All car rental fees & costs explained

Many travellers book a car rental based on the daily rate shown in search results, only to find the overall experience costs more than expected. Various extra charges can add up quickly if you're not familiar with how car rental pricing works. 

At EconomyBookings, we aim to be as transparent as possible about pricing. This guide breaks down every fee and cost you're likely to encounter when renting a car at our platform and at the desk, so you know exactly what you're paying for before you confirm your booking and understand what kind of fees apply at the desk.

What's Included in the Base Price on EconomyBookings

When you search on EconomyBookings, the price you see already includes all mandatory charges - there are no hidden fees added at checkout. Here's what's covered in every rental price displayed on our platform.

Always included in the price 

Taxes & local charges - All mandatory government taxes and local levies for the rental country

Airport surcharges - All airport fees are included in the displayed price 

One-way fees - Shown upfront if a drop-off location differs from pickup 

Young/senior drivers fees - Shown upfront if the driver is under 25 or above 65 

The biggest variable: Insurance

Insurance can vary depending on the provider and location:

• In many cases, basic insurance (such as CDW or Theft Protection) is included in the price

• In some destinations, insurance is mandatory but not included, and must be purchased at the rental desk if not bought at during the checkout process

• The exact coverage and requirements are always shown before booking

Included depending on the offer 

Some rental offers include additional terms that vary by supplier and vehicle so always check these before booking. 

Mileage policy - Most rentals include unlimited mileage, but some suppliers cap the daily or total distance. Exceeding the limit results in a per-kilometre charge at the desk. 

Fuel policy - The most common policy is full-to-full. Some suppliers offer prepaid fuel options or apply charges if the car is returned with less fuel than received, but for unused fuel there are no refunds.

Optional extras (available at additional cost) 

These are not included in the base price but can be added during booking or at the rental desk. 

Additional insurance coverage - Full coverage reduces or eliminates your financial liability in case of damage or theft. Can be added on platform or purchased at the desk 

Additional driver - Most suppliers charge a daily fee to add a second driver to the agreement. Some destinations or suppliers include one additional driver at no cost. This can be added during our booking process or the desk.

Extras and equipment - Child seats, GPS devices, roof racks, and similar items can typically be requested at booking or at the desk. Availability is not always guaranteed, so adding these in advance is recommended 

What You may need to pay at the rental desk 

Even with a confirmed booking, some costs are only settled when you pick up the car that is always stated in the Terms & Conditions.

Security deposit - most suppliers place a hold on your credit card at pickup, typically ranging from €100 to €2,000 depending on the vehicle and supplier. This is released after the car is returned without damage. The deposit amount is always displayed at our platform beforehand.

Mandatory insurance - in some locations and for some countries of residency, suppliers require additional coverage that must be purchased at the desk regardless

Cross-border fees - taking the car into another country often requires prior approval and may incur an additional charge

Fuel - if the car is returned with less fuel than received, most suppliers will charge for the difference, often at above-market rates

Extras & equipment - GPS, child seats, and additional drivers added at the desk are typically more expensive than when booked in advance

Tips to Avoid Unexpected Car Rental Costs

Don't feel pressured at the desk

The rental desk is where most unexpected costs happen that we can’t control. Staff may offer fuel prepayment plans, insurance upgrades, or other add-ons that can significantly increase the total cost. You're not obligated to accept any upsell if it isn’t written in the Terms & Conditions. 

Read the terms and conditions before booking to understand what's included in the price and what is not

Most extra charges aren’t hidden and can be found in the Terms & Conditions. Mileage caps, fuel policies, cross-border fees, and mandatory local insurance requirements are all stated in Terms & Conditions. Taking a few minutes to read through them before booking can save a lot of frustration at pickup.

If the Terms & Conditions don't meet your needs then another supplier can be chosen.

Choose the right insurance coverage

Opting for full coverage or before your trip is almost always cheaper than dealing with damage costs after. Check what's already included in your booking before adding anything at the desk. If you do need extra coverage, adding it during the booking process is typically cheaper than purchasing it on-site. 

Document the car at pickup

Before driving off, photograph and video the entire car - including existing scratches, dents, and interior condition. Ask the supplier to note any prior damage on the rental agreement. This protects you from being charged for damage that was already there.

Don't be late for pickup

Most suppliers hold reservations for a limited window. Arriving significantly late without notifying the supplier or us can result in the reservation being cancelled with no refund. If your plans change, contact us or the supplier in advance.

Why Prices Can Vary Between Providers

Car rental prices can vary between providers due to different pricing structures and policies. Larger, international brands often include more fees upfront, resulting in a higher but more all-inclusive price. Smaller or local suppliers may offer lower base prices but leave more costs outlined in the terms and conditions.

In many cases, this is because not all fees can be calculated in advance. Some depend on factors like driver details, travel plans, or local regulations. Additionally, not all providers have the technology to include every possible charge in the booking price, so certain fees remain in the terms.

Our platform brings these offers together so you can easily compare them, while we continue working to make pricing and terms clearer and more consistent across providers.

How Our Platform Ensures Transparency

At EconomyBookings, transparency is a core part of how we present car rental offers. We include all mandatory charges in the price you see upfront, so there are no hidden fees added at checkout. At the same time, we clearly highlight what is included in each offer and what may be payable at the rental desk, based on the supplier’s terms.

Every listing provides access to detailed Terms & Conditions, where you can review important information such as insurance requirements, deposits, mileage limits, and potential additional fees before booking. We also work continuously with our partners to standardize and simplify this information, making it easier to compare offers and understand the total cost of your rental.

Our goal is to give users full visibility on pricing and reliability from the start, making the car rental pricing easier than other platforms.

Conclusion

The key is knowing what’s included, what’s optional, and what may be payable at the desk. Taking a few minutes to review the terms and conditions, choose the right insurance, and plan ahead for extras can help you avoid unexpected charges. If a car rental’s terms don’t match your needs, you can always choose another supplier from our search tool that fits the criteria. 

At EconomyBookings, all mandatory charges are included in the price you see, and any additional costs are clearly outlined before you book. This allows you to compare offers with confidence and make informed decisions based on more than just the lowest price.