Are you supposed to return rental cars with gas?
It’s true, car rental companies are strict about vehicles returned without a full tank of gas. They even have new technology that can detect when a gas tank isn’t completely full. The solution is to either pay for the fuel-purchase option or to refuel just before you arrive at the airport — and to keep your receipt.
How do rental car companies check gas?
Avis isn’t the only car rental company measuring fuel down to a tenth of a gallon. “Both readings are printed on the customer’s rental receipt when the vehicle is returned. Through this method, customers can clearly see exactly how much fuel they are being charged for and the amount of such charge.”
Do you have to return a rental car with a full tank of gas Avis?
Simply purchase your own fuel just before you return the car to Avis with a full tank of gas. Provide a receipt for your fuel purchase, and you’ll avoid any refueling service charge.
Do you get charged if you return a rental car dirty?
In simple terms, yes. Take your car back clean and you won’t be charged. It’s tricky to guess when a rental company might decide a car is too dirty. If a car smells of smoke when it’s returned, the rental company will charge a cleaning fee, even if the car is otherwise clean.
What happens if you return a rental car without a full tank of gas?
If a customer chooses not to refuel the vehicle to the same fuel level, they will be charged the local Enterprise rate which is typically above the local pump price. A full tank of gas is not guaranteed.
What does prepay gas mean?
Despite the convenience of paying for gasoline upfront—and not having to worry about visiting a gas station before heading to the airport—a prepaid fuel option means you’re paying for a full tank of gas, whether you use it in its entirety or not.
How does Avis measure fuel?
According to Avis, the new fuel system automatically measures and records the precise amount of gas in the tank at the time the customer exits the Avis or Budget rental facility. Both readings are printed on the customer’s rental receipt when the vehicle is returned.
How full does a rental car tank need to be?
As a purely contractual matter, many companies require you to fill up the tank within 5–10 miles of the rental site and have a receipt showing the refueling.
Do you have to clean the inside of a rental car?
Do I need to wash my rental car before returning? Usually, the answer to this question is no. One area where you might need to clean up after yourself is inside the rental car. Clear out wrappers, crumbs, and leaves from footwells and other places they tend to accumulate and brush away any collected dirt and dust.
Why do rental car companies charge so much for gas?
Demand for convenient gasoline will be much less elastic when someone other than the consumer is paying, so the price for convenient gasoline marketed to business travelers is high.
What does it mean to return a rental car with full tank?
Essentially, it means that you need to return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel it had when you collected it. You’ll have to fill up right before dropping it back with the rental car company. The car will be provided with a full tank, which you’ve already paid for.
How to avoid high fuel prices when returning a rental car?
To avoid hiked up fuel prices, check your provider’s fuel policy before signing the rental agreement and make sure you follow it before returning your rental car. This is the most common type of fuel policy from rental car providers. Essentially, it means that you need to return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel it had when you collected it.
What happens if you return a rental car after hours?
If you’re returning the car after hours because you are late, the rental car company may charge you a late fee for an extra day’s rental. To avoid hiked up fuel prices, check your provider’s fuel policy before signing the rental agreement and make sure you follow it before returning your rental car.
How do I Check my fuel policy for my rental car?
To check your fuel policy, look at the Ts & Cs of your rental, or your confirmation email. To find out more, see How to choose the right fuel policy for your rental. At airports you might see ‘Car rental returns’. If you don’t see any signs, head to where you picked your car up.