Rip-offs are a traveler's worst nightmare. These are a huge waste of your time and most importantly, your hard earned money. Although there are some car companies that do offer excellent customer service, we can't help but still encounter a car rental or two that will just charge us with ridiculous additional fees for reasons that they can't explain at all!

So traveler, watch out and take heed. Make sure that you get your money's worth and that you are paying only for what you ought to. Take into consideration these few things to watch out for to avoid further waste of your money and time.

1. Go out of your way to get the specific drop-off time of your car rental.

Some car rentals do not give out specific drop off times when they ought to. Most car rental policies state that when a customer fails to drop-off a car at the said time, they will be charged with a whole day's worth rental. No refunds or whatsoever, period.

2. Research on hidden surcharges

There are always hidden surcharges for rental cars. This could be a tax charge or a service fee that you never thought could be a possible charge. Call up the car company itself, ask them about additional charges and ask for proper documentation.

If you do this, there would be no reason for them to give you another set of surprise charges once you pick up the car. Aside from that, most car rental companies sell their own fuel with sky high rates and never tell you until you have actually been charged of the amount. Some people who are not careful enough won't even notice this until they already have the official receipt in their hands.

3. Be on the look out for poorly maintained cars.

Nobody would want their rented cars to fall apart in the middle of nowhere. But unfortunately, there are still some car companies that offer cars in terrible conditions. And for the vulnerable customer, who knows nothing about the difference between a good car and a bad car, then beware. To avoid this from happening to you, stick to the larger and more known car companies that already have that reputation of providing quality car rentals.

4. False damage charges

The scenario: customer is so much in a hurry; he does not see the dent on the bumper or that huge scratch at the side of the car. When he returns it, he is charged for these “damages” with a ridiculously large amount. So to avoid these things from ever happening to you, check the car first with the attendant present. Take note of every detail, from scratches to slight dents and let the car attendant document on these already present damages.

The best way to avoid rip-offs is always to research on the possible charges that your car rental company may impose. Never be too trusting and be extra mindful of the condition of the car before you take it in to your possession. You wouldn't want to pay for damages you never did or for services you never used in the first place.