Complaint Review: Dollar Rent A Car

I rented a car for the weekend from the LAX location of Dollar Rent a Car. 2 days into my rental the vehicle was stolen. I called Dollar to let them know the vehicle had been stolen and I was transferred to road side assistance.

Roadside assitance told me that it was my problem. He gave me the Make, Model and Color of the vehicle, the VIN number and License Plate number and said that they would keep my contract opened until the vehicle was returned. I asked what I should do with the keys and he seemed confused and didn't really give an answer.

Approximately 4 days later I received a letter from Dollar. The letter said that they understand there can be circumstances when one would need to keep the car past its scheduled return date but that I need to call them and let them know how long I intended to keep it. I called Dollar letting them know once again that the car had been stolen and that I was transferred to roadside assistance to report it. The person on the phone told me that I need to speak with their security and loss prevention department.

I called Dollar's security department, repeated everything once again and was certain they were on it. Once again I was not given a clear answer as to what to do with the keys.

Approximately 5 days later I receive a certified letter from a detective. The letter informed me that because I failed to return the car, they had reported it stolen. It said to not let anyone drive the car as they would be arrested if pulled over. It also informed me that if I did not return the car a felony arrest warrant would be issued in my name. I called the detective and repeated the entire course of events again. As I was telling my story I could here him talking to someone saying "he's saying it was stolen from him".

After finishing my call with the detective I called Dollar's security department again to find out what was going on. I never got a straight answer only the runaround as if no one knew what anyone else was doing or how to even handle a stolen vehicle. The only answer I got was to return the keys to the place I rented the car. Finally, I thought everything was done and over.

Approximately 30 days later I receive a letter from William T. Walker (918-669-3042 or - Fax 918-669-3230 - bill.walker@dtag.com   Corporate Attorney. He writes saying that according to their records there is a balance due of $1662.01 on my rental contract and as of this date the balance is still outstanding. This is the first time I have even been informed there was a balance. It states that I have 10 days from the date of this letter to pay or they will take legal action. It took Bill 3 days to mail the letter dated 10/22 and postmarked on 10/25 so I only get 7 days.

At the bottom of his letter is a convenient form making it easy to pay. The letter states "For your convenience, you may charge it to your credit card by filling out the form below and returning it to the above address". It also says that if I have any questions about the amount owed I should speak with one Anthony Lynch (800-832-1141 EXT 210)

Personally, I want to speak with the guy who sent me the letter saying he would take legal action not some random guy at an extension.

Is it just me or is something not right here? I am going to call and email Bill the attorney directly and find out what these charges are for. I will post once I have spoken with him.