There is a thread in the Hertz forum now about the refueling charges being added automatically by local editions when the car is returned after hours. I don't know if a distracted mother is returning a car after hours and getting dinged with the fee then?

I rented from my local Avis for the first time and was actually not informed of the fuel practices, but the lady also did not ask for my license and took 3x longer to get me a car so maybe she was new.

I've been asked for my contract a few times before. The CLT location usually has 2 people check me in...1 person who asks for my contract and does something with it and hands it back, and another who scans the barcode on my car and gives me a receipt.