[Disgruntled ExERACer]

I totally see your point. Now I going to give you the ERAC point of view. (I preface this by saying I don't work there any more but I have had this debate so many times it is burned to memory) The auto body shop is not an official "drop off" location. Yes I understand it was convenient for you to pick up your own car at the body shop after ERACs operating hours. But sometimes what is convenient may not be the best solution. What the branch may or may not have told you is that you are responsible for that vehicle until ERAC picks it up from that shop, both charge-wise and damages. For instance, someone backs into your rental after your drop it off at the shop before an ERAC stoner can come and get it and runs without leaving info. You are responsible for that damage because you chose not to turn over your car to an erac rep. Plus knowing what I know...these body shop guys LOVE to take the rentals home for the weekend, damage them and make you the renter responsible for the damage. My advice....ALWAYS RETURN TO THE RENTAL BRANCH SO YOUR *SS IS COVERED. Yes they have loopholes and yes it sucks. ERAC is a company that strives for customer satisfaction and they try to give their customers the world but they have all of these tiny little loopholes that can really screw you. Always read the fine print on the back of the contract. I have a NJ contract in front of me (I needed a copy for my current job in insurance) and it states, "(the definition of rental period) RENTAL PERIOD: means the period between the time the renter takes possession of the vehicle until the time the vehicle is returned and checked in by the Owner (an ERAC rep). Just becareful going forward. To solve your issue..which is very common by the way, keep going up the ladder until you get your 2 day refund. Start with the branch manager, then to the area manager, then to the Regional Vice Pres. Normally things like this don't get past the RVP without being resolved most of the time in your favor.