Don’t forget your documentation

DURING my planning for our annual family vacation in Europe, I was able to obtain an excellent rate on a rental vehicle. As always, I printed the e-mail confirmation and carried it with me as I approached the agent in Paris.

When he handed me the form for my signature, I was surprised to see a total of $1,490 for the rental. I told him the rate was incorrect and to please review the file again for the correct rate. He continued to tell me the rate was correct.

I finally remembered that I had a copy of the confirmation in my pocket. Before I was able to show it to him, he took away the unsigned contract and came back with a fresh one where the correct total had been pre-filled out, $593, and we concluded our business.

Lesson learned: Plan ahead and bring proof.

DAVID KENNEY

Westlake Village