Budget Rent A Car review: Car rental "damage"

Dear Sirs,

I rented a car from Houston Hobby Budget-Avis Car Rental from October 25-29, 2023. I took time off without pay from my teaching job to help my daughter in a medical procedure in Round Top, TX. The weather was rainy most of the trip.

When I returned my car, I was told all was well and that I could wait for the transfer van for the airport.

The car that I rented, had black carpet. I did notice that the wet soil from my shoes was noticeable on the black carpet.

Approximately 2 weeks after arriving back in Georgia, I received a letter stating that I was being charged $450.00 for the "damage" of the excessive soil on the black carpet. This amount was more than the entire car rental. The letter stated that there was an excessive amount of sand/soil on the black carpet. I attempted to call to speak to someone that could explain to me how normal wear of using a car in rainy weather would warrant such a charge. My calls were all directed to an international call center. I had difficulty understanding the conversation with the call center. (They probably had a difficulty understanding my southern accent as well).

I have asked for pictures, but have received nothing. I am refusing the charges on my card simply due to the fact that I cannot afford such charges, nor do I feel this is an honest assessment.

If there was such damage, I am requesting that Budget file with my car insurance that I used when I rented the car.

In all honesty, the use of the term "excessive", could easily be applied to the amount I am being charged for the soil on black carpet, If I would have known this was going to happen, I would have gone to purchase rubber mats for the car as to not get normal wear charges for the use of the car.

I have rented cars for over 20 years and have never encountered this issue.