License Fees
Some states allow car rental companies to charge extra to recover the costs of licensing their cars, usually between 3 and 8 percent of the cost of the rental. You may not be told about this fee in advance, so make sure to ask.

Varying Rates and Peak Season Surcharges
Rental car companies' rates vary a great deal from city to city, and sometimes even within the same city. Make sure to shop around. Be aware that you may pay a specific surcharge for traveling at a "peak" time.

Age Penalties
If you're under 25, you may have to pay an additional fee, usually about $25 per day. Those companies who will rent to drivers under 21 often charge much steeper surcharges (like $110 per day in the state of New York). Internationally, you'll not only see penalties for underage drivers but also for older ones -- those over 70 may have to pay extra (if they're able to rent at all).

Additional Drivers
Adding more than one driver to your rental agreement often carries a surcharge, anywhere between $7 and $25 per day. Note that some companies, like Avis and Budget, will allow the renter's spouse or life partner to drive the vehicle for no extra charge -- so if both partners are planning to take the wheel, consider renting from one of these providers.

Frequent Flyer Fees
Car rental companies often charge a small fee when you request frequent flyer miles for your rental. The fee varies by airline, and can range anywhere from a few cents to $2 a day.

Extras
There may also be additional charges for things you had not considered, like infant and child seat rentals, roof racks and other extras. These could run you anywhere from $5 to $25 or more per day, depending on where you rent.

Overseas
Many of the above charges, including airport fees, underage driver surcharges and local taxes, also apply to international rentals. Most travelers rely on credit cards to cover collision insurance overseas, as costs are significantly higher than they are in the States. But due to the high risks, some credit card companies now refuse to provide this coverage. Be sure to contact your credit card issuer before you leave to be sure you have coverage in the country you're visiting.

There are many country-specific fees and charges to keep an eye out for. For example, theft insurance is mandatory in Italy (at a cost of about $15 to $25 per day), and there are highway charges for cars driven in Austria or Switzerland; you'll need to purchase a sticker to avoid paying a fine.

If you don't have an international driving permit, you may also have to pay for a temporary permit, which can cost $10 to $20 or more. For more on international driving permits,

Previoust Page

Source : http://www.independenttraveler.com