Reviews of National Car Rental (Rent Cars)

Wang Dun

Excellent Service!!

Isabelle Normand

(Translated) Wonderful to go to work on the North Shore. (Original) Merveilleux pour aller travailler sur la côte-nord.

Booyaka Stubbs (ExplorewithStubbs.com)

Really great experience! Easy and fast pick up and return. Excellent service. The vehicle was clean and almost new. I had the rental car for one week and had no issues what so ever. I would definitely rent from here again!

Nabil Bennett

Needed the car longer than expected and they extended the rental right there over the phone, no problems no hassle

Logan Edwards

I returned my rental and apparently the was a small chip in the windshield that I was unaware of. I received a followup call on the Saturday which went to my voice mail, I called back an hour later and left a message. I received another call today (Tuesday) which I returned within 20 minutes. The lady that answered the phone immediately accused me of not responding to phone calls. I have a cell phone, it logs all incoming and outgoing calls which clearly shows my response. She transferred me to the manage who also started out angry and accusatory saying I was not responding to calls. Again, I just responded (for the second time). Unfortunately, this immediately put me on the defensive (nobody likes false accusations) which makes it difficult to be open to a discussion regarding the supposed chip on the windshield. The customer service skills at National are sadly lacking. They seem to be very bitter, angry and accusatory without giving the customer the benefit of the doubt. They have zero customer service or problem resolution skills. Interactions for them must be very painful if that is how they initiate conversations. I will never deal with National again. Hertz and Avis have always been excellent to deal with and who I will return to.

Jim Layhee

Great company and people !!! I rented a car without any hassle. Unfortunately, I had an accident during my trip, I got a chip on the windshield which grew into a crack. I called the company and talked to Lenen Geron. She was very professional to deal with. Claim was settled thru my insurance company within 30 days. The lesson learned, I should take insurance from "National" and not to use mine as there is no difference in price but now I have a claim record on mine insurance. I've read reviews below with one star only and don't trust those people ! The service was great and the car was excellent. I will use this company again and recommend it to all my friends. 5 STARS SERVICE !!!

shawna kolenchuk

Had some problems with booking through a third party that were not the fault of National, so when we got off the plane there was no booking and no cars available except for a very expensive minivan! Several other agencies were out of vehicles or had very expensive options. After a short wait, the staff at National came through, providing a vehicle from a cancellation. This vehicle was several classes (and higher price) above what we had booked but they upgraded free and honoured our original faulty booking. They even threw in several perks for free! Even though National was NOT at fault, they made us happy customers who will definitely use them again! I would recommend them!

Erin Mazerolle

No problems. Quick service. Good price. Clean car.

Morgan Riley

Privately owned so they have different policies. N drivers are not welcome here yet the confirmation email NEVER mentioned that so now I'm stranded at the airport without a car now. Thanks National ????

Sandy Kechichian

Terrible experience. I booked through the national app as I am a regular member and to my surprise when I got there the price was completely different. I reserved the car for 30 hours and My rate went from 40$/day to 89$ PLUS Km. So through my app I was only spending 85$ For the trip. By the time I had returned the car my bill was $300 - for 30 hours. Completely unacceptable. They were lucky they were the only ones available for my 1am landing. Extremely frustrated and disappointed. Don’t recommend to anyone. They are a franchise who set their own ridiculous prices.

Crystal Sea

Picked up the car, dropped the car off. Good service, no issues. Except: Damage was reported on the car which I had not seen. My insurance company took 7 months to settle the claim. Carlo and his people at this YYJ location were courteous and patient, and went above and beyond in helping me get it sorted out. Outstanding.

Youngbae Park

Standard rental package, nice personnel, government rate is more expensive than civilian rate during off season

BDJ

There's a reason for these terrible reviews. And it starts with the employees' attitudes working the desk. Yikes!

Eric Blay

After a mistake in my last invioce, I was out hundreds of dollars. I would like to personally thank the fleet and operations manager of the Natioan Car Rental - Victoria Airport Branch. This individual demonstred respect, concern, and professionalism throughout the incident carrying through to the resolution. Working through the different business channels within National Car Rental, he was able to drive and escalate the incident to an appropriate level of management where action could be taken. Thank you for demonstrating an exceptional level of customer service. Because of people like yourself, my confidence and comfort level using Natioanl Rental Car remains high.

George Harron

Reserved a car online. Went to pick it up and fortunately I mentioned I was driving to Oregon. They told me you can only drive their cars in Washington. Of course, they don't bother mentioning this when you book the car online, so it's a good thing I asked, or else I would have been driving in Oregon without whatever liability insurance they're using that's too cheap to let you drive beyond Washington. Ridiculous. Fortunately, Avis had a car that has magical Oregon coverage, or else I would have been completely screwed. And from reading the other National YYJ reviews, it sounds like I might have saved myself some further grief when I brought the car back. I won't use National again.

Matt Gotch

OMG, I was reading some of the reviews on this place and I see reviews with references to Ronnie, the fleet manager there. Does he still work there? If so, I'm surprised he's not fired yet for scamming so many customers. I rented a car from here in 2015 and he tried to scam me with damages to the car that didn't exist. I called him to provide me with photos of the damage and the repair bill from their autobody shop to prove they existed. He couldn't provide it but still charged my CC. I complained to the Customer Service hotline at National headquarters and they too tried to get Ronnie to provide the evidence and he couldn't do it. So their headquarters sent me a cheque to refund me for the scam. Not sure if National at this location has changed for the better since but if Ronnie is still there, don't rent from here. You have been warned.

Melissa Ligertwood

I actually haven't rented from National in 15 years - and my recent experience reminds me it was for a good reason. I've had to ask multiple times for them to email me a receipt (which as of this moment I still don't have), and absolutely no common sense on the refueling policy. Won't be using this branch or any other National again. Lesson learned. More than once. Kicking myself for not sticking with my instincts.

Calvin Simpson

Great experience, warmed the truck up for me since it was cold outside. Was very impressed with the front desk lady. Will use them again.

Ashley Viklund

DO NOT RENT from Ronnie C. @ National Car Rental in the Victoria Airport. We did. We regret this. We returned our rental and spoke to agents about a rock chip we had repaired on the passenger side of the car. The agents we spoke to called Ronnie the "Fleet & Operations Manager" who literally ran out of the office to check the damage. Note: I had to point it out to him. Ronnie told me that the rock chip required the windshield be replaced for $1k + $250 for a windshield calibration. It should be noted the chip was on the passenger side and NOT visible to the driver as the mirror hid it from view. When pressed further I was told first that ICBC required windshields be replaced with rock chips courtesy of "new rules" within the last six months. A quick look at ICBC's website proved this false. In speaking further with Ronnie, Ronnie rationalized his decision because he knows the windshield would crack come winter time (despite us having the crack repaired). Ronnie also refused to allow us to pay with a different credit card that had travel coverage (I own not paying with this card in the first place) saying the "bank doesn''t allow him to do that". Well played Ronnie. We absolutely DO NOT recommend renting from National Car Rental in the Victoria Airport and courtesy of Ronnie's actions we will no longer rent from "National Car Rental".

Gordon “RowdyGordyPiper” Mutch

Booked a car 4 weeks in advance for $90 one way to Edmonton. Called me the day before said there would be $490 extra leaving me struggling to find a vehicle as most were booked. Found one over $200 cheaper right next to them Budget.

Chris Kemp

My company uses National Sidney and airport locations for all our rental cars. Ronnie and the Airport staff are great to deal with.

Lisa Jessome

Cool place

Santa Markevich

These guys do false advertising. Rude staff. Had horrible experience with this company. Do not recommend to anyone

Dunstable Ramsay

Scott at this location was a great help. Very professional and had us on our way quickly. Good rate compared with the downtown location.

Ralph T.T. Yeung

Excellent, pleasant, and fast service. Car was in excellent condition and clean.

Tony Vivone

LIARS, trying to charge you more. We went to pick up a compact car but the salesman said they were all out and we would have to take the midsize. 30% more. I some how happend to check Kayak.ca and sure enough there were 3. I show him this but still insisted that there were out. Luckily a manager noticed my frustration and showed the sales man there there were 3 keys on the wall behind him.... the salesman was fully aware of this. LIARS

danielgcram

Due to extra mileage charges (.38 a km) the rental was going to cost me 3 times as much as renting from enterprise who gave me unlimited mileage and a 5% discount for being a national member. The employees were very nice and courteous and gave me great service by I returned the car after 5 hours because I could rent one next door from Enterprise

Charles Allan

POOR customer service..... If I could give this rental provider a zero rating I would. I usually rent from enterprise but they did not have any vehicles available. So I was left to rent from National. First off they tried to downgrade me with a smaller vehicle. I attempted to get another vehicle with Hertz next door but nothing available either, so I asked the rep to speak with the manager and with some debating they were able to give me what I actually reserved. Secondly, I left a pair of $500 sunglasses in the driver side door upon returning the vehicle to the airport. I’m 100% certain that I left them there because I did not have the case on me. I called the manager of this location upon boarding the planE, just 25 minutes later and they ensured Me that they are not responsible for items left in the vehicle and that they are strictly a car rental company. The manager was Exceptionally rude conveying this message to me and didn’t offer to call back if they were found. Horrible customer service with lack of empathy is disgraceful for any business. I totally recommend renting from Enterprise or other Rental companies, avoid these crooks.

Jeff Peat

Everything was good. No complaints!)

Dave Kenway

Good,fast service

James Milner

Standard experience. Car was clean, staff were friendly. Open all day.

Danial Mariampillai

Amazing service and the employees are great there .

V S

Do not rent from here. They are scammers. I rented a car from this company for a day and 2 days after I returned the car they claimed that there is a windshield damage, a rock chip and charged $300 on my credit card. I talked with the manager, Ronny and he made every excuse to say this charge is legitimate and the damage is true. What a scam company. I see other people scammed with the same issue on this Google review. Something must be done to have their business license stripped.

Craig Carpenter

do not rent from here. extra fees for fuel even when you fill the car.

Joseph Bouchard

Flew into Grande Prairie and went to the National Airport kiosk to arrange a car rental. I had a confirmed reservation made for me by AMA Travel for that car rental but the contract they gave me was for double the price. After an hour of talking to my travel agent and the owner of that kiosk I still had to pay more than my reservation. Due to efforts made by AMA Travel I received a refund from the National Airport kiosk for the amount I over paid. So my impressions of this particular business are that they do not accept the terms and conditions of reservations made by their corporate offices. I suffered delays, frustration, and worry because I did not trust this business. The star is for the efforts made by this business to return an item I left in the car.

Legendary Pho

Customer service was not pleasant to deal with during any interaction. They rushed us through the process in picking up the vehicle. Did not disclose that when the tank is not completely full at drop off they charge 3 times the amount. This is information you share with your customers. First and last time renting here.

Bryan Bulmer

Would give 0 stars if possible. Booked online and it said unlimited miles bit was told it was per km the day I went to pick up the car. Would have cost me 895 to get home so it would be cheaper to fly.

A M

After confirming a rental online, we got to National to find out that they don’t accept the same Discover card we confirmed with online ... they also don’t accept debit or cash ... absolute joke for a business run at a travel hub.

Courtney Lamb

We have been renting with National for many years and almost all experiences have been excellent. Our most recent rentals were at the Victoria Airport location and the staff were very helpful and accommodating and gave us the best rate of all the other companies. We will remain a loyal customer.

John Wiseman

Ronnie is a dream come true.

Cathy Dreier

Should have checked their ratings before coming. I booked and prepaid for a rental and on arrival at nearly 11pm, they tell me they won't let me rent the car any longer. Reasoning is that they can't place a hold on my only credit card for some reason... I've used it several times since with no problems.

Tim Sellars

Horrible experience... getting a flat tire from an existing screw air leak after we parked in Victoria. We were told by Ronnie at the airport location that it was OUR PROBLEM and we should go fix it ourselves!!! This after two other staff members had already told us to bring it in and exchange it for a new car with no problem when we called ahead on the phone. We put on the spare and drove to the Victoria location and when they confirmed with him as the issuing location he as the manager said NO? He said he would not help because my husband was being "rude" while defending the fact that the tire was not flat because of something we did! HORRIBLE customer service!! BIG THANKS to Morgan at the Victoria location that finally got us into a new car and on our way. He was much more polite about a situation that was NOT OUR FAULT and his kindness does not go unnoticed. Appalling that the management doesn't show customer service its employees do. WILL NOT BE RENTING FROM THEM AGAIN!

hughuyguo uyhukbgy

DO NOT RENT HERE . We rented a vehicle with no issues, the gentleman who met us had to stay late as our flight was delayed, but was good about it. However! Upon returning the vehicle we were told there had been damage to the vehicle, which we have not recollection of making. We have been requesting quotes for the repair but have only recieved Ronnie's word, nothing from the repair shop. Upon contacting the insurance department of the company they have no record of damage reported on our rental, suggesting Ronnie is pocketing the money charged for the repair. We have asked Ronnie for photo evidence of the entire vehicle as it had extensive existing damage; in response we were sent a poor quality video of a snow covered vehicle.

Denis Dorsonnens

(Translated) Very good service the very kind manager (Original) Tres bon service le responsable tres gentil

john campbell

Quick, fast check in, great car

Neil Grant

Booked on Expedia where it makes no reference of mileage fees. Learn at pickup that they charge you for every km you drive on top of what you pay for the rental. Nothing is included. Total rip off! Wish I would have read the other negative reviews before booking.

Jacqueline Petit

Great to deal with. Good prices

Trebor Zepolac

good

Shabad Jot

Good service. Fairly expedient.

Edward Prokudin

I highly recommend the National Car Rental at the Victoria Airport. The service is quick, the process is easy, and they look out for their customers. We were made aware that there was interior damage to the car after we arrived back home and that they were going to charge us for it. It was an obvious mistake, so we disputed it. The manager was very helpful and understanding throughout the process, and ensured that the case was properly investigated. It only took 5 days for the charges to be refunded. Use this rental car service with confidence.

b b

Dont rent from here they are incompetent. They told me to come down and I can rent over the counter get there and location I specified I was going to is only washing cars not renting. National is terrible

Chris Ruthven

Shady management. Charged me $21 for 5 litres of gasoline even though I filled the car up at the Peninsular Co-Op mere minutes down the highway from the airport. What do they want? The car filled up directly at the airport and me shaking the car to get every last bit gas in the tank? I stopped filling at the first click of the pump handle. I submitted a photo of the gas tank at full and my receipt. No response. National HQ issued me a refund. However, this individual location and management told me to pound sand when I first brought the issue to them.

C M

Terrible customer service, dirty vehicles (cannot see thru windshield - filthy on inside), promise replacement truck for mechanically faulty truck - no replacement truck at location/time promised, very unfriendly customer service rep.

Jeffrey Knipper

I had a confirmed rental through this location for my vacation. Total cost was just under $300 USD. When I arrived I was told that no vehicles were available and confirmations are not guarantees. So, I’m stranded. Avis, right next to them did have a vehicle and the total cost was $920 USD for the same timeframe. With no other choice I had to pay more than 3X as much. I escalated to National, they asked me send the Avis bill. I was told “this will be escalated up the chain”. I sent the bill. No one ever got in touch with me. What I learned was National confirmations can’t be trusted. If Avis didn’t have a vehicle I’d have needed to find a cab willing to drive me to Cabot, which is hours away. Thank wouldn’t recommend National or this particular branch.

Blair Anderson

Emerald club status is not valid in this location.

Cielo Chan

What a waste of time place to go to, I booked a reservation months in advance and all was well till I landed and tried to get the car. I was told since I have a GDL I couldn’t rent a car through them despite I’m 27 and this was never mentioned in the contract at all. Fully denied. Save your time and go to hertz next door.

Daird McKee

Do not rent from here, bad customer service, extra charges for mileage, it would've been easier for the girl to tell me what wasn't wrong on the car than what the pre-existing damage was. This is a franchisee not a corporate store so National doesn't really care they this branch is running their name into the ground. Go to Enterprise right next door, they know how to deal with customers.

Mark Wankiewicz

It was very easy to book and pay for a car rental on the website, they just didn't mention that all locations on Vancouver Island will only rent to full class 5 licenses. Their excuse is that it's the "corporate website" that rented me a car and that they're a "family owned location" and doesn't have to adhere to the term of the agreement between me and corporate. By the time I got to their counter all the other companies have ran out of rental cars. What a wholesome family owned business that leaves people stranded.

Dane Gretchen

I use National mostly for business, but when in Victoria its usually for personal reasons and this little airport branch really know how to treat there customers, always great service, every member of the team is exceptional. Keep up the great works guys, Cielo.

alik t

Terrible experience. After returning the car, Ronnie, the branch manager informed me that there was a chip in the windshield and I am responsible for paying to have the entire thing replaced. While I had the car, I did not get any rock chips, nor did I see any rock chips upon receiving and returning the car. The low level of customer service, unwillingness to ensure customer satisfaction and accusatory remarks have left a bad taste in my mouth. AVOID renting from this location at all costs!

Steven Clemens

We booked a full size suv Jeep Grand Cherokee or equivalent online. We received a crossover Hyundai upon pickup they said they consider it equivalent lol. We complained The brakes were metal on metal grinding and it had a bad vibration the lot attendant drove it 10ft and said it was good. We returned it 2 hrs late we were charged for a full days rental by a rude salesman at the counter

Kent Sandy HAYGLASS

SCAM CAR RENTAL COMPANY. Go through the whole car. 1 small paint chip you will get charged if you don't see it before rental.

Paula Williams

Rent at this location for work all the time. Great staff and service!!!

Mary Bach

Julia was so helpful when I picked up my car. I was travelling alone with my 10 month old and really appreciated her kindness! The car seat I rented appeared to be brand new!

Maurice Vincenzi

Scam artists. I had a chip in the windshield that was pretty large. I figured it might need to be replaced so I priced out a new windshield. I was quoted $275. Ended up busy and unable to replace it myself. National replaced it and charged my credit card $609. THIEVES.

Darrell

If you are an underage driver (under 25) DO NOT RENT HERE. I have rented multiple times with other companies, so I was expecting the usual underage driver fee (usually ~$25-30, with National $35). However, I was not expecting mandatory insurance ($25). Overall, the extra fees tripled the total cost of my 1 day rental, from $40 to $120. I was also required to give a $1000 deposit, instead of the usual $300. While the underage driver fee is listed in the terms when you reserve the vehicle online, this increased deposit is not. This filled up all the space on my credit card, which made it difficult to reserve a hotel room for the night. 2 stars because the staff were great and the car was clean, but the underage policy is unacceptable.

Chels R

I seldom leave reviews, even for poor service, but I must warn others to never rent from National...especially this location. They're framing me for damaging a windscreen and saying I must pay the full amount. I've had pleasant experiences from National in the past and like they're rewards system but I guess I'll have to find another company to give my business too. I'll also warn all of my coworkers of their crooked practices. Wish I would have read the reviews prior to renting from them, it does not appear like I'm the only one to have fallen victim.

dan and barb learn

Staff were great and the car was fine, but prices online were very misleading ($600.00ish quote became over $1,300.00). Though to be fair, I was picking up in Victoria and dropping off in Nanaimo, so apparently km weren't unlimited, but that was not clear on the website at all.

Jack Zwart

Poorest manager never met in my life.

Smokus Cat

Easy, fast. As long as you have proper documentation. The cars are always in top shape and I find them affordable so, I keep coming back.

u ganda

WORST CAR RENTAL EXPERIENCE IVE EVER USED!!!!! I Rent vehicles often for work, always use Hotwire for best deals. Booked my rental over a month in advance for my best friends wedding was told 395 plus 200 deposit with 100kms a day for our 8 day trip. Get to the kiosk after travelling for 18hours to be told that they set their own prices, didn’t get the kind of car I booked So my 6’4 partner would basically have had to fold himself in half to fit and instead of 34.00 a day They wanted me to pay almost double so just the rental would be more then what we were supposed to pay total. The person working was no help and rude and didn’t listen to anything I had to say she just said I could go with another rental company but I’d have to come back in the morning because they were both closed which is a 3.5 hour drive and then I’d be charged 38 cents per km over the 100 I was allowed per day which again would have been more then the original price I was given. I’m never using national again! Stay clear because this company has zero customer service or care you can get a better deal from both other airport rental places when you land without even booking in advance!

Michael Burzek

Do not rent from this location; I was not aware that National Tilden franchises operate and charge at their discretion; I am an Emerald Club member and travel all over Canada. Imagine my shock upon discovering this location charges for EVERY km! I will

David Herbers

Great experience renting a car with National. They have free cancellations and they had a couple of cars available last minute. The car I had was extremely reliable and clean. It was practically new with ~4500km. Came with A/C, maps/gps, a number of USB chargers, and push car start (RAV 4). The folks at the counter were personable and helpful. There is a $500 holding charge once you rent a vehicle just in case but you don’t get charged until you return the car. The area to grab the car is not far from the desk, maybe a two minute walk.

Matt Gillard

clowns. turn up with proper booking made in advance and they have no car and don’t give a dam.... why would national keep their name and reputation on this location ?!?!

Thien Cao

Excellent cars, Excellent service. CSRs @ desk polite, efficient. Cars in excellent condition. Good prices and great hours if arriving on a Sunday. I'd return

Raymond H

Excellent experience, rented a full sized vehicle with no issue. It was a 2018 model, clean, etc. Would rent with again with this location if i return back to Cape Breton.

Cheri Newton

Short term rental with short notice. It was a little higher priced that. Usual, or expected but apparently that is everywhere at the moment. $200 for 2 days. Vehicle was decent. Easy pick up and drop off.

Jennifer Dawn

Very quick and easy to rent vehicle. Located right in the airport. Vehicle easy to locate and return. Tidy well kept vehicle.