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How can you avoid paying so much and not get double billed?
It all starts with knowing which industries are notorious for charging customers twice.
Here are the ones to be on high alert for so youdo not get billed twice over.
Carefully scrutinize your bill each month and question any charge that seems off.
Negotiate the best rate upfront, then lock in that rate with a multi-year contract.
Dont be afraid to call and dispute incorrect charges.
Dont be afraid to shop [around with] other companies.
Healthcare is an industry designed to bill as much as insurers will cover, Cleppe agreed.
Question costs that seem disproportionate to the services rendered.
Check that each provider who treated you is in your insurance internet.
Blain advised customers to request an itemized bill to ensure youre only paying for services actually received.
Ask aboutinsurance connection participationfor all providers before receiving treatment.
Automotive repair shopsfrequently suggest unnecessary services or overcharge for parts.
Get a second opinion on major repairs, Blain explained.
Ask for the old parts to be returned to ensure the work was actually done.
Check repair estimates against industry standards to determine fair pricing.
Most hotels have added resort fees to the base rate a practice that became ubiquitous in the 2000s.
These fees tack on up to $50 per night at many hotels.
If there is no added value, you typically can argue to have the fees removed entirely.
Airlines are now notorious for ala carte pricing, adding luggage fees and seat selection fees.
The added fees can add at least $300 to the price of the flight.
Restaurants
Eating out at a lot of sit-down restaurants?
Restaurants can be tricky with extra charges like split-plate fees or corkage fees, Klesinger said.
Ask about any additional charges before ordering and check your bill closely.
Some places charge a premium just for splitting an entree between two people.
Also common in some cities is a service charge that the restaurant does not consider a tip.
They also should be wary of basing the tip percentage on the total that includes the service charge.
Investment accounts and credit cards frequently havesmall print feesthat quickly add up, Cleppe said.
For investment accounts, choose a fiduciary advisor who chargesflat or hourly feesover one earning commissions.
Their incentives are better aligned with your financial interests.
Subscription Services
Streaming services are moving to a la carte fees as well.
Amazon Prime, for example, now charges another fee for members who want to watch movies without commercials.
Keep reminders and regularly check your bank statement for unexpected subscriptions, Priobrazhenskiy recommended.
Cancelsuch redundant or idle servicesfor considerable savings in the long run.
Banks have become adept at layering on junk fees to boost profits, Cleppe described.
Constant vigilance is the only way to avoid excess charges across industries.
But withtime and practice, youll get better at spotting potential fee traps before they snare you.
This may result in overpayment when such estimates are way above actual consumption, Priobrazhenskiy explained.
This includes contacting their utility companies with respect to inaccuracies so as to avoid any unnecessary overcharges.
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