Sold Me Insurance, Then Billed Me Anyway

Avoid this branch. I rented a car at Johannesburg (OR Tambo) International, booked under the Alamo brand but handled locally by Woodford Car Hire, and the experience was poor from start to finish. At pickup, the front-desk service was among the worst I have encountered anywhere: rude, unresponsive, and unhelpful, to the point that my wife and I both remarked on it. The real problem came at return. At the time of hire I purchased full comprehensive insurance with ZERO excess. On returning the car, the agent claimed a small scratch on one wheel rim. Initially I received an email demanding that I pay for the "damage" and noting that my (substantial) security deposit was being withheld — despite the zero-excess cover they themselves sold me. Being charged for a risk you have specifically insured against, through the very company that sold you the insurance, is indefensible. Now there are suddenly "handling charges" for administering the insurance. ZERO EXCESS does not mean what it implies,ies for this company. The service is a rip-off. I have referred the matter to Alamo/Enterprise as the franchisor, and am lodging complaints with the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa and the National Consumer Commission. If you rent here: photograph every panel, wheel and rim in detail at pickup and return, get all damage noted in writing, and be aware that a zero-excess waiver may not stop them coming after your deposit. I cannot recommend this operator.