You manage to return a rental car before it the designated return time. But then the rental company hits you with a whopping fee of hundreds of dollars. Why? Because you mistakenly returned the vehicle to the wrong rental location. Sound far-fetched? One traveler reported getting hit with a $932 fee for accidentally returning a car to a location a few miles from the correct one. He was able to get the fee refunded, but only after spending a significant amount of time resolving the situation. If you must return your rental car to a different location, it’s crucial that you let the company know beforehand.
Here’s how to avoid getting entangled in a similar scenario.
Why You Might Return a Car to a Different Location
There are two situations where you would return a rental car to a different location than where you picked it up. The first is for a planned, one-way rental, and the second is due to unexpected changes in your travel plans.
One-Way Rentals
In the first scenario, you are planning to pick up a car in one location and drop it off in another. One-way rentals typically involve an extra fee, but not always. This is sometimes referred to as a “drop charge” or “drop-off fee.” This fee will be included in the fine print when you make a reservation online. It can add hundreds of dollars to a standard, round-trip reservation.
With one-way rentals, you’ll almost certainly pay more than for a trip that starts and ends in the same location. However, the advantage is that there will be no surprises.
Unexpected Changes
The second situation is usually an unexpected change of plans. Family illness, itinerary changes or diverted flights are situations that may force you to return a car to a different place. Or, you might even accidentally return the car to a different location, as in the example above.
The penalty for unexpected drop-offs will vary by rental company. In some cases, the company may just adjust the total cost of your reservation to account for what is essentially a one-way rental. However, some companies, including National Car Rental, may charge additional fees for the unexpected drop-off itself.
How to Avoid Fees For Unexpected Drop-Offs
Take these steps to avoid unexpected drop-off fees on your next rental.
Call the rental company immediately.
If your plans change and require you to drop off a car at an unplanned location, call the rental car company right away. Inform them of your change in plans. Call ahead to modify the reservation so you’re not hit with a fee for an unexpected drop-off. It gives the company a heads up so they have a record of where you will be returning the vehicle.
If you already paid for a one-way rental and are planning to leave the car at the original drop-off location, you shouldn’t pay any additional fee for the drop-off.
If there’s any doubt you can return a car to the same location where you picked it up, opt for a one-way rental from the start. The fees for returning the car to a different location will be taken care of in the overall rental rate. You won’t have to worry about paying more as long as you return the car to the specified location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you require a car to travel around Europe?
The best solution to your problem depends on where you live, what you do and how you think. A typical European urban area might have different priorities to a rural one.
You should also consider how long you plan to stay in each country. An economical car might not be the best choice if you plan to travel frequently or if you intend to stay in one location for a long time.
In most cases, buying an used car is cheaper than renting one. It is often cheaper to buy a used car than rent one in Europe. You can save money on fuel costs, parking fees, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and so forth.
Another advantage is that you can drive safely knowing you own the car.
Many websites provide information about renting a car in Europe. Check out our recommendations.
Is hail damage my responsibility when I am renting a car in the United States?
The insurance company will reimburse you for any damage that is caused by natural catastrophes such as tornadoes or floods. Contact your rental agency if you’re unsure if this applies for your rental car.
Is it possible for you to rent a car and drive between Europe’s countries?
Hertz is the best place to rent a car if you’re planning on driving all over Europe. It’s much cheaper than hiring a private driver. They provide great coverage.
They also provide unlimited mileage. You can rent multiple cars to go on longer trips.
Statistics
- For canceled trips two days or shorter, a guest is charged 50% of one day’s trip cost. (insider.com)
- For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 3 percent cash back on purchases at U.S. gas stations (terms apply), and the Citi Premier® Card earns three points per dollar at gas stations, too. (afar.com)
- In 2019, the most crucial factor is the cost and fees of the rental (accounting for 28% of overall satisfaction with the rental experience), followed by the rental car itself at 25% and the pick-up process at 23%. (cnet.com)
- Automatics are more expensive (usually about 50 percent more) and may only be available if you upgrade to a bigger, pricier car. (ricksteves.com)
- You can rent an automatic but these cars can cost as much as 50% more than a manual vehicle. (earthtrekkers.com)
External Links
alamo.com
kayak.com
avis.com
sixt.com
How To
How to report an incident in a rental automobile
There’s always the possibility that something might happen while you’re driving a rented car. There are many things that could happen while driving a rented vehicle. You might be in an accident, have your luggage stolen, or worse, get hurt. In such cases, it is important to understand how to file an insurance claim.
Reporting a car accident is a requirement in the United States. Police will then be able record the details of your crash and inform you about their findings. You will be issued a ticket or made a note about the incident on the spot. Then they’ll take care of filing a claim against your driver’s license.
After an accident, you should immediately dial 911. A dispatcher will ask the basic questions and determine if anyone was injured. The dispatcher will then tell you where to go next and who to contact. In most cases, you will exchange information with the other party when dealing with an injury. You will likely get the name and number of the other party. Next, ensure everyone is well. If someone is hurt or unable to move on their own, you’ll try to help them out.
Documenting everything is important even if there was no injury. Notate the time, place and weather conditions. The type of collision. Names of all involved. Injuries sustained. You will need to seek medical attention if someone is injured. You should also keep track of any damages you cause to the vehicle of another person.
Afterward, you’ll want to follow up with your insurer. First, submit an online claim form. Your insurance provider will usually offer to pay the deductible amount before paying the rest of the claim. Once the claim is paid, you and the other driver must sign a release agreement. Finally, you will receive a check directly from the insurer.
Once you have filed a claim, it is important to follow the guidelines provided by your insurer. You should adhere to these guidelines if your insurance policy permits you to use another vehicle or allow someone to drive your rental car.
