At TripsTravelDeal, we believe in clear, upfront pricing with no hidden surprises. In addition to the base rental rate, certain taxes, mandatory government fees, and optional service charges may apply based on your rental location, booking selections, and applicable state or federal regulations. The following breakdown highlights the most common taxes and fees associated with car rentals across the United States.
The base fare reflects the standard cost of renting the vehicle for your selected dates and destination. While it typically includes basic mileage allowances and core rental services, it does not cover add-ons, taxes, insurance, or location-based fees.
State and local sales taxes apply to all car rentals. Sales tax rates vary by region and may be applied to the rental base fare as well as certain optional services or equipment.
Rentals picked up at airport facilities may include an Airport Service Fee, usually ranging from $10 to $25. This fee supports airport operations, transportation infrastructure, and concession services.
Rental providers operating at airports or transportation hubs often pay concessions to the facility. A Concession Recovery Fee—typically a percentage of your total rental cost—is charged to offset these operational expenses.
A Vehicle License Fee (VLF) helps cover vehicle registration, licensing, and other state-mandated compliance costs. This fee is usually charged as a small daily amount and varies by state.
Optional insurance products—including Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), Theft Protection, and Personal Accident Insurance—may be added for an extra daily charge. Rates depend on the coverage type, rental location, and local regulations. Although optional, purchasing insurance offers added protection and peace of mind.
If the vehicle is returned with less fuel than at pickup, fuel charges will apply. These may include the cost per gallon (typically $5–$8) plus a refueling service fee. To avoid these charges, refill the tank prior to returning the car.
Adding extra drivers to your rental agreement may incur a fee of $10–$15 per day. Additional drivers must meet the same eligibility requirements as the primary driver. In some states, spouses or domestic partners may be exempt from this fee.
Returning the vehicle past the scheduled time may result in hourly late charges ($30–$50 per hour), up to the cost of an additional rental day. If you expect delays, contact customer support as soon as possible.
All tolls, parking charges, and traffic violations incurred during the rental are the responsibility of the renter. These may be billed after the rental period along with administrative fees required to process unpaid charges.
Equipment such as GPS units, child safety seats, winter equipment, or ski racks can be added for $5–$15 per day. Equipment varies by location and availability, so early requests are encouraged.
Vehicles returned with excessive dirt, stains, spills, pet hair, or odors may incur a cleaning fee ranging from $50 to $150. Standard cleaning is included at no additional charge.
A refundable security deposit—typically between $100 and $500—may be required at pickup. This deposit covers potential damages, unpaid tolls, fuel discrepancies, or additional fees. It is released once the vehicle is inspected and cleared at return.
Optional add-ons such as insurance, GPS rentals, equipment fees, or additional driver charges may be subject to state and local taxes. These will be itemized in your booking summary prior to payment.
Some states mandate additional fees such as:
These mandatory charges vary widely by state and will be displayed during checkout.
Taxes and fees may change due to updated laws, airport regulations, or rental provider policies. Your final booking summary will always reflect the most accurate and up-to-date information before payment is completed.
If you have questions about any taxes or fees included in your rental, please contact the TripsTravelDeal customer service team. We are committed to ensuring complete clarity and transparency throughout your rental experience.