HIDDEN FEES Archives

Irina Safonov returned her Budget rental car with "a little sand" on the floor mats and was hit with a $450 cleaning fee. Despite her protests, Budget claimed the car was out of service and required extensive cleaning. But without a breakdown of costs, Safonov felt the fee was unjust. After escalating her case, Budget eventually reversed the charge, crediting her $450. This serves as a reminder to always document the condition of your rental car and be wary of hidden fees like "loss of use" charges.

Do I really owe Budget $450 for cleaning my rental car? It’s just a little sand!

November 24, 2024October 28, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

What’s this $450 cleaning fee on Irina Safonov’s Budget Car Rental bill? Sure, she rented a Chrysler Voyager in Detroit recently. And yes, she returned it with “a little” sand on the floor mats.

Vacation rentals may seem like the perfect solution, but don’t be fooled by glossy photos and cheap listings. From artificially enhanced pictures to sneaky extra fees, the vacation rental game has plenty of hidden traps. With prices on the rise, how can you find a deal? The key is in negotiating directly, using the right tools, and asking the right questions. But even then, are you really getting what you paid for? Before you book, arm yourself with these insights and strategies to avoid the biggest vacation rental gotchas.

New strategies for avoiding vacation rental “gotchas”

November 25, 2024October 6, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you’re looking for a vacation rental this holiday season, you already know about the biggest gotcha: the high price.

Julie Duteau noticed something strange on her last two phone bills: a surprise $10 fee for a "modem lease." Problem is, she already owns her modem.

This surprise fee made her phone bill skyrocket

January 19, 2024March 18, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Julie Duteau noticed something strange on her last two phone bills: a surprise $10 fee for a “modem lease.” Find out how to avoid unwanted surcharges like this on your bill.

Don't Miss a Story!