Have you ever tried renting anything in your life? If you have, then you must have experienced at least once, the horrible feeling of getting ripped of by the rental company. Hidden charges, no availabilities, wrong expectations: sound familiar? Thus, when renting anything, always, always research everything you can about that product even before making a reservation or a purchase. Set you expectation right by arming yourself with the correct and most importantly, accurate information.

Just like any rental, car rental companies are subject to these surprises as well. So if you are planning to rent a car anytime soon, put into account these few things before actually making that reservation.

1. Car rental companies provide insurance – as a separate charge.

Never expect that the total price you see on your car reservation online is already inclusive of the insurance. Insurance is an option for car customers so when you do decide to get one, call up your car rental company to be able to know just how much it costs. The rate you see online is just the base rate for the number of days you are renting the vehicle although there are also some companies that allow you to use your own insurance, if you have one. But if not, always think ahead and ask for the price just so you won't get caught off guard.

2. Rentals tend to sell fuel at a higher price than usual.

Having the car rental company refuel you car is always more convenient. But before doing so, bear in mind that there are still additional charges for the refueling service. This means, you would have to pay extra for something that you could have gotten at a cheaper price – had you done the refueling yourself.

3. Taxes vary from place to place.

Additional taxes and surcharges will never be the same from one location to another. So if you are renting a car you have used before for the same number of days – but at a different location, never expect the same rates. This would vary on the state that you are in. In the US, the some of the states with the highest taxes are California and Florida.

4. Rental companies have very strict age restrictions.

Most car rental companies only allow drivers 21 years and above to drive their cars. Sometimes, those below 21 and above 18 are subject to a penalty, to be paid upon pick up of the car. So for those under the age limit, do expect to pay more that the usual fare.

5. Cars are always subject to availability.

Set your expectations. Never expect to get that exact same car that you were told to have. Rather, you can expect a similar car type: an SUV or a compact car perhaps. But rentals will always be subject to availability depending on the time of the pick-up.

So always take all of these into consideration. Never allow yourself to be caught off guard just because you “did not know enough.” Research all you can about the car rental and all the possible surcharges. If you do, then you can make sound decisions and get all your money's worth.