Filled the Tank on Your Rental Car? You May Want to Hang On to the Receipt.

Renting a car can be stressful and complicated, and avoiding high refueling charges has long been one of its bigger hassles. Now a new refueling option from Hertz gives you one more variable to think about. It might take load off you mind if you are taking just a short trip—or add a surprising new cost if you aren't careful.

The Consumerist reports the rental company has added a new "Express Fuel" option at some locations, where customers who drive less than 75 miles can either turn in a gas station receipt along with the car, showing they refueled it, or pay a $14 fee. That means even if you fill up the tank before returning your vehicle, you'll still end up getting charged if you don't have proof of purchase for the gas.

This only applies to short distance rentals, so it's not something most Hertz customers have to worry about. But since the $14 fee is likely to be more than the cost of gas over such a small distance (the Consumerist does the math and estimates refueling would cost less than $10 depending on the car) it's something short-haul renters should be aware of.