Imagine returning a rental car, flying home, and then being hit with a $9,500 bill nine months later. That is exactly what happened to a B.C. couple after renting from Enterprise (under the National brand).
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The rental giant claimed the couple put diesel into a gasoline-powered SUV, causing catastrophic engine failure. The couple fought back, and the evidence in their favor was overwhelming.
The Evidence vs. The Allegation
The company’s claim fell apart when faced with the following facts:
- The Receipt: The couple produced a receipt showing they purchased 48 litres of gasoline—not diesel—just before returning the car.
- The Pump: Photos of the gas station confirmed it didn’t even have a diesel nozzle at the pump they used.
- The Mechanics: A “capless” gasoline fuel neck is physically designed to reject the wider diameter of a diesel nozzle.
- The Drive: The couple drove 50 kilometers to the airport without a single hiccup. Had the tank been full of diesel, the car likely would have stalled or smoked within minutes.
The Resolution
After nine months of silence followed by a sudden demand for payment, the couple hired a lawyer. Only after legal pressure and media inquiries from CBC Go Public did Enterprise drop the claim, citing the “passage of time” as a reason they could no longer verify the details.
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid falling into a similar “he-said, she-said” trap with rental agencies, follow these steps:
- Save Every Receipt: Keep your final fuel receipt for at least a year. It is your only proof of what actually went into the tank.
- The “Check-Out” Video: Take a quick 30-second video of the car’s exterior and the dashboard (showing fuel level and no warning lights) at the drop-off lot.
- Fight Paperwork with Paperwork: If you receive an erroneous damage claim, don’t just call—provide written evidence immediately and keep a log of all communications.
