What Expedia's rental car search actually shows you
Expedia's rental car section pulls prices from multiple companies — Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National, and others — and displays them side by side for your dates and location. The cheapest option Expedia shows you is not necessarily the cheapest available anywhere; it is the cheapest among the suppliers Expedia has contracts with. Some local and regional rental companies do not appear on Expedia at all, so if you find a lower price elsewhere, that is why.
When you book through Expedia, you are booking directly with the rental company, not with Expedia. Expedia collects a commission from the rental company, but your contract, your insurance options, and your customer service relationship are with that company. If something goes wrong with your reservation, you may need to contact the rental company first, though Expedia can sometimes help resolve disputes.
The price you see on Expedia includes the base rental rate plus taxes and fees that Expedia knows about at the time of search. Airport rental locations charge facility fees that can add 10 to 20 percent to your total; off-airport locations usually do not. Expedia shows these fees before you book, but read the breakdown carefully — what looks like a cheap daily rate can become expensive once fees are added.
Key Takeaways
- Expedia shows rental prices from multiple companies, but not from every rental company, so comparing prices on other sites before booking can save you money.
- Airport rental locations charge facility fees that are not part of the daily rate; off-airport locations usually cost less overall even if the daily rate is higher.
- The price shown includes taxes and fees Expedia knows about, but read the full breakdown before you book to understand what you are actually paying.
- When you book on Expedia, your contract is with the rental company, not with Expedia, so contact the rental company directly if you need to change or cancel your reservation.
- Damage waivers and insurance options vary by company and by your credit card coverage; check what your card already covers before paying extra for rental company insurance.
How to search for the lowest price on Expedia
Start by entering your pickup and return dates, and your pickup location. Expedia will show you results sorted by price, with the cheapest option at the top. Do not assume the first result is your best deal — scroll through several options and compare the daily rate, the total fees, and what is included in each quote.
If you are picking up at an airport, try searching for an off-airport location nearby. Enterprise, Budget, and Hertz often have locations a few miles from the terminal, and the total cost can be significantly lower even if you have to pay for a ride to get there. Expedia lets you change the pickup location in the search results without starting over.
Check the rental company's cancellation policy before you book. Some companies allow free cancellation up to a certain time before pickup; others charge a fee. Expedia shows this information in the details section of each quote. If your plans might change, a refundable rate costs more upfront but protects you if you need to cancel.
What fees and charges actually appear in your final price
The daily rate is what you see first, but it is not your final cost. Expedia breaks down taxes, airport facility fees (if applicable), vehicle licensing recovery fees, and any other charges the rental company adds. Some of these are unavoidable; others depend on where you rent and which company you choose.
Damage waivers and loss-of-use fees are optional add-ons that Expedia presents during checkout. A damage waiver (also called a collision damage waiver or CDW) limits your liability if the car is damaged or stolen. Your personal auto insurance or credit card may already cover rental cars, so check your policy before paying for the rental company's waiver — you could be paying twice for the same protection.
Fuel charges depend on the plan you choose. Most rentals offer a "full to full" option: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full, paying only for what you use. Some companies offer a "pre-purchase" option where you pay for a full tank upfront at their price per gallon, which is usually higher than gas station prices. Expedia shows both options; choose full-to-full unless you know you will not have time to refuel before returning the car.
Comparing Expedia prices to other rental booking sites
Expedia is one of several sites that aggregate rental car prices. Kayak, Autoslash, Priceline, and Costco Travel (if you are a member) also search multiple companies and show prices side by side. The same rental from the same company may appear at different prices on different sites because each site negotiates its own commission structure with rental companies.
Before you book on Expedia, search the same dates and location on at least one other site. The difference is often small, but occasionally one site will show a significantly lower price for the same car and company. Autoslash is particularly useful because it continues to monitor prices after you book and will alert you if the price drops, allowing you to rebook at the lower rate.
Some rental companies offer discounts directly on their own websites that do not appear on third-party sites. If you have a loyalty account with a specific company, check their site as well. The savings are usually modest, but they add up on longer rentals.
Understanding insurance and damage coverage
Rental companies offer several types of coverage, and Expedia presents them as optional add-ons during checkout. The most common is a collision damage waiver (CDW), which limits your liability if the car is damaged in an accident. Without it, you are responsible for the full repair cost, which can be thousands of dollars.
Before you pay for rental company insurance, check what your personal auto insurance covers. Most policies extend to rental cars, though some have limits or exclusions. Call your insurance company or check your policy documents. If you have coverage, you do not need to buy the rental company's waiver — your insurance will handle it, and you will pay only your deductible.
Credit card rental car coverage is another option. Many premium credit cards (especially those marketed to business travelers) include rental car damage coverage if you charge the rental to that card. The coverage usually applies only if you decline the rental company's damage waiver, so read your card's terms carefully. If your card covers rentals, you can skip the rental company's waiver and save money.
What to check before you complete your Expedia booking
Review the pickup and return times. Rental companies charge by the day, and returning the car even an hour late can trigger an extra full-day charge. Expedia shows the time you selected; make sure it matches when you actually need the car and when you can return it.
Confirm the pickup location address. If you selected an airport location, verify it is the terminal or lot where you will actually be. Some airports have multiple rental locations, and picking up from the wrong one can cost you time and money.
Read the rental company's requirements for drivers. Most require a driver's license, a credit card in the driver's name, and proof of insurance. Some have age restrictions (drivers under 25 may pay a surcharge) or require an international driving permit for non-US licenses. Expedia does not enforce these requirements, but the rental company will at pickup, and you could lose your reservation if you do not meet them.
Check whether the price includes roadside information. Some rental companies include it; others charge extra. If you are traveling to a remote area or an unfamiliar country, roadside information can be valuable, so factor it into your decision.
How to handle price drops and cancellations
If the price drops after you book, you can rebook at the lower rate if your original reservation was refundable. Cancel your Expedia reservation (you will get a refund if it was refundable), then book again at the new price. Some sites like Autoslash automate this by monitoring prices and notifying you of drops, but Expedia does not.
If you need to cancel your reservation, contact the rental company directly, not Expedia. The rental company's cancellation policy determines whether you get a refund and when. Expedia can sometimes help if there is a dispute, but the rental company has the final say. Check your confirmation email for the rental company's phone number and reservation number.
If you need to modify your reservation (change dates, location, or car type), contact the rental company first. They may allow changes for free or for a small fee, depending on their policy. Expedia cannot modify reservations on your behalf; you must work directly with the rental company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the price on Expedia the final price I will pay?
No. The price shown includes taxes and known fees, but the rental company may charge additional fees at pickup (such as tolls or damage assessments). Read the full price breakdown before you book to understand what is included. Fuel charges depend on which plan you choose and how much fuel you use.
Can I book a car on Expedia and pick it up at a different location than I searched?
No. You must book the specific location you selected. If you want to pick up at a different location, you need to start a new search. Some rental companies allow you to change the location after booking, but you must contact them directly and may be charged a fee.
What happens if the rental company overcharges me or damages my credit card?
Contact the rental company first with your complaint and your reservation number. If they do not resolve it, contact Expedia's customer service with documentation of the dispute. You can also dispute the charge with your credit card company if the rental company refuses to refund you.
Do I need to buy insurance from Expedia or the rental company?
Not necessarily. Check your personal auto insurance policy and your credit card benefits first — most cover rental cars. If you already have coverage, you do not need to buy the rental company's insurance. If you do not have coverage, the rental company's damage waiver protects you from liability if the car is damaged.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my Expedia rental car reservation?
Only if you booked a refundable rate. Check your confirmation email to see which rate you selected. If it was refundable, you can cancel through Expedia or by contacting the rental company directly. Non-refundable rates do not allow cancellations, though some companies may allow you to reschedule for a fee.