Do Rental Car Companies Intentionally Underfill Rental Cars to Increase Profits?

The relationship between rental car companies and their customers can sometimes be a bit shady, especially when it comes to fuel policies. This article delves into the practice of rental car companies intentionally underfilling rental cars and its impact on customer behavior and profitability.

The Practice: Underfilling Rental Cars

Rental car companies typically have a fuel policy in place, and while this can vary from one company to another, many operate under a system where cars are often provided with a lower fuel level than those returned to the company full tanked. This practice can create a scenario where renters either have to pay for fuel at a premium or return the car with a tank less than full, leading to potential extra charges.

For renters, this can be an inconvenience, but for rental car companies, this could certainly be a profit center. They capitalize on the convenience factor for renters who might not want to stop for gas before returning the car, effectively pocketing the difference in the cost of fuel. This is often referred to as a "nickel and dime" scam, as the amount saved is often not significant on an individual scale but can add up to a considerable amount over time.

A Case Study: Underfilling at Enterprise

Take, for instance, a recent experience shared by a customer who had been renting cars from the enterprise on a weekly basis for a few weekends. In each of the last four rentals, the vehicles were consistently underfilled, ranging from 3/4 to half a tank with misleading statements about full tanks.

The customer found that the rental company was instructed not to fill the tanks by corporate, as there was a nearby gas station just a few steps away. Instead, they were told to tell the next renter to "just return it with what it has in it," knowing that most people would overfill out of habit rather than risk returning a car with an empty or near-empty tank.

This practice is a clear example of a calculated business strategy to boost profitability. Rather than incurring the cost of filling the tank, the company relies on customer convenience and behavior to recoup the savings. The corporate management fully understands the impact of such practices and how it can add up to millions of dollars annually.

Implications for Customers

For renters, this practice means a few extra bucks potentially saved by the rental company, which could come at the expense of higher fuel costs or extra charges. It also means being aware of the fuel policy in place and understanding the potential implications of returning the vehicle with varying fuel levels.

Renting a car with a partially filled tank means that the next renter will start their trip with less fuel, increasing the likelihood of higher mileage charges or additional fuel stop costs. Renters should always clarify the fuel policy and consider these implications to avoid potential headaches and costs.

Conclusion

The evidence suggests that some rental car companies do indeed employ this tactic to save money on fuel, and it is a common practice that contributes to their overall profitability. While it may not be widely known or discussed, the practice is well understood by corporate management, who know how to make or save a few extra bucks at the expense of customer convenience.

For those who frequently rent cars, it is always wise to ensure the vehicle is full of fuel before returning it, or to clarify with the rental company the terms of the fuel policy and its associated costs.