Quick Summary:
- Scan for pre-ticked boxes beside “accept”, “include”, or “added” lines.
- Tap each line item to expand details and reveal daily rates.
- Ask for the “decline all extras” option before signing electronically.
- Compare the on-screen total with your quote before writing your signature.
Picking up a car hire in Las Vegas often happens fast, especially after a long flight and a busy queue. Many rental desks now use an e-signature screen, and it can be easy to miss that some extras are already selected. The result is an unexpected jump in the total, sometimes explained only in small print or a shortened label. The good news is that you can spot most add-ons by knowing which lines commonly hide them, what wording to watch for, and what to ask before signing.
This guide focuses on practical checks you can do in under two minutes at the counter, without turning the pick-up into an argument. It also helps you separate optional items from required charges, so you can make informed choices about what you actually need for driving in and around Las Vegas.
Why e-signature screens can hide extras
E-signature interfaces are designed for speed. Staff often swipe through several pages quickly, the text may be abbreviated, and a “package” line may bundle multiple items into one. Some systems show only a total, with item details behind a small arrow, plus sign, or “details” button. Pre-selected extras are not always shown as a big tick box, they may appear as “accepted” or “included”, which can sound mandatory when it is not.
Another reason extras get missed is timing. Many add-ons are discussed verbally first, then added to the contract screen while you are focused on providing a licence, answering questions, or setting a PIN. If you only look at the final signature page, you may not see what was included earlier.
Lines that commonly hide add-ons
When you are reviewing the e-signature screen, start by looking for line items that sound like services rather than taxes or base rental. The labels below vary by company, but they are common across major desks in Las Vegas.
1) Protection and waiver products
These are often the most expensive add-ons. They can appear as collision damage waiver, loss damage waiver, supplemental liability, personal accident insurance, personal effects cover, or roadside protection. Sometimes the screen shows a single “protection package” line that includes several of these. If you see any protection line with a daily price, treat it as optional until confirmed otherwise.
2) Roadside assistance and “peace of mind” bundles
Roadside assistance can be useful, but it is frequently pre-selected because the label sounds like a standard feature. Watch for wording like roadside safety net, roadside plus, emergency assistance, tyre and glass, key replacement, or “premium roadside”. If it is priced per day, it is an extra.
3) Fuel options
Fuel products appear in different forms, such as prepaid fuel, fuel service option, or “return empty”. Some screens include an estimated fuel charge or a refuelling service fee. A clue is any wording that references “service” or “convenience” rather than “tax”. If you plan to refill near the airport, make sure you are not accepting a fuel plan by default.
4) Additional driver and young driver fees
These are sometimes legitimate fees, but they can also be added without you realising if you mentioned another driver earlier. Look for additional authorised driver, extra driver, spouse driver, or young renter surcharge. If the second driver is not needed, ask for it to be removed before signing.
5) Toll products
Las Vegas and Nevada driving can involve toll roads if you travel farther afield. Toll products may be called toll pass, toll device, toll convenience, plate pass, or electronic toll programme. Some are opt-in, some are pay-per-use with admin fees. If you are not planning toll roads, declining the toll product can avoid daily charges.
6) Upgrades and “preferred” vehicle classes
An upgrade can be appealing, but confirm the price and whether it is optional. On a signature screen, an upgrade might be shown as a change of class rather than an “extra”. If you requested a standard car hire and the vehicle class looks higher, ask what changed and what it costs.
7) Equipment
Child seats, boosters, ski racks, and GPS units can appear as separate lines. In Nevada, phone navigation is often enough, so you may not want a paid GPS. If you did not request equipment, treat it as pre-selected.
Wording that should trigger a careful check
Certain words and phrases frequently indicate that an optional add-on has been selected or bundled. When you see these on the e-signature screen, slow down and open the details.
“Accepted”, “enrolled”, “added”, “selected”, “included”
These can describe optional products that have already been toggled on. “Included” in particular can be misleading because it may mean “included in today’s total”, not “included at no charge”.
“Recommended”, “standard”, “minimum”, “required”
These words can be used to nudge you. Some items are genuinely required by law or policy, but many are not. Ask which ones are legally required in Nevada, and which are optional.
“Package”, “bundle”, “protection”, “coverage”
Bundles can hide multiple daily charges behind a single headline. If you accept a bundle, you may be paying for cover you already have elsewhere. The key is to request an itemised view on the screen.
“Estimated”, “subject to”, “may apply”
These phrases often relate to fuel, tolls, or admin charges. They are not always extras, but they can indicate a programme you are being enrolled in.
How to audit the e-signature screen in under two minutes
Use this quick routine every time you pick up a car hire in Las Vegas. It is designed to be simple, even if the queue is moving.
Step 1, find the itemised charges view
Look for “details”, “charges”, a small arrow, or a plus sign next to the total. If the staff member is holding the device, ask to scroll back to the item list before signing. You are not being difficult, you are confirming what you are paying for.
Step 2, check anything priced “per day”
Daily priced lines are the typical hiding place for extras. Taxes and airport fees may be listed differently and often show as a percentage or fixed fee. A per-day line should prompt: “Is this optional, and can you remove it?”
Step 3, compare the total to your expected quote
If you arranged your car hire ahead of time, the total on the e-signature screen should be in the same ballpark. A meaningful jump usually means extras, a class change, or a deposit hold you are confusing with charges. Ask the staff member to separate “today’s charges” from “authorisation/deposit”.
Step 4, confirm the fuel policy in plain language
Ask, “Am I returning it full, and paying only for what I use?” If they mention prepaid fuel or refuelling service, decide before you sign.
Step 5, check driver details and mileage
Make sure only the drivers you want are listed. Confirm unlimited mileage if that matters for your plans, especially for day trips from Las Vegas.
What to ask before you sign
If you only remember a few questions, use these. They are short, clear, and focused on removing ambiguity.
“Can you show me the itemised list of charges on the screen?”
This forces the view where add-ons are visible, not buried behind totals.
“Which of these lines are optional extras, and which are mandatory fees?”
It separates genuine airport or state charges from elective products.
“Please remove all optional extras, then I will choose what I want.”
This is the fastest path if multiple lines are pre-selected. Many systems have a “decline all” or “remove” flow.
“What is the daily price of this, and what is the total for my rental?”
Extras can look small per day but add up over a week.
“If I decline this, what am I responsible for if there is damage or a breakdown?”
It keeps the conversation factual, and helps you decide based on risk, not pressure.
Common confusion points in Las Vegas pick-ups
Airport location fees versus add-ons
At Las Vegas airport, you may see facility charges and concession recovery fees. These are typically not optional, but they can look like add-ons because they are separate lines. That is why the key question is whether a line is optional, not whether it is unfamiliar. If you are comparing options, information on local pick-up points can help, such as car hire at the Nevada airport in Las.
Deposits and holds
A large “authorisation” on your card can be mistaken for an extra charge. Ask what will be charged today versus what is a temporary hold, and have them show it on-screen.
Vehicle class changes
If your contract shows a different class than expected, clarify whether it is a paid upgrade or a free swap due to availability. If you need more space, checking category expectations in advance helps, for example minivan hire in Las Vegas.
How to reduce the chance of extras appearing at the counter
While the e-signature screen is the final checkpoint, you can make it less likely that pre-selected extras appear in the first place by keeping your rental requirements clear.
Confirm what is included in your chosen deal
When comparing options for car hire, look carefully at what is included in the headline price versus what is pay-at-desk. If you want a simple, transparent starting point for the city, you can review car rental in Las Vegas details before travelling.
Choose the right pick-up area and supplier expectations
Different suppliers and locations present extras differently. If you already know the brand you are picking up from, it helps to understand the local page context, such as Enterprise car rental in Las Vegas or Hertz car rental in Las Vegas. The goal is not to assume anything, but to arrive knowing the typical structure of charges.
Decide in advance on a few key extras
Most surprise costs come from protection packages, fuel plans, toll programmes, and additional driver fees. Decide what you actually want before you reach the desk, so it is easier to say yes or no when you see the line on the screen.
What to do if you notice an extra after signing
If you spot an unwanted add-on after you have signed, act quickly. Return to the counter immediately and ask for a revised contract with the optional line removed. The earlier you raise it, the easier it usually is to correct. Ask for a copy of the updated agreement and check that the daily and total figures changed. If you only notice later, contact the location as soon as possible with your contract number and request an itemised explanation of each charge.
Also keep your own records. Take a clear photo of the itemised screen or the printed contract if allowed, and keep emails or receipts. This makes it easier to resolve misunderstandings about what was accepted.
FAQ
How can I tell if an extra is pre-selected on an e-signature screen?
Look for lines marked “accepted”, “added”, “selected”, or “included”, then expand details to see a daily price. If it has a per-day cost, treat it as optional until confirmed.
Are airport and facility fees in Las Vegas the same as add-ons?
No. Airport, facility, and concession fees are typically mandatory location charges. Optional add-ons are usually products like protection packages, fuel plans, toll programmes, or roadside assistance.
What is the quickest phrase to remove unwanted extras before signing?
Ask, “Please remove all optional extras, then show me the itemised total.” This usually prompts the staff member to toggle off pre-selected products and re-display charges.
Why does the total on the screen differ from my expected car hire price?
Common reasons are optional extras, a vehicle class change, or confusing a deposit hold with actual charges. Ask for the breakdown of today’s charges versus the authorisation amount.
Can I change my mind after signing if I notice an add-on?
Often yes, if you return to the counter immediately and request a revised contract. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to confirm what was selected and when.
