Yes. This. Last time I rented in SEA I tried to set up the short term account BEFORE crossing the bridge, after I had the car so I could put in the plate. I could not do so, as it had already been registered to the rental company.

In other words, if you rent (at least from Hertz) you are screwed. You pay a more expensive rate for the toll, a "service charge", and something like $5/day for your rental whether you use pay another toll or not.

This sucks. Yes I call it a scam.