Is Priceless Car Rental Legit? My Story
Is Priceless Car Rental Legit? My StoryLast summer, I needed a car for a trip to Tampa. I found Priceless Car Rental online. The price looked great, but I wondered, is Priceless Car Rental legit? I booked a car, but the experience taught me a lot. This article will share my story, tips, and answers to help you decide if Priceless is right for you. I’ll keep it simple and fun, like chatting with a friend!
What Is Priceless Car Rental?
Priceless Car Rental is a company that rents cars. It started in 1998 and has locations across the USA and beyond. They offer cheap cars, from small ones to big vans. Their website says they focus on low prices and good service. But some reviews mention problems, like hidden fees or bad cars. I’ll explain what I found and how to avoid issues.
Why Does It Matter?
Renting a car should be easy and safe. You want a good deal without surprises. Knowing if Priceless is legit helps you plan your trip. A bad rental can ruin your vacation. I learned this the hard way, so let’s dive into my experience and what you need to know.
My Experience with Priceless Car Rental
I booked a car through Expedia for $150 for a week. It sounded perfect for my budget. At Tampa airport, I called Priceless for a shuttle. I waited 30 minutes, which felt long. When I got to their office, the car was clean but had scratches. They also charged me $200 extra for insurance, even though I had my own. I felt stuck but needed the car. Later, my deposit took three weeks to return. This made me question, is Priceless Car Rental legit?
What Went Wrong?
Here’s what caused problems during my rental:
- Long Wait Times: The shuttle took too long to arrive.
- Hidden Fees: Extra charges for insurance and tolls surprised me.
- Poor Communication: Staff were hard to reach by phone.
These issues are common in reviews, but some customers had good experiences. Let’s explore how to rent smart with Priceless.
How to Rent a Car from Priceless Safely
Renting from Priceless can work if you’re prepared. Follow these simple steps to avoid trouble. I wish I knew these before my trip!
Step-by-Step Guide to Booking
- Check Reviews First: Look at sites like Trustpilot or BBB. See what others say about Priceless.
- Book Directly: Use Priceless’s website, not third parties like Expedia. This avoids confusion.
- Read the Terms: Check for fees, like insurance or tolls. Ask questions before you book.
- Bring Insurance Proof: Carry your car insurance policy. Priceless may not accept all coverage.
- Inspect the Car: Take photos of any scratches or dents before driving. This protects you from extra charges.
- Confirm Deposit Rules: Ask when your deposit will return. It can take weeks.
Visual Idea: A checklist diagram of these steps would make it easy to follow.
Table: Booking Checklist for Priceless
| Step | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Check reviews | Avoid bad locations |
| Book directly | Fewer surprises |
| Bring insurance | Save on fees |
| Take car photos | Prevent disputes |
Caption: This table shows how to rent safely with Priceless.
Benefits of Using Priceless Car Rental
Priceless can be a good choice for some travelers. Here’s why:
- Low Prices: Their rates are often cheaper than big brands like Hertz.
- Many Locations: They have over 40 spots in the USA and abroad.
- Variety of Cars: From small cars to big vans, they have options.
I liked the low price at first, but you must watch for extra costs.
Drawbacks to Watch Out For
Priceless has some issues you should know:
- Hidden Fees: Insurance, tolls, or cleaning fees can add up.
- Car Condition: Some cars have scratches or high mileage.
- Customer Service: Staff can be slow or hard to reach.
My car was okay but not great. Always check the car before driving off.
Table: Priceless vs. Big Brands
| Feature | Priceless | Big Brands (e.g., Hertz) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Very cheap | More expensive |
| Car Condition | Mixed quality | Usually better |
| Locations | Off-airport | At airports |
| Fees | Often hidden | Clearer terms |
Caption: This table compares Priceless with major rental companies.
Alternatives to Priceless Car Rental
If Priceless worries you, try other options. Big brands like Enterprise or Avis are reliable but cost more. Budget brands like Thrifty can also be good. I used Avis after my Priceless experience and paid $50 more but had no issues. For super cheap rentals, check Turo, where you rent from locals. Always read reviews before booking!
Visual Idea: A chart comparing Priceless, Enterprise, and Turo prices would help readers choose.
My Top Tips for Renting Cars
Here are my best tips from years of renting cars:
- Compare Prices: Use sites like Kayak to find deals.
- Ask About Fees: Call the company to confirm all costs.
- Use Your Credit Card: Many cards cover rental insurance.
These saved me money on my last trip. Try them!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Reading Terms: Hidden fees can surprise you.
- Skipping Inspection: Always check the car first.
- Ignoring Reviews: Bad reviews often warn you.
I made these mistakes with Priceless. Don’t do the same!
Is Priceless Car Rental Trustworthy?
Priceless is a real company, not a scam. They’ve been around since 1998. But many customers report problems. On Trustpilot, they have a 1.6-star rating from over 6,900 reviews. Some praise low prices, but others mention fees or bad service. The Better Business Bureau gives them a low rating too. My experience was mixed—cheap but stressful. Check reviews for your local Priceless branch before booking.
Table: Priceless Car Rental Trust Signals
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Years in Business | Since 1998 |
| BBB Rating | Not accredited |
| Trustpilot Score | 1.6 stars |
| Locations | Over 40 worldwide |
Caption: This table shows Priceless’s trustworthiness factors.
How to Save Money with Priceless
Want to keep costs low? Try these:
- Book Early: Prices are cheaper weeks ahead.
- Skip Extras: Avoid toll passes if you have one.
- Use Your Insurance: Don’t buy their coverage if yours works.
I saved $100 on my next rental by skipping extras. It works!
Visual Idea: A simple budget breakdown graphic would show where to save money.
Conclusion
Priceless Car Rental can be legit, but it’s tricky. Their low prices are great, but hidden fees and poor service can frustrate you. I learned to check reviews, bring insurance proof, and ask about fees. Try these tips for a better experience. If you want a hassle-free trip, consider bigger brands or Turo. Ready to rent? Share your tips below or check Priceless’s website. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Priceless Car Rental a Scam?
Pric opening hours, customer service, and refund policies to avoid surprises.
What Are Priceless Car Rental’s Fees?
Priceless may charge extra for insurance, tolls, or cleaning. My rental had a $200 insurance fee I didn’t expect. Always read the terms and ask about all costs upfront. Bringing your own insurance can save money. Check your contract to avoid surprises.
How Does Priceless Compare to Other Companies?
Priceless is cheaper than big brands like Enterprise but has more complaints. Their cars can be older, and service varies by location. I paid $150 for a week with Priceless but $200 with Avis for better quality. Compare prices on Kayak for the best deal.
Can I Trust Priceless Car Rental Reviews?
Reviews on Trustpilot and BBB show mixed experiences. Some love the low prices, but others hate hidden fees. My experience matched many reviews—cheap but stressful. Check reviews for your specific location to get a clear picture.
What If Priceless Charges Me Extra?
If you face unexpected fees, contact Priceless immediately. I called and emailed to resolve a $200 charge. If they don’t help, dispute the charge with your credit card company. Keep all receipts and emails as proof.
How Long Does Priceless Take to Refund Deposits?
Deposits can take 15-30 days to return. Mine took three weeks. Ask about the refund timeline when you rent. If it’s late, call Priceless and follow up with your bank. Keep records of all communication.
Is It Safe to Book with Priceless Online?
Priceless’s website is secure with a valid SSL certificate. I booked online without issues, but third-party sites like Expedia caused confusion. Book directly on their site and confirm your reservation by phone for safety.
