American Rent-A-Car

- 29111 Wick Rd, Romulus, MI 48174

For residents of Michigan, particularly those in the Romulus area or traveling through Detroit Metro Airport (DTW), the need for a reliable car rental service is a frequent occurrence. Whether it's for business, a family vacation, or as a temporary replacement vehicle, having a local option can be incredibly convenient. This article aims to provide a clear and factual overview of American Rent-A-Car located at 29111 Wick Rd, Romulus, MI, based on publicly available information and customer feedback. Understanding their offerings and past customer experiences is crucial for Michiganders seeking a car rental solution.

American Rent-A-Car positions itself as a Michigan-based company with a strong connection to Detroit's automotive spirit, stating they "only rent American cars" from the "Big Three" manufacturers (Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler). Their primary goal is to provide suitable rental vehicles at affordable rates with "executive-level customer service," particularly aiming to alleviate stress for customers in difficult situations like needing a rental after an accident. They emphasize being a local alternative to major chains, promising no overbooked reservations and offering services like home or repair facility delivery.

However, it is equally important for prospective renters to consider customer experiences, which, based on recent reviews, have been mixed and include significant concerns. Some customers have reported issues regarding unexpected charges, vehicle condition, and challenging interactions with staff. This article will present a balanced view to help local users make an informed decision when considering American Rent-A-Car for their needs in Michigan.

American Rent-A-Car is conveniently located at 29111 Wick Rd, Romulus, MI 48174, USA. This address places it in close proximity to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), which is a significant advantage for travelers flying into or out of Michigan. Wick Road is a well-known thoroughfare in Romulus, making the location relatively easy to find for both local residents and visitors.

The branch's proximity to DTW means it's an accessible option for those needing immediate transportation upon arrival or before departure. According to one source, the location is approximately 0.3 miles from Detroit Airport, suggesting it might be considered an "in-terminal" or very close off-airport location where customers can walk to the counter. The operating hours are generally listed as Monday-Saturday from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. These extended hours provide flexibility for a wide range of travel schedules for Michiganders.

American Rent-A-Car generally offers a range of services aimed at providing car rental solutions, with a stated focus on supporting local needs and specific vehicle types. Based on their self-description and general industry practices, their services typically include:

• Vehicle Rentals: They offer a diverse fleet of "American cars" (Ford, GM, Chrysler) including economy/midsize/full-size sedans, minivans, Jeeps, pickup trucks, SUVs, sports cars, and high-end luxury vehicles. This commitment to American-made vehicles is a unique selling point.
• Affordable Daily and Weekly Rates: American Rent-A-Car claims to offer competitive and consistent rates that do not fluctuate with peak seasons, aiming to provide better value than some major chains.
• Insurance Claim Assistance: They emphasize working directly with insurance companies to help customers get on the road quickly after an accident, potentially at little or no out-of-pocket cost. This service is designed to alleviate stress during difficult times.
• Vehicle Delivery Service: A convenient service where they can deliver the rental vehicle to the customer's home, repair facility, place of business, or hotel within their service areas. This adds a layer of convenience for those unable to pick up a vehicle.
• Cash Deposits and Debit Card Acceptance: Unlike some major rental companies that strictly require credit cards, American Rent-A-Car states they welcome cash deposits and debit cards, making their services more accessible to a wider range of customers.
• No Overbooking Policy: They assert that, unlike major chains, they do not overbook reservations, aiming to ensure customers get the vehicle they expect, when they expect it.
• Corporate Accommodations: Services tailored for businesses and corporate clients.
• Military Veteran Support: They seek military veterans for employment and offer incentives for active-duty military and veterans, demonstrating a commitment to supporting this community.

However, it's critical to note that despite the stated commitment to customer service and various convenient policies, customer reviews highlight significant issues, particularly concerning unexpected charges (like fuel), vehicle condition (leaky tires, cleanliness), and difficulties with reservation cancellations and problem resolution.

American Rent-A-Car aims to distinguish itself with several key features, though it's important to view these in light of customer feedback:

• "American Cars Only" Fleet: A distinct feature is their exclusive focus on vehicles from Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. This might appeal to customers who prefer supporting American automotive brands or are familiar with these vehicle types.
• Local and Independent Ownership: Positioned as a locally owned and operated company, they present themselves as an alternative to large, impersonal national chains. This often implies a more personalized approach, though customer experiences vary.
• Flexible Payment Options: The acceptance of cash deposits and debit cards is a significant highlight, broadening accessibility for customers who may not have a credit card or prefer not to use one for rentals.
• Insurance Specialist Support: Their claim of working directly with insurance companies for accident rentals can be a valuable service, potentially simplifying a stressful situation for customers needing a replacement vehicle.
• Delivery Service: Offering to deliver vehicles to homes, repair facilities, or hotels is a convenient feature that can save customers time and hassle.

Conversely, critical highlights from customer reviews indicate areas of concern that prospective renters should be aware of:

• Vehicle Condition: Customers have reported issues with vehicle maintenance, such as leaky tires and cleanliness, suggesting that the "Pristine" aspect may not always be met.
• Cancellation and Refund Policies: A major point of contention in reviews is the reported refusal to process cancellations or offer compromises for unused rental days, even when the vehicle was not used or driven.
• Unexpected Charges: Instances of additional charges, particularly for fuel, despite the customer believing the tank was returned full or having driven minimal miles, have been reported, leading to disputes.
• Customer Service Issues: Reviews describe unresponsiveness to polite emails and unhelpful staff when problems arise, indicating a disconnect from their stated "executive-level customer service" goal.
• Communication Breakdowns: Lack of proactive communication regarding issues and a perceived unwillingness to assist customers in resolving disputes have been noted.

For inquiries, reservations, or to address any concerns, you can contact American Rent-A-Car in Romulus using the following details:

Address: 29111 Wick Rd, Romulus, MI 48174, USA

Phone: (734) 494-2444

Mobile Phone: +1 734-494-2444

Customer Care Email: customercare@americanrentacar.com (as per their website, responses may take 3-5 business days).

For Michiganders in the Romulus area and those utilizing Detroit Metro Airport, American Rent-A-Car presents itself as a locally-owned option with a distinct focus on American-made vehicles and an array of convenient services, including delivery and flexible payment options like cash deposits. Their stated aim to provide stress-free rentals, especially for those involved in accidents, aligns with a valuable community need.

However, it is paramount for local users to approach American Rent-A-Car with caution and thorough preparation. The significant concerns raised in recent customer reviews regarding vehicle condition, unexpected charges, and challenges with customer service and dispute resolution cannot be overlooked. While the company aims to offer a strong local alternative to national chains, potential renters should meticulously document vehicle condition upon pick-up and drop-off (photos, videos), clarify all charges and policies in writing, and closely monitor their credit card statements for any discrepancies. For Michiganders seeking a car rental, American Rent-A-Car offers the convenience of proximity to DTW and a specific fleet focus, but exercising diligence and vigilance based on past customer experiences is highly advised to ensure a smooth rental process.

American Rent-A-Car

29111 Wick Rd, Romulus, MI 48174, USA