Tips about hidden charges

7th of May

Many rental car companies will attempt to rip off customers with hidden charges and ridiculous fees. The best way to avoid these problems is by educating yourself. The people that get caught by the extra fees are those who are oblivious to some simple rules. You need to understand what is allowed and not allowed with your rental car. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of the rental agreement and clarify any questions before you hit the road.

The biggest mistake is returning the vehicle with an unfilled gas tank. It is the policy of every car rental company to give you the automobile with a full tank and to receive it in the same condition. If you fail to return your rental full of gas, you will be charged upwards of 3 times the normal gas price. It is best to put gas in your vehicle very close to the drop-off location. Driving a full tank more than 15 km will probably result in a penalty charge.

When you arrive at the rental car counter, you will be offered insurance for collision damage. It is also referred to as loss damage waiver (LDW) insurance. The charge is usually between 10 EUR and 20 EUR for each day. The policy will protect you against damage you cause to the vehicle, but it does not cover you if you are found guilty of extreme negligence. You should consult your personal car insurance policy before you go to pick-up your rental because you might already be covered. Your credit card provider might also supply some insurance for your rental car journeys. Further insurance plans are available at the rental counter, but you should check your personal policies first to determine what you need and do not need.
Another common error is exceeding the minimum distance limitation. If you plan to drive farther than the restricted distance, you need to opt for an unlimited mileage clause. Paying for unlimited mileage is much cheaper than paying the penalty for going over the maximum. Therefore, if you are unsure about how far you will drive, it is best to go for unlimited mileage.

If you are picking up your car rental at the airport, there will be an obligatory service charge for convenience. The solution to this problem is selecting a different pick-up location and using an alternative mode of transportation to meet your car. The service charge is between 10 and 20 percent of the rental car value.

The best way to protect yourself against these deceitful charges is to fully understand the agreement and to follow the guidelines. There is nothing worse than having your credit card charged after you returned the rental car. Save money and trouble by using some common sense.