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Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gas Stations Quietly Charging Drivers $1 More per Gallon for This 1 Reason
Paying at the pump with a credit card is a daily habit for most drivers, and a convenience that can cost more than you think. Across several states, including Florida, gas stations are increasingly charging higher prices per gallon for credit card users. The difference is often as much as $1 more per gallon compared to the cash price, a markup that can quietly add up on a full tank. While it's legal for businesses to charge extra for credit card transactions, most states require that these fees be clearly disclosed to customers. Some gas stations are skirting that line by posting notices in fine print on the pump or signage that drivers may not easily notice. The result? Many drivers swipe their cards expecting the advertised street price, only to find out after the fact that they've been charged significantly more. With gas prices already pushing budgets, an extra $10 or $20 per fill-up can make a real impact. Consumer watchdogs point out that while the surcharge itself may be legal, the lack of upfront transparency could border on deceptive business practices. And as long as stations get away with it, the hidden fee trend may continue to grow. The best way to avoid surprise charges is to pay close attention to posted pricing at the pump and read the fine print before fueling. Some stations make their cash-versus-credit prices obvious, while others bury the details in pump stickers or small signs. Apps and rewards programs can also help soften the blow. Ultimately, small habits—like checking for price differences or choosing stations that don't penalize credit card users—can save hundreds over the course of a year. With gas expenses averaging over $2,400 per driver annually, every dollar Stations Quietly Charging Drivers $1 More per Gallon for This 1 Reason first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 13, 2025
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida's home insurance crisis: The search for solutions
The Brief Policymakers and consumer watchdogs are proposing several reforms when it comes to home insurance in Florida. Some want to scale back development in areas most likely to be damaged by a hurricane. FOX 13's Craig Patrick has a 30-minute special airing on May 26. TAMPA - As Florida homeowners pay comparatively higher premiums and many complain about how their damage claims are handled, policymakers and consumer watchdogs are proposing several reforms. Dig deeper Some want to scale back development in areas most likely to be damaged by hurricanes. Others want to reverse lawsuit reforms that make it harder to sue insurance companies, while the state insurance commissioner wants to stay the course. He said rates are leveling off and some are going down slightly as new companies enter the market. "Things are going pretty well. We are seeing improvement," said Florida Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky. "We are seeing that stability has emerged throughout the marketplace." However, new companies are getting much of their business by taking existing policies from state-run Citizens. They're getting customers with no marketing costs and no agent commissions. We don't yet know to what extent they'll continue to compete in the private market as the insurance commissioner hopes. Meanwhile, some call for revisions in state administration. Currently, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation investigates the industry, while the Florida Department of Financial Services investigates contractor fraud. RELATED: Florida's home insurance crisis: Investigating the risk, cost of underinsured homes What they're saying "Those should probably be combined into one entity. They should be focused on identifying fraud wherever they can," said Florida Policy Project President Jeff Brandes. Consumer watchdogs suggest increased oversight of insurance companies. They want them to disclose their profits, executive compensation, and insurance company payments to sister companies and ownership groups. They also want homeowners to get more information about their claims, including any internal revisions to their estimates, with the reason 'for' any revisions. Those are just a few examples that state lawmakers could take up to address the costs of home insurance and the problems in Florida. What's next Watch our 30-minute special Monday, May 26 at 12:30 p.m. for a closer look at the causes of Florida's home insurance crisis and potential solutions. The Source FOX 13's chief investigator, Craig Patrick, gathered the information for this story. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
