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Car Rental Tips 2026: Avoid Extra Fees and Pick the Right Cover

The daily price is only the start. Here are the fees that surprise people, and a simple way to compare rental cars before you book.

PUBLISHED 2026-10-08 · UPDATED 2026-10-08 · TRAVEL

Short answer: Compare the total price, not the daily rate. Airport branches can cost about 26% more than nearby locations, under-25 drivers can pay about $25 a day and sometimes $50, and extra insurance is charged per day. Check what your credit card and travel insurance already cover, ask whether you need an International Driving Permit, and look at one-way and prepay rules before you pay. Figures below come from the sources listed and may differ by company and country.

Fees to watch, and how to avoid them

FeeWhat to expectHow to avoid it Airport locationAbout 26% more than nearby locations in one 2022 analysis.Price a branch near the airport and add a ride. Or pick up in town and return to the airport.Under-25 driverAverage about $25 a day, up to $50. Hertz lists about $20 a day for drivers 25 and under.Ask about membership waivers (AAA with Hertz, USAA with some brands). Compare car-sharing apps.Extra driverSome companies charge a daily fee. Some US states require a free second driver.Loyalty programs, AAA, AARP or Costco Travel may waive it for a spouse or partner.One-way dropInconsistent. Some companies charge, others do not.Compare round-trip and one-way for your route. Returning to the pickup point avoids it.Prepaid rateOften cheaper, but cancelling usually triggers a fee.Prepay only when the savings beat the risk, such as a busy season.Extra insuranceCharged per day, often more outside North America.Check your credit card and travel insurance first. Know what you are declining.

Fees vary by company, city and date. Read the rental terms before you pay. Fuel, tolls and optional extras can add more.

Renting abroad: before you go

Licence and permit: your home licence may not be enough in some countries. An International Driving Permit is not a replacement for your licence, so carry both where one is required. Some rental companies ask for one even when it is not officially required.
Manual or automatic: the default car may be a manual and automatics can be limited. Book one you are comfortable driving.
Insurance: many credit cards include rental car coverage, with exclusions and limits. Ask your travel insurer about liability and damage too. Rental company cover is often worth considering outside North America.
Local rules: read the official rules for your destination. Speed limits can be enforced strictly, and tickets may be passed on by the rental company with added fees.

Compare in five steps

Pick your dates and pickup and drop-off places. Test an airport and a nearby branch.
Compare the total price including taxes and fees, not the daily rate.
Check driver age, extra driver and one-way rules.
Check what your credit card and travel insurance cover before you buy extra cover.
Compare several companies in one place. One option: GetRentacar, a rental car comparison site. This is a partner link and we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to rent a car away from the airport?

Often. One analysis cited by a travel site found airport rentals about 26% more expensive than nearby locations, because airport branches pass on extra charges. Price an off-airport branch, add the cost of a ride to it, and compare.

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

It depends on the country. Some countries and some rental companies ask for one even when it is not strictly required. It does not replace your regular licence, so carry both. Check the rules for your destination before you go.

Does my credit card cover a rental car?

Many cards include some rental car coverage, but limits and exclusions vary, and coverage abroad can differ. Ask your card company what it covers and for which countries, and ask your travel insurer about liability.

Sources

Fees and avoidance tips: Family Vacationist, "How to avoid sneaky car rental fees", which cites a 2022 NerdWallet analysis for the airport figure. Renting abroad, permits and insurance: CAA magazine, "How to rent a car overseas" (Spring 2026). Fees change often.

This page contains partner links. If you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It is general information, not travel, insurance or financial advice. Check current prices and the rental terms before you book.

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