I was evaluating various rental options in California. I've read in several places that there is no fee for one way rentals in California and from California to certain other states.

With some rental quotes this is true, but with others I have seen rates multiply when I had chosen a different drop off location. Whether the return location is an airport or a HLE.

So what does this talk about "free" one way rentals in California really mean? "We don't charge you a "one way fee", we just hike the base rate"?

Or would I be allowed to return the car elsewhere in California without penalty, even if my reservation says otherwise?