When renting a car for tourism or business trips in the United States, in addition to the basic vehicle rental fee, there are also important...Rental Car InsuranceIn addition, car rental companies offer a variety of optional extras and services that can be purchased separately. Some are necessary expenses, while most are additional costs. This article shares common optional extras and services when renting a car in the United States, ensuring that travelers have control over all costs when renting a car, without having to spend extra money on unnecessary equipment or services, or even be charged duplicate fees, thus making the most suitable car rental choice.
As introduced beforeCar rental process articleIn the US, many car rental companies only offer the "rental vehicle itself" option when booking. Additional insurance or other equipment can usually be added upon pickup at the counter. For legally required equipment like child car seats, it's advisable to contact the rental company in advance to avoid running out of seats and disrupting your trip. Sky Horse offers this option when booking online and allows you to book through [unclear - possibly a platform or service]. Contact a specialist directly via LINEThere's no need to worry about not being able to rent it temporarily.
12 additional amenities or services available when renting a car
Below are 12 additional options or services offered by US car rental companies. Some can be inquired about at the counter and selected freely. However, some companies may pre-charge these items without explicitly mentioning them, causing travelers to pay extra without their knowledge. To avoid being taken advantage of, extra care should be taken when choosing a car rental company and signing the contract.
1. GPS navigation system
- Items to add to cart:Drivers without mobile network access or unfamiliar with using mobile navigation
- Fee ReferenceUS$10-$15/day (some car rental companies may provide this for free).
In this era where almost everyone owns a smartphone, GPS navigation systems are no longer an essential purchase. Most people can navigate the United States without any problems using Google Maps or Apple Maps. In addition, Google Maps on mobile phones can provide real-time traffic updates and help avoid traffic jams or problematic sections of the road, making it more convenient and safer than GPS.
* Each Sky Horse vehicle is equipped with CarPlay or a phone holder. Passengers only need to prepare their own USB cable and use their phones with Google Maps to easily drive around. If planning to go to the suburbs, mountains or national parks, it is recommended to download offline maps in advance to avoid encountering situations where the network is unstable and cannot connect.
2. Child safety seat
- Items to add to cart:Families with children under eight years old (some states require children under 12 to accompany them).
- Fee ReferenceUS$13-14/day (most have an upper limit, such as a maximum of only US$84).
The United States strictly mandates that children use child seats in cars. Children under two years old must use rear-facing infant child seats, while children over two but under eight years old must use regular child safety seats or booster seats. Children over eight years old, or those taller than 145 cm, can choose whether or not to use a booster seat.
Some families bring their own car seats, which are generally not limited to any particular car model. However, it's important to note that children under two years old should use a rear-facing seat. You can check and practice using it in your own car first. Some people choose to buy inexpensive car seats in the United States. However, whether taking Uber or driving yourself, children must use a car seat whenever they are in the car. So, if you decide to buy one after arriving, you need to consider how to ensure their safety during the gap period.
*Sky Horse charges US$11.99 per day for child seats, with a maximum charge of US$72 per set.
3. In-car Wi-Fi hotspot
- Items to add to cart:There is no mobile network, and many people share the network.
- Fee Reference：US$10 – $15／日
Most people buying a local SIM card and applying for roaming data when traveling, or renting a Wi-Fi device, are more stable and much cheaper than in-car Wi-Fi hotspots. In-car Wi-Fi hotspots are not only expensive, but many American users have also reported unstable and slow internet speeds, so most people probably don't need to purchase this service.
Some rental cars have in-car internet access; remember to check that this fee is not included in the terms and conditions or bill.
4. Snow Tire Chains
- Items to add to cart:Winter travel to snow-covered roads or mountainous areas
- Fee ReferenceUS$15-$60/time
Many car rental companies in the United States do not offer snow chains for rent and discourage or even prohibit customers from using their own snow chains in rental vehicles. Most California attractions, such as Yosemite and Lake Tahoe, have well-maintained national park roads and comprehensive snow removal systems, so snow chains are not necessary for driving on regular roads. However, in winter, heavy snow is possible, or certain areas may require snow chains for entry. It is recommended that if you plan to visit destinations prone to snow accumulation, you confirm with the rental company beforehand whether they provide snow chains or allow their installation.
*Sky Horse offers snow chain rentals at a fixed price of US$40 per rental.Ask a professional via LINEDoes the itinerary require snow chains, and what are some video tutorials on how to install snow chains?
5. Upgrade to a four-wheel drive vehicle (AWD/4WD)
- Items to add to cart:Travelers heading to mountainous areas, snowy areas, or areas with poor road conditions.
- Fee ReferenceThe rental fee is usually 20-50 yuan higher than that of ordinary models %.
If you'll be driving on snow, venturing into steep mountainous areas, or encountering poor road conditions, choosing a four-wheel drive vehicle is a safer option. Rental companies typically indicate AWD when selecting a vehicle, but most will only confirm the exact model upon pickup. If this is a necessary option, try contacting the rental company beforehand to confirm availability of your desired vehicle.
Conversely, if the travel or business trip is only within a city or in an area with relatively smooth road conditions, and you are asked to upgrade your vehicle at the counter, the counter staff may not necessarily inform you of the specific cost details. Travelers should be especially careful about this situation where they are unexpectedly charged extra.
6. Ski Rack
- Items to add to cart:Travelers planning to visit ski resorts and bringing their own ski equipment.
- Fee Reference: US$5-$15, depending on the location and rental company.
Not every car rental company or location offers ski equipment rentals, and there are restrictions on the types of skis that can be used with them and the types of skis they can carry. Travelers who need ski equipment are advised to inquire directly with the rental company in advance to avoid the awkward situation of arriving at the rental counter with large bags only to find that their equipment cannot be transported.
7. Satellite radio (SiriusXM Radio)
- Items to add to cart:Long-distance driving requires passengers who enjoy music, news, or entertainment programs.
- Fee ReferenceApproximately US$1.99-6.99 per day (TP4T)
Many chain car rental companies in the US offer this add-on service, suitable for locals who enjoy listening to the radio. It allows them to listen to music, comedy shows, news, etc., without ads during long road trips, avoiding situations where they can't listen to music due to lack of internet or poor reception when crossing state lines. For Taiwanese travelers, most don't need this additional service; they can download music to their phones and connect it to the car's audio system via Bluetooth or a data cable to listen to their favorite content. It's also important to check the bill for any unexpected charges.
8. Prepaid Fuel Option/Fuel Purchase Option
- Items to add to cart:Passengers who are in a hurry, unfamiliar with the road conditions, or don't want to find a gas station before returning the car.
- Fee ReferenceRental car companies typically charge higher fuel prices than market prices, and also add a handling fee.
Car rental companies typically require vehicles to be returned with a full tank of gas, so they offer a prepaid fuel option. Passengers choosing this option don't need to detour to find a gas station before returning the car, which is suitable for drivers short on time or worried about finding a gas station. However, this service charges more fuel than the market price, plus an additional handling fee, making it a significant expense overall. To save money, it's generally recommended that passengers fill up their tanks at a gas station near the return location before arriving at the rental location; as long as the fuel gauge shows a full level before arrival, it's fine.
🚧 Friendly reminder: Some car rental companies will add a fuel fee without informing you. If you return the car with a full tank of gas, you may still be charged this extra fee, which means you paid twice the fuel cost. Be careful!
9. Additional Driver
- Items to add to cart:Group trips with multiple people taking turns driving.
- Fee Reference: US$15 – $25/day.
Previously introducedInsurance claim process in case of car rental accidentThe article mentions that US rental car insurance typically only covers a single driver. If an accident occurs while someone else is driving, the insurance may not cover the claim. Therefore, if a family or group is renting a car and needs to take turns driving, each driver needs to be included in an insurance plan, which incurs additional driver fees. The fees vary from company to company. Some rental companies offer free insurance for spouses or immediate family members, while others waive this fee with their membership programs. Therefore, travelers are advised to check the rental company's policies before adding this insurance to their plans to minimize unnecessary expenses.
* For the purchase of additional drivers, Sky Horse charges only US$4.99 per person per day.
10. Roadside Assistance
- Items to add to cart:Passengers worried about tire blowouts, dead batteries, or keys being locked inside the vehicle.
- Fee Reference: US$5 – $10 / day.
If you're worried about unforeseen situations during your trip, many car rental companies offer roadside assistance to help with emergencies such as flat tires, dead batteries, or locked keys. Note that this service may already be included in your chosen rental insurance, credit card benefits, or travel inconvenience insurance, so you don't need to purchase it separately from the rental company to avoid double payment.
11. Toll Pass Service (or toll pass convenience charge, TCC)
- Items to add to cart:Passengers who do not want to pay in cash or are unable to pay tolls themselves
- Fee ReferenceIn addition to toll fees, a daily handling fee will be charged.
Some car rental companies offer toll payment services or toll collection device rental services (such as eTag in Taiwan), allowing travelers to directly use the electronic toll collection system on highways without stopping to pay at toll booths, and without having to pay the fees themselves or worry about late payment penalties. However, the cost of this service includes a daily processing fee (approximately US$3 – $5) or a device rental fee, and some rental companies may charge extra fees higher than the actual toll amount, depending on the final bill, and there is no guarantee for travelers.
🚧 Friendly reminder: Travelers driving in California may consider applying for FasTrak and paying fees online. If renting a car from Sky Horse, you can directly use toll roads without needing to rent a separate machine; you are only charged for use. The toll fees and US$2 system fee will be charged to your original credit card approximately 7-10 business days after your trip, and a receipt will be sent. (Most highways in the US are toll-free; only specific sections or inner toll lanes require payment. To avoid toll roads, you can set "Avoid Toll Roads" in Google Maps.) The toll system is clear and transparent. If you have any questions, please contact us through [website/platform name - implied]. LINE Ask a specialist.
12. Young Driver Surcharge
- Items to add to cart:Drivers under the age of 25
- Fee ReferenceUS$20 – $40/day (varies)
While the legal driving age in the United States is 18, the legal car rental age is 21. Some companies do not rent to drivers under 25, while others charge a youth driving fee for drivers aged 21-24. Drivers 25 and over do not need to pay this extra fee, based on their birthdate on their driver's license. If you are under 25 when driving in the US, it is advisable to check the company's pricing before booking to avoid significantly exceeding your travel budget.
*For youth driving fees, Sky Horse charges only US$19 per person per day.
Which optional extras should foreign travelers typically choose?
In summary, the common add-ons and services offered when renting a car in the US reveal that most travelers don't need them or can opt for more convenient and affordable alternatives. Only car seats and additional drivers are legally required. Adding other items without the rental company's consent often leads to disputes later. Even if you want to add them, it's difficult to find a clear price list on the rental company's website; you only discover the exorbitant cost upon receiving the bill, leaving you feeling cheated and impacting your trip and budget. One of the reasons Sky Horse is so popular is its transparent pricing and lack of hidden fees. All add-ons and their associated costs are clearly stated when booking, and subsequent billing never includes any additional charges.Sky Horse is committed to providing honest service and ensuring a worry-free journey for every traveler!
