The Avis Lawsuit: What You Need to Know
Have you ever rented a car from Avis and felt like you were charged hidden fees? Well, you’re not alone. A recent class-action lawsuit against Avis Budget Group alleges that the company secretly enrolled customers in an electronic toll payment program without their knowledge or consent. This resulted in many renters being charged for tolls they didn’t even know they had incurred.
Here’s what you need to know about the Avis lawsuit:
The Allegations:
In 2011, a lawsuit was filed against Avis Budget Group and Highway Toll Administration (HTA) for allegedly enrolling renters in the E-Toll program without their knowledge or consent. The lawsuit claimed that Avis and HTA misled customers by failing to disclose the program’s terms and conditions clearly. Additionally, the lawsuit alleged that customers were charged inflated fees for tolls and were not given the opportunity to opt out of the program.
The Settlement:
In June 2023, Avis and HTA reached a $45 million settlement with the plaintiffs. Under the terms of the settlement, eligible customers can now file a claim for partial reimbursement of e-toll-related fees.
Who is Eligible for Reimbursement:
To be eligible for a claim, you must have rented a car from Avis or Budget between August 2011 and June 2023 and been charged for tolls through the E-Toll program. You can find out if you are eligible and how much you could be owed by visiting the settlement website: https://openclassactions.com/settlement_avis.php
How to File a Claim:
The deadline to file a claim is December 31, 2024. You can file a claim online or by mail. To file online, visit the settlement website and follow the instructions. To file by mail, download and complete the claim form and mail it to the address provided on the form.
What to Expect:
If your claim is approved, you can expect to receive a check in the mail within six to eight weeks. The amount you will receive depends on how many tolls you were charged. For the first and second transactions, 80% will be reimbursed. For third through seventh transactions, 65% will be reimbursed. The average payout is expected to be between $9.36 and $46.07.
Conclusion:
The Avis lawsuit serves as a reminder to be vigilant when renting a car and to carefully review all terms and conditions before signing any agreements. If you believe you were charged hidden fees by Avis or any other rental car company, you may have legal recourse.
FAQs:
What if I can’t find my rental agreement?
You can request a copy of your rental agreement from Avis customer service.
What if I already paid the tolls myself?
You may still be eligible for reimbursement if you were charged inflated fees.
What if I have more questions? You can visit the settlement website or contact the settlement administrator for more information.
Is this the only lawsuit against Avis Budget Group?
No, Avis Budget Group has been the subject of several other lawsuits in recent years, including one alleging wage and hour violations and another alleging false advertising.
How can I protect myself from hidden fees?
Always read the fine print before signing any agreements, and be wary of any add-on fees that are not clearly disclosed.
What should I do if I think I have been charged hidden fees?
Contact the rental car company immediately and dispute the charges. You may also want to file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
References:
https://openclassactions.com/settlement_avis.php
https://openclassactions.com/settlement_avis.php
https://goodjobsfirst.org/fcra_blog/
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your legal rights.
Sources
www.cnet.com/personal-finance/use-avis-or-budget-you-could-be-owed-part-of-45-million-hidden-fee-settlement/
