Why Am I Being Charged for ERAC Toll Charges After Returning My Rental Car?

Discovering unexpected toll charges from Enterprise Rent-A-Car (ERAC) on your credit card after you’ve returned your rental can be frustrating and confusing. These charges typically relate to tolls incurred while you were renting the vehicle, but they might also arise due to billing errors or delays. Here’s what you need to know about why these charges appear and how to resolve the issue.

Understanding ERAC Toll Charges

Enterprise, like many car rental companies, uses a third-party service to manage toll payments for its rental vehicles. If you drove through toll roads without paying directly, the charges are processed by the toll management system associated with the rental car. These charges may include:

• Toll Fees: The actual cost of the tolls you used during your rental period.
• Administrative Fees: A convenience fee charged by Enterprise for processing the tolls. This fee is usually outlined in your rental agreement.

In most cases, toll charges can take weeks or even months to show up on your credit card due to processing delays.

Why Are You Being Charged After Returning the Car?

There are several reasons why toll charges might appear on your credit card even after your rental period has ended:

Delayed Toll Processing:

• Some toll agencies take time to report toll usage to Enterprise, resulting in delayed billing.

Unpaid Tolls During the Rental Period:

• If you used toll roads and didn’t pay manually or through a rental toll pass, the tolls are automatically billed to the car rental company and then passed on to you.

Billing Errors:

• Mistakes can happen, such as charges being applied to the wrong account or vehicle.

1. Unauthorized Use of Rental Information:
   • If someone else used the rental car or toll pass information after you returned the vehicle, it could result in additional charges.

Steps to Resolve Unexpected ERAC Toll Charges

If you believe these charges are incorrect or want to clarify why you’re being billed, follow these steps:

1. Review Your Rental Agreement

• Check your rental agreement to understand the toll policy. Look for:
  • Whether you opted for a toll pass or toll coverage.
  • Administrative fees for toll processing.
  • Any clauses about delayed billing.

2. Contact Enterprise Rent-A-Car

• Call Enterprise customer service directly to inquire about the charges. Have the following information ready:
  • Your rental agreement number.
  • The dates of your rental period.
  • Details of the charges on your credit card statement.
• Ask for an explanation of the charges and request supporting documentation, such as toll receipts or itemized bills.

3. Verify the Toll Usage

• Check if you actually used toll roads during your rental period. If possible, cross-reference your travel routes with toll locations to confirm the charges.

4. Dispute Unauthorized or Incorrect Charges

If you believe the charges are incorrect:

• With Enterprise:
  • Ask to escalate the issue to a manager or billing specialist.
  • Request a refund for any incorrect charges.
• With Your Credit Card Company:
  • File a dispute with your credit card provider. Provide documentation, such as your rental agreement and communication with Enterprise, to support your claim.

5. Monitor Your Account

• Keep an eye on your credit card statements to ensure no further unexpected charges are made.

Tips to Avoid Future Toll Charge Issues

1. Pre-Pay Tolls: If possible, pay tolls directly using cash or a personal toll pass to avoid Enterprise’s administrative fees.
2. Opt Out of Toll Programs: Decline the rental company’s toll pass program if you know you’ll be driving on toll-free roads.
3. Confirm the Return Process: Ensure that the rental company has closed your account and documented the vehicle’s return properly.
4. Check for Toll Charges Promptly: After returning the car, monitor your credit card statements for toll charges to address any issues quickly.

When to Contact a Lawyer

While toll charges are generally minor issues, you might consider seeking legal advice if:

• The charges are excessive or fraudulent.
• Enterprise refuses to cooperate or resolve the issue.
• Your credit card is being charged repeatedly for tolls after you’ve returned the car.

A consumer protection attorney can help you dispute unauthorized charges, negotiate with the rental company, or escalate the issue if necessary.

Conclusion

Unexpected toll charges from Enterprise Rent-A-Car can be frustrating, but they’re often due to delayed billing or misunderstanding of the rental agreement. By reviewing your agreement, contacting Enterprise, and disputing unauthorized charges, you can usually resolve the issue quickly.

If the problem persists or you believe you’re being unfairly charged, consulting a legal professional can help you protect your rights and ensure the charges are corrected. Always stay proactive with your rental agreements and credit card statements to avoid surprises.