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RENTAL CARS -
Rental Car Extra Fees & Costs (continued)
1. Fuel charges from rental companies can be quite expensive. Often, the rental company will offer to sell you a tank of gasoline for a “discounted” cost, which may be about the market cost or somewhat higher. If you buy this gas, you do not need to refill the tank when you return the vehicle. However, if you return the vehicle with anything other than an empty tank, you will lose the cost of the fuel in the tank. If you do not buy the “prepaid” fuel then make sure to fill up the tank right before you return the vehicle (but try to avoid gas stations near the airport because they are generally much higher priced). Should you return the vehicle with less than a full tank the rental company will charge you to fill up the tank at per gallon prices significantly greater than at the pump. And before you leave the rental lot with the car, make sure they gave you the full tank that they promised, or you will end up paying.
2. Mileage fees. Some rentals provide for unlimited miles driven and some have
a mileage restriction. If you go over the allotted number of miles the per mile
fee can be very high. When comparing rental deals, make sure to factor in this cost
if mileage is not unlimited. Often, if your deal does have a mileage limitation,
the rental car company will change the rental to unlimited miles if you ask when
you are making the reservation, or before you sign the rental agreement at check-
3. Additional driver fees. Many rental car companies will not charge an additional fee if you specify that you want an additional driver to be authorized to drive the vehicle. But some will. Make sure you understand if there will be a charge. In any case, if you plan on having someone else drive the car during the trip, make sure you tell the rental company up front and have the named driver incorporated into the rental agreement. If not, and you have an accident, all sorts of bad repercussions may occur. The same goes for underage drivers, which many rental companies define as anyone under 25.
4. Out-
5. Additional equipment. If you are also renting additional equipment from the rental company, such as car seats, ski racks, etc. understand any charges that apply. And make sure you reserve this equipment at the same time you reserve your car.
6. Deposits and refundable charges. Understand if you will be charged either a deposit or a refundable charge up front when you rent the vehicle. While you will get this charge back when you return the vehicle, it will tie up available credit on your credit card until you return the vehicle. In any case, make sure you get this deposit/charge back (probably as a credit to your final bill) when you return the car. And make sure you understand the company’s refund and cancellation policies.
7. Make sure the rental company is reputable. If you do not already know of the company, do a little research to make sure you will not have any surprises. Use your credit card to make the reservation to not only be eligible for added insurance protection, but also for the buyers protection they provide.
Not all trips require a rental car. Free or low-
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