Katerina Swanson
When hiring a car, it's important to understand the fuel policy to avoid unexpected costs. A fair fuel policy, also known as a full-to-full or same-to-same policy, requires you to return the car with the same amount of fuel it had when you picked it up. This means you get a full tank of fuel at the start of your trip and need to refill it before returning the car, avoiding additional refuelling charges. This option offers better value compared to pre-purchased fuel policies, where you pay for a full tank upfront, which is often inflated, and may not be refunded if unused. Fair fuel policies provide flexibility and control over refuelling, allowing you to choose where to fill up and avoid inflated prices set by rental companies. However, they require you to plan refuelling before returning the vehicle.
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What You'll Learn
Fair fuel policy defined
When hiring a car, the fuel policy is an important part of the agreement. A fair fuel policy, also known as a full-to-full or same-to-same policy, requires you to return the car with the same amount of fuel it had when you picked it up. This is usually marked on your rental agreement, and it is important to check that the fuel level is correctly noted before leaving the rental station.
The full-to-full policy is often considered the best value for money as there are no additional charges, making it a good option for longer trips. You will be given the car with a full tank of fuel, and you must return it with a full tank to avoid any fees. This option allows you to choose where to buy your fuel, helping you to keep costs down by skipping inflated prices at airport petrol stations or those set by car hire companies.
A same-to-same fuel policy is also considered fair. You are not guaranteed a full tank on pickup, but you only need to top up the fuel back to the same level as when you received the car. This option may be more convenient for those who do not plan to drive long distances, as you will not need to worry about returning the car with a full tank.
In contrast, a full-to-empty policy is often considered the least value for money. With this option, you get a full tank of fuel on pickup but are charged for the entire tank upfront, often at an inflated price, and you will not be refunded for any unused fuel. This policy may be more convenient for those who do not want to worry about refuelling before returning the vehicle, but it can be costly.
It is important to carefully read the terms and conditions of your rental agreement to understand the fuel policy and any associated costs. By understanding the different fuel policies, you can choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.
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Full-to-full policy
When hiring a car, a full-to-full policy is a fuel policy that ensures you get a car with a full tank of fuel at pick-up. This means you do not have to worry about refuelling the car before you set off. When you return the car, the tank must be full as well.
This policy is recommended for customers who want complete control over what they are charged in terms of fuel. There are no hidden charges with this policy, and you will not be charged extra for fuel. However, if you are in a hurry and do not have time to refill the tank before returning the car, this deal may not work for you. You might get charged extra if the tank is not full when you return the car.
To avoid this, you can take a picture of the fuel gauge when you return the car and keep a receipt for the fuel you have purchased. Some suppliers also offer half-to-half and quarter-to-quarter fuel policies.
The full-to-full fuel policy is ideal for those who are super-organised and can plan their return journey and refuel in advance. It is also a good option for those who are cost-conscious as it can work out cheaper than the full-to-empty policy. With the latter, you pay for a full tank of fuel at the car hire desk, which is usually above the market rate. There is also an admin fee charged for this policy to cover the charges for someone to refuel the car.
The full-to-full policy came about due to customer pressure on unfair 'pay upfront' policies. It is a middle ground between full-to-empty and pick-up full, return empty. While you pay a higher fuel rate initially, you are likely to get a partial refund on unused fuel, usually based on 1/4 tank increments.
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Same-to-same policy
When hiring a car, it's important to understand the fuel policy you're signing up for. The fair fuel policy, also known as the full-to-full or same-to-same policy, is a popular option for many holidaymakers. Under this policy, you get a full tank of fuel when you pick up the car and are expected to return it with a full tank to avoid any additional fees. This gives you control over where to refuel the car, allowing you to choose more affordable options instead of paying inflated prices at airport or rental company petrol stations.
The same-to-same policy, as the name suggests, requires you to return the rental car with the same amount of fuel it had when you picked it up. This means you don't necessarily get a full tank when you collect the car, but you only need to refill it to the same level. This policy provides flexibility and cost savings, as you only pay for the fuel you use. It's important to ensure that the fuel levels are accurately noted on your rental agreement to avoid any issues during drop-off.
The same-to-same policy is particularly advantageous if you're renting a car for a short period or don't plan on driving long distances. It eliminates the need to worry about finding a petrol station before returning the car, as you can simply refuel to the original level. This can save you time and money, especially if you're returning the car at a busy airport location.
Additionally, the same-to-same policy can help you avoid paying for fuel you don't use. With some rental companies, you may end up paying inflated prices for a full tank, even if you don't use all the fuel. The same-to-same policy ensures you only pay for the fuel you consume, making it a more cost-effective option.
When opting for the same-to-same policy, it's crucial to carefully check the fuel gauge when you first get into the car. Take a picture as evidence if the fuel level is lower than expected. This will protect you from any potential disputes about the fuel level upon returning the vehicle.
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Pre-purchase full-to-empty policy
A pre-purchase full-to-empty fuel policy is a convenient option for those who want to skip the hassle of refuelling the car before returning it. This policy allows you to pick up a hire car with a full tank of fuel and return it empty. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, it can be an excellent time-saver, especially if you need a smooth run back to the airport.
Here's how it works: when you pick up your hire car, it will come with a full tank of fuel. You can then use this fuel for your journey without having to worry about refuelling. The cost of the full tank is added to your hire charges, usually at a price set by the rental company, which may be higher than the local pump price. It's important to note that you won't receive a refund for any unused fuel when you return the car. This means that if you don't use all the fuel, you will effectively be paying for fuel you didn't use.
The pre-purchase full-to-empty policy is best suited for those who plan to drive a lot and will easily use up the full tank of fuel. If you're concerned about costs, it's worth considering that the total expense of this policy could be higher than other options, especially if you don't use all the fuel. To make an informed decision, be sure to check the terms and conditions, including any admin fees or surcharges associated with the policy.
When deciding whether to choose a pre-purchase full-to-empty policy, it's essential to weigh your priorities. If convenience and a smooth journey are your top concerns, this policy may be worth the extra cost. However, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option and don't mind refuelling the car before returning it, other policies like full-to-full or same-to-same might be more suitable. These alternatives give you more control over your fuel costs and can help keep your overall expenses down.
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Partial refund policy
A fair fuel policy is a type of policy that requires you to return your hire car with the same amount of fuel you picked it up with. This is often called a full-to-full or same-to-same policy. While a full-to-full policy guarantees a full tank of fuel on pick-up, a same-to-same policy does not. However, both policies require you to refill the tank to the same level when returning the car. To avoid any issues, ensure that the fuel levels are correctly marked on your agreement.
There are other fuel policies offered by car rental companies, including:
- Full-to-empty policy: You get a full tank of fuel on pick-up and can return the car empty. This policy is often expensive as the rental company sets an inflated price for the fuel, and there is no refund for any unused fuel.
- Pre-purchase partial refund: This policy allows you to get a refund for any unused fuel. However, some companies may deduct a service charge from your refund.
When renting a car, it is important to carefully read the terms and conditions of the fuel policy to understand your options and avoid unexpected charges. Some companies may advertise low rental costs but include hidden charges in the fine print, such as requiring customers to pay for a full tank of fuel upon arrival and returning it empty without a refund.
To ensure you get the best value and avoid any issues, consider the following tips:
- Compare the prices of different rental companies and factor in the cost of fuel. A full-to-full policy may seem more expensive initially but could save you money in the long run compared to pre-purchase policies.
- Choose a fair fuel policy (full-to-full or same-to-same) to have more control over your fuel costs and avoid inflated prices set by rental companies.
- For refundable pre-purchase policies, fill up the tank before returning the car to maximise your refund. You will be refunded at the supplier's price, which is usually higher than the local pump price.
- Always check the fuel gauge when you first get into the car and take a picture if the fuel level is not as expected.
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Frequently asked questions
A fair fuel policy, also known as a full-to-full or same-to-same policy, means you get a car with a full tank of fuel and are expected to return it with the same amount of fuel to avoid refuelling charges. This is considered the best option for value and convenience, as you get to control where to top up the tank and won't be overcharged.
One alternative is a pre-purchased full-to-empty policy, where you get a full tank of fuel with the car but don't have to refill it before drop-off. This is less budget-friendly as you pay for the fuel upfront at an inflated price set by the rental company, and you won't get a refund for any unused fuel.
To avoid unexpected charges, always check that the fuel level is correctly marked on your rental agreement before leaving the rental station. Take a picture of the fuel gauge when you first get into the car in case there isn't as much fuel in the tank as there should be. Return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you collected it to avoid any refuelling charges.
