Hidden Rental Car Fees: How To Spot and Avoid The Charges

Just like booking a flight or hotel room, travelers have to be weary when booking a car rental. You might think you scored the deal of the century, only to show up to the rental counter and be hit with fee after fee. Car rental companies know how to cleverly disguise common fees, surprising travelers when they get the bill back home. To avoid the added sticker shock, don’t book that vehicle until you have singled out these fees that might be added to your bill. Once you have found the charges, you might also be able to dodge them in the process.

Collision Damage Waiver

Most rental car companies want you to use their provided insurance. They will usually insist at the counter that you select a policy that covers you for a certain amount and during each day of the rental period. Travelers should do their homework before agreeing to these charges. Many credit card companies will cover your insurance during your rental period. Before you agree, check to see if the credit card you booked the reservation under has you covered. Also, before you drive off with your vehicle once you rent it, take photographs of any damage. If there is a dispute when you return it or months later, you will have proof it wasn’t you.

Refuel charge

Again, at the counter, rental car companies are trying to sell you more. One fee they might talk you into is the refuel charge. It sounds appealing. You don’t have to bring the car back with fuel and they will charge you a flat rate. This amount almost never is a good deal. You are better off declining and committing to filling up your rental yourself.

Road Tax

If you are renting your car abroad, you might encounter a charge to your credit card after you return the vehicle. In many cases, this charge is a road tax. It almost never gets explained clearly and is always in the fine print. In some countries, car rental companies will charge a set amount per day for road tax. While you can’t completely avoid this charge, you can look for rates that include it which might make the price a little cheaper.

Young Driver Fee

You book your rental car through an online travel agent or booking system. You arrive to the counter of the company you scored the deal through, only to find they are going to charge you $50 per day for being under 25 years old. If in the booking process you aren’t asked what the driver’s age will be, you could face this surprise charge. In order to avoid paying a high penalty for being under 25, do your research. Find the company with the smallest charge per day for being a young driver.