Alamo Car Rental Review

In a crowded marketplace, Alamo Rent-A-Car has the distinction of being used by more international visitors to the USA than any other car rental company.

Founded in Florida back in 1974, the company is now headquartered in Clayton, Missouri. It typically caters to budget-conscious leisure travelers and currently has over 1100 offices in all continents – although it is most prevalent in North America.

The company is owned by Enterprise Holdings, which also has Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National Car Rental within its portfolio, and is known for having a decent range of affordable fleets and a presence at major airports.

Alamo is currently headed by Andrew C. Taylor, the executive chairman of Enterprise Holdings, who is the son of Jack C. Taylor, the founder of Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

When Does It Make Sense to Use Alamo?

Alamo Rent-A-Car is a great option for travelers who want to book an affordable vehicle in as quick and convenient a manner as possible.

Arguably, it makes the most sense to use Alamo when you have flown into a major airport and need to pick up a rental because, as mentioned, the company has a strong presence at terminals across the U.S. and internationally. For travelers, this makes the pickup and drop-off experience fast and hassle-free, especially if you pre-book online.

Alamo is also a smart choice for those planning a road trip, as it offers unlimited mileage on most rentals and the option of one-way rentals. This means you could pick up a vehicle in Chicago and drop it off in Los Angeles if you so desire.

If you need a larger vehicle, such as an SUV or minivan, for a group or family, Alamo tends to provide more budget-friendly options as compared to many of its competitors. They also have a decent loyalty program and strategic partnerships with airlines and hotels that can provide good discounts and rewards you might want to take advantage of.

When Doesn’t It Make Sense to Use Alamo?

The Alamo Rent-A-Car business model is attractive to many because it centers around affordability and convenience. However, there are some occasions where it might not make sense to make a reservation through them.

For instance, if you’re looking for a long-term rental, some of their competitors may offer better rates or discounts for such an extended use. As Alamo primarily caters to short-term travelers, renting from them for several weeks or months could be more expensive when compared to others who might specialize in long-term rentals.

Another drawback is that Alamo does not always have locations in smaller towns or rural areas, particularly outside of the USA, which means availability may be limited if you need a rental outside of a major airport or city. In such cases, you might be better off going with a local car rental company or another national brand that has a more prominent local presence.

Additionally, if you’re under the age of 25, Alamo, like most car rental companies, charges a young driver fee, which could make it less cost-effective for younger renters. Should this apply to you, it is worth shopping around for other rental companies that may offer better deals or lower fees.

Finally, if you are visiting a city with a good local public transportation system and ride-sharing network, you might find it cheaper and just as convenient to use that, as opposed to booking a rental car with Alamo.

Pros and Cons of Booking with Alamo

Alamo Rent-A-Car is an established name within the vehicle hire marketplace. However, like most of its rivals, it has its advantages and drawbacks.

Here are some of the main pros and cons of booking with Alamo.

Pros

Undoubtedly, one of Alamo’s biggest strengths is its competitive pricing, which often comes in cheaper than most of its competitors. It also offers unlimited mileage on most rentals, so you won’t have to worry about additional fees based on how far you drive.

The company has its strongest presence at major airports in the USA, with self-service kiosks and online check-in. So, it is ideal for international travelers who want a quick and convenient rental process after having just got off a flight.

Alamo also boasts a wide selection of vehicles, many of which fall within the economy, SUVs and minivan categories, and has a good loyalty program that offers attractive discounts and perks to members.

Cons

Despite its many benefits, Alamo does have some downsides. Most notably, perhaps, is that the company has been criticized for not providing customers with good enough wheelchair access to their rental car lots to and from some airport terminals. According to the United States Department of Justice, they have received several complaints about the company.

As mentioned, while they do have a strong presence at airport locations in North America and overseas, they do not possess anywhere near as many field offices as some of their competitors. Enterprise has over 9500, for example, and Hertz has upwards of 12,000. Subsequently, they might not be an option should you be visiting smaller towns or regional areas.

The company are not as strong in the luxury vehicle department as some of the competitors, and as they emphasize self-service at many of their locations, customer support at rental locations can sometimes be minimal.

Alamo Booking Experience

Generally speaking, if you want to book a car rental with Alamo, you should find it a straightforward and convenient process.

Travelers can easily reserve a vehicle online through their website or mobile app, which allows them to compare prices and choose from a variety of car options. You can also add extras like GPS or insurance, and the online check-in feature allows customers to enter their details in advance, which speeds up the pickup process at the rental location.

For those arriving at major airports, Alamo’s self-service kiosks can provide a quick way to retrieve rental agreements and keys without waiting in long lines. This provides customers with a contactless experience that usually makes the process more efficient. However, it must be noted that while the company’s customer service is generally responsive, this self-service model means in-person assistance may be limited if you require it.

All things considered, Alamo’s booking experience has been designed with convenience in mind. So, it is a solid option for those who want a fast, hassle-free rental process with minimal paperwork and wait times.

Important Things to Note Before Renting with Alamo

Before making the decision to book a rental vehicle with Alamo, there are a few things you should weigh up, because they could impact how seamless and enjoyable an experience you have with them.

Pricing & Hidden Fees

Alamo is known for competitive base rates, but you should be aware that if you want to add additional features to your rental like child seats or GPS systems, the price will be higher than originally advertised.

Other fees that might impact cost are toll passes, young driver fees if you are under the age of 25, one-way rentals, after-hours returns and extra charges for additional drivers.

Insurance & Deposit Policies

You would be well advised to take out insurance when you rent a car from Alamo. However, before doing this, check with your travel insurance or your credit card to see if you are already covered by them. Doing this can save you a bit of money.

Generally, a security deposit is required at pickup, which is refunded to you when you return the vehicle, assuming there are no issues with it.

Vehicle Condition & Inspection

Always inspect the car for pre-existing damage before leaving the lot and when you drop it off, and take photos for proof. Also, ensure the gas level matches your agreement to prevent refueling charges.

Cancellation & Refund Policies

Alamo allows cancellations, but fees may apply depending on when you cancel. Typically, prepaid rentals have less flexible refund policies, so review the terms thoroughly before booking.

Customer Service

Alamo focuses on self-service, which speeds up the process but may limit in-person assistance. Be mindful that if you need help, customer support will be available via phone and online, but wait times can vary depending on your location and time of day.

Alternatives to Alamo

Wherever Alamo is located, you will usually find several other car hire options available, including Enterprise, Dollar, Budget, Europcar, National and Hertz.

This is especially the case at airports within major cities. However, at main tourist locations and international destinations, Alamo doesn’t have as big a presence. So, you will need to use these companies or others there.

Final Verdict: Should You Rent from Alamo?

The question of whether you should rent from Alamo really boils down to a personal choice. The company have a good presence at airports in North America and offers vehicles at very affordable rates, which means you can’t go wrong.

That said, if you want a bit more in the way of personalized human service or a luxury vehicle, you might be better off looking elsewhere.