A rental car can turn a flight into a road trip, or save the miles on your own car.
The price you see first is rarely the price you pay.
Taxes, fees and optional extras can raise the base rate a lot by the time you return the keys.
The good news is that most of these costs are easy to spot if you know where to look.
This guide walks through each step, based on consumer advice from the Federal Trade Commission.
Compare the total cost, not the headline rate
The FTC guide to renting a car starts with one simple idea.
Compare the total cost of each option, not just the advertised daily price.
Fees and add-ons can increase the base price dramatically.
- Check a few rental company websites and a couple of price comparison sites.
- Make sure every quote you compare includes taxes and fees.
- Look for deals when you book early or bundle the car with a flight or hotel.
- Read the fine print for blackout dates when a sale price does not apply.
Write down the total for each quote in one place.
A simple list makes it much easier to see which offer is really cheaper.
Pick the right size for the trip
The size of the car affects the price you pay.
The FTC points out that labels like compact, mid-size and luxury mean different things at different companies.
Think about the trip before you choose.
- How many people will ride, and for how many hours a day?
- How much luggage, camping gear or sports equipment will you carry?
- Will you drive mountain roads, long highways or mostly city streets?
A car that is too small can make a long drive uncomfortable.
A car that is too big can cost more to rent and more to fuel.
Our guide on estimating gas costs for a road trip shows how to compare the fuel bill of different cars.
Check the cancellation policy before you book
Plans change, especially on long trips.
The FTC warns that some companies require you to cancel well in advance to avoid a fee.
In some cases that can be as much as a week ahead.
If you prepay for the rental, there may be a fee no matter when you cancel.
A prepaid rate can look cheaper, so weigh that saving against the risk of losing it.
Know if your driving record will be checked
Many rental companies check customers' driving records.
The FTC notes that recent violations can lead a company to refuse the rental, even with a confirmed reservation.
If that applies to you, ask the company about its policy before the trip.
Finding out at the counter can leave you without a car at the start of your vacation.
The fees that add up on a road trip
A road trip puts many miles and many days on a rental car.
That makes some fees much more important than they would be on a short city rental.
Gas
Most companies require you to return the car with a full tank.
If you do not, the company charges its own price for gas.
The FTC says that price is usually higher than what you would pay at a local station.
Prepaying for a full tank is convenient, but it can cost a lot more than filling up yourself.
Plan a stop at a station close to the return location.
Mileage
Most companies offer unlimited miles, but not all of them do.
The FTC notes that some limits apply depending on the type of car, such as some SUVs or high-performance models.
Estimate how far you plan to drive and choose the offer with the best mileage terms.
Tolls
Toll roads are common on long routes.
Most companies offer a way to pay tolls automatically, and that convenience has a cost.
The FTC describes three common setups.
- A service fee for every day of the rental, even days without tolls, usually with a maximum.
- A one-time fee for the whole rental, which you pay even if you never pass a toll.
- A fee each time you use the toll device, on top of the toll itself.
Ask which setup applies and compare it with the tolls on your planned route.
Drop-off and out-of-state charges
One-way road trips are popular, but they can be expensive.
The FTC warns that returning the car to a different location may come with a large drop-off fee.
Most companies let you drive out of state, but some charge extra for it.
Tell the company your full route when you get a quote.
Early and late returns
Some companies charge a fee if you return the car more than a day early.
If you must return early, the FTC suggests calling the company to talk with an agent.
Many companies do not charge for being less than 30 minutes late.
Even so, you may still pay a full day for optional items like liability coverage.
If you are running late, compare the late charges with the cost of extending the rental.
Airport surcharges and taxes
Renting at the airport can be expensive.
The FTC notes that surcharges can apply even when a company shuttles you to an off-site lot.
Review your quote for state, city or county taxes and fees before you reserve.
If you do not see them listed, ask whether they apply.
Extra drivers, young drivers and equipment
Sharing the driving is one of the best ways to stay alert on a long trip.
Some companies charge to add another driver to the contract.
Drivers under 25 can often rent from major companies, but usually for an extra fee.
Car seats and ski or bike racks also cost extra, so reserve them early.
Our guide on drowsy driving on long road trips explains why swapping drivers matters.
Insurance and damage waivers
At the counter, you will likely be offered coverage for a fee.
The FTC suggests checking what you already have before you say yes.
- Your own car insurance or homeowner's policy may already cover a rental.
- Your employer's insurance may cover you on a business trip.
- Some credit cards and auto clubs include rental protection when you pay with their card.
Call your insurance company before the trip if you are not sure.
Companies may also offer a Collision Damage Waiver, sometimes called a Loss Damage Waiver.
It means the rental company pays for damage to the rental car.
The FTC notes that a waiver will not pay for your injuries or your personal belongings.
Many credit cards offer this protection, but only if you decline the rental company's coverage.
If you have no waiver and no personal coverage, you may owe for damage, sometimes the full value of the car.
A waiver can also be canceled if you drive recklessly or under the influence, or let an unauthorized person drive.
Roadside assistance
A flat tire or a dead battery far from home is a common road trip problem.
Roadside assistance is sometimes included in the base price, and sometimes it costs extra.
The FTC suggests asking exactly what it covers, such as flat tires, dead batteries or keys locked in the car.
You may already have roadside help through an auto club, your credit card or your car insurance.
Plan for the hold on your card
Most companies place a hold on your debit or credit card for more than the rental cost.
The hold covers extra charges that may come up later.
The FTC warns that a low balance or a card near its limit could be declined for other purchases.
On a road trip, that could affect hotel or gas payments, so leave room on the card.
Protect your data in a connected car
Many newer rental cars let you connect your phone for calls, maps and music.
The FTC warns that the car may keep your information after you return it.
That can include places you entered in the navigation system, your phone number, call logs and contacts.
- To charge your phone only, use a power adapter instead of the car's USB port.
- If you pair your phone, allow only the access you really need.
- Before you return the car, delete your phone from the list of paired devices.
The owner's manual or the rental company can show you how to remove your data.
Inspect the car before you drive away
Before a long trip, take a few minutes to look over the rental.
Check the tires, lights and wipers, and note any dents or scratches with the agent.
Our pre-trip car check lists the quick checks that apply to any car.
If something goes wrong
Start with the rental company's customer service department.
If that does not solve it, the FTC suggests reporting the problem at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or to your state attorney general.
Keep your contract, receipts and photos until the final charges are settled.
A rental car checklist
- Total price compared, with taxes and fees included.
- Cancellation policy and prepay terms understood.
- Mileage limits, toll setup and drop-off fees checked for your route.
- Your own insurance and credit card coverage confirmed.
- Extra drivers added to the contract.
- Room left on the card for the hold.
- Tank filled near the return location.
- Phone data deleted before you hand back the keys.
The bottom line
A rental car can be a great tool for a road trip.
Compare the total cost, read the terms that matter for long drives and check the coverage you already have.
A few questions at booking can save a lot of money at the return counter.
Fuel-efficient driving also keeps the refill cost down, and FuelEconomy.gov lists the habits that help most.
Sources and Further Reading
- Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Advice: Renting a Car — supports comparing total cost, car size, cancellation and driving record checks, gas, mileage, toll, drop-off and late return fees, insurance and damage waivers, roadside assistance, card holds, connected car privacy and where to report problems.
- FuelEconomy.gov: Driving More Efficiently — supports the driving habits that reduce fuel use and the cost of refilling a rental.