You file a small claims case. I had a similar experience with Hertz where the math on my invoice was clearly incorrect and everybody swore up and down it was right. Tried to contest it with my credit card (who I no longer use), they didn't help out even though they had the invoice where the math was clearly wrong. Filed a small claims case in my local county court, Hertz legal called me a few days later saying they'd pay for my court costs and the full amount I contested.
Thanks for all the advice everyone. In the end I wasn't charged anything over the sticker price. phew
Take a picture of the fuel gauge showing you returned it full. Or easier yet, ask them to provide a receipt that they paid the fuel station x amount.
But how do you take a picture of the gas tank gauge for an electric car..?
I believe most electric cars have a battery level indicator—after all, that is basically your fuel, and it's very, very important to know how much you have left.
Oh, I'm sure they do. I'm questioning whether Hertz would accept that. This whole thing is very dumb.
In this case a photo wouldn't change anything. "According to the final receipt, the customer gave the Model 3 back to Hertz with the battery 96% full, the exact same state of charge it was picked up with."
Document everything and pay with a credit card, particularly an American Express or high end Chase Visa or similar. They will want to know why you want the chargeback, but will nearly always side with you if you have clear evidence.
I always take photos of a rental at the rental location before I leave. In this instance, don't request them to fill it up with gas, apparently it's just a button that automatically changes the card.
File a police report for fraud?
I’ve had success canceling without fees by calling and talking to a human.