Taxes & Fees
At Golden Dust UK Ltd , our goal is to provide complete clarity in every step of your rental experience. Car rental prices may include several mandatory and optional charges determined by rental providers, local laws, airports, and government entities. Below is a detailed overview of common taxes and fees that may appear on your reservation. Exact amounts vary by supplier, pickup location, vehicle type, and travel dates.
| Fee / Tax | Description | Applicability | Amount / Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rental Rate | The starting cost of the vehicle based on rental duration, location, season, and vehicle category chosen. | Applies to all reservations | $25 – $150 per day |
| Service Fee | A non-refundable platform fee that covers secure checkout, booking management, customer support, fraud protection, and reservation technology services. | Applies to all bookings | $10 – $35 per booking |
| Government Taxes | Mandatory state, federal, or municipal taxes imposed on car rental transactions. Rates differ depending on the region and rental provider. | Varies by state and city | 5% – 18% of rental cost |
| Airport Concession Fee | Fees charged by airports for operating rental services on airport premises. Often includes facility charges or shuttle fees. | Airport pickups/drop-offs | $15 – $75 or 5% – 12% of rental |
| Fuel Charges | Applied if the vehicle is returned with less fuel than at pickup. Rental agencies typically charge a higher per-gallon rate than local gas stations. | Only if refueling needed | $5 – $12 per gallon |
| Insurance / Protection Plans | Optional add-ons such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Liability Protection (LP), and Theft Protection. Coverage varies by supplier. | Optional | $10 – $45 per day |
| Young Driver Surcharge | Applied to renters under the minimum age specified by the provider (commonly under 25). Covers increased insurance risk. | For drivers 21–25 (varies) | $15 – $45 per day |
| Additional Driver Fee | Required when extra drivers are added to the rental agreement. Some suppliers waive this fee for spouses. | Optional | $10 – $25 per additional driver/day |
| One-Way Drop Fee | Charged when the vehicle is returned to a different location than the pickup point. Amount varies by distance, demand, and supplier. | Only for one-way rentals | $50 – $300+ |
| Toll & Road Usage Fees | Costs associated with toll plazas, express lanes, road taxes, or electronic transponder programs used during the rental period. | Based on driving route | $5 – $30 per day |
| Late Return Fee | Penalty applied when the vehicle is returned after the scheduled drop-off time. Grace periods vary by supplier. | Only if returned late | $10 – $40 per hour |
| Cleaning / Detailing Fee | Applied if the vehicle is returned excessively dirty, with stains, odors, sand, pet hair, or conditions requiring specialized cleaning. | Only if applicable | $40 – $250+ |
| Damage / Repair Fee | Charged for new damage discovered after the rental period, including dents, scratches, broken parts, or interior damage. May include loss-of-use fees. | Only if damage occurs | $50 – $1,500+ |
| Roadside Assistance | Optional add-on providing coverage for lockouts, flat tires, lost keys, or emergency roadside support. | Optional | $5 – $15 per day |
| GPS, Child Seat & Add-Ons | Optional equipment rentals such as navigation systems, infant or booster seats, and mobile Wi-Fi devices. | Optional | $5 – $15 per day per item |
