[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hiring a car during holidays is a great way to save time and money. It allows you to explore your holiday destination without the restrictions of timetables, bus routes or expensive taxi fees. Hiring a car is a great alternative when public transport is limited, and taxis are costly. However, what should you do when returning your hire car?
One thing that many people ask is whether the car needs to be refuelled. Most don’t want to pay for fuel that they aren’t going to use, and many think that giving a car back empty is cheap and won’t have any repercussions.
However, most companies will charge for refuelling if the vehicle returns empty, and this is often a lot more expensive than if you fill it up yourself. So, fill up your car on your way to the company so you don’t have any looming bills in the mail when you get home.
Another thing to do before returning the car is to make sure the vehicle is in the same condition as it was when you hired it out. If a new defect was not listed when you hired the car, it is essential to inform the car hire company for a joint examination. This saves you getting having to pay a large sum for something that may not be your fault.
Other things to do before returning your hire car are to ensure the vehicle is clean and everything is back in place. Remove any dirt or sand that may have come from dirty feet, putting cup holders and seats in their rightful place. You can do this with a small brush or by using a car wash and its cleaning facilities.
Alpha’s Car Hire Returns Guide
- Please make sure you leave enough time to avoid late fees. If the vehicle is returned up to 1 hour late, one-third of the rental will be charged. If it is returned over two hours late, two-thirds of the rental will be charged, and if returned three hours late or more, a full day’s rental is charged.
- Please make sure the vehicle is in the same condition as it was.
- There are no refunds for early returns. Any change of plans, including requests to extend, must be communicated to the Alpha Branch from which you hired the vehicle.
- Upon arriving at the branch, ensure you have taken all your personal belongings in the vehicle. You could be charged the postage cost if anything has to be returned to you via mail.
- The branch representative will check the vehicle for any new damage. If anything extra is found, you will be provided with a copy of the Vehicle Condition Report notating the damage found. You will have to pay any estimated damage charges. If the actual cost of the damage repairs turns out to be less than what you were charged, you will be refunded the difference. If the damage is significant, it may need to be assessed by a third party.
- You can drop off the vehicle at the exact location you picked it up. Rest assured that the same friendly faces will be there to assist you with your drop-off.
Discount Car Rental
Alpha Car Hire is committed to making the car rental process as easy, enjoyable and affordable as possible. Get in touch with us today and ask about our Price Match Guarantee!
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2012 and has been updated for freshness, comprehensiveness and accuracy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
