Renting a car looks simple until the extra charges appear at the counter. This guide shows how to compare the real price, check what insurance you already have, spot common fees, and inspect the car so you are not billed for damage that was already there.
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Key takeaways
- Compare the total cost, not the advertised daily rate: fees, taxes and surcharges can add a lot.
- Check what insurance you already have before buying the rental company's cover.
- Ask about tolls, fuel, early or late return, additional drivers and drop-off fees.
- Photograph the car at pickup and keep your return receipt.
In this guide
How do I compare rental car prices?
Short answer Compare the total cost, not the advertised daily rate. Fees, taxes, airport surcharges and extras can raise the base price a lot, so check the full price including everything you are likely to need before you book.
Comparing prices online can save you money, but compare the total cost, not just the advertised daily rate. Added fees, taxes and surcharges can raise the base price a lot.
Check what is included, such as mileage, a second driver and roadside assistance, and read the cancellation terms before you book.
Do I need to buy the rental company's insurance?
Short answer Not always. You may already be covered by your own car insurance or homeowner's policy, by your employer for business travel, or by a credit card or auto club. Check what covers rentals before you pay for the company's cover.
Rental companies usually offer insurance for an extra fee, but you may already be covered. Your own car or homeowner's insurance may cover a rental, your employer may cover business travel, and some credit cards and auto clubs include rental protection when you pay with them.
Call your insurer and card issuer before you travel and ask exactly what is covered, so you can decline cover you do not need and accept cover you do.
Which extra fees should I watch for?
Short answer Watch for airport surcharges, early-return charges, fuel charges, drop-off fees for another location, additional-driver fees and charges for young drivers. Ask for the full list of fees before you sign.
Ask for the full list of fees before you sign. Common ones include:
- airport and location surcharges
- early-return charges (some companies charge if you return the car long before the agreed time)
- fuel charges if you do not return the tank as you were told
- drop-off fees if you return the car to a different location
- additional-driver fees, and extra charges for young drivers
Many companies allow a short grace period for late returns, but check the policy so a late return does not cost you a full extra day.
How do tolls and fuel work?
Short answer Automatic toll programs can charge a daily fee, a one-time fee for the whole rental or a fee per toll, so check the structure before you drive. For fuel, compare prepaying with returning the car full and choose the one that costs less.
Automatic toll programs can charge a daily fee, a one-time fee for the whole rental or a fee per toll, so the cost depends on how the program is set up and where you drive. Ask how it works and whether you can use your own toll tag or pay cash.
For fuel, compare the options: prepaying for a full tank, returning the car full yourself, or letting the company refuel it at a higher price. Returning it full yourself is usually the cheapest.
What should I check at pickup and at return?
Short answer Walk around the car and photograph every scratch or dent before you leave, note the fuel level and mileage, and make sure damage is written on the rental form. At return, keep the receipt and take photos of the car and the fuel gauge.
Before you drive away, walk around the car with the agent, photograph every scratch or dent, and make sure existing damage is written on the rental form. Note the fuel level and mileage, and check that you have the paperwork and a contact number.
At return, take photos of the car and the fuel gauge, get a receipt showing the car was returned, and keep your documents until the final charge has appeared on your statement.
How do I avoid rental car scams?
Short answer Book directly on the company's official website, not through search ads or unknown sellers. Be suspicious of anyone asking for payment by gift card or prepaid card, and check that the company is real before you pay a deposit.
Book directly on the company's official website rather than through search ads or unknown sellers. Scammers pose as rental companies, especially when cars are in short supply, and ask for payment by gift card or prepaid card.
If a price looks far below everyone else's, or you are asked to pay in an unusual way, stop and check the company independently. Our guide on avoiding car scams lists the warning signs.
Can I find rental companies on Motor Mania Club?
Short answer Yes. Motor Mania Club lists car rental companies and their daily prices on its car rental page. Open a company's profile to see its details and contact it directly, and then compare the total price using the tips in this guide.
Yes. Motor Mania Club lists car rental companies and their daily prices on the car rental page. Open a company's profile to see its details and contact it directly, then compare the total price using the tips in this guide.
Sources and further reading
How this guide was prepared
This guide is written from official and industry sources, which are listed above, and checked against how Motor Mania Club works. We aim to review our guides every few months and change the date when something is updated.
This guide gives general information and is not legal, financial or mechanical advice. Rules differ by state, so check your state agency for the exact requirements.
About the author
Elie Haddad, Founder, Smart Net 360 and Motor Mania Club. Elie Haddad is the founder of Smart Net 360 and of Motor Mania Club, the US automotive marketplace and directory that connects dealers, parts suppliers, garages and car enthusiasts. 15 years in business management and a car enthusiast.
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