The analogy is sales tax in the US. Is sales tax charged for car repair parts? Almost always in states with a sales tax. Is sales tax charged for services? Yes in some of the states, no in others (lately it seems that the majority do charge tax). So, in the US there would have been the equivalent of GST charged in most states. But it is a good way for Visa to save money and make you run around pointlessly.

Be glad the rental company did not charge you for "loss of use". This is a USD 200+ charge per day, for every day that the car is not available for rental. The rationale being that this compensates for the maximum earning potential of the car.