Clubs Car Rental

- 217 SW 27th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

For Florida residents, especially those living in or traveling through the Fort Lauderdale area, securing a car rental can be a frequent necessity, whether for business, leisure, or as a temporary solution. While numerous options exist, it's vital to understand the specifics of each provider beyond initial price quotes. Clubs Car Rental, located near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), aims to serve this market. This article offers a factual and comprehensive overview of Clubs Car Rental, detailing their location, general services, and, importantly, critical insights drawn from recent customer experiences that every local Floridian should be aware of before booking.

The allure of a low initial price can be strong, particularly when booking through third-party sites. However, as customer reviews suggest, what appears to be a good deal can quickly escalate due to undisclosed requirements and fees. This overview is designed to help you navigate these potential pitfalls, providing the transparency needed to make an informed decision for your car rental needs in Fort Lauderdale.

Clubs Car Rental is situated conveniently close to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), although it is not directly within the airport's consolidated Rental Car Center. Their address is:

217 SW 27th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, USA

This location means that customers arriving at FLL will need to utilize a shuttle service to reach the Clubs Car Rental office. According to provided information, customers should go to Terminal 4 on Level 1 of the airport in the pick-up area and call the provided phone numbers for pick-up. A representative will then pick up customers in a Clubs Car Rental courtesy shuttle. This off-airport location is common for rental companies that offer potentially lower base rates by avoiding airport concession fees.

For locals in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding communities like Hollywood, Dania Beach, and Davie, this off-site location is generally accessible by personal vehicle or rideshare. However, the reliance on a shuttle service adds a layer of logistical planning, especially for those with tight schedules or large amounts of luggage. One customer noted a "great value" but mentioned it was "a little confusing on where the shuttle pick up point is at the airport," and another reported waiting over 40 minutes for a shuttle, highlighting a potential area for operational inconsistency. It is crucial for renters to confirm shuttle instructions and contact the company upon arrival at FLL.

Clubs Car Rental provides a range of vehicles for rent, catering to various travel needs. Based on common rental practices and available information, their services generally include:

• Diverse Vehicle Fleet: Clubs Car Rental typically offers a selection of car classes. Public data mentions options ranging from "economical compacts" (like Nissan Versa) to "luxury cars and SUVs" (like VW Taos, Hyundai Elantra, or Dodge Caravan). This variety allows customers to choose a vehicle that fits their budget and space requirements for exploring Florida.

• Flexible Rental Durations: Customers can book vehicles for various periods, including daily, weekly, and potentially longer-term rentals. This flexibility is essential for both short trips and extended stays in Florida.

• Insurance Requirements and Options: A significant aspect of Clubs Car Rental's service model, as highlighted by customer reviews, revolves around their insurance policy. They reportedly require renters to have a high level of personal insurance coverage (e.g., $500k liability) that explicitly transfers to a rental vehicle. If a renter's personal insurance doesn't meet these specific criteria or is not from one of their "specific insurance companies" (e.g., Geico, State Farm, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, Infinity, Progressive, USAA, Nationwide, Esurance, Farmers), customers are reportedly "forced" to purchase Clubs Car Rental's own "expensive daily coverage." This can significantly increase the actual cost of the rental.

• Mandatory SunPass/Toll Policy: Clubs Car Rental vehicles are equipped with a SunPass transponder. A key policy, as per customer reviews and external sources, is that use of their SunPass is mandatory, and a daily "activation fee" or similar charge is applied, regardless of whether the renter uses tolls or has their own SunPass. This is critical for driving in Florida, where many roads are cashless tolls.

• Cleaning and Condition Policy: Customers are advised that vehicles need to be returned in "pristine condition" or face "an added cost for cleaning." This suggests a strict policy regarding vehicle cleanliness upon return.

• Security Deposit: A security deposit is required, the amount of which can vary depending on the vehicle type, starting from $1,000 and up. This deposit is held and subject to deductions for damages, refueling charges, SunPass charges, and cleaning fees.

• Payment Methods: They accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) and some mobile payments (Cash App, Zelle, Apple Pay), though merchant fees may apply for mobile payments. Only cards in the main driver's name are accepted for the deposit. Prepaid cards and Apple Card are generally not accepted for deposits.

Based on the provided information and public customer reviews, here are the key features and highlights of Clubs Car Rental for Floridians:

• Initial Low Pricing on Third-Party Sites: A primary attraction for Clubs Car Rental is often the seemingly low initial cost advertised on third-party booking websites like GotRentalCars. This can be a compelling factor for budget-conscious travelers seeking an economical option.

• Diverse Fleet for Varied Needs: The availability of a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs and vans, allows customers to choose a vehicle suitable for their specific travel plans, whether it's a solo trip or a family vacation across Florida.

• Mandatory SunPass Inclusion: While a source of extra cost, the mandatory inclusion of a SunPass in every vehicle can be seen as a convenience for navigating Florida's toll roads. It removes the need for renters to manage individual toll payments or acquire their own transponder during their rental period.

• Customer Service at Return: One customer review specifically noted that "the attendant when we returned the vehicle was very nice." This indicates that while initial interactions might be challenging, the return process can be more positive.

• Significant Hidden/Unexpected Costs: This is a critical highlight for potential renters. Numerous reviews consistently point to "hidden fees" and "unexpected costs" that "doubled the price" from the initial quote. These primarily stem from:

  • Strict Insurance Requirements: The requirement for specific high-coverage insurance from a limited list of companies often forces renters to purchase their expensive in-house coverage.
  • Mandatory SunPass Activation Fee: A daily fee for the SunPass transponder is charged regardless of usage or if the renter has their own, which is not always clearly communicated upfront.
  • Cleaning Fees: A strict "pristine condition" policy can lead to additional cleaning charges upon return.
  • Airport Access Tolls: One customer was charged an "airport access toll" after being driven back to the airport by an agent, suggesting a lack of transparency on all potential charges.

• Customer Service Issues at Pickup: Counter staff at pickup have been described as "not customer service friendly," "very bland," and dismissive when explaining the numerous additional requirements and charges. One review mentioned an agent being "rude."

• Lack of Transparency in Booking: A major point of frustration is that many of these requirements and fees are not "explained upon booking" and are only revealed "at the counter when you are picking up the vehicle," leading to a feeling of being "lured into it by low price."

• Operational Inconsistencies: Some customers reported issues with shuttle pickups (long waits, incorrect instructions) and unresponsiveness from phone lines, particularly when trying to resolve issues post-rental.

For inquiries, reservations, or to address concerns with Clubs Car Rental, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 217 SW 27th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, USA

Phone: (305) 632-2782

Mobile Phone: +1 305-632-2782 (Also noted for WhatsApp contact for pick-up by some sources)

Given the recurring issues reported by customers, it is highly advisable to call them directly and clarify all terms, conditions, and potential fees before making a reservation, especially concerning insurance and toll transponders. Document all conversations and keep records of your booking.

For Floridians in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas looking for a car rental, Clubs Car Rental presents itself as a conveniently located off-airport option with an initially attractive base price, particularly when booked through third-party platforms. The variety of vehicles offered means there's likely a car to suit different needs, from a compact for city driving to an SUV for family excursions across the state. The mandatory inclusion of a SunPass in every vehicle can simplify toll navigation for those unfamiliar with Florida's cashless toll roads.

However, it is crucial for local users to approach Clubs Car Rental with a high degree of caution and thorough preparation. The overwhelming feedback from customers points to significant issues with transparency and unexpected costs. The strict and non-negotiable insurance requirements, mandatory daily SunPass fees (regardless of personal SunPass ownership or toll usage), and potential cleaning charges can effectively double the advertised "low price." Furthermore, reports of unhelpful staff at pickup and difficulties with customer service for post-rental issues indicate that resolving problems can be challenging.

Therefore, while Clubs Car Rental might seem like a budget-friendly choice, Floridians should:

• Deeply scrutinize all terms and conditions, particularly insurance and toll policies, before booking.
• Confirm their personal auto insurance coverage explicitly meets the $500k liability and specific company requirements, and be prepared to pay for additional coverage if it doesn't.
• Factor in the mandatory daily SunPass activation fee into the total cost, regardless of their toll usage plans.
• Document the vehicle's condition thoroughly with time-stamped photos or videos at both pickup and drop-off to avoid cleaning or damage disputes.
• Be prepared for a less-than-friendly experience at the counter and potentially challenging post-rental customer service.

For the informed Floridian who prioritizes an initially low rate and is willing to navigate these potential hurdles and hidden costs, Clubs Car Rental could provide a vehicle. However, for those seeking a straightforward, fully transparent, and consistently positive rental experience, exploring alternatives from more mainstream brands might be a more suitable choice.

Clubs Car Rental

217 SW 27th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, USA