Beware of Additional Costs When Renting a Car: Possibility of Fees Incurred for Driving Across State Borders
In the world of car rentals, it's essential to be vigilant, especially when choosing a budget option like Routes. A recent experience by one of our readers serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of reading rental agreements thoroughly before committing.
The reader, who rented a car from Routes in Atlanta, discovered an extra charge for driving across a state border. This fee, listed under the "Cross Boarder" category in the rental agreement, amounted to $30 plus tax per day. It's worth noting that Routes' rental policy states vehicles are not allowed to leave the state of the renting location without written permission, resulting in this additional fee.
This extra charge is reminiscent of the RyanAir model, where additional fees are added once committed. It's a practice that can quickly add up, potentially outweighing any savings from renting from Routes.
Routes is an upstart car rental company with agencies across the country and a 1.3-star rating on TripAdvisor. The company's rental policy includes an out-of-state driving fee, clearly stated under the "Geographic" subheading. However, it's essential to remember that a "cross-border" clause in a rental agreement might refer to driving to Canada or Mexico, but in the case of Routes, it refers to driving across state borders within the U.S.
If GPS is available in the rented car, Routes charges $21 per day for its use, regardless of the number of days spent in a particular state. Additionally, drop-off fees, toll fees, fuel charges, insurance fees, under-25 fees, and additional driver fees can also apply, as with most rental companies.
To avoid such surprises, it's crucial to read the fine print, compare prices across multiple rental companies, use discounts, and inspect the vehicle before returning it. By being aware of these fees and taking steps to avoid them, you can save money and have a more cost-effective car rental experience.
If you've encountered any rental car shenanigans, we invite you to share your stories with us at [email protected]. Let's help each other navigate the sometimes tricky world of car rentals!
- Despite the affordable pricing, Routes, a home-and-garden startup car rental company, includes unexpected fees in its rental agreements, like the $30 daily extra charge for driving a rented car across state borders.
- As one delves into the world of travel, it's essential to be aware that additional fees, similar to those practiced by RyanAir, can be added in car rentals from companies like Routes, which can quickly add up and outweigh any savings.
- If you're interested in education and self-development, reading rental agreements thoroughly before committing to a car rental company like Routes can help you save money and have a more cost-effective experience in the general news category.
