A spare tire in Bonaire costa about three hundred US dollars. Why don't the rental companies make the tires more unique? A nice coat of white paint and some red polka dots would be a great way to paint the rim for starters, then the tires would not be so valuble. Engraving the wheel (rim) would be a great idea as well. And finally, a real chain and lock system on the spares, something person couldn't get thru with a pair of cutting pliers in an hour, instead of thin steel cable and a cheap small lock like budget uses.

I gather you had a very unpleasant experience involving a spare tire, Seb. Would you like to expound at all? Hmmm. We're ready...Carole

I guess I have started two topics on this same problem Carole. We went to Weber's Joy on a Sunday night for a night dive. We came out and found our truck had been "tossed", but nothing appeared to have been taken but a florin in the ashtray, which we usually leave for the thieves so they are not annoyed. These guys took only the whole florin and left the smaller change. A few days later I had a flat near the airport and discovered the spare was gone! Luckily I walked right over to budget and after some phoning around we got another spare and put it on the truck, then got another truck which had a spare under it ( Budget suggested we throw the spare in the back of the truck!)and were back on our way. Budget indicated I was responsible for all the costs of getting a new tire and that the CDW would not cover it. Then I got a variety of clonflicting stories, and finally was charged a hefty sum when I returned the truck. I also had to make a police report and get it translated into English. Subsequently, the manager indicated via e-mail I had been overcharged, and he then carged me the correct amount IN ADDITION to the previously charged incorrect larger amount. When I asked him about this he denied it at first, then admitted the double charge and said American Express would sort it all out.
I really enjoyed the convenience of a truck, but I did not enjoy getting ripped off twice!