Auto Rental News
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Customers Accuse Budget Licensee in B.C. for Overcharging for Damage Claims

The Better Business Bureau had received almost 70 complaints from customers when CBC News’ Go Public investigative news segment published articles highlighting comments from former employees and customers about possible intentional damage claim ‘rip-offs.’

by Staff
November 21, 2012
2 min to read


According to CBC News’ Go Public investigative news segment, customers and former employees of Budget Rent a Car in British Columbia, a licensee, have accused the rental car company of overcharging for alleged damage to the vehicles.

In almost 70 cases of recent complaints directed to the Better Business Bureau, customers said they were overcharged for items like windshield chips and small scratches. The BBB currently has the company’s rating set at an “F.”

Ad Loading...

Former employees then revealed to Go Public that Budget allegedly would not only overcharge for scratches, dents or windshield chips, but the company wouldn’t repair the vehicles until it needed a full replacement.

The licensee location is currently under investigation by the U.S. Budget corporate office. In a response to Auto Rental News, spokesperson for Avis Budget Group Alice Pereira said: “At Avis Budget Group, we hold integrity and responsibility among our core values and we take very seriously any allegations regarding customer service regardless of whether it concerns our corporate locations or, as in this case, an independently owned licensee facility. We can confirm that we are investigating the business practices of our independent licensee in British Columbia, but as we have not completed that investigation we cannot make any further comment about the reported allegations.”

Here are the two articles from CBC News’ Go Public, written by Kathy Tomlinson, in the order they were published:

“Budget Rent a Car accused of bilking customers”

“Ex-employees reveal ripoffs at Budget Rent a Car”

More Rental Operations

Richard Lowden gesturing on stage in front of a red curtain at the Gaylord Texan Resort near Dallas.
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueJune 12, 2026

Rethink The Future To Avert A Race To The Bottom

Rental car operators heard a sobering industry message and a stern challenge at the close of the International Car Rental Show.

Read More →
John Possumato holding microphone while asking a question during a live conference session at the ICRS Show.

DriveItAway, Free2move Plan Shared Fleet Program for Independent Rental Fleet Operators

Vehicles would be placed with participating rental operations to support car renter demand and provide additional fleet capacity.

Read More →
Close-up of a Jeep Wrangler front grille and headlight with text noting Stellantis’ recall of 1.3 million Jeep vehicles worldwide over a potential fire risk tied to power steering wiring.
Fleet Acquisitionby StaffJune 10, 2026

Stellantis Recalls 1.3 Million Jeep Vehicles Worldwide Over Fire Risk

Stellantis is recalling more than 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models worldwide over a fire risk linked to power steering pump wiring.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Franchisee standing with yellow U-Save branded sign in front of the rental car outlet.

Green Motion And U-Save Open Rental Operations In Guatemala

The brands will open their first rental car outlets in the country at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City.

Read More →
An airplane parked at a gate next to large headline and bullet points about study highlights.

U.S. Business Travel Drives $623 Billion+ in Economic Impact as Spending Reaches $538 Billion

The data also underscores the industry’s strong multiplier effect across the U.S. economy, revealing that each dollar invested in business travel in 2024 generated $1.16 in GDP.

Read More →
Green and black bar graphs show May 2025 v. 2026 fleet vehicle sales into commercial, rental, and government fleet sectors.
Fleet Acquisitionby Martin RomjueJune 3, 2026

Rental Fleet Sales Skating Just Above 2025 Levels

The U.S. economy's continued growth and positive business investment are creating a favorable environment for fleet vehicle demand.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Interviewer Martin Romjue and guest Ryan Kerzner on both sides of a title page with large lettering.
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueJune 3, 2026

Grow Your Rental Business Beyond Cars

Rental fleet operations are facing numerous evolving challenges and opportunities from AI technology to rate and revenue management, to customer service and business growth.

Read More →
An AI-imaging tunnel instantly scans a car for damages at Wenn's location in Lithuania.
Rental OperationsJune 2, 2026

Using AI to Create Clarity, Not Conflict, in Rental Car Damage

Rental companies still need people, policy, judgment, and thoughtful implementation, with operators remaining in control of the customer experience.

Read More →
Close up of a high-tech vehicle console with a remote key.
Rental OperationsJune 1, 2026

Get Ready To Roll: No Stopping Self-Driving Rental Cars

The autonomous mobility technology revolution will move at its own pace, but sooner rather than later.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two execs hold up a sign with Southwest and CarTrawler logos

Southwest Airlines Selects CarTrawler For Its Car Rental Booking Platform

The platform is designed to allow customers to compare and book rental vehicles more easily during the travel booking process.

Read More →
Ad Loading...