You book a rental car at one price, but the base rate is only part of what can appear on the final bill. Location charges, age fees, and optional services can all add to the total. The exact amount depends on the company and rental location, so it pays to know the names you may see before you reserve.
Airport Concession Fee Recovery
Renting at an airport can add a concession recovery charge to your bill. Hertz says its Airport Concession Fee Recovery covers part of the fees it pays for the right to operate at an airport, hotel or train station. There is no single nationwide percentage, so the amount can differ by location.
Customer Facility Charge
This is another airport-related charge, but it is not the same thing as a concession fee. Hertz lists Customer Facility Charge and similar names for fees tied to rental-car facilities at airports. That means an airport pickup can carry more than one location-based charge even before you add any extras.
Young Renter Fee
If you are under 25, the daily rate may not tell the whole story. Enterprise says renters under 25 generally pay a Young Renter Fee that averages about $25 a day outside its special rates for Michigan and New York. The actual amount can be higher or lower depending on where you rent.
One-Way Drop Charge
A road trip that ends somewhere other than where it started can come with a separate charge. Enterprise says some one-way rentals carry a drop charge or mileage charge. The amount depends on factors including the pickup location, return location and time of year, and it should appear when you reserve.
Toll Usage Fees
Skipping a prepaid toll plan does not always mean you avoid rental-company toll charges. Hertz says customers who decline PlatePass All-Inclusive but use electronic toll roads can be billed for the tolls plus an administrative fee and other applicable charges. Its prepaid PlatePass option is offered at a daily rate in participating areas.
EZFuel Charge
A short drive can still bring a fuel charge if you return without proof that you filled the tank. Avis says its EZFuel option applies to trips under 75 miles at participating locations. It currently charges $15.99, or $17.99 in California, and removes the charge if you fill up and present a fuel receipt.
Additional Driver Fee
Adding another person to the rental agreement can cost extra. Hertz lists an Additional Authorized Operator fee of $13.50 per day at corporate and participating licensee locations. There are exceptions for some spouses, domestic partners and qualifying membership rentals, so check whether the extra driver can be added at no charge.
Vehicle Licensing Cost Recovery
Some charges have names that give you little clue what they cover. Hertz lists Vehicle Licensing Cost Recovery and similar labels for costs tied to vehicle registration, licensing and related fees on applicable rentals. It can appear as a separate line item rather than being folded into the advertised base rate.
Late Return Charges
A late return can turn a small delay into another charge. Enterprise generally gives daily rentals at U.S. locations a 29-minute grace period. After that, hourly charges can apply. If the car comes back 2.5 hours or more after the original rental time on a subsequent day, Enterprise says another rental day is charged.
Know the Fees Before You Book
Rental-car fees are easier to manage when you know which line items to look for. Compare the full estimated total, not just the daily rate, and check the rules for your pickup location, tolls, fuel, and drivers before you book.