I was in MBS (Midland, Bay City, Saginaw, MI) a few months ago when I rented an Avis car. They had a sign at the counter that if you didn't purchase the gas option, when you returned your car you must present a receipt to prove you filled up the gas within 5 miles. I returned the car before they opened, so I didn't have to have my receipt.

The crazy thing is, that just proves you put something in the tank at a local station. It doesn't prove that you filled the tank or drove directly from the gas station to the airport.

On another rental at my local (off-airport) location, they were closed when I returned the car. When I picked up the car, the windshield was cracked and the gas was 3/4. (Most local places I've been to don't fill the gas, just have you return it where it was)

The next morning I got called and told I had to fill out an accident report for the windshield and I was being charged for a tank of gas b/c I returned it 7/8 full, not 8/8. I explained the windshield was cracked when I picked up the car and the tank was 3/4 when I got it. She said a manager would call me back when they arrived. They never did & I got billed for the gas . I called back & a manager never returned that call either. I emailed Avis.com and they refunded me my $$ and mailed me some coupons.

From that location, I now make the employee do a full circle on the car and note absolutely every imperfection in the car and write it on my contract. I'm to the point now, I make them note every spot on the seats, etc at that location just for spite.