I am not an Avis renter, but I had to rent from them in MIA on 10/9, as Hertz was sold out.

I found out they have a new "EZEFUEL" policy. If you drive less than 75 miles, you will be automatically charged $13.99 for gas, even if you fill up the tank yourself.

This is essentially a forced prepay fuel charge. You have to agree to this on the rental agreement.

The only way to remove the charge is to go inside the customer service office (after getting receipt at the return lanes) and get a rep to remove the charge.

This can add upto half an hour because you have to get in line again.

The outside reps who normally print the receipt cannot remove the EZE FUEL charge. Only the inside office ones can.

I have been told that this has been instituted company wide recently "as a convenience to customers" (read increase revenue).

I simply cannot believe this.

Can anyone confirm this ?