25,000+ KM in Rental Cars Later…I Made You a Checklist. 🚗
After driving 25,000+ km in rental cars, across road trips in U.S, Canada, New Zealand, Iceland & Mexico with different rental companies, I’ve learned that the advertised rental price is not always the price you actually pay.
That $10–$20/day rental can look like an incredible deal when you first book it. But by the time you pick up the car the final bill can sometime look very different.
So before you book your next rental car, here are the things to always check.
1. The Cheap Deal Isn’t Always the Final Price
A low advertised daily rate is designed to get your attention.
But don't stop at the headline price.
I fell into this trap too in Mexico even after reading so many reviews😭
I’d say $50–$60/day is a decent price to aim for. I’ve even gotten a rental for $20/day including all fees twice in Canada, and I genuinely thought it was just my luck 😂
Tip: Check local locations too! 🚗
They can have better weekly rates than airport locations, especially for longer rentals.
2. “Unlimited Mileage” — Check the Terms
“Unlimited mileage” sounds straightforward—but it’s not always. 🚗
Some vehicles, locations, rental periods, or special rates may still have mileage limits, provincial restrictions, cross country restrictions even when the listing shows “Unlimited.”
I was surprised to see “Local Renters” on some of the cheapest rental options in Canada. I only recently found out about this!
Tip: Hover over “Unlimited Mileage” 👀 It displays conditions apply. But we overlook that.
3. Mandatory Insurance — Is It Clearly Disclosed?
Insurance is something I always check carefully. I learned this the hard way in Mexico 😭
Some rental companies don’t clearly show the required insurance costs upfront and may bring them up only at check-in.
Mexico requires third-party liability (TPL) coverage in many driving situations, and the rental company may require specific local coverage.I actually called the rental company before booking to confirm, but still ended up feeling completely blindsided at the counter. 😭
Always get the insurance requirements and total cost in writing before you book.
For countries like Iceland, rental companies may recommend windshield protection due to strong winds, especially if it’s not covered by your credit card.
Tip: In Mexico, I’d stick with reputable rental companies like Avis, Hertz or Enterprise, even if they cost a little more. Avoid the super-cheap options.
4. “Your Car Isn’t Available” — Then Comes the Upgrade
When you book a specific vehicle or vehicle class with "Pay Later" or "Pay at Counter" option
Then you arrive at the counter and hear: “That vehicle isn't available.”
Suddenly, an upgrade is presented as the solution.
Before agreeing, ask:
Is the upgrade actually mandatory?
Is there a free alternative?
What is the additional daily cost?
What will the upgrade cost for the entire rental period?
Don't make a decision just because there's a line behind you.
Tip: Always use 'Pay Now' instead of 'Pay Later' to lock your option
5. Never skip to "Refuel"
This is one of the easiest charges to overlook.
If you return the vehicle without the required fuel level, the rental company may refuel it for you — but the company's fuel rate may be considerably higher than what you'd pay at a gas station.
I learned this the hard way in New Zealand 😭 I skipped “Refuel” as I had to rush to airport and got charged extra.
6. Never opt for "Pre-Paid Fuel"
If you return the car with fuel left in the tank, you generally don’t get paid back for the unused fuel. Usually they tempt you saying that you save time
7. Spouse👫 as an Additional Driver? — Check If It’s Free
Some rental companies like Enterprise, may include spouses as additional drivers at no extra cost, depending on the location. It may not be clearly shown in the app, so confirm directly with the rental location before booking so you don't pay extra without knowing.
8. Tolls 🛣️ — Check How You’ll Be Charged
I got an unexpected toll charge after coming back from Iceland 😭
I had no idea I had driven through a toll section, and there was no toll booth to alert me.
👉 Always check tolls, parking fees & road charges before your Iceland road trip. Some are fully automated and can reach you later through the rental company.
A few minutes of checking before you book the cheapest option can potentially save you a lot more later.
Happy Driving :)
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