The hidden car rental checklist most travelers completely ignore
When the pandemic hit in 2020, major rental car companies sold off more than 770,000 vehicles to stay afloat amid the lockdowns. When national travel returned faster than expected after the lockdowns ended, those same companies didn't have enough cars to meet demand, and daily rates nearly doubled at airports across the country.
Prices have come down since that peak, but the rental car experience hasn't gotten any easier or less expensive. Airport fees, surcharges, and excise taxes are common, and disputed damage charges remain among the most common consumer complaints in the travel industry.
The good news is that most of these unexpected difficulties can be avoided with a bit of preparation, and none of it requires expert or insider knowledge. Here is what to know before taking the keys to your next rental car.
Before you book
Look past the lowest price
The daily rate you see in search results for a rental car is a starting point, not always the final price.
As noted a second ago, airport surcharges, concession recovery fees, tourism levies, and state taxes can add 15 to 25 percent to the total at pickup. Out-of-pocket expenses can be steeper, depending on the origin of your rental car. For example, Minnesota, Colorado, and New York are among the states with the highest average rental car tax rates in the country.
Before you book, review the full price breakdown and the total cost for the entire rental period.
On a similar note, a bargain rate from an unfamiliar company can end up costing more in the end than a slightly higher rate from a well-known brand. Third-party booking sites sometimes obscure which rental company you are actually dealing with, and smaller operators may have limited fleets and fewer policies and protections.
Consumer advocates have documented a pattern in which some independently operated outlets offer the lowest rates specifically to lure customers in, then pad the bill at the end. If you are not sure who you are booking with, find out before you confirm.
While at the counter
Check your insurance coverage first
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The collision or loss damage waiver upsell (sometimes written as CDW or LDW for short) is always presented at the time of your rental. While it might seem like a necessary add-on, at $15 to $30 per day, it adds up fast over the course of a long trip.
What many consumers don't know is how they might already be covered through their auto insurance or credit card. While your auto insurance policy makes sense that it would provide that type of coverage, rental car insurance is a hidden (and nice) perk of some credit cards that many cardholders are simply unaware they have .
Before you make a reservation, call your insurance provider and your card issuer to ask for specifics. Note that most credit card coverage is secondary, meaning it kicks in after other policies, and some vehicle types, like trucks and vans, could be excluded.
That said, most major rental companies require a credit card at pickup, not a debit card. Travelers who paid in full online with a debit card have arrived at the counter only to find their reservation canceled. It's also possible that a rental car company will run a soft credit check. These clauses may be buried in the terms and conditions, so confirm the payment policy at the time of booking, not when you land.
When you pick up the car
Photograph everything before you drive away
Disputed damage charges are among the most frequent complaints that consumer advocates receive from rental car customers.
Renters who returned vehicles in good condition have been billed for damage or cleaning fees days later. To help with the inspection process, some rental car companies use AI scanning technology to document and account for damage. That technology is not without its pitfalls, though, and early deployments have already produced cases of damage being falsely attributed to customers who didn't cause it.
When you pick up your rental car, your phone camera is your best friend. Walk around the entire vehicle before you drive away and photograph every panel, the windshield, the interior, and the odometer. If you see something, even if it seems like a small scratch or blemish, make sure the attendant or representative of the rental car company documents it as well.
Although most rentals are well-maintained, if you notice a tire pressure warning light or the oil life monitor illuminates on the dashboard, make sure to let the rental car company know right away.
What happens if your rental car is stolen
Don't assume the rental company handles everything
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In the unfortunate event that your rental car is stolen, the rental company does not automatically handle the process on your behalf. Regardless of where you are, call the local police department to file a report, then contact the rental company, your auto insurer, and your credit card issuer.
Keep a record of everything while you report the theft, including calls, documents, and confirmation numbers. The loss-of-use fee, which some rental companies bill while the vehicle is out of their fleet, can catch people off guard. Ask about it when you report the theft so there are no surprises later.
If you are in an unfamiliar area and need to park your rental car, search for garages and lots that have 24-hour security or an attendant on duty. Car thieves prefer poorly lit areas and often count on the path of least resistance, meaning the more difficult you make it to steal your rental car , the better.
Before you return the car
Make time to gas it up
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Rental companies offer different fuel arrangements, which is something to plan for ahead of time. While there may be a benefit to renting an electic vehicle , most of the time, your rental will have a gasoline engine.
Usually, you return the car with the same amount of fuel it had when you picked it up. There are prepaid options that might sound more convenient, but they almost always mean you are paying for a full tank, whether you use it or not.
In either case, check the fuel policy in your rental agreement beforehand, and make sure you set aside time near the end of your trip for an extra stop at the gas station. You don't want to be running late for a flight and not have time to gas up the rental. It's almost a guarantee that if the rental car company fills the vehicle afterward, they will charge you a premium for it later.
Likewise, late fees may be assessed at the counter if you arrive after the agreed-upon return time. When you return the car, take a minute and ensure your bill is closed out. If anything looks off with the final receipt, address it on the spot. Avoiding small oversights like this is what separates a smooth trip from a frustrating one .
A little prep goes a long way
You don't have to be a travel expert in order to put these tips to work for you when renting a car. Place a quick call to your auto insurance provider or credit card issuer to ask about coverage, and make sure your phone camera is ready when you pick up the rental vehicle. Getting ahead of these details before making your reservation will result in fewer surprises after the fact.
