If you’re frustrated with the way airlines run things, take a good long look at the rental car business. Similar to airlines, car rental companies have no problem with hiking your rates, but unlike airlines, they have the nerve to raise the price after you drive off the lot.

1. The price is right?

The first issue with car rental agencies is their loose definition of what a set price should be. Fees for bringing the car back can run you up to $1,000/day. Talk about a situation where buying the movie would be way cheaper than paying the late fees.

Oh but there’s worse. They can even charge more for returning the car early. That’s right, a weekly rate can be reset to a higher price if the vehicle comes back even a day early.

2. Ageism?

For those of you of the younger persuasion, 25 and younger to be exact, car rental companies can charge you extra every day simply for being young. If you’re under 21, forget about trying to even rent a car in the first place. The theory being that the younger the patron, the more likely they are to wreck the vehicle…but isn’t that the purpose of insurance?

3. Two drivers? Sure that’ll be $__ extra.

Need a second driver to relieve you? Car rental companies are willing to comply…for a little bit extra.

4. The law will cost you.

You’d think that something required by law like a child safety seat would be at no extra charge, and it is…in everywhere but car rentals. Agencies often charge the same amount as buying a safety seat simply to rent a cheap and inferior version.

5. You say compact, I say mid size.

You have to give it them for being creative. They’re even going so far as to sneakily change the car class on you so that renting a mid size is more like renting a compact.

6. Refueling fees anyone?

A recent rental contract states, “An automatic USD $13.99 refueling service charge will be applied to all rentals under 75 miles.” Apparently, if a car is driven under this mileage, the needle on the gas gauge will deceptively register full. Avoid this scenario by keeping receipts proving you don’t need to buy them a whole new tank of gas.