Why do car hire companies charge customers extra for fuel?
I recently returned from the US, having hired a car from Dollar at Los Angeles International Airport. I was charged for a full tank of fuel on collecting the car, with no refund for unused fuel. I accepted that. However, I later realised that I had been charged for 18 US gallons in a Ford Escape (Ford Kuga). A look at the manual showed the Kuga's tank capacity to be 15 US gallons, although in 3200 miles, I never managed to fit more than 11 gallons in. Eventually, Dollar refunded the difference, but they are quietly coining it at the expense of their customers. I hope this may be of use to your readers.
Asked on 5 October 2013 by CH, via email
Answered by
Honest John
This is happening in Europe too. Hirers are not only being hit for something like €1.80 a litre, but they are being charged for up to 10 litres more than the tank can take. That's fraud, pure and simple. But you need to be local to take up a case against the rental company. Which is why they do it. They know they can get away with it. Avis at Bangkok has a friendlier policy. They hand over the car with a full tank, and you bring it back with a full tank. No extra charge.
We give you the low down on how to save on insurance, little-known tricks and tips, what insurance groups mean and how to use insurance aggregators to beat insurers.
Insurance group finder and how to save on insuranceSimilar questions
I drive a BMW M2 Competition and from new I have endeavoured to use BP Ultimate.
On 17 March I filled up at my local BP and paid £1.739 per litre.
I again filled up at the same location on 24 March,...
It is about time that you gave us your breakdown again, of how we have crude at very low prices yet unleaded petrol at chronically high prices. The VAT must be discounted since it is dependent of the underlying...
I notice that Shell V-Power unleaded at 99 RON octane is now sold at a 9p per litre premium at my local garage, compared to standard Shell unleaded 95 RON octane. Tesco's momentum 99 RON is at 5p per litre...
.jpg)
