Taxes & Fees
At Holiday Xpert LTD, we aim to deliver transparent pricing with no hidden surprises. In addition to the base rental rate, various taxes and government-imposed fees may apply depending on your rental location, selected services, and regional regulations. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the typical taxes and fees associated with car rental bookings in the United States.
1. Rental Base Fare
The base fare includes the general cost of renting the vehicle for the selected dates and location. This may cover basic mileage allowances and standard rental services; however, it does not include optional add-ons, insurance products, or government-imposed taxes.
2. Sales Tax
State and local sales taxes apply to all car rentals and vary widely by jurisdiction. Sales tax is calculated on the rental base fare and may also apply to certain optional products or services selected during the booking.
3. Airport Service Fee
Rentals picked up at airport locations may incur an Airport Service Fee. This fee, generally between $10 and $25, is mandated by airport authorities to support airport facilities, transportation infrastructure, and concession operations.
4. Concession Recovery Fee
Car rental companies operating at airports or major transportation hubs often pay concession fees to the facility. To recover these expenses, a Concession Recovery Fee—typically a percentage of the total rental cost—may be added to your bill.
5. Vehicle License Fee
A Vehicle License Fee (VLF) is charged to offset the cost of vehicle registration, licensing, and compliance with state requirements. This fee is typically a small daily amount and varies by state.
6. Insurance Fees
Optional insurance products such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), Theft Protection, and Personal Accident Insurance may incur additional daily fees. These charges depend on the type of coverage selected, vehicle class, and local regulations. While optional, insurance is strongly recommended for added peace of mind.
7. Fuel Charges
If you return the vehicle with less fuel than at pickup, refueling charges will apply. These charges may include both the cost of fuel ($5–$8 per gallon on average) and an administrative refueling service fee. You can avoid these charges by refilling the tank prior to drop-off.
8. Additional Driver Fee
Adding one or more additional drivers to the rental agreement may incur a daily fee of $10–$15 per driver. All additional drivers must meet age and license requirements, and some exemptions may apply (e.g., spouses or domestic partners in certain states).
9. Late Return Fee
Returning the vehicle after the scheduled return time may result in additional hourly fees ($30–$50 per hour), capped at the cost of a full extra rental day. We recommend returning the vehicle on time or contacting customer support if delays arise.
10. Toll and Parking Fees
Toll charges, parking fees, and tickets incurred during the rental period are the renter’s responsibility. These amounts may be billed after the rental is returned, including administrative fees required by the rental provider to process violations or unpaid tolls.
11. Optional Equipment Rental Fees
Equipment such as GPS devices, child safety seats, snow chains, or ski racks may be rented for an additional fee. These fees typically range from $5–$15 per day depending on availability and location-specific pricing.
12. Cleaning Fee
If the vehicle is returned excessively dirty—such as with mud, sand, stains, spills, or pet hair—a cleaning fee between $50 and $150 may apply. Standard cleaning is included at no extra charge.
13. Refundable Deposit
A refundable security deposit may be required at pickup. This deposit, typically $100–$500, covers potential damages, fuel discrepancies, tolls, or unpaid fees. The deposit is released upon inspection of the returned vehicle.
14. Taxes on Optional Services
Many optional add-ons—such as insurance, GPS, equipment rentals, or additional driver fees—are subject to state and local taxes. Applicable taxes will be itemized in your booking summary before payment.
15. State-Specific Fees
Some states impose additional fees such as:
- Tourism or hospitality fees
- Environmental or tire recycling fees
- Energy recovery fees
- Highway safety or transportation improvement fees
These mandatory charges vary by state and will be clearly listed at checkout.
16. Changes to Fees
Taxes and fees may change due to updates in local legislation, airport regulations, or rental provider policies. The most accurate and updated fee schedule will always appear in your final booking summary prior to payment.
If you have any questions, or if you need help understanding any tax or fee listed on your reservation, please contact the Holiday Xpert LTD customer service team. We are here to ensure full transparency and provide clarity at every step of your rental process.
