September 16, 2013
Rating
I asked for a driver at 12:30 pm Wednesday on the previous night but didn't get a confirmation SMS until next morning. I called Ezidrive office several times only to be ensured that I will get a confirmation message in 10 min. After 3-4 calls , finally at around 12 noon, I was asked if it is ok to send the driver 30 min late. It was too late for me to make alternate arrangements at that time especially since I had repeatedly been assured since morning that someone will be sent on time. I had a very important meeting and I didn't need these last minute problems.
Anyway, the driver reached about 15 min later than the booking time after several phone calls giving him directions. Within 5-10 min of his driving, it was obvious to me that he was not used to driving a M800 from the way he was operating the controls , break and clutch. I asked him about it and he evasively said that it is not the case.
About 3-4km into the drive, the driver rammed into a vehicle in front as he misjudged the braking distance. The impact even hurt my leg a bit. I was in shock and worried more about the vehicle in front (an SUV) being damaged and getting embroiled in an unwanted altercation which is the last thing I needed then. Thankfully not much damage happened to that SUV and the driver of that vehicle came down to check the damage and questioned this driver but left it at that since his vehicle wasn't damaged. I asked this driver why he couldn't judge the braking distance. He said it was the fault of the driver ahead in that he applied brakes suddenly. Anyway, I was in a hurry to reach my destination and just relieved that nothing serious happened in the accident so just carried on. I didn't think of checking what had happened to my own car. I was very uneasy during the rest of the journey as is usually the case when you are sitting in a vehicle having someone you don't trust at the wheels.
I finished my work and got back at about 6:30 in the evening. The driver said his charges were 250 + (60 * 3) = 430. He charged for 3 extra hours whereas in reality it was 2 extra hours because the base charge is for 4 hours. I didn't argue with him and just paid the amount asked as I was tired from the whole ordeal.
I wasn't even thinking of complaining to the agency against the driver for overcharging or causing that accident . I wanted to give him the benefit of doubt and not put him in unnecessary trouble with the agency affecting his livelihood.
It was only after I told my husband about the incident that we found out that our own car had been damaged in the accident ! The bumper was broken and there was a big dent in front . I called up eZidrive the next day and told about the whole incident and all I was told is about their terms and conditions and how I need to settle it with the driver. They spoke to the driver for his version of the story and he repeated that it was not his fault as the driver ahead applied sudden brakes (though he was the one tailgating it is his fault if he rammed the vehicle into the vehicle ahead). What is worse is he claimed that the damage to the car was not something that was caused by this accident but must have been there from before ! The ezidrive guys continued to say that I should claim insurance and they can give me the driver's DL copy for that purpose which is all they can do to help.
The terms and conditions are one thing, but the whole attitude of eZidrive after I reported the accident has left a very bitter taste in the mouth. They showed no accountability and the primary concern from their side was how to wash their hands off and leave it as my problem to handle with the driver.
Overall, this was a terrible experience for me with eZiDrive, and I would never ever use their services again. Nor would I recommend this to anyone I know. I would in fact caution/advise people against hiring drivers from them risking serious damage to the vehicle and even life and limb in the worst case. Our vehicle is a decade old but looks as good as new and very well maintained as it is self driven by my husband all these years. Never was an accident like this caused due to driver's incompetence and rash driving. Big mistake to hand it over to a driver trusting the company to provide an experienced person , so lesson learnt.