Taxes & Fees
At TheTripTime, we believe in full price transparency. Along with the base car rental rate, certain mandatory taxes and additional fees may apply depending on your rental location, selected services, and local regulations. Below is a detailed explanation to help you understand how your final rental cost is calculated.
1. Base Rental Rate
The base rental rate covers the cost of the vehicle for the selected rental period. This rate varies depending on vehicle category, rental duration, location, seasonal demand, and availability.
2. State & Local Sales Tax
Car rentals are subject to applicable state, county, and city sales taxes. These taxes are calculated based on the total rental amount, including optional services, and vary by pickup location.
3. Airport Facility Fee
Rentals collected from airport locations may include an airport facility or customer facility charge. This fee is set by the airport authority and typically ranges between $10 and $30 depending on the airport.
4. Concession Recovery Charge
A concession recovery charge may be applied to offset costs charged by airports or rental facilities. This fee is often calculated as a percentage of the base rental rate and varies by location.
5. Vehicle Licensing & Registration Fee
This mandatory fee helps cover the cost of vehicle registration, title, and licensing as required by state law. It is usually charged as a small daily amount.
6. Optional Insurance & Protection Fees
You may choose to add optional protection products such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection, or Supplemental Liability Coverage. Fees for these options depend on coverage type, vehicle class, and rental duration.
7. Fuel-Related Charges
Most rentals follow a “Full-to-Full” fuel policy. If the vehicle is returned without a full tank, refueling charges will apply based on prevailing fuel rates plus a service surcharge. Refilling before return helps avoid this cost.
8. Additional Driver Charges
An additional daily fee may apply for extra authorized drivers. All additional drivers must meet age, licensing, and eligibility requirements set by the rental provider.
9. Late Return Charges
Vehicles returned after the scheduled return time may incur hourly late fees or be charged for an additional rental day, depending on the delay length and supplier policy.
10. Toll, Parking & Traffic Fees
Any toll charges, parking fees, traffic violations, or penalties incurred during the rental period are the responsibility of the renter. Unpaid charges may be billed after the rental ends.
11. Optional Equipment Fees
Optional items such as GPS navigation systems, child safety seats, booster seats, or seasonal equipment may be rented for an additional daily fee, typically ranging from $5 to $15 per item.
12. Vehicle Cleaning Charges
Vehicles returned in excessively dirty condition, including interior stains, heavy debris, pet hair, or odors, may be subject to a cleaning fee ranging from $50 to $150 based on condition.
13. Refundable Security Deposit
A refundable security deposit may be required at pickup to cover incidental charges such as fuel discrepancies, damages, or unpaid tolls. Deposit amounts usually range from $100 to $500 and are released after vehicle return, subject to inspection.
14. Taxes on Optional Services
Applicable taxes may also apply to optional services, equipment rentals, insurance products, and additional drivers. These taxes are calculated according to local tax regulations.
15. Location-Specific Government Fees
Certain states or municipalities may impose additional regulatory, environmental, or tourism-related fees. These charges vary by location and will be clearly displayed before final confirmation.
16. Fee Adjustments & Updates
Taxes and fees are subject to change due to government regulations, fuel price fluctuations, or supplier policy updates. The most accurate and current charges will always be shown in your final booking summary before payment.
If you have questions about any taxes or fees related to your car rental, please contact TheTripTime customer support. Our team is happy to explain charges and help you understand your rental costs clearly.