Whether you’re planning a vacation abroad or just taking a road trip around town, renting a car can be a great way to get around and see more of the area you’re visiting. You can drive wherever and whenever you want, with no strings attached. But that convenience comes with many hidden costs that can quickly add up if you’re not careful.
Before renting a car, here are six things to know so you can make the most of your rental and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Credit Cards Offer Some Insurance Protection.
Car rental companies usually try to push the most expensive insurance plan on you when you rent a car. This insurance costs around $10 to $25 per day, but most major credit cards offer this coverage at no additional cost. Before you rent a car, contact your credit card company and ask what kind of protection they offer.
Some cards offer rental car insurance, while others do not. Some credit card companies may cover damages to a rental car but will not pay any fees charged by the rental car company. These fees can add up fast.
Young Drivers Will Cost You a Lot More.
Until recently, many rental car companies refused to rent cars to drivers under 21. Now, most do, but you still have to pay a significant fee to put a young driver (under 25) on the registration.
Every Driver Counts — and Costs You Money!
Even if all your drivers are over 25, you still may have to pay a fee for each additional driver registered. Carefully consider how many drivers are needed and designate one or two to avoid additional fees.
Stay on Paved Roads.
Make sure you pay attention to the representative’s instructions when he or she walks you through the rental car company’s policies. One item you’ll want to make sure is clear: most companies prohibit their cars from being driven on unpaved roads. If you break this rule and go off the paved road, your car rental insurance will be voided.
Make Sure the Gas Tank Is Full Before Returning the Car.
When you return the rental car, you’ll probably want to fill up the tank before dropping it off. Most companies charge extra if you don’t bring it back with a full tank.
Don’t Pay Extra at The Airport.
If you rent a car at the airport terminal, you’ll be charged an airport fee in addition to your regular rental charge. Hop on a bus and rent a car in the city instead.