Be careful when you use the drop box @ budget
 

We just finished a one-way (very expensive) one day rental from Budget.

When we returned the car (~8pm), there was no staff but a sign directed us to talk to AVIS staff. Since there were at least three groups of people trying to pick up a car, I did a quick check with the staff and left the key in the drop box (@ Budget's counter per AVIS staff).

Budget ended up charging us two day rental claming we returned the car the very next morning.

The (800) customer service staffs were very unfriendly. They first asked us to prove the time we returned the car. (I wonder exactly HOW :confused:) After we faxed our train tickets, they told us the case was closed because of what's on their record and asked me to talk to the rental location directly.

Anyway...we just contacted the return location and are still waiting for them to correct it.

Which were the pick up and return locations? Budget and Avis often have expensive one-ways due to a smaller, less flexible fleet. (They told me so, btw.)

I know that Budget and Avis have an affliation. The last vehicle we rented through Budget...and they didn't have a vehicle in our category...they just called over to Avis and they brought it around for us.
It is curious as to why you did not wait for the Avis personnel to document the time of the car's return? This would have been definitive. If the Budget counter had been still open ....would you have processed the return in a normal fashion? You don't mention if perhaps you were running late to catch a plane etc...
I know that whenever we return a vehicle ...I always make sure that time of return is noted on the slip, ...so that the appropriate charges will be assessed.
Did the return box not have a time stamp??(Punch clock type )
So, this is a good warning for others that may be tempted to follow in your steps.

Are you sure the after hours return doesn't charge based on the next time the location is open?