Unreal Mileage Claimed by Rental Company

Yuehao Huang, a Toronto resident, discovered that Avis had charged him for driving 28,933 kilometers in seven days after returning from a road trip to Quebec. The distance is equivalent to multiple east-to-west crossings of Canada, according to online comparisons.

Trip Details Contradict the Claim

Huang’s trip was a simple vacation with friends and family, covering Montreal, Mount-Tremblant, Ottawa, and back to Quebec. His iPhone recorded the actual travel, which totaled around 1,400 kilometers, far less than what Avis claimed.

Unexpected Charge Sparks Confusion

Upon returning to Toronto, Huang noticed an unusual charge of about 5,900 Canadian dollars on his bank statement. He was surprised because he had already paid 700 euros for the rental, and the claimed mileage seemed impossible.

Investigation and Dispute

Huang immediately contacted Avis, providing evidence like iPhone records and a photo of the car’s odometer upon return. The company promised to investigate but later asked him to resubmit his claim. Meanwhile, he disputed the charge with his credit card company, American Express.

Resolution and Apology

After several weeks, Avis confirmed that a data entry error led to the incorrect mileage charge and apologized. The company stated it would refund the charges and improve its procedures to prevent similar issues in the future.

Common Issue with Rental Mileage

This case highlights a common problem with rental car billing, where errors in odometer readings or unit conversions (kilometers vs. miles) can lead to absurdly high charges. In some cases, customers have been wrongly charged for tens of thousands of kilometers in just a few days.

Preventive Measures for Drivers

To avoid such issues, drivers are advised to photograph the car’s odometer, fuel gauge, and condition before and after the rental. Keeping a GPS record of the trip and acting quickly if a bill seems incorrect can help resolve disputes more efficiently.

Lessons Learned

While Huang is now reimbursed, the experience serves as a cautionary tale. He now advises others to document their rental experience thoroughly, even if they trust the company. “I simply didn’t think it would happen to me,” he says.