I don't want to "pile on" in regard to the recent threads about corrupt cops or safety risks in Cozumel, but thought that some may be interested in this information from Undercurrent.......
"In our October issue, we shared a readers report about suspicious charges at Budget Car Rental in Bonaire, and stressed the importance of buying collision-damage insurance when renting a car abroad. Now another shady car scam has surfaced in Cozumel, says Undercurrent subscriber Rick Feig (Baton Rouge, LA).
I rented a small Chevy from the Sol y Mar rental company located directly in front of the El Cid - La Ceiba beach hotel. Upon returning the car, I discovered a small hole on the left tail light, obviously made by a small nail and a hammer, or a 1/8-inch drill bit, that destroyed the entire lens. The car had been parked overnight at the hotels parking lot, about 20 yards from Sol y Mar.
Having just read the October issue of Undercurrent, I had purchased insurance at the time of rental, but I wasnt surprised when Roger, the counter clerk, said the hole in the tail light was not covered, and I would have to pay him U.S. $60 in cash for the damage. I told him to just put it on the bill and I would take it up with the rental car company, but Roger said he couldnt do that as all small damages had to be paid in cash. After a heated discussion, I finally gave him $40 just to close the problem.
"In our October issue, we shared a readers report about suspicious charges at Budget Car Rental in Bonaire, and stressed the importance of buying collision-damage insurance when renting a car abroad. Now another shady car scam has surfaced in Cozumel, says Undercurrent subscriber Rick Feig (Baton Rouge, LA).
I rented a small Chevy from the Sol y Mar rental company located directly in front of the El Cid - La Ceiba beach hotel. Upon returning the car, I discovered a small hole on the left tail light, obviously made by a small nail and a hammer, or a 1/8-inch drill bit, that destroyed the entire lens. The car had been parked overnight at the hotels parking lot, about 20 yards from Sol y Mar.
Having just read the October issue of Undercurrent, I had purchased insurance at the time of rental, but I wasnt surprised when Roger, the counter clerk, said the hole in the tail light was not covered, and I would have to pay him U.S. $60 in cash for the damage. I told him to just put it on the bill and I would take it up with the rental car company, but Roger said he couldnt do that as all small damages had to be paid in cash. After a heated discussion, I finally gave him $40 just to close the problem.
