Car rental services have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the convenience they offer to travelers. However, before you rent a car, it's important to understand that there are extra charges that you may incur in addition to the rental fee. These hidden fees can significantly increase the cost of your rental, so it's essential to be aware of them beforehand to avoid any surprises.
In this blog post, we will discuss the extra charges that you may encounter when renting a car, what they entail, and how you can avoid them.
Also Read: How Renting from Drive lah Transformed Kenny's Travels - First-Hand Experience Shared!
Insurance Charges
One of the most significant extra charges that you may encounter when renting a car is insurance. Rental car companies offer several types of insurance, including collision damage waiver (CDW), Theft Protection insurance against theft includes the cost of replacing a stolen rental vehicle and any repairs necessitated by an attempted theft, personal accident insurance (PAI), and liability insurance. CDW protects you from paying for damages to the car in case of an accident, while PAI covers medical expenses for you and your passengers in case of an accident. Liability insurance covers you in case you damage someone else's property or injure someone while driving the rental car.
Some of the other insurance options cover travel insurance, workshop insurance, excess, roadside assistance and insurance for windshield and tyres.
Know about Drive lah’s Insurance Policies and what coverage you can get when renting a car from us.
Insurance charges can significantly increase the cost of your rental, and you should carefully consider whether you need the coverage offered. If you already have car insurance or travel insurance that covers rental cars, you may not need to purchase additional insurance from the rental car company. However, if you don't have insurance that covers rental cars, it's a good idea to purchase at least the CDW to protect yourself from significant expenses in case of an accident.
Additional Driver Fees
If you plan on having more than one person drive the rental car, you may incur additional driver fees. Rental car companies charge extra fees for each additional driver, and these fees can vary depending on the company and location. If you're traveling with a friend or family member who also wants to drive the rental car, make sure to check if there are additional driver fees and factor them into your car rental budget.
Fuel Charges
When you rent a car, you're responsible for refueling it before returning it to the rental company. If you return the car with less gas than it had when you picked it up, the rental company will charge you for the missing fuel at a premium rate. To avoid these charges, make sure to fill up the tank before returning the car, or opt for a rental company that offers a full-to-full fuel policy, where you're only charged for the fuel you use.
Get familiar with Drive lah’s fuel policy so you can make the maximum out of your car rental.
Also Read: Top 15 Fuel-Efficient Cars you Must Rent in Singapore
Airport Surcharges
Mileage Charges
Most rental car companies offer a limited number of miles per rental day, after which you'll be charged for additional miles driven. The mileage charges can vary depending on the company and location, and they can significantly increase the cost of your rental. If you're planning on driving long distances, make sure to factor in the potential mileage charges when comparing rental car prices.
GPS and other Accessories Charges
If you want to rent a GPS or other accessories like a car seat or roof rack, you'll likely incur additional fees. Rental car companies charge extra for these accessories, and the fees can vary depending on the company and location. Before renting a car, consider whether you need any additional accessories and factor in the potential costs when comparing rental car prices.
Underage Drivers
If you are under a certain age (usually 25 for most companies), you may be charged an additional fee. Many rental companies charge an additional fee for drivers who are under a certain age. Typically, the age threshold is 25, although this can vary by company and location. This fee is often referred to as a "young driver surcharge" or "underage driver fee."
The fee can vary depending on the rental company and the location in addition to the regular rental rate. Some companies may also have restrictions on the types of vehicles that underage drivers can rent, such as only allowing them to rent smaller or less expensive cars.
At Drive lah, you need to have a valid driving license and 2 years of driving experience to be eligible to rent a car on our platform.
The reason for the underage driver fee is that younger drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents than older, more experienced drivers. The fee is intended to offset the increased risk and cover the additional insurance costs associated with renting to younger drivers.
If you're under the age of 25 and planning to rent a car, it's important to check the rental company's policy on underage drivers and any associated fees before making a reservation. Be sure to factor in the additional cost of the fee when comparing rental options and budgeting for your trip.
Late Return Fees
Late return fees are charges imposed by car rental companies when the vehicle is returned after the agreed-upon return time specified in the rental agreement. These fees can vary by rental company and location, but typically range from 1/3 to 1/2 of the daily rental rate per hour, with a maximum daily charge if the car is returned more than 24 hours late.
Late return fees can be significant, especially if the rental period is extended by several hours or days. In addition to the late fee, the rental company may also charge additional fees, such as a penalty for breaching the rental agreement, or an extra day of rental fees.
It's important to be aware of the rental company's late return policy and to return the vehicle on time to avoid any additional fees. If you think you might be late returning the vehicle, contact the rental company as soon as possible to see if an extension can be granted or to arrange for an alternate return time.
It's also a good idea to carefully review the rental agreement before signing to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions related to the return of the vehicle. This can help you avoid any misunderstandings or disputes with the rental company over late return fees.
Know about Drive lah’s late return policy here.
In conclusion, there are several extra charges that you may encounter whenrenting a car, including insurance, fuel, additional drivers, late return, mileage, underage drivers, GPS navigation, and additional equipment. It's important to carefully read the rental agreement and understand all of the fees and charges that may apply to avoid any surprises or unexpected costs. By doing so, you can make your rental experience more enjoyable and ensure that you stay within your budget. If you have any questions or concerns about the extra charges, don't hesitate to ask the rental company for clarification before you rent a car.
