Rajan Wilcox
If you're planning a trip to the USA and are thinking of hiring a car, it's important to consider the fuel policy. While it might be easy to overlook, it could save you a lot of money in the long run. In the US, you can expect to find bigger cars, wider roads, and different driving laws, so it's worth doing your research before you go. When it comes to fuel, some companies offer a full to full policy, meaning you pay for a full tank of fuel and are expected to return it full. Other companies might offer a pre-purchase full to empty option, where you pay for a full tank in advance and return the car empty. This option is less budget-friendly, but it might be more convenient if you don't want to worry about refueling.
Characteristics and Values Table for American Hire Cars
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Policy | Full to full (or same to same), Pre-purchase full to empty, Full to empty |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Fuel Charges | Included in daily time and mileage charges |
| Fuel Cost | Comparable to the local retail pump price |
| Fuel Refunds | No refunds for unused fuel in the tank |
| Fuel Gauge | Check the fuel gauge when first getting into the car |
| Fuel Price | May be higher at the rental desk than at the pumps |
| Fuel Surcharges | May apply for certain locations or promotions |
| Fuel and Insurance | Drinking alcohol and driving may invalidate your rental insurance |
| Fuel and Mileage | Consider the mileage limit in the agreement and the distance you plan to drive |
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Fuel policies
When renting a car in the US, it is important to be aware of the fuel policy, which details the type and amount of fuel provided, as well as the expectations for returning the vehicle. Most rental companies in the US offer a variety of fuel plans, and it is worth taking the time to choose the best option for your trip.
Full-to-Full Policy
The Full-to-Full policy, also known as Same-to-Same, is a cost-effective option that offers great value for money. With this policy, you receive a full tank of fuel at the start of your rental and are expected to return the car with a full tank. This option typically does not include any surcharges or inflated fuel prices, making it a good choice if you plan to drive extensively. It is important to locate the nearest gas station to your drop-off location to ensure you can refuel before returning the vehicle.
Pre-purchase Full-to-Empty
The Pre-purchase Full-to-Empty policy offers convenience by allowing you to pay for a full tank of gas in advance and return the car empty. While this option saves you time and hassle of refueling before returning the car, it may not be the most budget-friendly choice. You will not receive a refund for any unused fuel, so it is best suited for those who plan to utilise the majority of the fuel.
Self-Service
The Self-Service option provides flexibility if you are unsure about your exact fuel needs. With this policy, you can purchase fuel as needed during your trip and simply refuel the car before returning it. Remember to keep your fuel receipts, as providing them can help you avoid any unnecessary refueling charges.
EZFuel
The EZFuel option is designed for shorter trips, covering less than 75 miles. With this policy, you pay a flat fee for fuel and return the car without having to refuel. If you do decide to refuel and provide a receipt, the EZFuel charge will be waived. However, this option may not be available at all rental locations, so it is important to check with your chosen rental company.
When renting a car in the US, it is essential to carefully review the fuel policy and choose the option that best suits your travel plans and budget. Additionally, be mindful of any mileage limits or restrictions included in your rental agreement.
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Fuel charges
When renting a car in the US, it is important to consider the fuel policy of the rental company. Fuel policies outline the fuel the company provides and how much fuel they expect to be returned with the car. Most policies fall under a "pay on collection" scheme or "return as received".
A "Full to Full" or "same to same" policy is a great value option, as there are no surcharges or inflated fuel prices. This is the best choice if you plan to do a lot of driving. When comparing the price of rentals, consider the price of fuel as well. Although a car with a "Full to Full" policy may seem more expensive initially, it could save you money in the long run compared to pre-purchase policies.
Some companies offer a "pre-purchase full to empty" option, which is less budget-friendly, but convenient if you don't want to fill the tank yourself. If you choose this option, you will pay a rate comparable to the local pump price. However, no credit will be given for unused fuel, so it is best to return the car as close to empty as possible.
If you do not choose the Fuel Service Option and return the car with less than a full tank, you will likely pay a fuel service charge. This charge is based on the number of miles driven or the amount of fuel needed to fill the tank and is usually stated in the rental agreement. To avoid this charge, you can fill up the tank yourself before returning the car and provide a receipt for the fuel purchase.
Additionally, some rental companies offer special packages or promotions that include a tank of fuel as part of the deal. For example, Avis offers a Platinum package that includes a tank of fuel, an additional driver, and GPS. It is important to review the specific rental conditions for each car, as there may be restrictions or additional charges for certain options or services.
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Refuelling options
When renting a car in the US, it's important to understand the fuel policy of your rental company. While some companies offer a "Full to Full" or "same to same" policy, others may have a "pre-purchase full to empty" option. It's also worth noting that some companies may have hidden charges or inflated fuel costs. So, be sure to do your research and read the fine print before signing any agreements.
Full to Full Policy: This option offers great value for money, with no surcharges or inflated fuel prices. It is a good choice if you plan to do a lot of driving. When you pick up the car, it will have a full tank of fuel, and you are expected to return it with the same amount of fuel. This policy is offered by companies like Enjoy Car Hire, which also provides fair fuel prices and transparent quotes on their website.
Pre-purchase Full to Empty: While this option is less budget-friendly, it can be convenient if you don't want to worry about refuelling before returning the car. You pay in advance for a full tank of gas and return the car empty. Avis Rent a Car offers this option, and their rates are comparable to local pump prices. However, be aware that you won't receive a refund for any unused fuel.
Self-Service: This option gives you the flexibility to purchase fuel whenever needed during your trip. Simply fill up the tank before returning the car and provide a receipt to avoid any refuelling service charges.
EZFuel: If you're driving less than 75 miles, this option might be convenient. For a flat fee, you can return the car without stopping at the pump. Avis Rent a Car offers this service for $15.99, although the price varies by location.
When renting a car in the US, it's important to be aware of the mileage limits and any additional charges, such as taxes, recovery fees, and customer facility charges. Additionally, remember to check the fuel gauge when you first get into the car and take a picture if the tank isn't full. This will help you avoid any unexpected charges upon return.
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Fuel level checks
When renting a car, it's important to check the fuel policy, which details the type and amount of fuel you should return the car with. It's also a good idea to check the fuel gauge when you first get into the car and take a picture if the tank isn't full. This will help you avoid being overcharged for fuel when you return the car.
If the fuel gauge in your rental car is broken, there are a few ways to estimate the fuel level:
- Refer to your car maintenance booklet to find the average fuel consumption per 100 km or miles per gallon. This will give you an idea of how far you can drive before needing to refuel.
- Check the odometer to see how many miles you've driven since your last fill-up. Most cars can go between 350 and 600 miles on a full tank, so if you're getting close to 300 miles, it's time to refuel.
- Use a dipstick to check the fuel level manually. Insert the dipstick into the fuel tank, then remove it to examine the level. However, this method may not be possible with modern car designs, which often have a fuel float mechanism instead.
- Get an OBD2 reader, which can connect to an app on your phone to show you the engine temperature and, if the float in the tank is working, the amount of fuel remaining.
- Install an UltraGauge, which has a small screen that displays instant mpg, short trip mpg, long trip mpg, and distance to empty.
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Refuelling charges
When renting a car, it's important to understand the associated costs to avoid any unexpected charges. Refuelling charges are a common additional cost that can be incurred if you're not careful. Here are some things to keep in mind to help you minimise or avoid refuelling charges:
Understand the Fuel Policy
Before renting a car, be sure to read the fine print and understand the fuel policy. The fuel policy will outline what fuel the car takes and how much fuel is expected to be in the tank when you return it. There are a few common fuel policies:
- Full to Full: This policy requires you to return the car with a full tank of fuel. This is usually a great value option as there are no surcharges or inflated fuel prices. It is a good choice if you plan on doing a lot of driving.
- Pre-purchase Full to Empty: With this policy, you pay upfront for a full tank of fuel and can return the car empty. While convenient, this option is typically more expensive as you may be paying a higher price per litre than at a local gas station.
- Pay on Collection or Return as Received: These policies usually fall under a "you get what you give" system. The car will be provided to you with a certain level of fuel, and you are expected to return it with a similar level. This can be a more flexible option, but be sure to check the fuel gauge when you pick up the car and take a picture if the tank is not full.
Refuelling Options
Depending on your rental company and location, you may have the option to pre-pay for a full tank of fuel when you pick up the car. This can be convenient if you are unsure whether you will have time to refuel before returning the car. However, keep in mind that the price per litre may be higher than at a local gas station.
If you do not return the car with the expected level of fuel, you will likely incur refuelling charges. These charges can vary depending on the rental company and the market price of fuel. In some cases, you may be charged a service fee on top of the cost of the fuel. These charges can often be avoided by ensuring you refuel the car before returning it or by choosing a prepaid fuel option when you pick up the car.
All-Inclusive Packages
Some rental companies offer all-inclusive packages that include fuel coverage, unlimited mileage, additional drivers, and other benefits. While these packages may be more expensive upfront, they can provide peace of mind and help you avoid unexpected charges. Consider your budget, driving plans, and potential hidden costs when deciding which package is right for you.
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Frequently asked questions
The type of fuel your rental car takes will depend on the car. When you pick up your hire car, a member of the car hire provider's team will go through the paperwork with you and remind you of the fuel policy for the hire car.
A fuel policy is part of the supplier's fine print, detailing what fuel they provide you with and how much fuel they expect to be returned with the car.
This will depend on the type of holiday you're going on, how far you're driving, and if you're looking for convenience rather than cost. For example, if you're looking for convenience, you might want to consider a pre-purchase full-to-empty fuel policy. If you're looking to save money, you might want to consider a full-to-full fuel policy.
Always check your fuel gauge when you first get into the car and take a picture if the amount of fuel is less than what is stated in your rental agreement. Find out how much you will be charged if you return the car with too little petrol. If you have a full-to-full policy, know where the nearest petrol station is to where you'll be dropping off the car.
Driving in the USA can be a daunting experience as the cars are bigger, the roads are wider, and they drive on the right-hand side of the road. The majority of car hire vehicles in the USA will have an automatic gearbox. It is important to note that drinking alcohol and then driving may invalidate your car rental insurance.
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