T A.

I am writing to help others avoid the overcharge scam that I encounter through Budget rental at St. Thomas. I rented a vehicle through Costco travel membership and it was through Budget. Being a "bigger" chain rental vs a small island rental, I assumed all would be good. I was wrong. I got my vehicle at the Cyril King Airport and when picking up my vehicle she asked if I wanted the Loss Damage Waiver, to which I replied "no" she then indicated since my 23 year old son was underage I would need to sign and pay $20 a day(which I did even though he is a pilot and they rent to them without age restrictions), to which I signed the small signature device. Once we arrived at our place, I was looking at our contract and noticed we were also being charged an additional $ 34.99 per day. ($244.93). I also noticed they charged us $7.50 per day ($52.50) for the "additional driver" that Costco offers for free. I called Budge and was instructed they could not fix my issue prior to returning my vehicle and to continue my rental to term and dispute it AFTER we completed the rental. HOW CONVENIENT, because now they are indicating that the charges stand because my initials are in a box "that I signed" stating I wanted the Loss Damage Waiver. I explained that they verbally tell you what you are signing before you sign the box and that all 3 of us heard her specifically indicate that was for the underage driver. I explained that on my original rental agreement, it specifically shows I declined the Loss Damage Waiver. At this time, Budget indicated that the car rental at Cyril King Airport is independently owned and they can do as they desire. I indicated I would not have rented from Budget if they couldn't stand behind all their agreements, as I have heard of independent franchises "scamming" tourists for their own gain. I am disheartened that Budget would offer their name to a franchise that operates business this way. I am no longer going to use Budget for any future travel but want to warn others to avoid this scam. Look at your contract PRIOR to leaving the desk and learn not to trust businesses to operate ethically. Lesson learned.