Like every business wanting to maximize profits, rental car agencies turn to upselling. This sales technique attempts to get customers to add additional products or services to their base purchase.
These add-ons are valuable, but they’re usually not necessary or come at a highly inflated cost. If you’re intent on saving the most money at the rental car agency, discover some common upsells to avoid.
Collision Damage Waiver
The collision damage waiver (CDW) covers damages to the rental in case of an accident. This might feel necessary, but pause before saying yes.
If you already have comprehensive car insurance or a credit card with rental car coverage, you’re likely already protected. To confirm whether you need extra insurance for a rental, check your policy or call your card provider to get the specifics.
Paying an extra 20–30 dollars a day for something you’re already covered for simply doesn’t make sense.
GPS Navigation
At just 10–15 dollars a day on average, adding GPS to your rental sounds like a nice convenience. But this cost adds up, and you probably already have perfectly functioning navigation software on your smartphone!
Unless your phone is glitchy or you’re driving alone and can’t safely read your phone and navigate at the same time, this add-on isn’t worth the cost.
Prepaid Gas Tank
The offer to prepay for a full tank of gas and return the vehicle on empty may seem like a no-brainer, but it rarely works in your favor. It’s almost impossible to return a rental with an empty tank, meaning you’ll pay extra for gas you don’t use.
Instead, fill up yourself at a nearby gas station before returning the car. This ensures you pay for only the gas you use.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance is often an unnecessary cost, priced anywhere from 5–10 dollars per day. If you have an auto club membership (like AAA) or this service through your car insurance, decline this upsell.
Even many credit cards offer roadside assistance perks, so double-check before agreeing to extra charges.
Car Class Upgrades
When the rental rep starts talking about a luxury car upgrade, stay strong! While larger or premium models may sound enticing, they come with steeper rental rates.
Unless you genuinely need extra space, stick with the car you originally booked.
There you have it—some upsells to avoid at the rental car agency that could save you some serious cash. Again, these add-ons aren’t inherently worthless.
They provide real value, and you might benefit from them, even if they don’t give you the best deal. However, when you know a company is attempting to squeeze more money out of your transaction, you can secure your rental with confidence and at the best price.
You’ve got this!
