Thrifty/Dollar in Germany sometimes offers very low rates. Though we've been reporting for years about the company's rental counter pressure sales tactics, unsuspecting travelers are still being nailed. See the email below received today, October 7, 2016. We have removed the last name, the email address and phone numbers. Dennis is not our customer. This is current, unsolicited testimony.

The Email

From: Dennis

Sent: Friday, October 7, 2016 11:25 AM

To: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Subject: Thrifty Car Rental Question at FRA

Hello Andy,

Please assist me in you can.

I reserved a vehicle with Thrifty for pickup at Frankfurt International. (Sadly, I did not go through your website to do so)

They are located at the Hertz rental counter.

When I attempted to pick up my vehicle using my Visa credit card I reserved with, I was told I HAD TO BUY the CDW, Liability, Theft insurance. I refused, stating I was covered by my credit card and offered to show him the paperwork showing it was so.

He refused and stated that "Hertz" required the insurance on all rentals from that location. I said my reservation is with Thrifty and he said it was the same at that location.

I again refused and said I was covered by my credit card.

He said I could not rent the vehicle unless I signed that I agreed to pay for the added insurance. I asked why do I have to sign I accept if it is mandatory?

He told me if I don't sign and accept it he would not rent the car to me and that others were in line. The others also were saying it is not mandatory.

After flying all night from the US to Germany, I felt as I had no choice but to accept or be left without a vehicle in a foreign country.

Then at the end he asked if was going to drive to any other countries. I said yes, I was driving to the Netherlands for one afternoon. He then said he had to add approximately another $60 USD for a Cross Border Fee.

Can you please advise if there is such a thing that they can demand renters to accept the extra insurance or if, it is in fact, really required by them to demand the extra money or refuse to rent a person the car?

and why would I have a Cross Border Fee for a travel into a country not in Eastern Europe or a restricted country?

I have been traveling to Europe since 1993 and have never encountered anyone mandating I had to accept these extra coverage cost.

Thank you very much for your help.

Dennis