LUCIO CAR RENTAL MIAMI

- 235 Lincoln Rd #309, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Introduction / Overview

For residents and visitors in the bustling South Florida region, a car rental can be an essential tool for navigating the expansive area, from the vibrant streets of Miami Beach to the serene landscapes beyond. When considering a car rental service, trust, transparency, and reliable customer support are paramount. LUCIO CAR RENTAL MIAMI, with an address in Miami Beach, presents itself as an option for vehicle rentals. However, based on available public feedback, it is crucial for Floridians to approach this company with significant caution. This article aims to provide a factual, albeit critical, overview of LUCIO CAR RENTAL MIAMI, drawing directly from detailed customer experiences that highlight serious concerns about their service, billing practices, and overall professionalism. Our goal is to equip local users with the necessary information to make a truly informed decision, emphasizing that not all car rental experiences are created equal, and some may come with unforeseen frustrations and financial disputes.

Location and Accessibility

LUCIO CAR RENTAL MIAMI is listed at 235 Lincoln Rd #309, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA. Lincoln Road is an iconic pedestrian-only mall on Miami Beach, a highly visible and central location. While a physical office on Lincoln Road might suggest convenience, customer reviews indicate that the actual pickup experience can be quite different. One review specifically mentions being "picked up in a Toyota Corolla by another company called LUCIO CAR RENTAL" and being "driven to a parking garage 15 minutes away." This suggests that the listed address might not be a direct customer-facing rental office where vehicles are picked up. Instead, it appears to function more as an administrative or virtual office, with the actual vehicle exchange happening off-site at a remote parking facility. This off-site process can add unexpected time and logistical challenges, which is a critical point for Floridians, especially those with tight schedules or those arriving at Miami International Airport (MIA) who expect immediate access to their rental. While their website does state "Car delivery in Any location in miami" and "Airport Pick Up & Drop Off," the customer experience points to a potentially convoluted process rather than a seamless one from the stated address.

Services Offered

Based on their website, LUCIO CAR RENTAL MIAMI purports to offer a range of services designed to provide convenience, though customer experiences directly contradict some of these claims. Their advertised services include:

• Vehicle Rentals: They offer various car categories, seemingly including compact cars and potentially small SUVs (though a customer explicitly noted being given a different car type than reserved). Their website shows categories for Economy, Sedan, Convertible, SUV, and Van.
• "Best Price Guaranteed": This is advertised for phone reservations.
• Free Cancellation: Advertised as a benefit.
• 24/7 Assistance: Claimed to be available via their hotline.
• Debit/Credit Card Reservations: Accepted payment methods.
• Delivery and Collection Service: They state they offer car delivery services to any location within Miami and pick-up/drop-off at Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale.
• Prepaid Toll Service: They mention a prepaid toll option (Sun Pass) and warn of a $50 penalty plus administration fees and taxes if customers decline the device and pass through a toll.
• Mileage Policy: For local Florida residents and domestic renters (from other US states), a limit of "90 miles per day" is stated, with "Unlimited Mileage purchase available for an additional fee." International renters reportedly have unlimited miles included.
• Security Deposit: A "refundable deposit of USD 500 is held from the credit card at the time of rental until 20 business days after the checkout date."
• Insurance Coverage: Their terms explicitly state: "Insurance is NOT included in the rental amount." They also detail specific required insurance types (Supplemental Liability insurance (SLI), Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), theft waiver (THW), Third Party Liability (TPL)) and state "THIRD PARTY LIABILITY (TPL) IS MANDATORY FOR RENTING A CAR IN THE USA." They note CDW does "not cover broken windows, windshield, convertible top, tires, hub cap, scratches, or any damage caused by renter negligence, nor is it covered by the rental company." Insurance is "accepted only if issued in USA."

Features / Highlights

The provided customer reviews paint a starkly negative picture of the actual "features" and "highlights" of LUCIO CAR RENTAL MIAMI's service, directly contradicting any positive promotional claims:

• Untrustworthy and Scam-like Practices: The overwhelming highlight, unfortunately, is the alleged "untrustworthy service" and "scam" accusations. Customers describe being subjected to "unnecessary fees," particularly related to insurance and alleged car damage.
• Deposit Retention Issues: A recurring and severe problem is the failure to refund security deposits. One customer explicitly states, "not only have they failed to return my deposit, but the sales agent has also blocked my phone number," and another mentions, "Now they refuse to pay back the deposit" for pre-existing scratches. The company's own terms state a 20 business day hold, but customers report delays beyond this or outright refusal to refund.
• Forced Insurance Sales/Threats: A significant highlight of negative experiences is the alleged demand for excessive, additional insurance payments, even when customers had already purchased third-party insurance. One review details a 50-minute argument where the company "demanded us to pay further $4400 for insurance" and only backed down after threats to cancel. Threats to "block $2700 on our creditcard for insurance" were also reported.
• Inconsistent Vehicle Provision: Customers reported not receiving the reserved vehicle type (e.g., reserving a small SUV but receiving a Toyota Corolla). This reflects a potential bait-and-switch tactic.
• Poor Communication and Unprofessionalism: The blocking of phone numbers, lack of responsiveness, and aggressive demands during the rental process underscore "extremely frustrating and unprofessional" communication. The "paperwork was done via Ipad on the trunk lid," which further suggests an informal and potentially less transparent operation.
• False Damage Claims: Multiple customers allege that the company charges for "scratches they have made themselves" or for damages that were present when the car was picked up, despite customers having photographic evidence to the contrary. This appears to be a consistent method for retaining deposits.
• Association with Other Companies: One review mentions being picked up by "LUCIO CAR RENTAL" despite the reservation being made for "Alquicoche," suggesting a complex and potentially confusing network of related entities, which can further complicate customer recourse. Local news investigations have also highlighted similar issues with other Miami-based virtual rental companies charging customers for damage they didn't cause.

Contact Information

Address: 235 Lincoln Rd #309, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

Phone: (305) 965-9506

Mobile Phone: +1 305-965-9506

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals (with extreme caution)

For Floridians seeking a car rental in the Miami area, particularly near Miami Beach, LUCIO CAR RENTAL MIAMI is physically present. However, based on the extremely serious and consistent negative customer reviews, it is critical to state that this place is suitable for locals ONLY IF they are prepared for a potentially highly problematic and financially risky experience. The alleged practices, including the retention of deposits for alleged pre-existing damage, aggressive demands for additional insurance payments, inconsistent vehicle provision, and a reported pattern of blocking communication, represent significant red flags. While the initial listed price might seem attractive, the experiences shared by previous customers strongly suggest that this company employs tactics that lead to "unexpected crazy fees" and immense frustration, ultimately making the rental far more expensive and stressful than anticipated. For any local considering LUCIO CAR RENTAL MIAMI, it is paramount to:

• Document Everything: Take extensive, time-stamped photos and videos of the entire vehicle (inside and out) at pickup and drop-off, capturing every angle and any pre-existing damage.
• Question All Charges: Scrutinize every line item on the contract, especially related to insurance and fuel, and do not be pressured into paying for services already covered or deemed unnecessary.
• Be Prepared for Disputes: Understand that you may need to dispute charges with your credit card company and be prepared for a lengthy and frustrating process.
• Consider Alternatives: Given the severity of the reported issues, locals are strongly advised to explore other well-established car rental companies in Florida that have consistent positive reviews regarding transparency, customer service, and honest billing practices.

In conclusion, while LUCIO CAR RENTAL MIAMI exists as an option, the overwhelming evidence from customer experiences indicates that it poses significant risks for locals. The primary suitability, in this context, is to serve as a stark warning about potential pitfalls in the car rental market, rather than a recommended service for a smooth and trustworthy transaction in Florida.

LUCIO CAR RENTAL MIAMI

235 Lincoln Rd #309, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA