Tip 8: Don’t Get Talked Into Extras at the Rental Counter
After a long flight, most travelers just want to pick up the keys and start their trip. Unfortunately, this is exactly the moment when rental companies often try to sell upgrades and extra services.
Knowing what to expect, and sticking to what you originally booked, helps you avoid unnecessary costs and uncomfortable situations, especially when you rent a car without a credit card.
🎥 Video: How to Avoid Rental Counter Upsells
In this short video, we explain why rental counter upselling is so common, and how to handle it confidently.
Why upselling happens at the counter
Rental desk staff often earn commissions on extras they sell. This creates a strong incentive to offer upgrades at pickup.
Common offers include:
- Extra insurance “just to be safe”
- Tire, glass, or underbody coverage
- Paid upgrades to a larger vehicle
- Additional services you didn’t plan for
After a flight, in a foreign country, under time pressure, it’s easy to say yes, even if you don’t fully understand what you’re buying.
Most common upsell situations
Travelers often encounter these scenarios:
- “Your current insurance is not sufficient”
- “You need extra coverage to reduce your deposit”
- “This upgrade is safer or more comfortable”
These offers are designed to create doubt and urgency.
The link between extras, insurance, and deposits
Upselling is closely connected to insurance and deposits:
- Extra insurance is offered to lower your deposit
- Upgrades are positioned as “less risky”
- Add-ons are framed as necessary for protection
👉 Learn more about how insurance works and how deposits affect your rental.
When everything is already included, there is nothing left to upsell.
How to handle counter pressure confidently
If you rent through a traditional provider, these tips can help:
- Know exactly what is included in your booking
- Politely decline anything you didn’t plan
- Ask for written confirmation before accepting changes
- Take your time, don’t let urgency influence your decision
Preparation is your best defense against unnecessary extras.
Real-world example: how costs can increase
Imagine picking up your car at Barcelona Airport:
- Booked price: €150 for 5 days
- At the counter: €20/day extra insurance suggested
- Total after upsell: €250+
The rental suddenly becomes much more expensive than expected.
This situation is common at busy locations such as Rome Airport and Malaga Airport.
Why all-inclusive rentals make a difference
When your rental already includes:
- Full insurance
- No deposit
- Clear, upfront pricing
You can simply collect your car and leave, without discussions or pressure.
At MarSoleil, rentals are designed this way, so there is nothing to negotiate at the counter.
Upselling practices vary by destination
The level of upselling can differ by country and location, especially during busy travel periods.
You can explore rental conditions here:
Related tips
Final takeaway
Upselling at the rental counter is common, but avoidable. When you understand what you booked and choose a transparent, all-inclusive rental, you stay in control of both price and experience.