Joshua Lee, a loyal Hertz customer with President’s Circle status, recently encountered a situation that could power a bad car rental story for years to come. Lee rented a Tesla Model 3 in Los Angeles, a city synonymous with electric car culture. Imagine his shock when, after returning the fully charged vehicle, he discovered a hefty $277.39 charge for “refueling” on his receipt.
Here’s the twist: Teslas are electric vehicles, and electric vehicles, by definition, don’t require gasoline. To add insult to injury, Lee had specifically paid for the “Skip the Pump and Save Time” option, designed to eliminate refueling fees.
Lee contacted Hertz, expecting a swift resolution. Unfortunately, his optimism quickly sputtered out. Hertz, in a move that defies both logic and automotive knowledge, doubled down on the charge. Their explanation? The cryptic, and frankly unhelpful, “service was provided.” This begs a multitude of questions. What service exactly? Where did this phantom fuel go? And even if we entertain the gas-powered car scenario for a moment, what kind of mythical vehicle guzzles $277 worth of gas at a single fill-up, especially in Los Angeles, where prices are notoriously high?
Further complicating matters, Hertz cited the signed rental agreement as justification for the charge. While legal agreements hold weight, they shouldn’t supersede a paid service or basic car knowledge. It’s more concerning considering Lee’s President’s Circle status and his frequent Tesla rentals. Surely, Hertz, a major car rental company, should be familiar with both electric vehicles and their loyal customers.
Lee’s frustration is palpable. He feels Hertz took advantage of him, despite his loyalty and responsible car return (with the battery at the same 96% charge it was picked up at). Disillusioned, Lee is disputing the charge with his credit card company. However, given Hertz’s unwavering stance, the outcome remains uncertain. One thing is clear: this incident has likely severed Lee’s long-standing relationship with Hertz. This story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding renters to double-check receipts and be prepared to fight for fair charges. It also begs the question: will Hertz learn from this electric error and improve their customer service practices? Only time, and potentially a class-action lawsuit, will tell.