When you are renting a car, the advertised price is what car rental companies call the basic rate. This does not include sales tax, airport surcharges, insurance, licensing fees or other charges. These extra fees can add a significant amount to your bill. Before you know it, you're charged more than double the price you expected. Are these hidden charges? If you read the car rental agreement carefully and all the fine print, you'll understand why these charges will be added.

1. Sales tax and local taxes. This will vary according to the state and local areas.

2. Airport surcharges. In the U. S. airports may add a surcharge to your total bill and will vary state to state.

3. Insurance. This common charge is referred to as collision damage. In most states, the charge is optional. Check to see if your own insurance covers you in a rental car. If not, then you may need the extra insurance.

4. Gasoline. Make sure you are familiar with the company's policy on gasoline. If you return the car without a full tank of gas, you will be charged.

5. Mileage. Most rental car companies allow for unlimited mileage in the same state, Check their policy before you rent a car. Some charge mileage if you exceed a given daily allotment.

6. License Fees. Some states allow car rental companies to charge extra fees to recover the costs of licensing their cars. They don't always tell you about this fee in advance, so be sure to ask.

7. Age Penalties. If you're under age 25, you may have to pay an additional fee.

8. Additional Drivers. If you add another driver to your rental agreement, you may be charged a surcharge. Some companies will allow the renter's spouse to drive the vehicle for no extra charge.

Just be sure to read your car rental agreement carefully to see what the rental rate covers. Always read the fine print. If you have questions, then ask.

Learn more about this author, Mary D.
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