Rental Car Gas Prices Now More Than $9 A Gallon

Many have experienced the pain at the pump, but some people are now experiencing even more pain at the rental car counter.

Many major rental car companies now charge between $7 to $9 a gallon for customers who don’t prepay for gas and don’t return the vehicle with a full tank.

It was a shock to Jeff Daniels who rented a car for a road trip with his friends.

“Actually that is a huge surprise. It’s usually about $2 more per gallon than the average. But $9? $8 or $9? Pretty high,” said Daniels.

The Hertz car rental office in Cathedral City is charging $9 a gallon for customers who don’t prepay.

According to manger in training Charity Wooley, more people choose to pay in advance.

“I do have several customers that who come in after refusing to take the prepaid fuel and have regretted it later ‘You know what? I spent so much money, I should have paid for it and just got it from you guys in advance,'” said Wooley.

According to Wooley, prepaid gas costs a few cents less per gallon than at the pump.

Customers also have to option to pay for gas themselves.

Despite the rise in gas prices, many rental car companies say it’s not effecting business.

Jeff Daniels decided to prepay for gas for his rental car.

“It makes it easier if you drop off the car because now you’re not having to bring the car back with a full tank of gas. Makes it easier when your trying to get to the airport in a hurry,” said Daniels.