Rental car hidden fees and toll booths

[kaytieedid]

We have a rental car reserved with Alamo and the final rate on the reservation is $168.00 including taxes and fees. Besides filling the car with gas, are there any hidden fees I have to account for or is $168 all I'll owe if picked up/dropped off on time?

Also, I've seen posts on the tolls using a transponder vs. paying cash at the toll booth. Can someone clarify the 2 options for me with Alamo's fees?
thanks!!!

 

[Goofypop]

We have a rental car reserved with Alamo and the final rate on the reservation is $168.00 including taxes and fees. Besides filling the car with gas, are there any hidden fees I have to account for or is $168 all I'll owe if picked up/dropped off on time?

Also, I've seen posts on the tolls using a transponder vs. paying cash at the toll booth. Can someone clarify the 2 options for me with Alamo's fees?
thanks!!!

They will not hit you with any extra fees when you pay for the rental. Except for any damage done to the vehicle. Rental car companies rarely charge for minor scratches due to bugs, door hits, etc... any longer but they used to do a walkthrough with you at the vehicle to note and pre-existing damage. Now, you go to the lane, pick your car and off you go. If you notice any dings or something major then please note it with them before signing anything or leaving with the car. Other than that and an empty tank they should not hit you with any extra charges.

We rent a vehicle for each and every single trip because we hate Disney Transportation. And we always get hit with a toll booth since we go off property about once a day and sometimes that involves a toll road. We got a Sunpass system for $25 and just load it each trip with around $10 to $15. It clips onto the car and allows you to just fly through the Sunpass lanes. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Trying to pay cash is a nightmare and it would surprise me to find that Sunpass has done something to the machines there to make it that way so you are forced to get a transponder. The machines either take exact change only or the bill reciever is damaged or it just doesn't like that particular bill you are trying to use, etc...

#1, If the rental agreement says $168, then that is all you will pay as long as it has no damages and you bring it back filled up.

#2, Go for a transponder if you plan on going off site (to the beach or somewhere down a toll road) often but do not get the temporary one. It sticks to the inside of the window and the rental car company can charge you for removal.


***EDIT** Also, when you get the transponder (order it in plenty of time to get to you in the mail) don't worry about using it on a rental car. Before you leave the garage, or at least before you get to a toll booth, call Sunpass and give them your transponder info and tell them that you are using it on a rental so it will be activated. They will ask for the VIN number and maybe the plate number (I can't remember) and then you can drive through the Sunpass lanes with no problems.

 

[HelenParr]

Agree with PP, and we do the same. We have a SunPass transponder for when we are in Florida. As such, we decline Alamo's offer of toll system. Our final fee has always been exactly what is on our reservation.

If you want to use Alamo's toll payment system, they charge a per day fee plus the tolls. Daily fee was $2/day, maxed at $6 per rental period. Not sure if it was changed in last year. That might be your better choice if you are not returning to Flroida often - and you want the convenience.

 

[puffkin]

We have always paid exactly what our reservation says. We have had no problems paying the cash tolls using the manned booths as we primarily stick to 417. We have considered getting our own Sunpass though for even more ease, we just haven't done it yet.

 

[Goofypop]

We have considered getting our own Sunpass though for even more ease, we just haven't done it yet.

You really should. It is so nice to have.

 

[LisaS]

With alamo the charge for their toll program is $2/day for any day in which you go through a toll, maximum $6 per rental. If you only go through a toll from/to the airport on the first/last day of your stay they will charge you $4 plus the cost of the tolls.

 

[gmeh1]

They will not hit you with any extra fees when you pay for the rental. Except for any damage done to the vehicle. Rental car companies rarely charge for minor scratches due to bugs, door hits, etc... any longer but they used to do a walkthrough with you at the vehicle to note and pre-existing damage. Now, you go to the lane, pick your car and off you go. If you notice any dings or something major then please note it with them before signing anything or leaving with the car. Other than that and an empty tank they should not hit you with any extra charges.

We rent a vehicle for each and every single trip because we hate Disney Transportation. And we always get hit with a toll booth since we go off property about once a day and sometimes that involves a toll road. We got a Sunpass system for $25 and just load it each trip with around $10 to $15. It clips onto the car and allows you to just fly through the Sunpass lanes. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Trying to pay cash is a nightmare and it would surprise me to find that Sunpass has done something to the machines there to make it that way so you are forced to get a transponder. The machines either take exact change only or the bill reciever is damaged or it just doesn't like that particular bill you are trying to use, etc...

#1, If the rental agreement says $168, then that is all you will pay as long as it has no damages and you bring it back filled up.

#2, Go for a transponder if you plan on going off site (to the beach or somewhere down a toll road) often but do not get the temporary one. It sticks to the inside of the window and the rental car company can charge you for removal.


***EDIT** Also, when you get the transponder (order it in plenty of time to get to you in the mail) don't worry about using it on a rental car. Before you leave the garage, or at least before you get to a toll booth, call Sunpass and give them your transponder info and tell them that you are using it on a rental so it will be activated. They will ask for the VIN number and maybe the plate number (I can't remember) and then you can drive through the Sunpass lanes with no problems.

you really don't have to cal Sunpass with that information. I use it on my car and switch it to other cars when I am going somewhere with someone and are planning to use toll roads. Just activate it once and it is good to go forever. It is called "portable" for a reason.

 

[kaytieedid]

With alamo the charge for their toll program is $2/day for any day in which you go through a toll, maximum $6 per rental. If you only go through a toll from/to the airport on the first/last day of your stay they will charge you $4 plus the cost of the tolls.

So, we just go through the Sunpass lanes if we want the charge tacked on at the end? Do they accept passes from other states like EZ Pass from Pennsylvania?

 

[LisaS]

So, we just go through the Sunpass lanes if we want the charge tacked on at the end? Do they accept passes from other states like EZ Pass from Pennsylvania?

Florida doesn't accept EZ Pass unfortunately. With an alamo rental, you just go through the Sunpass lanes or stay on the highway where you have that option. I believe it takes a photo of your license plate and the company that oversees the service works with the rental company to charge your credit card for the toll. You don't need a transponder from alamo, nor do you need to sign up in advance. Very easy. The tolls will appear as a separate charge on your credit card.

 

[Goofypop]

you really don't have to cal Sunpass with that information. I use it on my car and switch it to other cars when I am going somewhere with someone and are planning to use toll roads. Just activate it once and it is good to go forever. It is called "portable" for a reason.

Actually, according to Sunpass, you do. But I see your point, how would they know what car it is in? True, but the rep said to call in the rentals info, so that's what we do.

So, we just go through the Sunpass lanes if we want the charge tacked on at the end? Do they accept passes from other states like EZ Pass from Pennsylvania?

No. Sunpass lanes require a Sunpass transponder.

 

[GrnMtnMan]

Sunpass lanes require a Sunpass transponder.

Except for rental cars. The program Sunpass has for rental cars is done with license plates. See here.

How does it work? Cameras take a photo of the rental car's license plate as it goes through the toll lane and sends a bill for the tolls to the rental company's tolling program vendor. The vendor collects the toll plus applicable service fees from the customer's credit card, and pays the toll to the road agency. The service fees are retained by the vendor, not the toll road.

 

[Goofypop]

Oh well. They must not have had that back when I got my transponder. I wish they had. This would benefit the OP though. Just be sure to check the toll policy with the rental car company and make sure they don't have some weird policy about them.

 

[gmeh1]

Actually, according to Sunpass, you do. But I see your point, how would they know what car it is in? True, but the rep said to call in the rentals info, so that's what we do.




No. Sunpass lanes require a Sunpass transponder.

You can also use E-pass on these roads and you can use Sunpass on E-pass roads. And you can use both for airport parking. Both these passes are for FL.

 

[jnfr2424]

you really don't have to cal Sunpass with that information. I use it on my car and switch it to other cars when I am going somewhere with someone and are planning to use toll roads. Just activate it once and it is good to go forever. It is called "portable" for a reason.

Actually I got a ticket because I did not add the car rental information to my sunpass account. I thought it would work like my EZ Pass just move the tag when I move. So I make sure the webpage is bookmarked on my ipad and phone and input the info before I leave the airport

 

[Goofypop]

Actually I got a ticket because I did not add the car rental information to my sunpass account. I thought it would work like my EZ Pass just move the tag when I move. So I make sure the webpage is bookmarked on my ipad and phone and input the info before I leave the airport

See... that's what I thought. That's why I call in the rental info each trip.

 

[gmeh1]

See... that's what I thought. That's why I call in the rental info each trip.

Well, you definitely learn something new each day. I was really going on what I was told by the Sunpass Rep. and my personal experience. I have used it in at least 4 different vehicles and have never received a ticket. In fact the one that would have received the ticket would be the person to whom the car was registered, since it goes by the registration number. My transponder beeps(older battery operated model) when I go through a toll, and my assumption is if it beeps, all is good.
I can definitely understand NOT wanting a problem on vacation.

 

[Goofypop]

Well, you definitely learn something new each day. I was really going on what I was told by the Sunpass Rep. and my personal experience. I have used it in at least 4 different vehicles and have never received a ticket. In fact the one that would have received the ticket would be the person to whom the car was registered, since it goes by the registration number. My transponder beeps(older battery operated model) when I go through a toll, and my assumption is if it beeps, all is good.
I can definitely understand NOT wanting a problem on vacation.

Yeah. Could imagine that one? "Sorry folks. Everyone in the family needs to fork over some spending money to pay for the ticket." LOL I would hate to have that happen to me.

When we first got the transponder I was so worried that I was driving too fast and that the system wouldn't recognize it that I actually slowed down a little under the speed limit. I almost got rear ended by someone doing way over the limit. Btw, mine doesn't beep. Never has. You think it might be broken? The thing doesn't beep but it does deduct the tolls.

 

[jnfr2424]

Well, you definitely learn something new each day. I was really going on what I was told by the Sunpass Rep. and my personal experience. I have used it in at least 4 different vehicles and have never received a ticket. In fact the one that would have received the ticket would be the person to whom the car was registered, since it goes by the registration number. My transponder beeps(older battery operated model) when I go through a toll, and my assumption is if it beeps, all is good.
I can definitely understand NOT wanting a problem on vacation.

When I called to get this all straighten out first of all they thought the transponder was stolen because rental car was under DH's name(I own the pass under my maiden name)and secondly I never told Sunpass that I was using it for a rental - remember when you sign up for the transponder you have to give your personal car information. My lesson learned: 1. I changed the name on the account and 2. I make sure to give Sunpass the rental information(lic. plate make and model of car)before I leave the airport and
p.s mine never beeps either and thanks for reminding me that I need to check the account before I leave in 2 weeks!

 

[gmeh1]

Yeah. Could imagine that one? "Sorry folks. Everyone in the family needs to fork over some spending money to pay for the ticket." LOL I would hate to have that happen to me.

When we first got the transponder I was so worried that I was driving too fast and that the system wouldn't recognize it that I actually slowed down a little under the speed limit. I almost got rear ended by someone doing way over the limit. Btw, mine doesn't beep. Never has. You think it might be broken? The thing doesn't beep but it does deduct the tolls.

No, yours is not broken, I have an older transponder(uses batteries and has lights). If yours is deducting tolls, it is working. LOL, I hear ya on wondering if it will work at speed.

 

[gmeh1]

When I called to get this all straighten out first of all they thought the transponder was stolen because rental car was under DH's name(I own the pass under my maiden name)and secondly I never told Sunpass that I was using it for a rental - remember when you sign up for the transponder you have to give your personal car information. My lesson learned: 1. I changed the name on the account and 2. I make sure to give Sunpass the rental information(lic. plate make and model of car)before I leave the airport and
p.s mine never beeps either and thanks for reminding me that I need to check the account before I leave in 2 weeks!

Yes, I remember having to give vehicle info when I signed up. Mine beeps cause it is an older model, got it at CVS about 3-4 years ago. I have never ever called Sun Pass with info on another car, mainly cause they are personal cars and I don't like giving anyone another person's personal information and a Rep. told me I did not have to.

But, I am thinking there might be something different about using it on a rental car. As I said, you learn something new everyday and I have learned today.....thank you.