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Elliott Report

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VEHICLE INSPECTION

Avis charged me $250 for smoking weed

Avis charged me $250 for smoking weed in my rental car. But I don’t even smoke! 

March 18, 2026March 18, 2026 by Christopher Elliott

Gary Mullen-Schultz thought he was getting a reliable rental when he picked up a vehicle from Avis in Sacramento. Instead, he got something else — a vehicle that reeked of marijuana. Now Avis wants him to pay $250 to get rid of the smell. Can it do that?

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter
ravelers are increasingly concerned about car rental safety. Here's how to ensure your rental car is safe before you hit the road.

Travelers are worried about car rental safety. Here’s how to avoid a problem

November 24, 2025September 6, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Everything seemed fine when Josie Daigle rented a car in Boston from a national chain. A cursory glance at the vehicle before she drove off with her two young kids suggested the car was safe.

Categories Safe Travels
Jackson Groves never used to think about rental car safety, but he's recently noticed rental companies stepping up their game. From built-in dash cameras to SOS buttons for emergencies, these new features are designed to enhance driver security. Companies like Enterprise Mobility are setting higher standards for vehicle maintenance and cleanliness. But even with these advancements, renters must stay vigilant. Learn how to check if your rental car is safe and the steps to take for a worry-free trip.

How safe is your rental car? Here’s how to know before you go

August 31, 2024August 24, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Safety is not necessarily at the top of Jackson Groves’ mind when he rents a car. He doesn’t wonder: Has the rental company properly maintained the car? Are there any recalls on the vehicle? Did they thoroughly clean and sanitize it?

Categories Safe Travels
The engine in Ali Cotton's Nissan Altima is damaged after he brings it to Jiffy Lube for an inspection. Does the company have to pay his $12,998 repair bill?

Jiffy Lube ruined my car engine. Why won’t it pay $12,998 for repairs?

September 10, 2024April 12, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

The engine in Ali Cotton’s Nissan Altima is damaged after he brings it to Jiffy Lube for an inspection. Does the company have to pay his $12,998 repair bill?

Categories Problem Solved

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