As automotive journalists we travel several times a year. Typically we’re flying in and out of trade shows, doing work with some of our sponsor companies, or traveling to cover a race. Typically when we arrive at the airport we pick up a rental car, and while some of you reading this would like to believe we always choose a Mustang or high powered sports car, the truth is normally we’re stuck with the econo-box, usually wondering by the end of the trip why we didn’t splurge to personally make up the difference over the company budget and drive a Mustang instead.

Kristin Cockerill, recently splurged for a rental Mustang convertible which she rented from an Enterprise location in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. As is sometimes the case, you get back from a trip and need to return the vehicle after the location is closed. Cockerill says this was the case in her situation and she placed the keys to the Mustang in the secure drop box after she had parked the car.

The next morning she received a call from Enterprise saying they had the keys but no car. It appeared the car was stolen after Cockerill returned it. Cockerill was no doubt shocked with what happened next, she received a bill for the car in the amount of $47,000. Her insurance company denied responsibility since the car was not in her control, or possession when the theft occurred. Enterprise initially stuck to their guns and said that if Cockerill’s insurance didn’t pay, the $47,000 would be charged to her credit card.

Fortunately the issue has since been resolved and Enterprise has changed their position on the charges, and even offered Cockerill an apology. So travelers next time you’re scribbling your signature all over that rental car agreement so you can get to that dream destination, or make the conference on-time, just keep in mind that in the eyes of the rental company at least, you’re responsible until they say you’re not.