HCL Car Rental

At HCL Car Rental, we believe in complete transparency when it comes to pricing. Our goal is to ensure that every renter understands exactly how their total rental cost is calculated, including all taxes, surcharges, and optional fees that may apply based on rental location, vehicle type, and state requirements.

This Taxes & Fees Policy explains each component that may appear on your rental bill so you can make informed decisions before completing your reservation.

1. Overview of Taxes & Fees
   Your total rental cost may include:
   • Base Rate (Vehicle Rental Price)
   • Government Taxes (State, City, County)
   • Airport & Facility Fees
   • Environmental & Energy Surcharges
   • Administrative or Documentation Fees
   • Optional Protection Plans & Add-Ons
   • Mileage or Fuel Charges
   • Security Deposits or Authorization Holds
   • Late Return or Violation Fees (if applicable)
   All taxes and fees are clearly displayed before you complete your reservation. No hidden charges, no surprises.
2. Government Taxes
   Government-mandated taxes vary by state and municipality. Examples include:
   1. State Sales Tax
      Most states apply a percentage of the rental amount as sales tax.
   2. Rental Car Excise Tax
      Some states charge a special tax specifically on rental vehicles.
   3. Tourism or Convention Center Tax
      Popular travel destinations may assess local tourism taxes.
   4. Vehicle Licensing Recovery Fee (VLF)
      Covers state registration, licensing, and plate renewal costs.
   These taxes are not controlled by HCL Car Rental and are applied exactly as required by law.
3. Airport & Transportation Fees
   Rentals originating at airports or transportation hubs may include:
   1. Customer Facility Charge (CFC)
      Used to maintain rental car centers, shuttle services, and airport infrastructure.
   2. Airport Concession Recovery Fee (ACRF)
      Airports charge rental companies to operate on their grounds; this fee is passed to renters.
   3. Transportation Fee or Shuttle Fee
      For airport rental lots requiring shuttle access.
   4. Terminal or Roadway Maintenance Fee
      Assessed by airports to improve roads, parking, and mobility infrastructure.
   Airport-related fees vary by the facility and will appear on your final rental summary.
4. Environmental, Energy & Safety Fees
   Some states require surcharges to support environmental or safety programs. These may include:
   • Clean energy assessments
   • Tire and battery disposal fees
   • State environmental impact fees
   • Road safety compliance fees
   These fees help states maintain infrastructure and reduce environmental impact.
5. Administrative & Documentation Fees
   To support operational processes, your rental may include:
   • Documentation Fee
   • Transaction Recovery Fee
   • Roadside Safety Surcharge
   • Energy Recovery Fee
   • Fleet Cost Recovery Fee
   These are standard charges across the U.S. car rental industry and reflect the cost of maintaining and servicing the rental fleet.
6. Optional Add-Ons & Their Fees
   If you select optional add-ons, additional charges apply:
   1. Equipment Rentals
      
      • GPS navigation unit
      • Child safety seat (infant, toddler, booster)
      • Wi-Fi hotspot
      • Snow chains or winter tires (in applicable states)
   2. Protection Plans
      
      • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
      • Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
      • Supplemental Liability Protection
      • Personal Accident Insurance
      • Roadside Assistance
   All optional items and plans are clearly priced per day, per rental, or as a flat fee depending on the item.
7. Fuel Charges, Tolls, & Additional Usage Costs
   1. Fuel Replacement Charges
      If the vehicle is returned with less fuel than received, a per-gallon refueling charge applies.
   2. Prepaid Fuel
      An optional discounted rate may be available.
   3. Toll Usage Fees
      When toll roads are used without a transponder or prepaid pass, charges may include:
      • Toll amount
      • Service fee per toll
      • Administrative processing fee
   4. Mileage Overage
      If mileage is limited in your rate, excess miles result in a per-mile fee.
8. Security Deposits & Authorization Holds
   At pickup, HCL Car Rental places a refundable security hold on your credit or debit card. This hold covers:
   • Estimated rental charges
   • Potential fuel shortages
   • Tolls or violations
   • Possible damage
   • Additional usage charges
   The hold is released once the rental is concluded and final charges are settled.
   Release timing depends on your bank (typically 3–10 business days).
9. Late Return & Modification Fees
   1. Late Return Fee
      Returning the vehicle after the grace period may incur:
      • Hourly charges
      • Additional full-day charges
      • Late return penalty
   2. Early Return
      Returning early does not guarantee partial refunds unless your rate allows it.
   3. Reservation Modifications
      Adjustments may affect taxes, fees, or rate availability.
10. Traffic Violations, Parking Tickets, and Fines
    If incurred during your rental, you are responsible for:
    • Parking tickets
    • Traffic violations
    • Toll penalties
    • Red-light camera violations
    • Speeding citations
    HCL Car Rental may apply an administrative fee to process such notices.
11. Price Variations & Dynamic Pricing
    Taxes and fees may change based on:
    • Pickup location
    • Seasonal demand
    • Special events
    • Local government adjustments
    • Airport fee updates
    • Fleet availability
    Your price is locked in once the reservation is confirmed.
12. Transparency Commitment
    HCL Car Rental guarantees:
    • Clear display of all taxes and fees before checkout
    • No hidden charges
    • Itemized billing
    • Accurate tax application
    • Open communication with renters
    We believe renters deserve full clarity when planning their travel budget.
13. Acceptance of Taxes & Fees Policy
    By booking a rental with HCL Car Rental, you acknowledge that you understand and accept this detailed breakdown of taxes, fees, and possible surcharges that may apply to your reservation.
    
    This policy ensures fairness, transparency, and confidence throughout your rental experience.