We refer to Rate when talking about the rental price of the vehicle. The rental rate varies according to the vehicle category. In addition to the category, factors such as availability, location, rental company, period, and times affect the vehicle rate. We work with online rates, so they may change at any moment depending on these factors.
What is included in the rental rate?
The basic rental rate usually includes the use of the vehicle for the contracted period, a specific mileage (which can be unlimited or limited), and basic protection against theft or damage to the car, although with a deductible (the amount the customer pays in case of a claim).
Additionally, understanding the total cost of renting a car is essential. This includes items such as the security deposit hold, extra protections and coverages, optional services, and other additional fees that may apply.
What taxes and fees do I need to pay?
In addition to the rental rate, the final amount of your reservation includes an Administrative Fee, applied by the rental company on the total value of services, which includes various municipal, state, and federal taxes.
The following fees are only charged if they apply to your reservation or to the vehicle return conditions:
Return Fee: Applied if you choose to pick up the car in one city and return it in another. This fee covers the logistics costs to transport the vehicle back to the original location and only applies if the rental company has locations in both cities.
Regional Fee: May be charged in certain areas with heavy traffic or roads that cause greater wear on the vehicle.
Cleaning Fee: This fee is charged if the car is returned excessively dirty, requiring a special cleaning to make it ready for rental again.
How does the fuel policy and excess mileage fee work?
Fuel tank: The standard guideline is to return the vehicle with the same fuel level it had at pickup. If you do not, the rental company may charge for the missing fuel plus a fee. Some rental companies offer the option to pay for a full tank at the time of pickup, allowing you to return the car without worrying about the fuel level. Check these options with the rental company at the time of pickup.
Excess mileage: If your rate includes limited mileage, a fee will be charged for each kilometer exceeding the daily limit. The price varies depending on the rental company and vehicle group.
Are the deductible and protections already included in the price?
Generally, the rate includes basic protection that works with a deductible. The deductible is the maximum amount you are responsible for paying in case of damage or theft of the vehicle.
What types of protections are available?
Most reservations made through Rentcars already include a standard protection plan, which offers the following coverages:
Vehicle protection: Covers damage and malfunctions to the rented vehicle caused by collisions or accidents.
Theft protection: Provides coverage in case the rented vehicle is stolen.
Some extra protections may or may not be available depending on the rental company and the reservation conditions.
Third-party protection: Covers material and personal damage caused to third parties in accidents involving the rented vehicle.
Occupant protection: Intended for the occupants of the vehicle, covers medical expenses and rescue costs in case of serious accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the rate payment work?
You can pay at the time of booking (online) or directly at the rental counter. In both cases, the deposit will be blocked on the card of the holder.What is the deposit, is it included in the rate?
The deposit is an amount blocked on the credit card as a guarantee and is not part of the rate. It is released after the return, provided there are no outstanding issues.Is there a fee to add a second driver?
Yes. Most rental companies charge a daily fee to include another driver. Only registered drivers are covered by insurance.Will I be charged if I return the car late?
Yes. Delays may result in a fee or an extra day, according to the rental company's policy. In case of unforeseen circumstances, contact the store indicated on the voucher.How are tolls and parking charges handled?
Some rental companies offer a toll tag for an optional daily fee. Charges are applied after the return. Parking and fines are always the customer’s responsibility.
Important Tips
Before signing, it is essential to review all the information in the rental agreement carefully to ensure that all terms align with your needs;
Some rental agencies may apply mileage restrictions, setting a daily limit on the distance you can travel. In this case, we recommend that, when searching for a vehicle on the website, you use the “unlimited mileage” filter; this way, you avoid any restrictions. In addition, there are optional protection options that are not mandatory.
Optional items such as child seats, baby carriers, GPS, etc., may be offered at the rental counter. However, all mandatory fees are already included in the Rentcars contract. Therefore, the decision to purchase them or not is up to you.
Please note that dynamic pricing may apply. Rental costs can change based on the duration or any modification to the rental period. For example, extending the rental period at the rental counter before picking up the vehicle may result in increased rates.