How to Compare Rental Car Prices

Two rental quotes with the same daily rate can end up hundreds apart at the counter. The daily rate is only the start of the price.

Compare total cost, not the daily rate

Look at the full quoted total including taxes and mandatory fees, then check what is still extra.

• Airport and location surcharges
• Young or additional driver fees
• One-way drop-off charges
• Fuel policy — full-to-full is usually the fairest
• Mileage limits on longer trips

Airport versus city pick-up

Airport locations are convenient but often carry extra surcharges. A nearby city branch can be cheaper if getting there is easy and cheap.

Understand the insurance question before you arrive

Counter insurance is where budgets usually break. Before your trip, check what your own car insurance or credit card already covers, and what the rental company requires in that country.

Check the car class carefully

Categories are described as "or similar", so treat the listed model as an example. If you need a specific size for luggage or passengers, choose the class by capacity rather than the pictured car.

Read what to check before booking a rental car next.