
The Ultimate Guide to How to Pay Tolls with Rental Car
You might be planning a trip with your group or family next month. But, you need to look for options to get around places. Renting a car is the best option when you are traveling with a group of people.
The best thing about renting a car is that it is cheaper and you do not have to wait long to hire a taxi. You also have a trunk space to hold your luggage, which means you can save on cloakroom expenses.
However, whenever you rent a car there are few things you need to enquire with your car rental company including the toll. If you are planning to rent a car ensure it offers toll payment options. You can find lots of rental car companies that allow you to pay tolls through the rental agreement. Ask the company about their methods of processing tolls and fees before sitting in the driver's seat.
A majority of companies, including Bon Voyage, offer various payment options, like credit or debit cards, to their customers. This benefits them to drive on the toll roads without worrying about carrying cash or stopping to pay tolls. This guide highlights everything on how to pay tolls with rental car. So, read on to learn more.
What Are Tolls And Toll Booths?
An amount paid for the right to cross a road, bridge, or gate is referred to as a toll. Tolls have been there since the middle ages. It is a tax that you pay for various means of transportation to travel on a particular roadway infrastructure. For example, a car pays a toll to travel on a highway road, while a ship does the same to cross a channel.
How Do Toll Roads Operate?
During your journey, you might come across roads or bridges that demand tolls from the drivers. Anyone who does not pay tolls can be liable for a fine. So, make your toll payments and enjoy a hassle-free tour. Cash, credit card, electronic transponder, and online license plate registration are a few payment modes.
Tolls And Rental Cars
Some drivers prefer to travel with cash to pay tolls. But, at the moment, there are limited cash toll booths. The number of cash toll booths has declined due to cashless tolling.
If you are driving rental cars, paying tolls is mandatory, too, in this case. No matter the state you drive in, you must know how to pay tolls with rental car.
Paying Tolls When In A Rental Car: Dos And Don’ts
Tolls can easily make your budget-friendly trip into an expensive one. If you are in a rental car and want to avoid extra costs while settling tolls, here are some dos and don’ts:
Bring Your Own Toll Transponder Along
Do you already have a toll pass or transponder on your vehicle? If yes, then consider bringing it for your next trip. It can help save a lot during your travel in a rental car.
Pay Cash Wherever Possible
You may not get the cheapest toll every time when paying through cash. But, you will find it a lot cheaper compared to an administrative fee that a car rental company charges per day or even per toll.
Be Wary Of The Cashless Toll
All-electronic toll booths will be seen soon in almost every state. Whenever you pass through these booths, a camera will read the transponder on your windshield. The camera will capture the license plate number of the car if there is no transponder. If you are in a rental car and don’t have a transponder, the toll bill will be sent to the rental company. The company will forward that amount to you.
Travel On Routes Without Toll Booths
Most US states have toll roads. But there is a way to avoid tolls on a trip. Choose routes that do not have toll booths and save on your travel budget.
Also Read: What Happens If You Scratch A Rental Car (A Comprehensive Guide)
Go For A Car Rental Company That Offers Suitable Pricing
The charges for hiring a rental car vary from company to company. Some rental companies may charge wildly, so it is important to do your homework. Jot down the routes to check how many tolls you’ll come across and choose a rental company that offers an all-inclusive package. Avoid companies that charge a per-day administrative fee.
Do Not Try To Run Away From The Toll Plaza Without Paying
When driving a rental car, you should drop the idea of running away from a toll booth without paying the toll. The company will send you a hefty bill. This bill will include the toll, the fine from the toll authority, and an extra cost for the company’s time and trouble.
Do Not Purchase A Toll Pass From Your Rental Car Company
Many customers do not think of toll roads when hiring a rental car, and the rental companies are aware of this. The company’s agent might tell you that purchasing a toll pass is a quick and easy method to pay the tolls. But it is not the complete picture. You will have to pay for the tolls and daily charges for using the company’s transponder. Therefore, you must look out for other cost-friendly options.
Why Do You Need To Settle Tolls In a Rental Car?
You cannot avoid toll payments whenever you pass through a toll road or bridge in a rental car. If you do not use the toll pass of the car rental company or pay through other means, the toll authority will bill the company.
The car rental company will utilize every information that is available to track the renter and ensure they pay the bill. The bill will also include the extra admin fees.
If the renter does not pay, their name will go on the rental company's blacklist, and you don't want that. So, it is wise to pay your car rental tolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the different methods of collecting tolls?
At present, there are three toll collection methods: manual, electronic, and automatic.
Q: What is a transponder?
A small device that is attached to your car windshield behind the rear-view mirror is the transponder. All transponders have an individual, encrypted identification number that is captured by the entry/exit sensors on the highway.
Q: Is it costly to pay for tolls in the US?
In the USA, interstate toll roads generally charge about 6 cents per mile. On the other hand, the non-interstate toll roads charge more, around 13 cents a mile.