13 Hidden Fees You Should Know About When Renting a Car

Updated on 7/15/2017 at 10:05 AM

Think the deal you're getting on your rental car is too good to be true? Well, it probably is. Rental cars are often a necessity when planning road trips and travels in different states and countries, and it's hard to pick apart all of the different little things that add up to total cost of renting. However, the number you're quoted isn't always the number you're charged at the end of your trip, and it's usually because you missed the fine print and got charged a hidden fee. Here's what to look out for when renting a car.

Gasoline charges. Many rental car companies will allow you to choose between refilling the tank back to where it was when you got the car or letting them do it for you at a set price, which can sometimes be more expensive than the one you would pay if you refill it yourself.
Drop-off charges. Drop-off fees can apply if you rent a car at one location and drop off the car at a different location. The company charges this because it means they will have to make the effort to get the car back to the original location.
After-hour return fees. If you want to drop off the car outside of regular business hours, most companies will have specific locations where you can do so. However, it usually comes at a cost! You will likely be charged extra for dropping off late or early.
If you miss the "24-hour" mark. The rental car is usually charged by day or week, starting from the time you pick it up. If you drop the car off past the time you picked it up, you can potentially be charged for an entire extra day.
Late fees. Of course, if you knowingly return the car after the time it was due to be returned, you will be charged extra fees, depending on how far past the time/date it was due you are.
Early drop-off fees. Surprisingly, you can even be charged for early fees if you decide to return the car days earlier than you originally agreed to; this can happen if you originally applied for a weekly rate rather than daily one.
Extra insurance. If you don't have your own car insurance, you will be required to pay for the minimum insurance plan. If do have your own car/insurance plan, you may not have to pay extra for insurance. However, if you wish to have the car further insured for extra drivers and other potential damages (which can be smart depending on where you plan on taking the car), then you will have to factor in the extra costs for different plans.
Mileage. Generally, mileage is included in the fees for rental cars. However, some companies may charge you extra for mileage on top of your other base costs, so make sure you ask and read the fine print!
Airport surcharges. Taxes and airport surcharges can occur if you are picking up/dropping off your rental car at a location on airport property.
Age fees. Some companies will charge extra if the driver is under a certain age. They may even have a surcharge for seniors over a particular age.
Seasonal charges. If it's a time of year when rental cars are in high demand, you better believe companies will take advantage of it and increase the surcharges during peak seasons.
Tolls. If you go through a toll while driving a rental car, you will potentially be charged for that.
Additional drivers. Policies on additional drivers can vary depending on the type of car insurance you have, as well as the policies of the company you're renting from. However, make sure to be aware of this additional hidden fee if you're planning on sharing the responsibility of driving among several people!