Additional Deposits, Surcharges and Fees

Excluding some of the newer fast track programs, the process of renting a car may be frustrating. You may have to stand in long lines for an extended period of time, only to discover that the price quoted, at the time the reservation was made, did not include charges for insurance, more than one driver, refueling, deposits or other fees and surcharges.

Be advised that most rental car companies do not include additional fees and charges in their advertised base price. However, in the U.S. , these companies must notify the consumer of each additional fee before the rental agreement is signed. The following is a list of commonly charged additional charged fees and deposits:

Deposits

This is a refundable charge placed on your credit card when the consumer initially arrives to pick up the rental car. This charge may vary from company to company, but be advised it could be hundreds of dollars. For people operating on a credit card with a low limit the deposit, used by the rental car company, could limit their ability to pay their hotel bill! Although most rental companies make the charge to your credit card, they usually do not process the amount unless the vehicle is not returned in accordance with the terms of the rental contract. However, until the vehicle is returned a consumer could find his or her spending limit curtailed by the amount of the deposit.

Drop Off Fees and Airport Surcharges

Airport surcharges and drop-off fees can drastically increase the consumer’s base rental rate. Port authorities can impose airport surcharges or special taxes on rental cars for airport use even when rental car is being obtained from an off-airport site.

Drop-off fees are charges incurred when the consumer returns the vehicle to a different location from where he or she picked it up. Beware: drop-off charges can be as high as $1,000!

Gasoline Charge

A gasoline charge is the amount rental car companies add to your bill for gasoline. In the past, many companies rented vehicles with a half-tank, incorporating a flat charge of $10 to $15 telling the consumer to return the car empty. Today, with upwardly spiraling gas prices, most companies are now filling the tanks and charging for the amount of gas the consumer uses. In such a case, the consumer should always return the car with a full tank. Failing to do so means the consumer’s credit card will be charged the rental company's outrageously inflated gasoline price.

Mileage Charge

Mileage fees are usually based on a flat fee when you exceed the allotted free mileage cap or assessed on a per mile basis. If the consumer knows exactly how many miles they plan to travel they might be wise to rent from a company that offers the most favorable mileage terms.

Child Safety Seat Fee

All states now require children under a certain age or weight to be placed in child safety seat. If the consumer does not bring a safety seat, for a child required to be transported in one, he or she will be required to rent one, at a cost of $3-$5 per day or $25 per week. Many states are now codifying the maximum charge a rental car company can charge for safety seats

Taxes

Taxes can be levied by states, municipalities and even port authorities. Urban pickup sites generally have higher tax rates than suburban locations. Before renting from a suburban off airport site, doing business at the airport, the consumer should make sure the vehicle he or she is renting is not subject to the same tax as an on airport vehicle.

*Fees for renting at an airport. Airports and local governments often add surcharges and taxes to rental car rates.

Additional Driver Charge/Underage Driving Fees

Rental car companies generally charge additional-driver fees when the vehicle will be driven by more than one person. If the consumer plans to let another driver operate the vehicle he must notify the rental car company of his or her intentions in order to be covered by insurance protection offered by that rental car company.

Some rental car companies will charge a larger additional driver fee than normal when the additional driver is also underage of 25. Watch out for the company that tries to charge twice-once for an additional driver and once for an underage driver. Most state’s law prohibits this type of scam.

Out-of-State Driving Charges

Rental car companies often charge out-of-state charges when the consumer drives the car out of the state in which it was rented. This is generally not the case when the rental car company’s base is located on the boarders of several states.

Additional Equipment Charges

Equipment-rental fees are charged to the consumer for extras such as ski racks and car seats. These items are usually at a premium, where rented, so make sure to reserve them at the time the reservation is made.