Did you know that where and when you collect and return your hire car could significantly impact the total cost? This handy guide explains the most common pick-up and drop-off fees, why rental companies charge you and how to avoid paying more than you need to.
What Are Pick Up and Drop Off Fees?
Pick up and drop off fees are additional charges that some rental companies apply depending on where and when you collect or return your hire car.
These fees are separate from optional extras like sat navs or children’s car seats and will be explained in the terms and conditions of your chosen rental company. Some of these fees are unavoidable but others can reduced or eliminated entirely if you plan well.
One Way Rental Fees
One of the most common extra charges is a one-way fee which applies when you collect the vehicle from one location and return it somewhere else.
This charge is incurred as eventually they need to return it to its original fleet location which obviously takes time, staff and transport costs. The amount they’ll charge you is most likely dependent on things like the distance between locations, vehicle type, demand, country and the rental company.
Out-of-hours Collection and Return Fees
Some rental companies charge extra if you collect or return the vehicle outside normal business hours. Reasons for needing to collect the vehicle outside of normal hours include:
Open hours vary from branch to branch and company to company. To find out if you will be charged, head to your chosen company’s website and find their out-of-hours policy.
Can You Return a Hire Car Late?
Returning your vehicle late can lead to additional charges. Lots of companies will allow a short grace period. This could be around 30 minutes but it varies between companies.
Outside of the grace period you could be charged an hourly fee, an additional day’s rental as well as administrative charges. If you know you’re running late you’ll need to contact the rental company as soon as possible. They might be able to help you.
Fuel Charges After Drop Off
This is an unexpected cost that you might face after you’ve returned the vehicle. If the fuel doesn’t match the agreement then the rental company might charge you for the missing fuel or a refueling service charge.
These charges are usually much higher than local fuel prices so whenever possible, refuel close to the location and keep your receipt until your rental has been completed.
Charges For Damage Discovered After Return
When you return the vehicle, it will be inspected and when the inspection happens, you want to make sure you’re there. Ask for any damage to be noted immediately and keep copies of return paperwork.
If damage is found later, having photographs, videos and signed paperwork can make resolving any disputes easier as well as making a claim on your car hire excess insurance.
Security Deposit Release
When you collect the vehicle, the rental company will usually place a temporary hold on your credit card. Once the car has been returned and no further charges are due, the deposit should be released.
Depending on your bank or card provider, it can sometimes take several days before the funds become available again. If the hold hasn’t been removed after a reasonable amount of time, contact the rental company first before speaking to your bank.
What If I Disagree With a Charge?
If you believe you’ve been incorrectly charged, follow these steps:
1. Contact the car hire company as soon as possible
2. Keep all receipts, photographs and rental paperwork
3. Ask for a full explanation of the charge
4. Escalate the complaint through the company’s official complaints procedure if necessary
If the issue still isn’t resolved, you might be able to use an independent dispute resolution service.
Avoiding Unexpected Pick-up and Drop-off Charges
FAQs
Usually yes but a one-way fee may apply.
Possibly. Lots of car hire companies offer a short grace period but after this, you might be charged an additional fee or even another day’s hire.
It depends on both the rental company and your card provider. The car hire company might release the hold quickly, but it can still take several days before your bank makes the funds available again.
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