I rented a car for 10 days in California and unfortunately got a parking ticket in San DIego. No sign, it was painted on the curb. Most people, like me, probably miss the warning. It was $52 and I paid it within a week in July.

I get a letter from Avis that they have a $25 processing fee for getting a ticket and it is in their agreement. Who reads those multi-page agreements? This is deceptive and just like the airlines, the car rental companies are trying to jack up fees. My $30.50 a day car rental ended up costing me almost $500 and when this additional fee will put it over that amount. I know some of that is local fees, but some of it was Avis fees. If they go ahead with $25, do I have the right to challenge the fee with my credit card company?

Next time I will rent from someone else.

Good luck with that...

As I rent on a corporate contract that dispenses with the majority of the junk fees, I don't much worry about such occurrences. However, it may behoove you to become one of those people who read the multi-paged contracts in order to be a better educated consumer and to understand as to what you are signing.

Welcome to FlyerTalk and your first sarcastic retort!

It's not unusual. I think it's just one of those things that happens to you once and then you make sure it doesn't happen to you again. It's frustrating at the time, but it's going to be best if you just move on and don't gt too upset about it.

You have to remember that this isn't something that Avis wants to be doing, they don't want to have to employ people to deal with tickets, damage and fines. Essentially, I think the fee being a bit steep is to try and make people more cautious about these things.

I do agree with you though that rental car agreements could do with a refresh. Just a simple flow chart of the standard costs expected for your rental + any potential additional costs (fuel, late fees, toll charges etc.).

Perhaps I'll design one and send it to Avis (plus their competitors) and see if anyone will pick it up. Would be good for my portfolio.

As all companies have basically the same charges good luck with renting from another company

If you do not agree with the contract you should not sign it.
If you sign without reading IT IS YOUR FAULT when you are suprised so quit whining.
NO you cannot protest the fee with your CC company you agreed to the terms.
And by the way there is no consumer rip-off here just a rant.

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.601 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)

"It was $52 and I paid it within a week in July."

How did you pay the fine? When was your payment actually credited? It's possible that if you had paid the ticket immediately, then the City of San Diego would not have notified the vehicle's registered owner of an unpaid fine.

Hmm... Lets see. Did you read the paperwork when you purchased your house? Or your lease if you are renting? Those are multi-page agreements. Did you read the paperwork when you attended college? Did you read the paperwork when you hired an electrician to do work in your home? Did you read the paperwork when you opened your 401(k) account?

Seriously? That is the most bogus rant I've ever seen. Just because you didnt feel like reading something that YOU SIGNED doesnt mean you're not liable for its contents. Perhaps you need to be a little more careful with your signature on documents.

This question does not even deserve a response. I hope your credit card company laughs in your face.

Good luck, every single car rental agency has one of those "multi-page agreements" that you seem to not enjoy. I suggest you walk, or take a taxi next time instead.