How to dispute car rental toll, GPS and damage fees
A car rental that looked cheap can end with a bill twice as high. The extras are usually a toll device, a navigation unit, or a claim that something was missing or damaged.
Toll device fees
Many rental companies charge a daily fee, often $5 to $10, for an electronic toll device, on top of the tolls themselves. Some charge it every day of the rental, even days you drove no toll road. Read the rental agreement for how the fee works, and whether you could have turned the device off or paid cash. If you were charged on days you used no toll roads, say so.
GPS, satellite radio and tracking charges
Check whether you ever asked for a navigation unit or satellite radio. If it was already in the car and you did not agree to pay for it, ask for the charge to be removed.
Missing key fob or accessory claims
If they say a key fob, cable or other item is missing, your best proof is from the day you returned the car. Photos of the car and the keys, a returned-vehicle receipt, and a return time stamp all help. Next time, take a short video of the car and the keys at drop-off.
Damage claims
Ask for the damage report, the repair estimate and the photos they rely on. A claim should match the damage, the date and the car. If you paid by credit card, check what rental protection your card includes.
What to put in your letter
- Rental agreement number, dates and the location where you returned the car.
- Each charge you dispute, with its amount.
- Your proof: photos, receipts, return time.
- What you want: removal of each charge and a refund.
If they say no
Write to the location manager and then the company's customer relations. If you paid by credit card, you can dispute the charge with your card company, usually within a limited window. Do not wait.
Want the letter written for you?
Fight That Fee reads your bill, writes your dispute letter, and tells you who to send it to and what to do next. $9.99 to start. Follow-up letters are $2.