A retired Canadian couple say they were hit with a staggering $9,500 bill from a major rental car company after returning a vehicle during a routine trip.
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Kelly and Katherine Graves rented a 2025 Dodge Durango through National Car Rental, owned by Enterprise, during a trip in April 2025.
After returning the SUV, they were accused of putting diesel fuel into the gasoline-powered vehicle.
It was a claim they strongly deny and say was never proven.
Enterprise Rental Dispute Leaves Couple Facing $9,500 Bill
The couple, from Kelowna, British Columbia, said their trip was uneventful. Then they dropped the car off at Edmonton International Airport.
Before returning the vehicle, they filled the tank at a 7-Eleven about 35 miles from the airport. They paid $44 for fuel and drove the SUV back without any issues.
About a week later, they were contacted by the rental company and accused of damaging the vehicle by using the wrong fuel.
Despite providing receipts showing they had purchased gasoline. However, the company continued to pursue the claim.
"I was a little anxious," said Kelly. "My blood pressure went up."
They were told to either open an insurance claim or pay the charge.
The couple denied the allegation during initial calls and then heard nothing further.
Until nine months later.
Company Drops Claim After Legal Challenge
Months later, the Graves received a letter demanding $9,500.
"I was frustrated, because we hadn't heard anything for such a long time," said Kelly. "I thought they closed the case."
The company continued pursuing the claim for several months before eventually backing down after a lawyer and Go Public became involved.
"You're dealing with a large corporation. They're telling you you owe them thousands of dollars, often with very little explanation," said lawyer Abu Khurana. "Most people don't have the time, resources or legal knowledge to push back."
Enterprise dropped the claim after Khurana sent a letter outlining his clients' defense, while Go Public also sought answers from the company.
The company did not respond to specific questions but said it followed a "comprehensive investigation process."
Mechanic John Le Van told CBC that if the wrong fuel had been used, the vehicle would not have made it back to the airport.
He said the car wouldn't have "made it more than a few kilometres, if that."
