A car gives you freedom public transport can't, especially for road trips and regional areas. But rental companies make much of their money at the counter, so the daily rate is only the start. Add insurance and fuel and you've got the number that actually matters.
Where the costs hide
The advertised rate rarely includes the extras you'll actually need. These are the usual culprits:
- Insurance and excess reduction — the biggest upsell. The basic rate usually carries a high excess; reducing it at the counter is pricey, and a standalone excess policy is often far cheaper.
- Young or additional driver fees — drivers under 25 and extra named drivers usually cost more per day.
- One-way fees — picking up and dropping off in different cities can add a hefty charge.
- Fuel policy — "full-to-full" is cheapest; prepay-a-tank deals rarely work in your favour.
- Airport surcharge and tolls — airport pickups often cost more, and toll roads add up.
How to get a better deal
Book ahead rather than at the counter, compare the all-in total (not the daily rate), and sort out excess-reduction insurance separately before you travel instead of buying it at the desk. Choose a "full-to-full" fuel policy and refuel just before returning the car. Inspect the vehicle and photograph any existing damage at pickup so you aren't charged for it later. For one-way trips, check whether the relocation fee outweighs the convenience.
Run your own numbers
Estimate yours below — the total is the figure to compare between companies, not the base daily rate.
All-in hire cost → rate + insurance + fuel
Indicative only — confirm the full price including fees and fuel policy before booking.
The insurance question, properly
You need cover for the excess, but buying it at the counter is usually the most expensive way. A standalone car hire excess policy bought in advance — or cover through some travel insurance and premium credit cards — is often much cheaper. Just make sure you're actually covered before declining the counter offer.
Go deeper
Questions
Should I buy the rental company's insurance?
You need cover for the excess, but buying it at the counter is usually the most expensive way. A standalone car hire excess policy bought in advance, or cover through some travel insurance and premium credit cards, is often much cheaper. Just make sure you are actually covered before declining the counter offer.
What fuel policy is cheapest?
"Full-to-full" — you collect the car full and return it full — is almost always cheapest. Avoid "full-to-empty" deals where you prepay a tank, as you rarely return it empty and lose the difference.
Why is the airport pickup more expensive?
Airport branches add location surcharges and taxes. Picking up from a city branch a short ride away can be cheaper, though you need to weigh the saving against the cost and hassle of getting there.
Is there an extra fee for young drivers?
Usually yes. Drivers under 25 (sometimes under 21) typically pay a young-driver surcharge per day, and there may be restrictions on vehicle categories. Additional named drivers also often cost extra.
Should I photograph the car before driving off?
Absolutely. Photograph or video any existing scratches, dents and the fuel gauge at pickup, and again at return. This protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage, a common dispute.
Is it cheaper to book in advance?
Generally yes, especially in peak season when cars sell out and counter prices spike. Booking ahead with free cancellation lets you lock in a rate and rebook if you find something cheaper later.
Costs vary by rental company, location, season and vehicle. The figures here are general guidance only — always confirm the full price including insurance, fuel policy and fees before booking.