I rented from Budget in DTW and was hit by this scam. I actually thought it was a nice OPTION (just like the prepaid tank) that would be useful on some occasions, but never realized the huge hassle involved with opting-out.

The roving agent COULD NOT take off the charge when I presented my receipt, and I had to waste 10 minutes waiting in line inside, and wait another 5 minutes for the agent to adjust the charge. She did mention the fee could be removed on the automated system for "certain corporate accounts", but casual renters would need to go inside.

I think what Budget is trying to do is make it a hassle to remove the charge, so low mileage renters just give up and start paying the $9.50 every time. More importantly, by forcing people to queue inside, I'm sure Budget is pocketing the $9.50 from some people who return with full tanks and are running late.

In DTW, I saw a sign that clearly said you could opt out of the charge "by showing your gas receipt to the customer service agent upon car return". This sign is a blatant lie because the roving agents cannot remove the charge.

I was thinking that perhaps this was just a DTW specific thing being test marketed, and someone just screwed up the programming on the roving return computers, but given this thread is from August, it seems like an intentional manipulation designed to gain revenue at the expense of ethically running a business.

Basically Budget is saying "take this option or else wait in line". What's next? Take LDW or else get the highest mileage car on the lot? Pay for an upgrade, or no car for you?

Screw Budget and Avis from now on.