AVIS Rental Car

I rented a Avis car via Priceline for Oct. 14-17, 2011. I picked up the car in the evening of Oct. 14. As I drove to my destination, I had to pass through two tolls.

At the toll booth, I went through the “Cash” lanes rather than the “E-Z Pass” lanes. The first toll ($6.50) I paid with no associated problems. When I drove up to second toll ($1.75), the toll collector said the toll was automatically paid. It was only then that I discovered that there was an “E-Z Pass” devise mounted behind the rear view mirror. I indicated to the toll collector that I wished to pay the toll. The collector indicated that this toll was already paid and could not be reversed.

Please note I did not request a car with said devise; nor did I see it was there as it was dark (at night) and hidden behind the rear view mirror.

A few weeks later I noticed a charge of $9.25 from Avis on my credit card: $1.75 for the toll unpaid by me and a $7.50 service charge. I called Avis and explained all the aforementioned details. I indicated I was willing to pay $1.75 charge that I legitimately incurred but that I was not willing to pay the$7.50 service charge.

I was told I had to pay. I complained that I did not request the toll devise and that I was not even aware it was in the car until the toll was already paid. I indicated this was an unfair practice and, essentially, a fraudulent use of my credit card. The Avis personnel indicated that paying toll charges was my accountability as it was in the rental agreement contract. I did not dispute that assertion; however, I did reiterate my complaint about the service charge. The Avis personnel indicated they would refund $5.00 of the service charge but not the whole amount.

It is very apparent that Avis is conducting a scam on their customers in the hopes that their victims will not bother to fight the issue. The fact that they will refund part but not all of their fraudulent “service charge” is further proof of their shabby business practice.

By: Dennis