Beware of Budget's shady practice

[happily single]

In December, 2024 I rented a car from Budget (via Priceline) for our Disney trip. After I returned the vehicle I noticed a charge of $10.xx on my credit card from Budget. I attempted to call them, but the hold time was too long. I let it go.

In March, 2025 I rented a car from Budget (via Priceline) for a trip to North Carolina. After I returned the vehicle I noticed a charge in excess of $20.00. I decided I was going to get to the bottom of this. the agent I spoke to was very unpleasant and informed me it would be a 55 minute wait to speak with the correct department. After I expresed my desire to wait she hung up on me. I went thru Priceline and they were able to get a response. Apparently, Budget Rental Car will charge you a refueling fee if you drive less than 75 miles unless you provide proof of purchasing gas. Oddly enough, I always take a picture of the gas light showing the fuel while at the rental drop off. I was never advised of this while renting, nor was I asked for a receipt when dropping off hte vehicle. In fact, my receipt shows the gas was returned with a full tank of gas. I will NOT be renting from Budget ever again.

From Priceline:
Dear Partner, Thank you for contacting Budget with our customer's rental
charges. We appreciate the opportunity to address our refueling service with
you. We apologize if you were unaware of this fuel service policy. Our automatic
refueling fee of $15.99 provides our renters who drive less than 75 miles with
the convenience of returning the vehicle without having to locate a gas station
on their way back to the airport. While this option is preferred by some
customers, it is not necessarily the best option for other renters. After a
review of our rental information, we can confirm that this was the case with our
customer, as they drove less than 75 miles in total. Going forward, a refueling
receipt is required at the time of return to uphold that the car was indeed
returned with a full tank of gas. The receipt must show a fuel purchase, number
of gallons, as well of the cost.

 

[gottalovepluto]

If you think that’s shady there are ones who measure it digitally and if you don’t provide proof of buying gas within like 2 miles they hit you for refueling. Forget which of the shady companies does that but there was some discussion here on it a while back.

 

[reddog21]

I wouldn't necessarily say it's shady when it's written in the contract and it's been there policy for some time. I almost always rent from Avis(same company) and I see it all the time. Do I think it's ridiculous....1000%

 

[Lewisc]

In December, 2024 I rented a car from Budget (via Priceline) for our Disney trip. After I returned the vehicle I noticed a charge of $10.xx on my credit card from Budget. I attempted to call them, but the hold time was too long. I let it go.

Did you put gas in the car?

 

[_19disnA]

I can recall several years ago where the company I rented from (don't recall which one) had a policy in certain airports/cities that you had to show a gas receipt when returning the vehicle. However, they clearly told you that when you first rented the car. IF Budget didn't make you aware of that then yes............I would consider that shady.

Whenever I have returned my rental car when renting from any of the major companies at an airport, there has always been an employee with one of those hand-held computer devices to check-in my vehicle and print me a receipt. That is the time to verify the billing making sure the correct mileage/date/time and gas level is noted correctly.

 

[happily single]

Did you put gas in the car?

Yes, Of course. I always do. If they had ASKED for a receipt I could have provided one. And THEIR receipt to me shows a full tank of gas

 

[gottalovepluto]

Yes, Of course. I always do. If they had ASKED for a receipt I could have provided one. And THEIR receipt to me shows a full tank of gas

Did you file a complaint with your cc company? The fact you have a receipt in your possession from them showing a full tank should make that a slam dunk win.

 

[Lewisc]

Yes, Of course. I always do. If they had ASKED for a receipt I could have provided one. And THEIR receipt to me shows a full tank of gas

The gauge will still show as full of you don't put many miles on the car.

PP is half right. Good shot you'll win a credit card dispute BUT you'll be put on the do not rent list for the entire Avis Budget group

Did you save your receipt? Did you use a credit card. Online should give you date, dollar amount and location. Either might be enough. Send whatever you have.

The requirement to supply a receipt, even if the Guage is F is reasonable. They could have asked for it.
.

 

[greeneyedchick]

In December, 2024 I rented a car from Budget (via Priceline) for our Disney trip. After I returned the vehicle I noticed a charge of $10.xx on my credit card from Budget. I attempted to call them, but the hold time was too long. I let it go.

In March, 2025 I rented a car from Budget (via Priceline) for a trip to North Carolina. After I returned the vehicle I noticed a charge in excess of $20.00. I decided I was going to get to the bottom of this. the agent I spoke to was very unpleasant and informed me it would be a 55 minute wait to speak with the correct department. After I expresed my desire to wait she hung up on me. I went thru Priceline and they were able to get a response. Apparently, Budget Rental Car will charge you a refueling fee if you drive less than 75 miles unless you provide proof of purchasing gas. Oddly enough, I always take a picture of the gas light showing the fuel while at the rental drop off. I was never advised of this while renting, nor was I asked for a receipt when dropping off hte vehicle. In fact, my receipt shows the gas was returned with a full tank of gas. I will NOT be renting from Budget ever again.

From Priceline:
Dear Partner, Thank you for contacting Budget with our customer's rental
charges. We appreciate the opportunity to address our refueling service with
you. We apologize if you were unaware of this fuel service policy. Our automatic
refueling fee of $15.99 provides our renters who drive less than 75 miles with
the convenience of returning the vehicle without having to locate a gas station
on their way back to the airport. While this option is preferred by some
customers, it is not necessarily the best option for other renters. After a
review of our rental information, we can confirm that this was the case with our
customer, as they drove less than 75 miles in total. Going forward, a refueling
receipt is required at the time of return to uphold that the car was indeed
returned with a full tank of gas. The receipt must show a fuel purchase, number
of gallons, as well of the cost.

I had the same thing happen to me when I rented from Budget. I didn't realize that I needed to show proof of buying gas because we couldn't even find anyone to check in with. I finally had a guy ensure me that he took care of it. They recorded that I returned the car hours later than I had and said it didn't have a full tank. Like you, I took a picture of the gas guage next to my watch with the date/ time and their check in in the background. I was super annoyed with them. We had issues with both Budget rentals on that trip. Never renting from them again.

 

[Lewisc]

Some of the agencies are using telemetry from the on board computer to verify how many gallons of gas are in the tank when you rent and when you return.

Nickel and dime fees to offset a.lower rate?