How to Calculate Car Rental Fees

How to Calculate Car Rental Fees
Rental car companies are beneficial for all types of vacations and road trips. Whether its hiking, camping, or going to an amusement park, a dependable rental car always comes in handy. The only problem most consumers become frustrated with is hidden cost that can accumulate without the renter even noticing. There is a definitive method that you can use to calculate car rental fees before you even get to the lot. You will be able to understand all of the basics, along with the technicalities before driving off the lot.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1
Decide the type of vehicle you want to rent. They type of vehicle you want will determine the base price of your car rental fees. This is the foundation of it all. Most rental companies offer vehicles from compact size all the way up to a minivan and/or pickup truck. The base price for car rentals can range from $13 per day to a whopping $90 a day.
Step 2
Factor in the amount of days you will need to keep the rental. The amount of days will determine the multiplication of the vehicle's base charge. You will be charged the same amount to rent the vehicle each day you have it. (For late return or possible extension on rental cars, see the resources below.)
Step 3
Choose which additional amenities you want for your rental car. Additional amenities are not mandatory. These are just features that can add to the quality of your rental car service. They can add anywhere from $50 to $150 to your full cost because they carry additional charges to the daily cost. Rental services such as navigation, Surius XM Radio and luxury cars are amenities that you can add to enhance your car rental.
Step 4
Pick a driver that meets the average requirements to operate rental vehicles. Most rental car companies charge more for drivers between the ages of 18 to 24. Drivers over the age of 25 are less likely to drive recklessly, according to statistics, which is why prices are cheaper for experienced drivers. Extra fees for drivers under the age of 25 can cost anywhere from $20 up to $50 per day.
Step 5
Factor in the form of insurance you want to use while the car is in your possession. When you opt to use the car rental company's insurance, rather than you own, you will always pay more. This additional cost can range from approximately $25 to $30 dollars a day.
Step 6
Calculate the cost. Go to the car rental vendor's website, select the car size you want along with the additional rental amenities you desire. This will enable you to create a virtual reservation to calculate the approximate cost of your car rental.

Tips & Warnings

 
Try to pay by major credit card if you can. With cash not being accepted as a form of payment and debit card usage at a minimum, you will pay an arm and a leg to just drive off of the rental lot. Paying with a major credit card can alleviate additional deposit cost because it is a more secure line of payment. It is also the fastest way to expedite the rental process. For a list of car rental companies, website links and more information on car rental fee calculation, see the Resources below.
 
Try to pay by major credit card if you can. With cash not being accepted as a form of payment and debit card usage at a minimum, you will pay an arm and a leg to just drive off of the rental lot. Paying with a major credit card can alleviate additional deposit cost because it is a more secure line of payment. It is also the fastest way to expedite the rental process.
 
For a list of car rental companies, website links and more information on car rental fee calculation, see the Resources below.
 
This method of rental car fee calculation is virtually the only way you can come up with an approximate cost, other than going to one of the car rental company's physical locations. Keep in mind that this method of car rental fees calculation is only approximate. You may not be able to come up with a definitive price, due to constant changes in rates, and the different costs each car rental company charges. Be advised that all car rental companies charge additional fees for anyone under the age of 25. This has to be factored in because it can change the price drastically. Be aware that your pick-up location for the vehicle can also hike the price up a bit. If you choose to pick the vehicle up from an airport location, you will pay more money for the convenience of airport hours of operations and the wide variety in car selection.
 
This method of rental car fee calculation is virtually the only way you can come up with an approximate cost, other than going to one of the car rental company's physical locations.
 
Keep in mind that this method of car rental fees calculation is only approximate. You may not be able to come up with a definitive price, due to constant changes in rates, and the different costs each car rental company charges.
 
Be advised that all car rental companies charge additional fees for anyone under the age of 25. This has to be factored in because it can change the price drastically.
 
Be aware that your pick-up location for the vehicle can also hike the price up a bit. If you choose to pick the vehicle up from an airport location, you will pay more money for the convenience of airport hours of operations and the wide variety in car selection.

Article Written By Meaghan Ellis

Meaghan Ellis has been writing short stories, newspaper articles, Web content and product research reports for over 12 years. While double majoring in business management and marketing at Southern University, she runs a home-based graphic design and Web content business.

Write for Trails.com
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