Why rental car prices are often misleading
Online prices show only the base rate — before mandatory fees and taxes. By the time you reach the counter, the total can be 30–100% higher than advertised.
Many fees are disclosed somewhere in the small print. Knowing what to look for gives you a significant advantage at the counter.
The most common hidden fees
Extras often added at the counter
- Baby seat or child booster: 5–15 € per day
- Toll transponder rental: 5–15 € per day plus tolls
- Cross-border fee: for taking the car to another country
- Late return fee: hourly charges for late return
- Roadside assistance upsell: often unnecessary with basic coverage
Never accept extras you did not ask for. Decline everything not in your original booking.
What to check in your contract
The on-site contract should match your booking exactly. If any fees appear that were not in your voucher, question them before signing.
- Total price matches your booking?
- Surcharges not in your voucher?
- Fuel policy clearly stated?
- Additional driver fees as expected?
Photograph every page of the contract before signing. This gives you a complete record of everything agreed.
Spot hidden fees before you sign
Our AI compares your booking voucher with the on-site contract line by line and flags any fees not in your original booking — in 1–3 minutes.
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