Katerina Swanson
When renting a car, you may wonder whether the cost of fuel is included in the rental price. The answer to this question depends on the specific rental company and the fuel policy you choose. Most car rental companies offer different fuel policies, such as Full to Full, Pre-purchase, and Pre-purchase (partial refund). The Full to Full policy requires you to return the car with the same amount of fuel it had when you picked it up, while the Pre-purchase option allows you to pay for a full tank of fuel upfront. The Pre-purchase (partial refund) policy offers a refund for any unused fuel, minus a service charge. Other factors, such as your budget, the duration of your rental, and the company's additional fees, can also influence your fuel policy decision.
Does car rental include fuel?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel included | No, you have to pay for the fuel yourself. The car will be full of fuel when you pick it up and you are expected to return the vehicle full of fuel. |
| Fuel policy options | Full to Full, Pre-purchase, Pre-purchase (refund), Pre-purchase (partial refund) |
| Payment methods | Credit card, debit card (less common and comes with restrictions), cash (rare and comes with stringent conditions) |
| Additional charges | Administration fee, Premium Location Surcharge, young driver surcharge, cleaning fee, traffic-infringement fee, key replacement fee, insurance |
| Other requirements | Valid driver's license, International Driving Permit (if the license is not in English), valid motor driver's license for all listed co-drivers |
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What You'll Learn
Full-to-Full fuel policy
The full-to-full fuel policy is a common policy offered by car rental companies. As the name suggests, this policy means that you pick up the car with a full tank of fuel and are expected to return it with a full tank as well. This is also sometimes referred to as a same-to-same fuel policy.
The full-to-full policy is often considered a great value for money option as it does not attract surcharges or inflated fuel prices. It is ideal for those who are planning to do a lot of driving. However, it is important to note that you will need to ensure you are able to fill up the tank just before drop-off, which may be challenging if you are returning the car late at night or if the rental counter is closed.
Compared to other policies, such as pre-purchase full-to-empty, full-to-full can be more cost-effective in the long term, even if it seems more expensive initially. With a pre-purchase policy, you pay for a full tank of fuel when you collect the car, which can be convenient if you don't want to have to fill up before drop-off. However, if you don't use all the fuel, you will essentially be paying for fuel you didn't need, which can be a waste of money.
Some companies may offer a pre-pay option with the full-to-full policy, where you can pay for a full tank of fuel at a discounted rate per gallon. This can be a good option to avoid the hassle of refuelling before returning the car, but it is usually only worth it if you know you will use most or all of the tank.
Ultimately, the best fuel policy for you will depend on your budget, how much driving you plan to do, and the specifics of your trip.
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Pre-purchase fuel policy
A pre-purchase fuel policy is when you pay for a full tank of fuel when you pick up the car. This policy is convenient if you are pressed for time or are planning to do a lot of driving. With this option, you won't have to fill up the tank before returning the vehicle, saving you time at drop-off.
However, if you only end up driving a short distance, you will lose money as you will be paying for fuel you didn't need. This is because, with a pre-purchase policy, you won't get a refund for any fuel left in the tank when you return the car.
There is an option to get a refund for any unused fuel with a pre-purchase (refund) fuel policy. This works the same as the standard pre-purchase policy, except you will get a refund for any fuel left in the tank when you return the car. Do note that the refund will likely take around 15 days to reach your account.
There is also a pre-purchase (partial refund) fuel policy, where you will get a refund for any fuel left in the tank minus a service charge.
While pre-purchase policies can save you time, they may not be the most budget-friendly option. This is because you will likely end up paying for fuel you didn't use. A full-to-full policy, where you return the car with the same amount of fuel it had when you picked it up, is often considered the most cost-effective option.
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Rental car insurance
When renting a car, you will need to pay for the fuel you use. Most hire cars come with a Full to Full policy, meaning you need to drop the car off with the same amount of fuel it had when you picked it up. However, you can choose a different policy depending on your budget, how much driving you plan to do, and when you will be dropping the car off. For example, a Pre-purchase fuel policy means you pay for a full tank of fuel when you pick up the car, which can save you time and hassle at drop-off.
Now, let's discuss rental car insurance. Rental car insurance is a separate coverage offered by rental car companies to protect you from financial liability in the event of an accident, theft, or damage to the rental car. It typically includes liability coverage, which protects you from damages or injuries you may cause to others while driving the rental car. You can also opt for a loss/collision damage waiver, which releases you from responsibility for any damage that occurs to the rental car, including theft and vandalism. Personal accident insurance is another option, which covers injuries to you and your passengers while driving the rental car. Additionally, personal effects coverage will protect your personal items if they are stolen from the rental car.
It's important to note that if you already have a personal auto insurance policy, it may provide sufficient coverage for rental cars as well. Comprehensive and collision coverage on your auto policy usually extends to rental cars, and your liability coverage will also apply. However, it's always a good idea to review your personal auto coverages before renting a car to ensure you have the necessary protection.
If you don't have a personal auto policy, you will need to purchase liability coverage from the rental car company. Additionally, you may want to consider supplementary rental car insurance from a third-party provider, such as RentalCover.com, which offers protection against theft and costly damage to your rental vehicle at a lower cost than the rental company's loss or collision damage waiver. This can include coverage for incidents like flat tires, cracked windshields, damaged headlights, lost keys, and towing.
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Additional charges
When renting a car, there are several additional charges that you may need to consider on top of the base rental rate. These charges can vary depending on the location, company, and specific circumstances of your rental. Here are some common additional charges to look out for:
Fuel Charges
While the fuel policy for rental cars can vary, the most common policy is "Full to Full," which means you need to return the car with the same amount of fuel it had when you picked it up. If you don't refill the tank before returning the car, you may be charged a refueling fee along with a hefty "convenience" charge, which can be quite costly. Some rental companies offer a pre-purchase fuel policy, where you pay for a full tank of fuel upfront, and this may be a more convenient option for certain travellers.
Airport Fees
Picking up and dropping off your rental car at the airport is convenient, but it often comes with additional charges. Car rental companies usually have to pay a concession fee to the airport and pass this cost on to the consumer. These airport surcharges can add a significant amount to your bill, sometimes totalling 10% or more of your total price. To avoid these fees, consider choosing a non-airport location for pick-up and drop-off, but be sure to factor in the cost of alternative transportation.
Taxes
Various taxes can apply to car rentals, and these can vary considerably from state to state and country to country. Sales tax, value-added tax (VAT), and local taxes like a stadium tax or "downtown arena tax" may be included in your bill. These taxes can be mandatory and can increase your final cost by a significant percentage.
Age-Related Fees
If you are under 25 or over 70, you may be subject to age-related surcharges when renting a car. For younger drivers, this can be a daily fee of around $25 or more per day. Some companies may also have restrictions on renting to drivers under a certain age, so it's important to check the age restrictions and associated fees before booking.
Extra Driver Fees
Many rental companies charge a fee for adding an additional driver to your rental agreement. This fee can vary depending on the company and location. However, some companies may waive this charge for a spouse or domestic partner, so it's worth checking their policies beforehand.
Insurance and Collision Damage Waiver
Rental car companies often offer insurance packages and collision damage waivers (CDW) as optional extras. While these can provide peace of mind in the event of an accident or damage to the vehicle, they can also increase your overall cost. Before purchasing additional insurance, check if your existing insurance or credit card provides rental car coverage.
These are just a few examples of additional charges that may apply when renting a car. It's important to carefully review the rental agreement, ask questions, and be aware of any potential hidden costs to avoid unpleasant surprises when returning your rental vehicle.
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Rental agreement
When renting a car, you will need to choose a fuel policy that suits your needs and budget. The fuel policy is part of the rental agreement and is often overlooked when renting a car. It is important to read the fine print to understand what fuel the supplier provides and how much fuel they expect to be returned with the car. Most rental cars come with a Full-to-Full policy, which means you will need to drop off the car with the same amount of fuel it had when you picked it up. This option offers great value for money as there are no surcharges or inflated fuel prices, and it is ideal if you plan to do a lot of driving. However, you will need to ensure that you are able to fill up the tank before drop-off, which may be challenging if you are returning the car late at night.
Some rental companies offer a Pre-purchase fuel policy, where you pay for a full tank of fuel when you pick up the car. This option may save you time and hassle at drop-off, especially if you are returning the car after hours. With this policy, you won't have to worry about refuelling the car before drop-off, but you won't get a refund for any fuel left in the tank. This option is good if you plan to do a significant amount of driving and don't want to worry about refuelling before returning the car.
Another variation of the Pre-purchase policy is the Pre-purchase (refund) fuel policy, where you pay for a full tank of fuel upfront and get a refund for any fuel left in the tank when you return the car. This option is convenient if you are dropping off the car when the rental counter is closed, but the refund process may take up to 15 days. Additionally, there is the Pre-purchase (partial refund) fuel policy, where you pay for a full tank and get a refund for any remaining fuel minus a service charge.
It is worth noting that local fuel rates may vary depending on the area you are renting in, and a full tank of gas is not always guaranteed. Some companies may offer a pre-pay option, where you can purchase fuel at a discounted price per gallon, but it is usually only sold in full tanks. Ultimately, the choice of fuel policy depends on your budget, how much driving you plan to do, and when you will be dropping off the car. Be sure to carefully review the rental agreement and choose the policy that best suits your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the rental company and the package you choose. Most hire cars come with a Full-to-Full fuel policy, which means that you will get a full tank of fuel when you pick up the car, and you will need to refill the tank before dropping the car off. Some companies offer a Pre-purchase fuel policy, which means that you pay for a full tank of fuel when you pick up the car, and you can get a refund for the fuel left in the tank when you drop the car off.
The best fuel policy for you depends on your budget, how much driving you plan to do, and when you will be dropping the car off. The Full-to-Full fuel policy is the most common and generally offers the best value for money. However, if you are looking to save time at drop-off or plan to use a lot of fuel, a Pre-purchase fuel policy might be better.
In addition to fuel, there may be other charges and fees associated with renting a car, such as an Administration Fee or a Premium Location Surcharge. It is important to carefully read the Rental Agreement and understand all the costs involved before signing. You may also want to consider purchasing Rental Vehicle Excess Insurance or Collision Damage Waiver to protect yourself in case of any accidents or damage to the vehicle.
