Is it legal for American car hire companies to charge additional road tax?

My sister hired a car online in America shortly before her flight to London Heathrow. When she went to collect the car she was faced with considerable additional charges, one of which was road tax at £1.35 a day. Not particularly expensive but certainly unusual. Is this legal since the car is already insured?

Asked on 27 July 2013 by FP, Wraysbury

Answered by Honest John

Never ever heard of that before. Could be that the American agent screwed the price of the rental down to tightly that the only way the rental company could make any money was by add-ons. Usually these are fuel and insurance. Never heard of VED being added before.

Tags: hire cars driving abroad

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