Yep, you read that right.
We were charged $400 for a single toll while driving a rental car in the U.S.
And the worst part? We didn’t find out until months later.
Here’s what happened, what we learned, and what you can do to avoid getting ripped off by sneaky rental car charges.
What Actually Happened
We drove through one toll booth in our rental car. Just one.
What we didn’t realize? That single toll triggered a $14.95 daily toll access fee through the rental company’s toll service. That charge repeated every day for the rest of the trip—even though we never went through another toll road.
It was buried in the fine print, and by the time the charge hit our credit card, the trip was long over.
When we called to ask what happened, they said:
“Oh yeah, this happens a lot.”
Cool. Thanks for the heads up.
How to Avoid Surprise Rental Car Fees
This isn’t the only time a rental company has hit us with a surprise charge. After years of full-time travel across 90+ countries, we’ve seen just about every sneaky trick in the book.
Here are the lessons we’ve learned the hard way — so you don’t have to.
1. Opt Out of Toll Passes
Rental companies love to auto-enroll you in their toll programs. Even if you only go through one toll, they may charge a daily fee for the rest of the rental period.
- You usually can’t use your own transponder.
- If toll roads are avoidable, opt out of their program completely.
Ask about toll policies at the counter or check their site before you book.
2. Always Read the Fine Print
It’s boring, but it matters.
Some rental agencies pre-check boxes for insurance, GPS units, satellite radio, or roadside assistance. If you’re booking online, uncheck anything you don’t need. At the counter, ask them to review the total before you sign.
3. Use Tools Like AutoSlash
We always start our rental search with AutoSlash. It compares deals and automatically rebooks you if prices drop. Bonus: it’ll often flag hidden fees before you check out.
4. Take Photos Before You Leave the Lot
Before you even start the engine, walk around the car.
- Snap pics of the exterior, wheels, roof, and bumper.
- Open the doors. Check the interior.
- Take a photo of the odometer and fuel level.
We also do a quick video walkthrough. It’s saved us from false damage claims more than once.
5. Watch Out for AI Damage Scanners
Rental companies (especially Hertz) are rolling out new AI-powered scanners at return lanes that automatically check for damage.
Tiny scratches can trigger a claim if you don’t have proof it wasn’t you.
So yeah, documentation is more important than ever.
6. Skip the Prepaid Gas
Unless you guarantee you’ll return it on fumes, you’re losing money.
Prepaid gas charges for a full tank – even if you only use half.
Fill up yourself at a nearby station and save.
7. Ask About Extra Fees at the Counter
Some of the worst charges are ones they don’t mention unless you ask.
- One-way drop-off fees
- Toll access fees
- Young driver surcharges
- Airport fees
- Admin fees for everything
Don’t assume they’re included in your quote. Ask specifically what won’t show up until after you return the car.
Final Thought: Rental Car Fees Are Getting Trickier
With more automation and fine-print traps, rental car fees are sneakier than ever. But a few minutes of planning can save you hundreds.
Don’t let one toll cost you $400.
Trust us: once is enough.
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