BA flight from FLL so I'm wondering if that's got anything to with it maybe!?

[Sandraoh40]

This has happened to us and we don’t go anywhere near a beach. We disputed this very strongly and we got the charge halved It wasn’t as much as $250. Maybe about $150 down to $75. We were not happy and said we would try and take photos of any cars now before we drop them back.

[tinkerella123]

Perhaps this is the way it’s going to get extra money out of you, I have never taken photos when handing back but maybe I will start, but then it’s proving when the photos were taken.

[sunseeker]

We always take a video on collection and on return, I got caught out a few years ago when they charged for body damage I couldn't prove was there when I picked the car up. It doesn't take long to record and you can see things at leisure.

Dave

[mariechez]

Didn't they sign you off at the garage? ours always gets a quick check over, surely it should have been noted at the time by an employee if he felt it was excessively dirty. I think they have a cheek as they hardly clean the cars between rentals now. Good luck