U-Haul class action lawsuit overview:
- Who: Plaintiff Christopher Barnett filed a class action lawsuit against U-Haul International Inc.
- Why: Barnett alleges U-Haul adds hidden fees to its advertised prices in violation of California’s Honest Pricing Law.
- Where: The U-Haul class action lawsuit was filed in California state court.
A new class action lawsuit alleges U-Haul International adds hidden fees to its advertised prices in violation of California’s Honest Pricing Law.
Plaintiff Christopher Barnett filed the class action complaint against U-Haul in California state court, alleging violations of state consumer laws.
Barnett claims U-Haul charges consumers hidden fees in violation of California’s Honest Pricing Law, which requires businesses to include all fees in advertised prices.
The plaintiff alleges U-Haul uses “drip pricing” by displaying low prices for truck rentals but adding an “environmental fee” of $1 at the end of the transaction.
Barnett says the fee is only revealed after consumers go through multiple pages to finalize their rental, making it difficult for them to compare prices or back out of the transaction.
Plaintiff claims hidden fees charged twice
Barnett claims he was charged the hidden fee twice for truck rentals advertised at $29.95, with the fee only appearing at checkout. He argues U-Haul’s practice misleads consumers into believing they are getting a better deal than they actually are.
The plaintiff alleges U-Haul’s conduct frustrates competition and causes consumers to pay more than they intended. He claims U-Haul had ample time to comply with the law, which went into effect on July 1, 2024, but chose not to.
Barnett seeks to represent a class of California consumers who were charged fees not included in U-Haul’s advertised prices since July 1, 2024. He is suing for violations of California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act, Unfair Competition Law and False Advertising Law as well as for negligent misrepresentation, fraud and quasi-contract.
The plaintiff demands a jury trial and seeks an order forcing U-Haul to include all fees in advertised prices, as well as restitution, damages and attorney fees.
In other hidden fees, a homebuyer recently filed a class action against Zillow accusing the company of deceiving consumers into using its agents and charging undisclosed fees that inflated home prices.
What do you think of the claims made in this U-Haul class action lawsuit? Let us know in the comments.
The plaintiff is represented by Paul K. Haines of Haines Law Group APC and Jack Day and Calvin Bryne of Day Bryne & McIntosh.
The U-Haul class action lawsuit is Barnett v. U-Haul International Inc., Case No. 2:25-cv-09893, in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles.
Don’t Miss Out!
Check out our list of Class Action Lawsuits and Class Action Settlements you may qualify to join!
Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:
