CAR HIRE
ESSENTIAL GUIDES
Compare and book car hire from over 1,700 brands in over 45,000 locations
The ultimate guide to dropping off your rental
There’s nothing worse than ending a great trip with a stressful car rental return. Long queues, surprise charges, fuel disputes, or damage claims can quickly turn a smooth drop-off into a frustrating experience. While some factors may feel out of your control, the truth is that a little preparation goes a long way.
Understanding the return process — from fuel policies and inspection procedures to after-hours drop-offs — can help you avoid unexpected fees and last-minute complications. With the right approach, returning your rental car can be quick, straightforward, and drama-free, leaving you free to focus on getting home.
Plan for the unexpected
Returning your car rental on the date and time you agreed to is the easiest way to start your return off right. Plot your route to rental supplier in advanced and consider whether you’re likely to run into traffic on your way there. This courtesy is especially appreciated by suppliers during peak holiday seasons, when they are quickly passing rentals on from one customer to the next.
If you do end up delayed for some reason, call the rental office and let them know as soon as possible that you’ll be late. Such an update may help reduce the chances of the supplier charging you for late return.
Queues at the rental office are almost always inevitable, so you’ll always want to leave yourself adequate time to line-up at the counter as well.
It’s better not to feel pressured during the drop-off process if you need to catch a flight. So, don’t forget to factor in any travel time between the car rental depot and the airport.
Other additional charges
Clean and tidy
Generally, rental suppliers don’t expect their cars to returned sparkling clean and accept normal wear and tear. As long as the car is returned in a reasonable condition, you shouldn’t find yourself trying to argue about a cleaning fee. The location, weather and length of time you had the car for will be considered by the supplier on return. So a little bit of sand is expected in beach destinations.
However, if the car is returned excessively dirty you’re likely find yourself stuck with a cleaning fee, which will be used to cover the necessary valeting. To play it safe, it’s always a good idea to sweep crumbs and sand off the seats, wipe away marks on the windows and give the car a quick wash.
Fill up the tank
Check what fuel policy you have included and then decide what to do. Once you’ve plotted your way to the car hire offices, you’ll want to make note of where the closest petrol station is to your drop-off location. If you opted for a pre-purchase policy, you won’t have to worry about this step. But if you signed a rental agreement with a full to full fuel policy, you need to return the car with a full tank of petrol. Also ask for a receipt after filling the tank, so you have proof that the tank is full, in case you need it. Read our guide to fuel policies for more detailed information.
Tip: Be sure to check the opening hours of the petrol station you plan on stopping at. You don’t want to be stuck finding an alternative at the last minute.
Take photos or videos
Just as its recommended to take a video or photos of your car hire upon collection, it’s a good idea to take a few when dropping off your rental as well. Take shots of the body, interior, fuel gauge and mileage. Having these will help if the rental company has billed you with any unexpected fees.
Pack up your things
Check under the seats, the door buckets and in the glove box to make sure that you’ve gathered everything out of the car before you hand over the keys. Also be sure to keep the policy documents you signed at the beginning of the rental with you.
The check car over
This is probably the most dreaded part of any drop off. Once you hand over your keys, a rep will take a look over the car to check for any new damage, including dents or starches to the paint, chips in the windshield and scuffs on the wheels.
If any damage which you did not cause is pointed out, have the supplier retake a look at the original condition report (where hopefully the damage is already documented) and video or photos you took at the start of the rental. Having thoroughly documented your rental on collection is the best way to get out of this situation, any proof you have can help protect you.
Some car rental companies will then give you a receipt saying the car has been returned in an acceptable condition. Not all do this, so if you don’t get this ask for one as they still may be able to give you this proof.
In the scenario where you did cause the damage, a repair fee will be taken from your deposit or you will be sent an invoice. Do take a video and / or photo of the damage, so you have a clear and unambiguous record.
Book your car hire now
Book car rental by phone
+44 203 3186 960
