Local / Optional Charges - Florida and US Car Hire FAQ
return to main FAQ page - Is there a surcharge for younger drivers?
- How much does it cost to hire a baby / booster child seat?
- On the Silver Option, what is the approx cost of a tank of fuel?
- Can we hire snow chains on hire cars?
- California Tourism Tax
- Ski Rack Rental: Are Ski Racks available?
- What if I sign for something I don't want when collecting the car?
Is there a surcharge for younger drivers?
- With Dollar, Alamo, Budget and Hertz, Drivers under the age of 25 will be required to pay a surcharge of $20 - $25 per day, payable on collection of the vehicle. U-Save charge $20 per day for age 19 and 20 year, and no surcharge for age 21 and over.
How much does it cost to hire a baby / booster child seat?
- The daily rate for a child seat (booster or full baby seat) is approx $7 - $10 per day. This is payable on collection of the car. You will be expected the fit the seat yourself. Due to this cost we always recommend you take your own child seat with you as most airlines do allow them on the plane in the cargo hold with your main baggage.
On the Silver Option, what is the approx cost of a tank of fuel?
This applies to Dollar, Alamo, Hertz and U-Save only. Budget only charge for a tank of fuel if you do not return the car with a full tank.
The cost of fuel can vary depending on the size of car, and the current national average cost of fuel on the day. In general the rental companies will charge quite a lot more for the tank of fuel compared to if you were to fill up at a gas station yourself (likely to be over double the pump price).
The number of gallons charged is based on the manufacturers stated tank size. As a general rule, we recommend you book the Gold option if you are to be renting for less than 3-4 weeks in a larger vehicle (2 weeks in a smaller vehicle), even if you do not need the additional drivers. Although the Gold option is a higher up-front cost than the Silver, you will normally save overall by not having to pay the rental company for the tank of fuel.
Can we hire snow chains on hire cars?
- With Dollar, in regions where snow can be expected, snow chains can be requested. Make a note in the comments section of the order form requesting these. A local charge of approx $35 is payable on collection of your car.
California Tourism Tax
For collections from California locations there is a new "California Tourism Surcharge" levied on collection of the car.
This is a small fee amounting to 2.5% of the rental cost of the car. We hope in future this will be built-in to the rates charged by the suppliers. The total usually amounts to around $20.
Ski Rack Rental: Are Ski Racks available?
- You can request ski racks for cars from many locations near ski resorts. These are payable locally on collection of the car at approximately $5 - $6 per day. To request ski-rack rental, just add a note in the comments section when placing your order.
What if I sign for something I don't want when collecting the car?
When you collect your car, you will sign a rental agreement. There is a clear section showing any charges due. Before you sign, you must ensure that you are not signing for any items you have not agreed to. Once you sign and agree to this, there is no way to refund any charges.
Typical local charges are for options such as Enhanced Road Side assistance, Personal Insurance, GPS Sat Nav, Child Seats, Upgrade if you request this on collection. None of these are compulsary, and if you see any of these items on the rental agreement, DO NOT SIGN unless you specifically want the option.
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