In the earlier days returning a rental car is quite easy since there won’t be many inspections of fuel consumption. Regardless of the reduction in the fuel price, the rental companies seem to be far stricter these days about how much fuel is there in the fuel tank. Sometimes you may be charged for fuel even though you return the car with a full tank of gasoline.
By charging a premium from you for up to double or triple the cost of fuel which could otherwise be purchased at a usual fuel station, there the rental companies can profit handsomely. If so, they might be able to get away with this practice on a business person with an expense account who may not care as much as you would if it personally will cost you. Doesn’t matter if the rental company is intentionally trying to scam you or not. The issue here is how you can protect yourself from being charged for fuel even though you return the car with full fuel.
Let’s look into some facts
Get a Receipt from the fuel Station
Receipt from the gasoline station is the proof to show the rental providers that you have purchased fuel before returning the car. The receipt usually includes the information such as the date, time and location of where you fill-up the tank. Even If you drove the rental car for only a few miles and spent a few bucks to fill the tank with the receipt in hand, the rental company can’t deceit you by charging you triple of double the amount that you paid at the petrol station.
Also, keep in mind about where you refuel your vehicle: some rental car companies have a policy where the refueling must occur within a certain distance of the facility to where you are returning the vehicle.
Keep the receipt
You returned the rental car and you have moved to your place, it doesn’t mean the rental car companies never add an extra charge on fuel or other items. There could be times the customers are not keep-informed about the extra charges at the rental car at the time of rentals or by the representative of the rental car company. In those cases, it is better to ask about any extra charges that may be incurred particularly on fuel consumption. Understanding it may divert you from any extra burdens that may fall on your shoulders and can avoid dispute as well.
Take Photographs and Videos
It is better to take photographs and videos with your smartphone or tablet. You can use it at times to show as evidence that you have filled up the tank at a fuelling station. Also, take the photo of the fuel gauge and odometer in the car.
Resolve the issue at the rental counter
Always try to resolve the matter with the person itself than relying on a customer service representative. But remember that this could kill your significant time depending on how crowded is the rental car facility. It is not worth missing your important event or being late for an appointment by engaging with a customer service representative.
Rent Vehicles from the Same Company as Often as Possible
Sometimes your good rapport with the rental car will turn to your advantage in case any disputes regarding the fuel arises. Therefore as often as possible try to rent the car from the same rental car facility itself.
Summary Finally what matters the most is that you have to be well informed and alert to ensure that you are not being additionally charged for something you did not use. The aforesaid points should help you mitigate any issues that arise when renting a car. Also, the other important matter to consider is to rent the car from reputed companies like Osoul House. The transactions and the fuel policies they follow are transparent and precise which help the clients to rent the car without any fuss.
