Some car rental companies use questionable tactics, at times rising to the level of outright rip-offs. Last minute charges, and use of intimidation and scare tactics to coerce consumers into buying things they do not need are common practices used by car rental companies.
Travelers waste millions of dollars each year on unwanted car rental extras.
Advertised low rates may be subject to add-on charges for the extras you really want. A cheap rate may not entitle you to automatic transmission, air conditioning, or allowing a second person to drive the car. A common theme among car rental agencies is to intimidate consumers into buying extras that they do not need. The most common of these rip-offs is the arm twisting maneuvers to entice renters to agree to sign collision damage waivers. Check your own insurance policy or credit card agreement, and you will find that you may already be covered for such damage.