Mercedes Mullins
Rental car companies offer various fuel plans, and customers are typically charged based on the fuel policy they choose. The most common options are FULL/FULL, PREPAID, or FULL/EMPTY. Rental companies may charge customers for not returning the car with the same fuel level as stipulated in the contract. This charge is usually more expensive than the refueling fee and is calculated based on the market price of fuel on the day. Some companies offer refueling services for a flat fee, while others allow customers to refuel themselves and provide a receipt to avoid any additional charges.
Rental Car Fuel Charges
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Plans | EZFuel, Self Refueling, Refueling Service |
| Fuel Service Option | Pay in advance, bring back the car on empty |
| Self-Service | Purchase your own fuel, return the car with a full tank, provide a receipt |
| EZFuel | Driving under 75 miles, pay a flat fee for fuel, return the car without stopping at the pump |
| Refueling Service | Return the car with less fuel in the tank than when picked up, pay a service charge for the fuel used |
| Pre-pay Fuel Option | Avoids the hassle of refueling before returning, calculated at the local rate of gas minus a per-gallon discount |
| FULL/FULL | Pick up the car with a full tank, return it full |
| PREPAID | Prepay for a full tank at a discounted price per gallon |
| FULL/EMPTY | Pick up the car with a full tank, return it empty |
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What You'll Learn
Rental car fuel plans
When renting a car, you will need to decide how to pay for fuel. Rental car companies typically offer several fuel plans, including self-refuelling, pre-paid fuel, and a refuelling service.
Self-Refuelling
With self-refuelling, you will need to refill the tank before returning the car. If you choose this option, make sure to fill up the tank to the same fuel level as when you picked up the vehicle. If you don't, you will likely be charged a rate that is higher than the local pump price. Remember to keep the receipt as proof of refuelling.
Pre-Paid Fuel
The pre-paid fuel option allows you to pay for a full tank of gas in advance, avoiding the need to refuel before returning the vehicle. This option is usually offered at a discounted rate per gallon, but it is calculated based on the local rate of gas.
Refuelling Service
The refuelling service, also known as EZFuel, is a convenient option where you pay a flat fee for fuel and return the car without having to stop at the pump. This service charge is typically applied when driving less than 75 miles. However, if you fill up the car and provide a receipt, the EZFuel charge will be removed.
It's important to note that fuel plans and associated charges may vary depending on the rental car company and your location. Always review the rental agreement and ask for clarification on fuel charges to avoid unexpected fees.
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Refuelling options
When renting a car, there are several refuelling options available to you, depending on the rental company. The most common options are FULL/FULL, PREPAID or FULL/EMPTY.
FULL/FULL
With this option, you pick up the car with a full tank of fuel and are expected to return it with a full tank. If you don't return the car with a full tank, you will be charged for the missing fuel, usually at a rate above the local pump price.
PREPAID
The prepaid option allows you to pay for a full tank of fuel in advance, so you don't have to worry about refuelling before returning the car. This option is typically offered at a discounted price per gallon, but it is only sold in full tanks.
FULL/EMPTY
The FULL/EMPTY option means you pick up the car with a full tank of fuel and can return it empty. You will be charged a flat fee for this service, which is usually cheaper if you drive less than 75 miles.
Other companies, like Budget, offer EZFuel, Self Refuelling, and Refuelling Service options. EZFuel is similar to the FULL/EMPTY option, where you pay a flat fee and return the car without refuelling. With Self Refuelling, you can purchase your own fuel and provide a receipt to avoid any additional refuelling service charges. The Refuelling Service option allows you to return the car with less fuel than when you picked it up, and you simply pay a service charge for the fuel used.
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Avoiding extra charges
Rental car companies often charge extra fees, taxes, and surcharges on top of the base rental rate, which can make your final bill much higher than expected. Here are some tips to help you avoid these extra charges:
Understand the Fuel Policy
Before renting a car, understand the company's fuel policy. Some companies offer a Fuel Service Option, which allows you to pre-pay for a full tank of gas at a discounted rate per gallon. This option is convenient if you plan to use a lot of fuel and won't have time to refuel before returning the vehicle. However, if you don't use much fuel, pre-paying can be a waste of money.
If you decline the Fuel Service Option, make sure to refuel the vehicle before returning it. Many companies will charge a refueling service charge if you return the car without a full tank, which can be significantly higher than the local pump price. Always keep the receipt when you refuel, as some companies may require it to avoid the extra charge.
Choose a Non-Airport Location
Airport car rental locations often charge higher daily rates and extra concession fees, which can add up to more than 10% of your total bill. To avoid these fees, select a rental office located away from the airport or train station.
Read the Fine Print
Always read the rental terms carefully before signing the agreement. Understand the mileage limits, extra charges for crossing state borders, and any other surcharges or fees that may apply. Opt-out of any unnecessary extras, such as GPS rental, to keep your costs down.
Inspect the Vehicle
Before leaving the rental lot, carefully inspect both the exterior and interior of the vehicle for any existing damage. Note down or take time-stamped photos of any defects, and make sure they are documented on the rental agreement. This will help you avoid being charged for damage that was already present when you picked up the vehicle.
Understand Your Insurance Options
Review the terms of your car insurance and credit card coverage before renting a car to determine if you need to purchase additional insurance. Rental companies may offer extra insurance to cover potential vehicle damage, but this can increase your overall costs.
By following these tips, you can avoid unexpected charges and save money on your rental car.
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Deposits and credit card holds
When renting a car, you will likely be required to provide a deposit and allow a credit card hold. A deposit is a sum of money that you pay upfront, which will be returned to you once you drop off the rental car, provided there are no additional charges. These additional charges could include fuel replacement, vehicle damage, or a late return. The deposit amount varies by location and rental company, but it typically ranges from $200 to $500 or more for luxury or specialty vehicles. Some companies may require a higher deposit if you decline rental car excess insurance.
A credit card hold, also known as a "pre-authorization," is a temporary block on your credit line for an amount equal to your estimated rental charges plus a deposit. This deposit can range from $200 to $250, depending on the company. The hold ensures that the rental company can collect payment for any additional charges that may occur during the rental period. Upon returning the car, the hold will be removed, and your credit card will only be charged for the actual amount owed. If there are no outstanding charges, the hold will be released, and the customer can use the retained amount.
It is important to note that the release timing of the hold depends on your bank's policies and can take up to two weeks. Additionally, some companies may require a valid driver's license and a hard copy of it to be presented at the time of rental. It is recommended to review the location-specific rental agreement to understand the deposit and hold policies, as they may vary between different offices of the same company.
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Company-specific policies
Rental car companies offer a variety of fuel policies, which can often be unclear. It is important to research the possibilities before booking a rental car. Most companies will require you to return the car with the same level of fuel as when you picked it up, and if you don't, you will be charged a fee. This fee is usually calculated based on the market price of fuel on the day and may include a service or convenience fee.
- Full-to-Full (also known as Full-Full or FULL/FULL): This is the most common and simplest policy. You pick up the car with a full tank of fuel and are expected to return it with a full tank. If you don't return it full, you will be charged for the missing fuel plus a service cost.
- Prepaid (also known as FULL/EMPTY or Full-Empty): With this option, you pay for a full tank of fuel when you pick up the car and can return it empty. This option often includes a mandatory service or convenience fee, and there is no refund for any remaining fuel.
- Same-to-Same (also known as Same/Same): This policy requires you to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up.
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Enterprise offers a pre-pay fuel option, where you pay in advance for a full tank of gas at a discounted rate per gallon. If you choose not to pre-pay and return the car without refuelling to the same level, you will be charged the local Enterprise rate, which is typically above the local pump price.
- Budget Rent a Car: Budget offers the Fuel Service Option, which allows you to skip refuelling and pay a service charge based on the number of miles driven or gallons used. If you drive less than 75 miles and don't purchase fuel, an automatic service charge of $15.99 ($17.99 in California) will be applied. You can avoid this charge by refuelling the car and providing a receipt.
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Frequently asked questions
Rental car companies offer several fuel plans, including EZFuel, Self Refueling, and Refueling Service. With EZFuel, you pay a flat fee and return the car without filling up the tank. Self Refueling involves purchasing your own fuel and providing a receipt to avoid any refueling service charges. The Refueling Service option allows you to return the car with less fuel in the tank, and you pay a service charge for the fuel used.
To avoid extra fuel charges, make sure to return the rental car with a full tank of gas. Most rental car companies will charge you a refueling service fee if you do not return the car with a full tank. You can also opt for the prepaid fuel option, where you pay for a full tank of gas at the time of rental and return the car empty.
The Fuel Service Charge, also known as the EZFuel charge, is a flat fee charged by rental car companies for customers who drive less than 75 miles and do not need to return the car with a full tank. The fee is typically around $15.99, but it can be higher in certain states, such as California, where it is $17.99.
While the majority of rental car companies state that you will not be charged extra fees if you return the car with a full tank, there have been reports of unexpected fuel charges on rental car bills. It is important to carefully review the fuel policies of the rental company, as there may be additional fees or specific requirements to avoid refueling charges.
