Rentals cars generally seem to be cheap as compared to traveling by your own car. We might think that we got a great deal when we travel by the rental car.

Many people might not be aware of the hidden costs involved when taking a rental car. This may include:

1. Fuel: We all know that we just get the car and we have to put gas on our own expenses. Generally, we have to return the car with the same amount of gas what we got while renting the car. But we should be aware that in some companies we can return the car without topping it up. Read the renting instructions carefully before renting the car.

2. Insurance: Insurance is yet another cost involved in renting the car. Insurance is required to cover all the expenses of any accidental damage occurring on your way. Insurance is very important because the insurance company will pay all the collision or the accidental damage.

3. Taxes: Taxes are other hidden costs involved. It varies from state to state. Other than the rental charges; taxes are also to be paid which cannot be avoided.

4. Added Drivers: With the number of additional drivers added, the surcharge of renting will increase anywhere from $10 to $30. Yet, another hidden cost.

5. Surcharges: Airport surcharges vary from state to state. State taxes are something that cannot be avoided. VAT is another surcharge that has to be paid

6. Drop-off charges: Dropping off someone at the airport also involves cost. Though you can avoid this cost by leaving the person there and avoid parking your vehicle. Before leaving the car at the airport, check if it involves extra costs or fees.

7. Different city: If you rent a car from a city where you stay and want to drop-off the car at some other city, some companies charge extra cost for doing that. Check with the renting company before you plan to do so.

8. Age factor: Some rental companies may charge extra rental fees if your age is less than 21. This is another hidden cost involved. It could be a major extra cost if you have not checked it before renting a car.

9. Accidental damages: Some rental companies may charge you few extra dollars even if you insured. If you are not insured, you may even have to buy a car.

10. Time: Rental car companies charge with time. If in any case, you dropped the car after 24 hours, another day charges will be incurred.

11. Equipments: Last but not the least, Rental Company also charges extra fees if any other equipment such as DVD player, Booster seat or baby stroller is taken.

Before you plan to rent a car, make a sound renting decision as it may involve much more than you expect to pay at the counter.

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