AutoRent

- 1300 Pontiac Ave, Cranston, RI 02920

For residents of Rhode Island, the need for a rental car can arise for many reasons – whether your personal vehicle is undergoing maintenance, you're dealing with the aftermath of an accident, or you simply require temporary transportation. When these situations occur, choosing a reliable and transparent car rental service is paramount. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and factual overview of AutoRent, a car rental service located in Cranston, Rhode Island, operating out of the Tasca Automotive Group. We'll delve into their location, stated services, and, importantly, synthesize the experiences shared by actual customers to help local users make an informed decision.

AutoRent, often associated with the Tasca Automotive Group, presents itself as a convenient option for those in the Cranston area needing a rental vehicle. Being part of a larger dealership group can sometimes imply certain advantages, such as direct access to vehicle maintenance facilities. However, understanding the full picture, including the direct feedback from those who have utilized their services, is crucial for any Rhode Islander considering them for their transportation needs. This guide will help paint that picture, allowing you to weigh the pros and cons based on available public information.

AutoRent is located at 1300 Pontiac Ave, Cranston, RI 02920, USA. This address places it firmly within the expansive campus of the Tasca Automotive Group, a well-known name in the Rhode Island automotive landscape. Pontiac Avenue is a significant thoroughfare in Cranston, making the location generally accessible for residents of Cranston and surrounding communities.

Being integrated within a large dealership facility means that AutoRent might be particularly convenient for those whose vehicles are being serviced or repaired at Tasca. Customers can often drop off their personal car for service and pick up a rental in one consolidated trip. For those not tied to Tasca's service department, accessing the location by car is straightforward, as Pontiac Avenue connects to other major roads in the area. While direct public transportation might require some planning, the location's prominence within a large automotive complex makes it a recognizable and relatively easy destination to reach for anyone in the greater Cranston area by personal vehicle or rideshare services.

While specific details on AutoRent's explicit services beyond general car rental offerings are not extensively detailed in the provided information, their association with a large automotive group suggests a focus on providing rental solutions that complement vehicle sales and service operations. Generally, a car rental service in this context would offer:

• Standard Car Rentals: This would include various vehicle types, from compact sedans to possibly SUVs or minivans, catering to different passenger and cargo needs.

• Insurance Replacement Rentals: Given their association with an automotive group, it's highly probable that AutoRent facilitates rentals for customers whose vehicles are being repaired through insurance claims, a common service offered by dealership-affiliated rental companies.

• Service Loaner Alternatives: For customers whose vehicles are in for extended service or recall work at Tasca, AutoRent would serve as the primary option for temporary transportation.

• Daily and Weekly Rentals: Rental periods would likely be flexible, accommodating short-term needs for a day or longer periods for weeks, depending on the customer's requirements.

• Direct Billing (Potentially): For insurance-related rentals, direct billing to the insurance company is often a service provided to simplify the process for the customer.

Based on the provided customer reviews, the "features" or "highlights" of AutoRent present a mixed picture, with significant concerns raised by multiple individuals. It's crucial for prospective renters in Rhode Island to be aware of these experiences.

• Association with Tasca Automotive Group: Being part of a well-known local dealership group like Tasca might initially instill a sense of trust or convenience, especially for Tasca customers needing service rentals. However, the reviews suggest that this association does not necessarily guarantee a seamless or satisfactory rental experience from AutoRent directly.

Conversely, the customer reviews reveal several recurring issues that stand out as significant "lowlights" or areas of concern:

• Lack of Vehicle Cleaning/Inspection: A prominent issue raised is the failure to thoroughly clean or inspect cars between rentals. One customer explicitly stated, "They don’t clean the cars before renting them again." This not only implies a lack of attention to hygiene but also directly relates to the issue of forgotten personal items, as a backpack was left behind and not found by AutoRent staff during their check, only to be discovered by the subsequent renter.

• Disputed Damage Claims and Unauthorized Charges: This is a critical concern. A customer reported being charged $500 on their credit card without authorization for windshield damage. They initially requested a quote for out-of-pocket payment and offered to use their own repair guy but received no follow-up, only an unexpected charge. This suggests a potentially aggressive and non-transparent approach to damage resolution, including failing to provide a proper, itemized receipt ("nothing but a general receipt"). The fact that the customer's insurance later covered the "special windshield" with a zero deductible, despite AutoRent's alleged claim that it wouldn't be covered, raises serious questions about the truthfulness of the information provided by AutoRent staff (Dorian, the GM, in particular).

• Poor Communication and Unprofessional Conduct: Customers describe frustrating experiences with communication, including unanswered calls, unreturned voicemails, and rude or argumentative interactions with staff, including the General Manager. One review explicitly states, "Dorian the GM was rude and argumentative. Telling me they had been calling me for weeks leaving voicemails that I never recieved. This was a lie." This indicates a lack of professionalism and potentially misleading communication tactics.

• Allegations of Scamming: The severe nature of the issues, particularly the disputed charges and perceived lack of transparency, led one customer to state, "My husband and friends all said this company seems to be a big scam. Clearly it is by the number of claims he places with insurance." This strong sentiment of being "ripped off" is a significant red flag for prospective renters.

• Negative Contrast with Other Rental Companies: The comparison drawn with larger rental companies like Alamo and Enterprise ("I’ve rented from Alamo, enterprise etc and always was a pleasure never a problem. But this is absolutely ridiculous.") further emphasizes the severity of the negative experiences at AutoRent from the customer's perspective.

For direct inquiries or to attempt to arrange a rental with AutoRent, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 1300 Pontiac Ave, Cranston, RI 02920, USA

Phone: (401) 537-8007

Mobile Phone: +1 401-537-8007

For locals in Rhode Island seeking car rental services, especially those whose vehicles are being serviced at Tasca Automotive Group, AutoRent in Cranston might appear to be a convenient option due to its co-location. Its presence within a major dealership complex offers immediate accessibility if your car is already there for repairs or maintenance. However, based on the highly critical and consistent customer reviews, it is imperative for any Rhode Islander considering AutoRent to proceed with extreme caution.

The overwhelming feedback points to significant issues with customer service, transparency in billing, and vehicle cleanliness and inspection protocols. Allegations of unauthorized charges for damages, rude and misleading communication from staff, and a perceived pattern of questionable claim practices paint a concerning picture. While the allure of convenience, particularly if your car is at Tasca, is understandable, the potential for frustrating and costly disputes, as detailed by multiple past renters, severely impacts AutoRent's suitability as a reliable car rental provider for local users. In a competitive market like Rhode Island, where numerous reputable rental companies are available, locals are strongly advised to meticulously document the vehicle's condition before and after rental, understand all terms, and perhaps consider alternatives that consistently demonstrate higher standards of customer care and transparency, as highlighted by the stark contrast drawn by frustrated customers who have had positive experiences with other major rental brands.

AutoRent

1300 Pontiac Ave, Cranston, RI 02920, USA