How to Avoid Extra Car Rental Fees

The advertised rate is rarely the final price. These are the fees that quietly add up — and how to avoid them.

Fuel charges

Choose full-to-full and refill near the return location. Avoid "pre-purchase fuel" or you'll pay for a full tank you don't use, plus per-litre refuelling fees if you return it low.

Airport surcharge

Picking up at the airport adds a concession fee. If you're not flying in, a city pickup can be cheaper. See the YSB guide →

Additional driver & young driver fees

Each extra driver and each driver under 25 usually adds a daily fee. Add only the drivers you need; some agencies waive the spouse fee.

Late return fees

Returning even an hour late can trigger an extra day's charge. Build in buffer time and confirm the grace period.

Tolls, cleaning and one-way fees

Northern Ontario highways are toll-free, so skip toll transponder add-ons. Return the car reasonably clean, and confirm the one-way drop-off fee up front.

See your all-in estimate before you book with the cost calculator, and compare honest quotes in the directory.