car travel cost

Trip Calculator

Trip vehicles, step 1 of 2. select one or more vehicles..

You can add, edit, and remove vehicles at any time.

You can edit vehicles to personalize the MPG and fuel prices.

In Step 2, you will enter the trip details including starting point, intermediate stops, and destination.

Enter the Trip

You will be able to modify the route by dragging the route line on the map.

The Trip Vehicles section above will be updated with the cost of fuel for the trip.

Directions and Map

This website is administered by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

This website is administered by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. DOE and the U.S. EPA.

Fuel Calculator ⛽

Use this fuel cost calculator to easily calculate fuel cost and the gallons / liters needed to complete a trip. Calculate gas cost or petrol cost - we support miles and gallons, liters and km, etc.

Related calculators

• Fuel Needed & Fuel Cost Calculations

Variation in fuel consumption

• Formula for fuel amount
• How to improve fuel economy?

    Fuel Needed & Fuel Cost Calculations

In order to calculate the amount of fuel for a given trip using our fuel cost calculator or otherwise, you need to know the total distance you will be covering and the expected average fuel consumption of your vehicle. It works the same way for cars, trucks, buses, vans, SUVs, and even boats and planes. If you also want to calculate the fuel cost of a trip, then you need to know the price per gallon or price per liter at which you can by.

Our calculator supports entering distances in miles and kilometers. In terms of fuel consumption, it is very versatile as it accepts: miles per gallon, gallons per 100 miles, kilometers per liter and liters per 100 kilometers. In the US, miles per gallon and kilometers per liter would more frequently used, while in most of Europe the preferred metric would be liters to travel 100 km and gallons to cover 100 miles. The result in terms of fuel amount is in gallons or liters, and for fuel cost is in the currency you entered it in (you can simply ignore the currency sign, e.g. $ (USD)).

Make sure to account for the variation in fuel consumption when driving within city limits and on highways - usually the consumption is higher in the former case. Always fill your tank with more fuel than you anticipate you would need, especially during winter or when driving through desolate areas or when extreme weather conditions are expected.

    Formula for fuel amount

If you are using mpg (miles per gallon), then the formula for calculating the total amount of gas needed is:

Fuel = Distance / Consumption mpg

For example, if the distance is 500 miles and consumption is 20 miles per gallon, then the fuel you will need for the entire distance is 500 / 20 = 25 gallons.

If you are using gallons per 100 mi to measure consumption, then the formula for calculating the amount of fuel needed is:

Fuel = Distance / 100 x Consumption per 100 mi

For example, if the distance is 300 miles and the consumption is 5 gallons per 100 miles, you will need 300 / 100 x 5 = 15 gallons of gas.

Both formulas are applicable for metric units - km and liters, just make sure you do not mix metric units. Using an online fuel calculator will make sure you do not commit that mistake.

    How to improve fuel economy?

Don't like the numbers you see when you use our tool? If you wonder how you can improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle so you can cover more miles (or kilometers) with less fuel, we have some tips that can result in significant savings, especially when applied consistently over time. Here is our list of 10 fuel efficiency tips :

• Drive sensibly - If you drive aggressively - too fast compared to other cars, constantly overtaking other vehicles, and rapid acceleration followed by braking, only to accelerate again wastes a lot of gas. By some estimates, quick starts and hard stops can increase fuel consumption by more than 30% ! This is why this is number one in our fuel efficiency list.
• Observe the speed limit - Different vehicles have optimal fuel economy at different velocities, but one way to increase gas mileage is to avoid driving at higher speeds. A small reduction of your average speed , say from 70 mph to 60 mph (equivalently: from 115 km/h to 100 km/h) can help you save 10 to 20% due to lower fuel consumption.
• Follow the leader - drive at about the speed of the vehicle in front of you, if they are following the first 2 tips above. This will make sure you need to accelerate and decelerate as little as possible. If possible, overtake drivers who do not follow them, as it will make it very hard for you to do so. This will result in smaller numbers from our fuel cost calculator.
• Check your tires - make sure your tire pressure is at optimal levels as indicated in the owner's manual provided by the auto manufacturer. If the pressure is too low your mileage will decrease significantly, not to mention that the car may become dangerous to drive.
• Smart routing - make sure you take optimal paths to reach your desired destination. Learn the different modes of route selection your GPS employs - the shortest is not always the fastest and idling stuck in traffic will waste fuel. Use services such as Google Maps to check for traffic congestions on the planned route. Using a route you know well can also help improve fuel efficiency, since you will know in advance where it makes sense to increase speed and where it does not, because of a traffic light just ahead.
• Air conditioning - turning it off will most likely improve your fuel efficiency by 10-15%, and will result in you having more power to accelerate quicker when needed. If it is necessary, make sure you do not set it to unreasonably low or high levels. Air temperature in the range between 64°F - 75°F (18°C - 24°C) is comfortable for most people. Due to the law of thermodynamics, each subsequent degree of heating or cooling requires progressively more energy to accomplish and maintain.
• Remove excess weight - make sure you remove any unneeded heavy items you have in your trunk. One of the untold benefits of losing weight is that your car will be a bit more efficient as well.
• Turn cruise control ON - when on a highway, make sure to use your cruise control option. By keeping your speed constant, it will most likely save gas and result in lower fuel costs.
• Avoid idling - idling means 0 miles per gallon and the larger the car engine, the more gas is wasted when idling. Avoid excessive idling, when possible, in line with point #5 above to keep fuel costs low.
• Maintain your vehicle - a well-maintained car, truck, van, SUV, etc. will operate at greater efficiency. Exact fuel savings are hard to calculate, as it will depend on the type of maintenance work your vehicle needs. However, good maintenance is sure to lead to fuel savings and smaller cost numbers coming out of our calculator.

All the above advice is fine, but what do you do if you have been following the above advice, yet our tool still shows you numbers that are so high you want to cry? Well, it is most likely time for a new car, or it could be just the fuel price fluctuations over which, unfortunately, neither you nor we have much influence, individually. Fuel prices in most places contain license fees and other state or local government taxes, in some places reaching as much as 50% of the final price. Financial market fluctuations, natural disasters or extreme weather, crisis, as well the geographical area you are in and the local fuel suppliers all influence the price of gas. All you can do is try to observe them and predict when you can get a more decent price.

Cite this calculator & page

If you'd like to cite this online calculator resource and information as provided on the page, you can use the following citation: Georgiev G.Z., "Fuel Cost Calculator" , [online] Available at: https://www.gigacalculator.com/calculators/fuel-calculator.php URL [Accessed Date: 01 May, 2024].

     Transportation calculators

Driving Calculator

Quick links, driving calculator.

Travelmath provides driving information to help you plan a road trip. You can measure the driving distance between two cities based on actual turn-by-turn directions. Or figure out the driving time to see if you need to stop overnight at a hotel or if you can drive straight through. To stay within your budget, make sure you calculate the cost of driving based on your car's gas mileage. If you're meeting a friend in the middle, you can find the halfway point between cities. If you're driving cross-country, find the best stopping points for your road trip.

You can look for cities near any location including airports, landmarks, and other cities. If you have a particular distance or travel time, you can search for cities within a radius .

Home  ·  About  ·  Terms  ·  Privacy

Compare rental car deals to find the right one.

Compare other travel sites, book with flexibility, track prices, filter for what you want, search rental cars by destination, find car rentals.

Save money on rental cars by searching for car rental deals on KAYAK. KAYAK searches for rental car deals on hundreds of car rental sites to help you find the cheapest car rental. Whether you are looking for an airport car rental or just a cheap car rental near you, you can compare discount car rentals and find the best deals faster at KAYAK. KAYAK also compares deals for many different car types. Whether you’re looking for luxury car rentals , SUV rentals , van rentals , pickup truck rentals , convertible car rentals , cargo van rentals or minivan rentals, you’ll find them all on KAYAK.

Orlando Rental Cars

• Hunters Creek car rentals
• Orlovista car rentals
• Windermere car rentals
• Doctor Phillips car rentals
• Buena Ventura Lakes car rentals
• Lockhart car rentals
• Alafaya car rentals
• Bay Lake car rentals
• Lake Hart car rentals
• Goldenrod car rentals
• Union Park car rentals
• Belle Isle car rentals $10+
• Sanford car rentals $22+
• Kissimmee car rentals $22+
• Lake Buena Vista car rentals $22+
• Celebration car rentals $27+
• Winter Park car rentals $27+
• Oak Ridge car rentals $28+
• Oviedo car rentals $29+
• Maitland car rentals $29+
• Four Corners car rentals $30+
• Winter Haven car rentals $31+
• Lake Mary car rentals $32+
• Holden Heights car rentals $32+
• Williamsburg car rentals $32+

Denver Rental Cars

• Foxfield car rentals
• Thornton car rentals $26+
• Westminster car rentals $28+
• Glendale car rentals $31+
• Federal Heights car rentals $34+
• Sheridan car rentals $36+
• Wheat Ridge car rentals $46+

Boston Rental Cars

• Chestnut Hill car rentals
• Everett car rentals
• Waltham car rentals $15+
• Norwood car rentals $32+
• Chelsea car rentals $33+
• Medford car rentals $33+
• Needham car rentals $33+
• Newton car rentals $36+
• Winthrop car rentals $41+

Phoenix Rental Cars

• Litchfield Park car rentals
• Anthem car rentals
• Gilbert car rentals $24+
• Mesa car rentals $25+
• Scottsdale car rentals $26+
• Tempe car rentals $28+
• Queen Creek car rentals $29+

San Diego Rental Cars

• Lemon Grove car rentals $20+
• Santee car rentals $20+
• La Mesa car rentals $20+
• Encinitas car rentals $24+
• Del Mar car rentals $24+
• Solana Beach car rentals $40+
• Coronado car rentals $46+

Brooklyn Rental Cars

• Woodmere car rentals
• Hoboken car rentals $17+
• Queens car rentals $17+
• Bayonne car rentals $23+
• Inwood car rentals $29+
• West New York car rentals $38+
• Union City car rentals $52+

Dallas Rental Cars

• Irving car rentals $24+
• Mesquite car rentals $27+
• Grand Prairie car rentals $29+
• Euless car rentals $30+
• Farmers Branch car rentals $32+
• Coppell car rentals $35+
• Colleyville car rentals $42+

New York Rental Cars

• Union City car rentals
• Tenafly car rentals
• Bronxville car rentals $24+
• Carteret car rentals $28+
• Elmont car rentals $29+
• Edgewater car rentals $30+
• North Bergen car rentals $30+
• Little Ferry car rentals $38+
• Fairview car rentals $40+

San Francisco Rental Cars

• Colma car rentals
• South San Francisco car rentals $7+
• Burlingame car rentals $27+
• Sausalito car rentals $28+
• Emeryville car rentals $30+
• San Bruno car rentals $34+
• Daly City car rentals $35+

Chicago Rental Cars

• Blue Island car rentals $18+
• Oak Park car rentals $28+
• Skokie car rentals $28+
• Mount Prospect car rentals $28+
• Rolling Meadows car rentals $29+
• Harwood Heights car rentals $33+
• Berwyn car rentals $38+

Seattle Rental Cars

• Lake Forest Park car rentals
• Des Moines car rentals
• Burien car rentals
• Edmonds car rentals
• Mercer Island car rentals
• SeaTac car rentals $15+
• Renton car rentals $18+
• Redmond car rentals $20+
• Bothell car rentals $24+
• Bellevue car rentals $24+
• Kirkland car rentals $24+
• Shoreline car rentals $27+
• Federal Way car rentals $27+
• Newcastle car rentals $28+
• Kent car rentals $28+
• Woodinville car rentals $28+
• Auburn car rentals $28+
• Tukwila car rentals $30+
• Kenmore car rentals $30+

Miami Rental Cars

• South Miami Heights car rentals
• South Miami car rentals
• Fisher Island car rentals
• The Hammocks car rentals
• Hialeah car rentals $29+
• Hallandale car rentals $30+
• Miami Lakes car rentals $33+

Washington, D.C. Rental Cars

• Kensington car rentals
• Alexandria car rentals $22+
• Silver Spring car rentals $29+
• Hyattsville car rentals $29+
• Oxon Hill car rentals $31+
• Brookmont car rentals $32+
• National Harbor car rentals $36+

Salt Lake City Rental Cars

• Holladay car rentals
• North Salt Lake car rentals
• Taylorsville car rentals
• West Valley City car rentals $29+
• South Salt Lake car rentals $29+
• Millcreek car rentals $32+
• Murray car rentals $34+

Los Angeles Rental Cars

• Monrovia car rentals
• Lawndale car rentals
• Alhambra car rentals
• Sherman Oaks car rentals
• Temple City car rentals
• Hermosa Beach car rentals
• Beverly Hills car rentals $20+
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• Santa Clarita car rentals $21+
• Pasadena car rentals $21+
• Monterey Park car rentals $22+
• San Gabriel car rentals $23+
• Rosemead car rentals $23+
• Culver City car rentals $24+

Las Vegas Rental Cars

• Winchester car rentals
• Summerlin South car rentals
• Nellis AFB car rentals
• Whitney car rentals
• Henderson car rentals $25+
• North Las Vegas car rentals $26+
• Paradise car rentals $28+
• Spring Valley car rentals $29+
• Sunrise Manor car rentals $32+
• Enterprise car rentals $34+

Fort Lauderdale Rental Cars

• Broadview Park car rentals
• Coconut Creek car rentals
• Dania Beach car rentals $11+
• Pompano Beach car rentals $27+
• Davie car rentals $28+
• Margate car rentals $29+
• Lauderhill car rentals $29+
• Lauderdale-by-the-Sea car rentals $29+
• Plantation car rentals $29+
• Hollywood car rentals $30+
• Lauderdale Lakes car rentals $30+
• Hollywood Beach Gardens car rentals $32+
• North Lauderdale car rentals $34+
• Wilton Manors car rentals $44+

Atlanta Rental Cars

• Peachtree Corners car rentals
• Clarkston car rentals
• Chamblee car rentals $29+
• Smyrna car rentals $32+
• Riverdale car rentals $36+
• Panthersville car rentals $38+
• Dunwoody car rentals $42+

Tampa Rental Cars

• Greater Northdale car rentals
• Seffner car rentals
• Citrus Park car rentals $27+
• Oldsmar car rentals $30+
• Pinellas Park car rentals $31+
• Carrollwood car rentals $32+
• Temple Terrace car rentals $33+

Houston Rental Cars

• Humble car rentals $20+
• Seabrook car rentals $28+
• Cinco Ranch car rentals $30+
• West University Place car rentals $32+
• Cypress car rentals $34+
• Jersey Village car rentals $42+
• Bellaire car rentals $42+

Portland Rental Cars

• Metzger car rentals
• Milwaukie car rentals $22+
• Tigard car rentals $22+
• Clackamas car rentals $24+
• Tualatin car rentals $27+
• Aloha car rentals $27+
• Happy Valley car rentals $28+

Frequently asked questions

How does kayak find such low rental car prices.

KAYAK compares rental car prices from all major car rental companies such as Thrifty, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, Payless and more to find you the best deal.

How do I find the best car rental deals on KAYAK?

A simple rental car search at https://www.kayak.com/cars scans for prices on hundreds of travel sites in seconds. We gather car rental deals from across the web and put them in one place. Then on the search results page you can use various filters to compare your options for your preferred rental car type and easily choose the best car rental deal from all of the deals coming straight from the travel sites to your screen, with no extra fee from KAYAK.

What is special about comparing rental car deals on KAYAK?

Looking for the lowest price? We can make that happen. Our car rental price sort gives you quick access to the cheapest and/or the most expensive deals—it’s your trip, so it’s up to you. Sometimes, the same rental car deal will be available on several provider sites. All of these providers are made visible for you to choose from, but we highlight one main car rental provider based on things like customer popularity or ratings.

What kind of cars can I rent on KAYAK?

On KAYAK you can find deals on all types of rental cars including small, medium, large, SUV, van, luxury, pickup truck, convertible and commercial vehicles.

What do I need to know before booking a car rental?

Renting a car can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time or you’re renting in a new country. Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).

What is the minimum age to rent a car?

The minimum legal age to rent a car depends on the country where you’re renting. In the USA and Canada, drivers must typically be at least 21. However, some states and provinces allow drivers as young as 18 years old to rent a car. In Europe and Asia, the minimum age varies between 18 to 21 years old but some agencies might require drivers to be at least 25. Keep in mind that most agencies add daily fees for renters below 25 years old.

Can I return a rental car to a different location?

You want to pick up a car rental in one city and drop it off in another location? We can arrange that for you. When performing a car rental search on KAYAK, simply select the option "Different drop-off". You'll then be able to enter both your desired pick-up and drop-off locations. Most car rental agencies call this option a "one-way rental" and charge a return fee.

Can new drivers rent a car?

New driver policies vary for each car rental agency. While some require renters to hold a driver’s license for a minimum of 1 year, others only ask for a valid driver’s license for the duration of the rental period. We recommend new drivers to confirm the requirements directly with the rental agency.

Can I rent a car without a credit card?

Renting a car without a credit card is less common but not impossible. Many agencies allow debit card car rentals from airport locations as long as you provide proof of return travel. Be aware that the agency might run a credit check on you and will most likely place an authorized hold on your account as a security deposit. If you plan on paying with a debit card, it’s always a good idea to check the conditions with the rental agency before booking.

Can I drive cross country in a rental car?

In the USA, it's typically not an issue to drive across state lines or to cross the border to Canada. However, you'll most likely pay an extra insurance fee if you want to travel to Mexico. Similar rules apply to Europe, as you'll need to cover a cross-border fee if you want to cross from one country to another. Failing to do so will most likely invalidate your car rental insurance. Crossing borders in Africa and Asia is generally more difficult and additional border documentation is necessary. We recommend always informing the rental agency about your planned itinerary.

Is it cheaper to rent a car at the airport or off-site?

You will generally find the best deals if you select an off-site airport location. Airport car rental agencies offer a very convenient option for renters who want to pick up a car directly on-site. However, as demand is often higher, prices also tend to get slightly more expensive. Some off-site rental agencies offer shuttle service from the airport.

Search cheap rental cars with KAYAK. Search for the cheapest rental car deal for all major destinations around the world . KAYAK searches different travel sites to help you find and book the rental car deal that suits you best.

KAYAK also helps you find the right hotels and train and bus deals for your needs.

Route planner

Driving directions.

The route deemed to be the safest and simplest with minimal scope for error along the way. The default recommended route from Michelin.

The route offering the shortest distance to a destination via the most accessible roads. Journey times for this option will tend to be longer.

The most fuel-efficient route that also avoids toll roads.

My cost options

• B7 (Diesel)
• E5 (Unleaded)
• E85 (superethanol)
• CNG (Biomethane)
• H2 (Hydrogen)

My route options

• E5 (Unleaded) €1.700
• Route : Fast
• Distance in : Kilometres
• No restrictions
• Route from this place
• Directions to this place
• Route via this place
• Nearby hotels
• Nearby restaurants

Arrive at %{address} Organise your trip

Accommodation, other services, restaurants at %{address}.

• See restaurants from the Michelin selection

Tourist Attractions at %{address}

• View the must-see tourist sites

Renting a car, an attractive proposition for the holidays

Monthly Report

Eco-mobility

Keep in contact

My michelin account.

Work in progress.

Distance Calculator Between Cities for Precise Driving Distances

Efficiently find the distance between cities, including driving distances, estimated travel times, and detailed route maps for any journey in the USA, from cross-country adventures to short drives.

This distance calculator, covering the United States, North America, and worldwide, simplifies your travel planning. Enter your start and end points in the "From" and "To" fields — accepting city names, addresses, or GPS coordinates — and click "Calculate" to get started.

Customize your journey with "Fuel consumption" and "Fuel price" for cost estimates, and use the crosshair icon for map selections. Dive into "Advanced options" to add stops or adjust speeds, tailoring the trip to your pace and ensuring accurate travel time predictions.

Driving Distance Between Two Cities: US Route Examples

• Distance from Dallas to Houston
• Distance from Austin to Houston
• Distance from Seattle to Portland
• Distance from Dallas to San Antonio
• Distance from San Francisco to Sacramento
• Distance from San Francisco to San Diego
• Distance from Dallas to Chicago
• Distance from Houston to New Orleans
• Distance from Denver to Chicago
• Distance from New York to Chicago

Route Planner for Estimating Distance Between Two Points

Family Vacation Planning : Families planning summer vacations can use the distance calculator to plan their route, estimate fuel costs based on their car's fuel consumption, and calculate budget needs, ensuring a cost-effective and enjoyable journey.

Business Travel Optimization : Professionals can plot the most efficient routes for their business trips, incorporating distance calculations to manage time effectively and budget for travel expenses accurately.

Logistics and Freight Management : Long-haul truckers and freight forwarders can utilize the tool to map out routes between cities, estimate mileage, and calculate transportation costs based on company tariffs, optimizing delivery schedules and pricing.

Meeting Halfway : Friends living in different cities can find a central meeting point by calculating the halfway distance between their locations, making it easier to arrange reunions and share new adventures together.

Explore Functions of the City-to-City Distance Calculator

City distances evolve annually with the construction of new roads, highways, and bridges.

Our online Distance Between Cities Calculator complements your preferred GPS navigator by allowing you to map out your route in advance, while your GPS assists during the drive.

The calculator utilizes OSM data and incorporates key Google Maps functionalities, including:

• Viewing distances and routes on a map for a comprehensive journey overview.
• Interactive map features like zoom, drag-and-drop, and full-screen mode.
• Route customization by adjusting markers directly on the map or adding stops via addresses.
• Distance calculations in either kilometers or miles, with unit preferences adjustable in the menu.

Exclusive features of our calculator include:

• The ability to print, save as PDF/PNG, or export routes to GIS and GPS formats such as GPX, KML, and GeoJSON .
• A route scheme offering a sequence of cities and timing for passing intermediate cities, an efficient alternative to detailed turn-by-turn directions for long distances.
• Fuel cost estimation adaptable to various fuel types. Just input your vehicle's fuel efficiency.
• Capability to generate distance matrices, savable in Excel format, for comprehensive planning.

USA, North America, and Worldwide Coverage

138,192 localities covered in United States. 1,971,411 localities worldwide.

This service measures the distance between cities around the world and is available in several languages:

• English ca.drivebestway.com Canada Mileage Calculator
• Spanish www.mejoresrutas.com Traza tu ruta por México
• Portuguese www.melhoresrotas.com Calculadora de distância entre cidades do Brasil
• English au.drivebestway.com Aussie Distance Calculator
• English gb.drivebestway.com UK Road Distance Calculator
• Spanish es.mejoresrutas.com Calcular ruta entre ciudades españolas
• Spanish ar.mejoresrutas.com Calcular distancia entre ciudades argentinas
• Spanish co.mejoresrutas.com Calcular distancia entre ciudades colombianas
• Spanish us.mejoresrutas.com Calcular distancia entre ciudades de EE. UU.
• Spanish cl.mejoresrutas.com Calcular km entre ciudades chilenas
• Spanish pe.mejoresrutas.com Distancia entre dos puntos en Perú
• Spanish ve.mejoresrutas.com Distancia entre dos puntos en Venezuela
• Spanish br.mejoresrutas.com Distancia entre ciudades brasileñas
• Portuguese pt.melhoresrotas.com Calculadora de distância entre cidades em Portugal
• French www.bonnesroutes.com Calculateur de distance France
• French ca.bonnesroutes.com Calculateur de distance Canadien
• German www.besterouten.com Routenplaner Deutschland
• Polish www.najlepszetrasy.com Kalkulator odległości drogowych w Polsce
• Czech www.dobracesta.com Kalkulačka vzdálenosti mezi českými městy
• Italian www.percorsomigliore.com Calcola distanze chilometriche in Italia
• Malay www.pandujalanterbaik.com Pengiraan jarak antara bandar di Malaysia
• Dutch www.besteroutes.com Afstand meten in Nederland
• Turkish www.duzgunyolusec.com Türkiye şehirler arası mesafe hesaplama
• Dutch be.besteroutes.com Afstand berekenen tussen Belgische steden
• German be.besterouten.com Routenplaner Belgien Auto
• French be.bonnesroutes.com Calculateur de distance belge
• French ch.bonnesroutes.com Calculateur de distance Suisse
• German ch.besterouten.com Routenplaner Schweiz
• German at.besterouten.com Routenplaner Österreich

How Driving Distance Is Calculated Between Two Locations

Algorithm for calculating driving distances between cities.

This route calculation tool harnesses the power of shortest path search algorithms within a weighted road graph, employing sophisticated algorithms like Dijkstra, A-Star, and Contraction Hierarchies . Unlike conventional calculators that use distance or travel time as the graph weight, our system optimizes drive time for vehicles, favoring routes on higher-class roads for a smoother journey.

The backbone of this tool is built on OpenStreetMap data, ensuring our road graphs are accurate and up-to-date. We calculate distances between road segments with the haversine formula , using precise GPS coordinates to measure the Great Circle Distance. This formula is pivotal for calculating "air distance" or "straight line distance" between two points, taking into account the curvature of the Earth.

Road distances, however, diverge from straight line distances due to the natural curvature and layout of roads . To address this, roads are represented as segmented lines, and the haversine formula is applied to each segment, allowing for precise calculation of the journey length between any two points.

Recognizing that cities encompass large areas, our tool selects a central point within each city for distance calculations between cities. For personalized route planning, users can specify exact addresses or select points on the map. Additionally, the route's start and end points can be adjusted directly on the map for enhanced customization.

Travel time calculations break down the route into segments, evaluating the maximum permitted speed for each segment to estimate the fastest possible travel time.

It’s important to note that while our route calculation relies on advanced computer modeling for accuracy, no model is perfect. We encourage users to plan with a margin for adjustment to ensure a reliable and efficient journey.

Alternative Methods for Distance Calculation Between Two Addresses

One simple way to measure distance is by using a highway atlas. By tracing a route with your eye and rolling a curvimeter along it, you can gauge the distance. Estimating travel time involves assuming an average speed of 50 miles/hour on major intercity roads. Although this method provides rough estimates, it's straightforward.

In the absence of a curvimeter, a ruler can serve as a substitute. Start by aligning the ruler's zero mark with your route's beginning and follow the road's bends closely. Then, translate the measured length into kilometers or miles using the map's scale, which is typically provided in the atlas.

For those seeking a more streamlined approach, pre-calculated distance tables specifically for the USA are available on websites, atlases, and guidebooks. Particularly useful for journeys between major cities, these tables streamline planning, although they may omit smaller locales.

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How to Calculate Cost of Travel

Last Updated: September 27, 2023

This article was co-authored by Greg Guiteras . Greg Guiteras is the CEO of Lorraine Travel, LLC, one of the largest privately-owned travel management companies in Florida founded in 1948. With over 34 years of experience, Greg's specialties are in corporate travel management, sales and marketing, contract negotiations, strategic partnerships, and luxury hotel sales. Greg holds a BS in Marketing from Florida State University. Greg has also created WhataHotel!, a website offering exclusive perks on hotel bookings, and CabinMate, an app that matches single cruise travelers with potential cabin matches "in the same boat" to avoid traveling solo on a cruise. This article has been viewed 150,051 times.

Calculating your travel costs can help you plan and organize your trip, and though it may seem difficult or confusing, it’s actually pretty easy to do. Look into the cost of lodging, vehicle rentals, fuel costs, flight costs, and any other expenses you may incur. Gather all of your costs together and keep them organized so you can plan for expenses and calculate your costs. You can also use a formula to figure out your fuel costs if you’re driving to your destination.

Calculating Your Travel Budget

• Use a spreadsheet to organize costs, make plans, and keep a checklist of items.
• Write down any expenses that you make or plan to make in the document.

• You can also estimate your budget based on other round trip ticket prices. For example, if you’re in the US, you could calculate round trip tickets across the country at around $500.
• Look for roundtrip ticket deals that bundle your flights together.
• Compare rates of round trip flights online so you can find the most affordable option.

• For example, if a rental company charges $50 a day, and you need to rent a vehicle for 3 days, then you’ll need to budget at least $150 for rental costs.
• If you’re traveling far, choose the vehicle with the best mileage so you can save on fuel costs.

• Search online to determine the type of travel you’ll use.
• Find out the costs of using the transportation, whether it’s a rental fee or a ticket price, and estimate how much you’ll need to budget for it. For example, if you plan to take a ferry to visit a remote island at least 4 times, and the ticket prices are $5 per trip, then you can budget $20 for ferry tickets.
• If you’re unsure of how to arrange for transportation at your destination, contact a travel agency and ask them to assist you. You’ll have to pay them for their services, but they’ll be able to fully assist you!

• For instance, if you plan to stay at a hotel that costs $100 a night, and you plan to stay for 5 days, then you’ll need to budget $500 to stay there for the duration.
• Calculate your total lodging costs by adding together the total amounts of each place you plan to stay.
• You can find rental rates for many hotels on their website.

• Check to see if there are any restaurants that you plan to visit so you can adjust your food costs based on the prices of the restaurant.
• If you plan to eat on the airplane, contact the airline to find out the cost of meals.

Tip: A good rule of thumb is to figure about $20 of food costs per person for a full day of traveling.

• Try to think of any miscellaneous costs that you may have such as toll roads or baggage fees.

Budgeting Fuel Costs

• Put together all of the driving trips you plan to take to get a total traveling distance.

• For example, if you’re going to Kansas, you plan to drive a total of about 200 miles (320 km), and your rental car gets about 20 miles (32 km) per gallon of fuel, then you’ll need to purchase a total of about 10 gallons (38 L) of fuel in order to get around.

• For instance, if you need about 10 gallons (38 L) of fuel to travel around and the cost of fuel is about $3.00 per gallon, then you’ll need to spend about $30.00 on fuel.

Tip: If you’re traveling for business or you plan to be reimbursed for your expenses, keep your receipts so you can be reimbursed and calculate your mileage for tax purposes.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/budget-spreadsheet-advice-2018-4
• ↑ https://familytravelsonabudget.com/budget/how-to-estimate-travel-expenses/
• ↑ https://travel-made-simple.com/how-to-make-a-travel-budget/

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Ay, car-rumba.

A new study shows the cost of travel has skyrocketed since 2019 — with rental car prices far and away the most inflated, compared to pre-COVID.

NerdWallet found that the expense of having your own wheels away from home was a whopping 39.3% higher in March 2024 versus five years ago, in March 2019 — and that’s after an 8.8% decline from March 2023.

The research revealed that Chicago’s O’Hare was the priciest airport for car rentals, with an eye-watering average weekly rate of $671.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport came in second at $598, then Las Vegas’ Harry Reid Airport at $588. Los Angeles International Airport was priced at $568 — just slightly above Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s $566.

Researchers found Enterprise to be the cheapest and National to be the most expensive.

They also noted that booking in advance was more costly than at the last minute, when rental car companies are now sometimes found offering better deals.

Although rental cars saw the steepest increase, there are plenty of other culprits keeping the cost of hitting the road higher than normal.

Restaurant prices have soared for example, by 29.3% between 2019 to 2024. During the past year alone, they’ve risen 4.2%.

Tickets to plays, movies, and concerts also shot up 22.6% — 5% more than a year ago.

Hotel rooms are far from immune.

Over the five-year period, lodging costs increased by 16.3% . They have risen by 6.7% between February and March of this year.

The biggest shock, however, is that airfare has only increased 2.6% during the past five years.

It is currently down 7.1% from 2023. American and Southwest both announced losses in the first quarter of 2024; Southwest said it will limit hiring and pull out of four airports as a result.

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Fact Check Team: As temperatures rise, so too may gas prices

by COURTNEY RAU AND KONNER MCINTIRE | The National Desk

WASHINGTON (TND) — Summer is around the corner and if you plan to travel by car, you may notice higher prices at the pump.

According to data from AAA , the national average gas price as of May 1 is $3.66 per gallon.

The national average is about 12 cents higher than a month ago and five cents higher than this time last year. But, prices are relatively low compared to surges in 2022 and 2023. For example, on June 16, 2022, prices were $5.02 per gallon.

However, in some states, prices have hit roughly $5 per gallon. In Seattle , for example, prices are $4.91, which is higher than the national average and Washington state’s average of $4.69.

Gas costs more than $4 per gallon in seven states. California has the highest gas prices at an average of $5.39 per gallon, followed by Hawaii at $4.81, Washington at $4.69, Nevada at $4.56 and Oregon at $4.51.

Meanwhile, 35 states are seeing prices lower than the national average. Mississippi has the lowest prices at $3.11 per gallon, followed by Oklahoma at $3.18, Arkansas at $3.19, Colorado at $3.19 and Louisiana at $3.21.

Gas prices tend to rise in the spring and summer months because people start to travel more during the warmer months, which means an increase in demand. Also, gas stations switch to their summer-grade fuel, which is more expensive to produce and therefore drives up prices.

Skip the Extra Costs: Here's How to Avoid 5 Sneaky Car Rental Fees

• When it comes to car rentals, there’s a lot more than the base rate to consider when you’re comparing costs.
• Here are five hidden car rental fees that can impact the total price, and ways to spend less.

It happens all the time: You’re searching for a rental car and you see a rate that looks appealing, but once you complete your reservation (or even worse, once you see your final bill) that reasonable per-day price doesn’t seem so reasonable anymore. That’s because of all the extra car rental fees that get tacked on to the base price.

Whether you think of them as hidden car rental fees or sneaky add-ons, there are a lot of optional car rental fees that can get rolled into your final cost, and they can sometimes depend entirely on which airport or rental company you choose.

COMPARE AND SAVE:  10 Best Car Rental Booking Sites for Cheap Prices

How to Avoid Sneaky Car Rental Fees

“What consumers may think are ‘hidden fees’ are actually explained in the rental policy, which is why it’s so important to read it,” says Lucy Bueti, Vice President, Rental Cars for  Priceline . “My best piece of advice would be to always read through the rental car company’s rental policy and rules prior to booking, as fees or additional charges will vary from one company and one situation to another.”

Ready to look under the figurative hood? Here are four common rental car fees to watch out for—and how to avoid them.

1. Fees for Renting at the Airport

It often costs rental car companies extra to operate at airport locations, and some local, county, and state governments add on additional tourism-related taxes beyond the airport fee. “The rental car companies are just going to pass on those costs to the traveler,” says Sally French, a travel expert at NerdWallet. In fact, a NerdWallet analysis in 2022 found that it’s about 26 percent more expensive to rent a car at the airport compared to renting from a nearby location.

EXTRA RENTAL CAR INSURANCE?: Which Optional Car Rental Fees Can You Skip?

How to Avoid Airport Rental Car Fees

The simple solution is to price out a car rental at an off-site location not too far from the airport to see if it’s cheaper. When you’re calculating the total price, just don’t forget to factor in the cost of an Uber or Lyft ride to the rental site, along with making the mental calculation of how much the extra time is worth to you.

It may also save you money to pick up the car at a downtown location but return it to the airport. “It’s often not more expensive to return the car at the airport, so you only have to deal with the inconveniences one time,” notes Chris Hutchins, host of the podcast All the Hacks .

2. Extra Driver Fees

If you want the flexibility that comes with allowing multiple people to get behind the wheel of your rental, you may end up paying an extra fee. “Some states mandate a free second driver in certain circumstances, while others do not,” says Priceline’s Bueti. “Car rental companies themselves may impose an extra charge for additional drivers, while others may waive that fee as a policy or from time to time as a promotional inclusion.”

SUN AND SAND: 10 Best All-Inclusive Beach Resorts in the World

How to Avoid Extra Driver Fees

Joining a car rental company’s loyalty or rewards program can sometimes eliminate extra driver fees for spouses or domestic partners. Companies like  Dollar ,  Hertz ,  Sixt , and  Thrifty  offer this perk for members (some with policies that vary depending on the rental and location, so check to make sure your situation applies). Some companies also waive the second-driver fee for spouses/domestic partners if you’re an AAA or AARP member.

If you’re a Costco member, renting a car through  Costco Travel can also be a good move. The additional driver fee is waived for rentals with Avis and Budget in the United States and for rentals with Alamo and Enterprise in the U.S., Canada, U.K., France, Germany, Ireland, and Spain.

3. Fee for Drivers Under Age 25

Rental car companies typically charge an added fee for drivers under the age of 25—often referred to as the Under 25 fee—as younger renters are considered to be higher-risk drivers. The average young driver surcharge is about $25 per day, but can go as high as $50 based on the rental location, company, and type of car.

BEST TRIP EVER: 50 Best Family Vacation Ideas for All Ages

How to Avoid the Young Driver Surcharge

For AAA members who rent through Hertz , the young driver fee is waived (Hertz’ standard daily fee for drivers 25 years and younger is about $20). USAA members can also get this perk with certain car rental brands . Another strategy is to price out the young driver fee at different rental companies, then compare it to car sharing services like  Getaround  and  Zipcar , which charge tiered fees for drivers that decrease the older the driver is. If you’re under 25, it’s important to do this research well in advance since in addition to additional fees, most companies have a minimum age to rent or a limited set of car classes, so you may have fewer options to begin with.

4. Cancellation Fees for Prepaid Rates

When searching for a rental car , you might be tempted by a lower rental car price that’s only available if you prepay for a reservation. But read the rules and policies on this carefully, as you’re typically charged a fee if you need to cancel your reservation. 

How to Avoid Cancellation Fees

“I try not to prepay,” says Hutchins. “Things change, rates change, plans get canceled. The small savings is often not worth it, unless I’m traveling on very certain dates and to somewhere where I expect cars to sell out.”

5. One Way Car Rental Fees

The one way car rental drop fee is a slippery one because it’s unpredictable—sometimes it’s charged by rental agencies and other times it’s not. What that means is that you’ll need to do a bit of comparison to figure out how much it would impact the price of the rental. To do this, price out a rental that starts and ends at the same location and then compare that to the price if you rent a vehicle from one location and drop it in another.

How to Avoid One Way Car Rental Fees

The only way around this one is to pick up and drop off your rental car in the same place. But in many cases, a slightly higher car rental price might be worth it; for instance if flying into one destination and out of another saves you money on airfare or is just a better fit for your vacation, or if you’re taking a one-way road trip. But it’s worth knowing if part of the rental rate is that rental car drop fee.

More from FamilyVacationist:

• 10 Best Hotel Booking Sites for Cheap Prices
• 16 Best Flight Booking Sites for Cheap Airfares
• 19 Best Vacation Rental Sites for Cheap Prices

The post Skip the Extra Costs: Here’s How to Avoid 5 Sneaky Car Rental Fees appeared first on FamilyVacationist .

Introduction to AXA Travel Insurance

• Coverage Options Offered by AXA
• AXA Assistance USA Cost

AXA Customer Service Reviews

Compare axa travel insurance.

• Why You Should Trust Us

AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance Review 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Travel insurance is important because it can help cover the cost of unexpected medical expenses while you're traveling. It can also reimburse you for lost or stolen baggage, canceled flights, and other unforeseeable problems that may occur while you're away from home.

Simply put, there's a lot to consider.

But not all policies are created equal, and you must understand what you're covered for before you purchase a policy. This article will look in-depth at AXA Assistance USA travel insurance. We'll discuss the costs, coverage limits, exclusions, and more to help you make an informed decision about whether or not this particular travel insurance provider is right for you.

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

AXA Assistance USA is among the best travel insurance companies . It covers the fundamentals of travel insurance, with coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, and emergency medical/non-medical evacuation. With three plans, AXA also offers coverage for travelers with various budgets.

It's worth noting that many important add-ons aren't available for AXA's cheapest Silver plan, such as pre-existing condition coverage, rental car add-ons, and Schengen travel insurance. Cancel for any reason coverage is also only available for AXA's most expensive Platinum plan. 

Coverage Options Offered by AXA 

AXA Assistance USA offers three levels of coverage: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each plan comes with different protections and varying coverage limits, with the Silver being the most basic option and Platinum offering the most premium coverage.

Some policies might even include added coverage free of charge, such as a waiver for pre-existing conditions , which is free for Gold and Platinum plans as long as you purchase your plan within 14 days of your trip deposit.

Specialized Coverage Options

The plan you purchase will determine which add-ons are available. For example, those with a Platinum plan can add CFAR (cancel for any reason) coverage , allowing you to receive a full refund if you cancel your trip within 14 days of making the initial deposit.

Or, if you want extra protection for your rental car, depending on your AXA plan, you might be able to add a collision damage waiver (CDW). Policyholders with Gold plans can add $35,000 CDW, and those with Platinum plans can include $50,000 CDW.

If you're traveling within the Schengen Territory, which is made up of 27 European countries, you may eligible for Schengen Travel Insurance, which covers you in all 27 countries. This option is only available for Gold and Platinum travelers and coverage lasts up to 90 days.

AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance Cost

The premium you pay will depend on various factors, including the age of the travelers, destination, and total trip costs. The average cost of travel insurance is 4% to 8% of your travel costs.

After inputting some personal information, such as your age and state of residence, along with your trip details, like travel dates, destination, and trip costs, you'll get an instant quote for the plans available for your trip. And from there, it's easy to compare each option based on your coverage needs and budget.

Now let's look at a few examples to estimate AXA's coverage costs.

As of 2024, a 23-year-old from Illinois taking a week-long, $3,000 budget trip to Italy would have the following  AXA travel insurance quotes:

• AXA Silver: $83
• AXA Gold: $107
• AXA Platinum: $127

Premiums for AXA plans are between 2.7% and 4.2% of the trip's cost, well below the average cost of travel insurance. It's also relatively cheap compared to many of its competitors

AXA provides the following quotes for a 30-year-old traveler from California heading to Japan for two weeks on a $4,000 trip:

• AXA Silver: $109
• AXA Gold: $128
• AXA Platinum: $153

Once again, premiums forAXA plans are between 3.6% and 3.8%, below the average cost for travel insurance.

A 65-year-old couple looking to escape New York for Mexico for two weeks with a trip cost of $6,000 would have the following AXA quotes:

• AXA Silver: $392
• AXA Gold: $462
• AXA Platinum: $550

Premiums for AXA plans are between 6.5% and 9.2%, which is roughly in line with the average cost for travel insurance. This is to be expected, as travel insurance is often more expensive for older travelers.

How to Purchase and Manage Your AXA Policy

The process of purchasing an AXA policy is simple. After obtaining your quote, you'll need to decide which of AXA's three plans you want to buy. When you pay for your plan, be prepared to provide additional personal information, like your birthday, phone number, and address. 

Once you finalize your purchase, you'll have a 10-day free look period, in which you can cancel your policy and get your money back. 

How to File a Claim with AXA Travel Insurance

To file a claim with AXA Assistance USA, head to the claims forms online to find the appropriate form. Once you've filled out your form and gathered the required documentation, you can email them to [email protected] or send them by mail to:

AXA Assistance USA

On Behalf of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies

P.O. Box 26222

Tampa, FL 33623

If you need assistance when filing claims, AXA's claims office can be reached at 1-888-957-5015 (within the U.S.) and 1-727-450-8794 (outside the U.S.). Office hours are 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. ET on Thursdays and 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. ET on all other weekdays. 

AXA's U.S. branch has few reviews on Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau — just over 20 between the two sites. Its UK branch has over 1,100 reviews, most of which are overwhelmingly negative. However, the quality of AXA Travel Insurance UK isn't necessarily indicative of its U.S. coverage. 

In fact, on SquareMouth, where the majority of AXA U.S.'s reviews, reviews are generally positive. It received an average of 4.22 stars out of five across over 900 reviews. Customers reported that adjusting an AXA policy was easy and the customer service team was responsive. However, reviews on the claims process was more mixed, with spotty communication and long wait times. 

See how AXA travel insurance compares to top travel insurance providers.

AXA Assistance USA vs. AIG Travel Guard

When comparing AXA to Travel Guard , we'll look at the coverage levels from their mid-tier plans, the Silver plan and Travel Guard Preferred plan, respectively.

With Travel Guard Preferred plan, you'll get:

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $150,000
• Trip interruption coverage up to $225,000
• Emergency medical coverage of $50,000
• Coverage for baggage loss, theft, or damage up to $1,000
• Travel delay coverage of up to $800

Comparing those Travel Guard coverages with AXA's Silver plan, you'll see that AXA's coverage limits are a bit higher. With AXA's Silver plan you'll get $100,000 in emergency medical coverage, for example. And the baggage loss coverage limit is up to $1,500.

If you're looking for greater coverage limits, AXA makes the most sense in this scenario. But premiums will also vary based on factors like the traveler's age, trip destination, and trip cost. So you'll have to run your own numbers to make a final decision.

Read our AIG Travel Insurance review here.

AXA Assistance USA vs. Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz Travel Insurance provides single-trip and multi-trip insurance for travelers who want to go abroad for an extended period of time. And, like with all insurance, the various plans have varying degrees of coverage.

Allianz Travel Insurance's most popular single-trip option is the OneTrip Prime plan, which offers:

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $100,000
• Trip interruption coverage up to $150,000
• Emergency medical coverage for $50,000
• Coverage for baggage loss, theft or damage up to $1,000
• Travel delay coverage up to $800

Looking at AXA's mid-tier Silver plan, you'll see that, again, AXA offers more coverage for emergency medical and baggage loss, theft, or damage than Allianz Travel Insurance. That said, if cost is an essential factor for you, you'll have to get quotes using your personal trip information to make an informed decision.

Read our Allianz Travel Insurance review here.

AXA Assistance USA vs. Credit Card Travel Insurance

Already have a great travel credit card, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or American Express Platinum? Some of the standard coverages, such as rental car insurance, may be included in the card you already have. It's a good idea to research the terms of your credit card's travel protection before purchasing a separate travel insurance policy.

If you're driving to your destination and don't have any non-refundable trip expenses, the coverage from your credit card may be enough. Another time it might work is if you have health insurance covering you while abroad and you're in good health without worrying about possible medical costs.

It's essential to remember that credit card coverage is usually secondary. This means you'll have to file a claim with the other applicable insurance before filing a claim with your credit card company.

Read our guide on the best credit cards with travel insurance here.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed AXA Assistance USA

We researched AXA by evaluating its travel insurance plans compared to other plans from the top travel insurance companies. The aspects we looked at included, but were not limited to, different coverage options, claims limits, what is covered, available add-ons, and extra services for policy holders.

What's important when choosing a policy isn't just the price — it's making sure you're getting adequate coverage that meets your needs without breaking the bank. Filing a claim should also be easy and stress-free if you ever have to use your policy.

Read more about how Business Insider rates insurance products here.

AXA Assistance USA FAQs

If you're diagnosed with COVID-19 before a trip and need to cancel, AXA may cover your expenses. Additionally, a COVID-19 diagnosis during a trip may be covered under AXA's medical expense, trip interruption, and trip delay benefits. Be sure to review your policy to ensure coverage details. 

While you may extend your coverage in certain circumstances, such as extended hospitalization, and update your travel dates prior to your departure, you can't extend AXA travel insurance plans while you're traveling. 

AXA's Gold and Platinum plan cover pre-existing medical conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 14 days of your initial trip deposit. AXA's Silver plan does not cover pre-existing conditions and has a 60-day look-back period. 

You can download AXA claims forms on its website and email them to [email protected].

AXA isn't the most flexible travel insurance company and isn't great at specializing, but it offers comprehensive general coverage. Its prices aren't significantly more expensive or cheaper than its competitors.

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Drivers warned of hidden taxes and costs which ‘sneak’ up on motorists making travel unaffordable

WATCH: MAJOR car tax changes scrapped in huge U-turn

By Hemma Visavadia

Published: 22/04/2024

Drivers pay nearly £4,000 annually to own a car

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Drivers have been warned of hidden costs which are ramping up total price of owning a car as motorists now pay nearly a third more to travel on UK roads.

Prices have increased by roughly 19 per cent compared to 2020 with drivers now paying roughly £3,800 annually with car insurance adding heavily to the cost rises.

Depreciation was highlighted as one of the biggest hidden costs associated with owning a car, according to one expert who revealed how average yearly expenses surpassed £1,300.

For petrol and diesel drivers, they are still being hit with expensive fuel prices which have gone up by nearly 6p since the start of the year.

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Car insurance up by 50 per cent since last year

Andy Wood, finance expert from Tax Natives, said: “Everything from buying the car to maintaining it is more expensive.

"Depreciation continues to be the largest hidden cost of car ownership, with an average yearly expense of £1,391.

“Combined with the necessary costs of repairs and servicing, this highlights the need for car buyers to consider the total costs beyond just the original price."

“Fuel remains a major cost, with petrol and diesel drivers spending upwards of £1,000 yearly.”

Other costs, including road tax at £175, make car ownership a significant financial commitment, Wood warned.

Often overlooked charges involve parking, tolls, and permits, amounting to £29, “a small but necessary expense for many drivers” Wood remarked.

Additionally, the cost of garage rent and other services, including car washing, comes to £34 while memberships to motoring organisations such as the AA or RAC can also increase costs with drivers paying £15 annually.

Wood added: “Driving lessons, which some may get to refresh their skills and other miscellaneous car products such as anti-freeze, battery water, and cleaning materials, collectively add £20 to the total costs. It's the smaller, sometimes unexpected expenses that can sneak up on car owners."

Drivers saw premiums increase by 56.4 per cent in the year to February with drivers quoted between £500 and £749 depending on the region.

Car insurance price rises have been well documented this year, with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) working to limit the impact on customers.

Jonathan Fong, manager of general insurance policy at the ABI, said: “Insurers are aware of the financial challenges customers are facing and are determined to keep motor insurance as competitively priced as possible.”

On top of steep car insurance prices, drivers also pay insurance premium tax, which is set at 12 per cent and is a levy on general insurance premiums, this is another “hidden” costs which is ramming prices up.

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Depreciation one of the biggest hidden costs associated with owning a car

To help lower costs for drivers, the ABI revealed it has been consulting with the Government to help reduce IPT which could save motorists money.

It is estimated that the Government generated roughly £7.45billion from IPT last year with stats revealing it will surpass £8bn this year.

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