Wondering why you see an “ERAC Toll” charge on your credit card? If you’ve rented a car from the popular Enterprise Rent-A-Car, this fee might be for using toll roads. ERAC Toll charges show up due to toll fees from rental car usage, which can appear on your statement even months later. Understanding these charges can help you manage your travel expenses better. Dive in to learn more and solve your credit card mystery!
Understanding ERAC Toll Charges
ERAC toll charges appear on your credit card statement after you use a rental car on toll roads. These charges are managed by Enterprise and often include additional fees for toll pass services.
What Is an ERAC Toll?
An ERAC toll is a fee applied when you drive a rental car through a toll road. Enterprise Rent-A-Car uses systems that capture the license plate as you pass through a toll booth. The toll is automatically billed to your credit card without needing to stop and pay cash. This process ensures smooth travel but can result in extra charges on your statement.
Why Did I Get an ERAC Toll Charge on My Credit Card?
You might see ERAC toll charges after renting a car and using it on toll roads. Enterprise includes these charges because toll fees are often added to your bill after the rental period ends. Sometimes, it can take weeks or even months for toll agencies to process the fee. This delay explains why you might be charged long after your trip. Using toll-pass services provided by the rental company can also add extra fees.
Common Rental Locations with Toll Roads
Certain states in the US have more toll roads, making it likelier to incur ERAC toll charges. Some of these common rental locations with toll roads include:
- Florida: Highways like the Florida Turnpike and various expressways.
- New York: Roads such as the New York State Thruway.
- California: Toll roads in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California.
Driving in these areas often leads to rental car toll charges due to the extensive network of toll roads.
Payment and Billing Explanation
Learning how ERAC collects toll payments, what to expect on your bill, and the payment options available helps you manage these charges more effectively.
How ERAC Collects Toll Payments
ERAC collects toll payments automatically when you use a rental car on toll roads. This is done by capturing the toll charges and adding them to your rental bill. While driving, if you cross a toll booth, the charges get recorded.
If you didn’t pay the toll directly, it’s added to your credit or debit card statement. These charges may show up as “ERAC toll” on your bill. In some cases, it can take a few months for these charges to reflect on your account, as toll fees may take time to process.
Understanding Your Bill
Your credit or debit card statement will display the ERAC toll charges as a separate item. These charges include the toll fee itself and an additional convenience charge ranging from $3.95 to $4.95 per day you drive on toll roads.
To see the details, you can use the contract number from your rental agreement. Alternatively, you can enter your last name and the first six and last four digits of your credit card number to find the statement. This breakdown provides clarity on what each charge represents.
Exploring Payment Options
You have several ways to pay for your toll charges. The simplest method is to have the charges automatically billed to your credit or debit card. This ensures prompt payment without additional steps on your part.
If you prefer paying by mail, you can send your payment and citation number to the address provided by ERAC. Additionally, some toll agencies offer online payment options where you can clear dues before they get added to your rental bill. Choosing the method that best suits your preferences can help streamline the payment process.
Consequences of Unpaid Tolls
Unpaid tolls can lead to significant issues such as citations, violations, additional administrative fees, and negative effects on your credit score. Understanding these consequences can help you manage and avoid these problems effectively.
Citations and Violations
If you fail to pay tolls while using a rental car, you might receive citations or violations. These can come with hefty fines which often increase the longer they remain unpaid.
Rental car companies keep track of your toll usage and can pass these violations on to you. These penalties are added to your rental agreement and billed to your credit card.
Factors like high fees and possible court appearances make avoiding tolls costly and inconvenient.
Administrative Fees
When toll violations occur, rental car companies often charge additional administrative fees. These fees cover the processing and handling of toll violations and citations.
The fees can range anywhere from $3.95 to $4.95 per day, plus the original toll cost, leading to significant expenses over a rental period. Some companies have a cap on these fees, but they can still be a financial burden.
It’s important to monitor your credit card statements to identify these fees early on.
Effects on Credit
Unpaid tolls and subsequent administrative fees can adversely affect your credit score. If these fees remain unpaid, rental car companies may send your account to collections.
Collection agencies then report this debt, negatively impacting your credit rating. The negative marks can stay on your report for several years, making future credit applications more difficult and expensive.
Avoiding tolls might save money upfront, but it can be costly in the long run. Regularly check your credit card statements and address any toll charges promptly to prevent further issues.
Navigating Issues with Toll Charges
Encountering unexpected toll charges on your credit card can be frustrating when renting a car. Understanding how to dispute mistaken charges, contacting ERAC customer service, and avoiding unnecessary fees can help you navigate these issues smoothly.
Disputing Mistaken Charges
First, review your rental agreement for any toll-related clauses. Collect all relevant documents, including your rental agreement, credit card statement, and any toll receipts.
If you find an error, you can file a dispute with ERAC. Clearly state why you believe the charge is incorrect and provide supporting documents. Send your dispute through the ERAC customer service email or speak directly to a customer service representative. Persistence often helps resolve these issues in your favor.
Contact Procedure for ERAC Customer Service
When you need assistance with toll charges, contacting ERAC customer service is essential. Start by calling the ERAC customer service number found on your rental agreement or their website. Explain your issue clearly and provide all necessary details such as your rental agreement number and specific charges in question.
If calling isn’t effective, follow up with an email to ERAC customer service. Include all relevant details and copies of your supporting documents. Being polite and thorough makes it easier for the customer service representative to assist you.
Avoiding Unnecessary Charges and Surprises
To avoid surprise toll charges, always understand the toll policies before renting. Some rental companies offer toll passes, which can be convenient but may come with additional charges.
Consider paying tolls directly if possible. This often saves you from the extra convenience fees. Keep track of the roads you take and ensure you know the toll costs. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can minimize unexpected charges on your credit card. Familiarize yourself with the rental company’s toll policies and billing practices to avoid surprises.
