What happens if i return my rental car early

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What happens if i return my rental car early
What happens if i return my rental car early

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  7. Early Return

Can I return my rental vehicle earlier than the booked time?

Yes. You can return a rental car early, but whether you can get any refund, or even be penalized for the early return, will vary on the terms and conditions stated in your rental agreement.

Car rental companies such as Alamo, Avis, Dollar, Fox, Sixt and Thrifty charge early return fees when you return your car early. On Thrifty's website, it indicates that "early return applies if you did not prepay your rental charges and returned the vehicle more than 24 hours early before the return time indicated in your rental agreement. You will only pay for the days used, but there will be a $25 charge to partially compensate Thrifty for our inability to rent your vehicle during the remaining time reserved for your use. You can reduce the fee paid by calling the On-Rent Help Desk at 1-877-283-0898 to update the date and time of your return.

A few agencies, on the other hand, recalculate the rental charges for early returns. These include Advantage, Budget and Hertz. On Budget's website, it states that "Budget's pricing is based on your confirmed length of rental, as you indicated when you booked your reservation. Our rates vary, depending on whether you rent for one day, one week, or one weekend. So, if you return your car earlier or later than your designated return date, it could affect your price in either direction. Typically, the longer your rental period, the more you save on your per-day rate. Therefore, if your original confirmed rate was for a seven-day rental and you decide to return the car after just three days, your per-day price could increase, which could increase your overall rental fee as well."

Car rental companies like Enterprise, E-Z and National don't penalize early returns. However, there are no refunds for early returns.

Read more about returning your rental car.

What happens if i return my rental car early
Important:

On a few occasions, returning a rental vehicle early might not be a wise idea. Few car rental companies charge additional fees when you return your rental early, while others agencies may or may not offer partial refunds. Hence, it is recommended

to keep a rental car for the entire term of your agreement. It's also important that you understand the early return policy of the rental car company before signing a rental agreement. This is to avoid paying for unexpected fees or additional charges.


Rental Car Return FAQs

How strict are rental car return times?

Rental car return times are based on a 24-hour window. If you aren’t able to return your rental car within the window, you will be charged an hourly rate that is calculated as three-fourths of the daily rate, plus $0.01 for daily and weekend rates. Weekly rates are calculated as one-half the daily rate, plus $0.01 for weekly rates.

Can you return a rental car after hours? 

Many Avis locations offer convenient services like after-hours drop-off. For example, most Avis airport locations will stay open for customers who have experienced a flight delay or have made advanced reservations. Check with your specific Avis location to find out if they provide after-hours rental car return services.

Can you return a rental car on a Sunday?

Avis strives to offer flexible hours at every location across the country. Still, rental car return hours do vary depending on the location. If you’d like to return a car on a Sunday, check with the specific return location to confirm their hours. 

Is there a penalty for returning a rental car early? 

Any alterations to your initial rental car reservation could result in a different or higher rental rate. It’s best to contact your specific Avis return location to ask about their policy. 

Is there a grace period for returning a rental car?

Most rental car reservations are based on a daily, 24-hour rate. If a rental car is returned beyond the 24-hour period, the renter will be charged an additional hourly rate. Make sure to return your vehicle on time to avoid extra fees.

What happens if you damage a rental car?

The renter of the vehicle is held responsible for any damage to a rental car, including theft, vandalism, natural disaster, and more.

If your rental car is damaged, always make sure to contact the police right away. Then complete the following steps:

  • Fill out an Avis Accident/Incident Report

  • Contact Avis Roadside Assist at 800-354-2847

  • Call your auto insurance company to create a claim

  • Check with your credit card company to see if their collision program offers coverage

What is considered rental car damage?

There are many types of incidences that are considered rental car damage, including but not limited to: 

  • Collision

  • Rollover

  • Theft

  • Tire damage

  • Vandalism

  • Damage resulting in the need for medical attention

  • Flood

  • Fire

  • Hail

  • Other natural disasters

Does Avis refund for early return?

If you do not cancel the reservation prior to the time of pick-up and the rental vehicle is not picked up on the rental date, no portion of the prepaid amount will be refunded. If you return the vehicle before the original return date, you will not be refunded any portion of the payment.

What happens if I return a rental car 1 hour late?

Rental car return times are based on a 24-hour period. Customers have a 29-minute grace period for returning their car within that period. After this point, the customer will be charged an additional hourly rate for the extra time with the vehicle.