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Car Hire Return Procedures

Your Easy Drop-Off Guide with Alpha Car Hire

Bringing your Alpha Car Hire adventure to a close should be as straightforward and stress-free as your pickup. Our clear Car Hire Return Procedures are designed to ensure a smooth and efficient drop-off, getting you on your way quickly when your journey ends.

We’ve made the process simple, so you can focus on the memories you’ve made exploring Australia, knowing your rental return is sorted.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Returning Your Alpha Car Hire Vehicle

Follow these easy steps for a hassle-free return at any Alpha Car Hire branch:

1. Return to the Correct Location:

  1. Ensure you return the vehicle to the Alpha Car Hire branch specified in your Rental Agreement as the ‘Return Location’. If you need to change your return location, please contact us in advance as additional charges and prior approval may apply.
  2. For airport returns, follow the signage to the Alpha Car Hire designated parking area. Our staff will direct you upon arrival, or instructions will be provided for shuttle bus connection if applicable (check your booking details or our Free Airport Transfers page).

2. Return on Time:

  1. Return the vehicle by the date and time specified in your Rental Agreement. Late returns can incur additional charges. If you anticipate being late, please notify us immediately.

3. Refuel the Vehicle (Fuel Policy):

  1. Our standard policy is ‘Full to Full’. This means you should return the vehicle with a full tank of the correct fuel type (unleaded or diesel, as specified).
  2. If the vehicle is not returned full, a refuelling charge will apply, which includes the cost of the fuel plus an administration fee. Avoid extra costs by refilling just before drop-off.

4. Remove All Personal Belongings:

  1. Before exiting the vehicle, please thoroughly check the cabin, boot, glove compartment, and under seats for all your personal belongings. Alpha Car Hire is not responsible for items left in rental vehicles.

5. Ensure Vehicle Cleanliness:

  1. While we understand normal wear and tear, please return the vehicle in a reasonably clean condition. Excessive dirt, sand, pet hair, or rubbish that requires special cleaning may incur a cleaning fee.

6. Final Vehicle Inspection & Keys:

  1. Our friendly staff will conduct a quick walk-around inspection of the vehicle with you (where possible) to check for any new damage.
  2. Hand over the keys and confirm the return with our team. You will receive a return receipt or confirmation.
close up shot of smiling young couple sitting in car

Important Considerations for a Smooth Return

  • Late Returns: Returning the vehicle later than the agreed time can result in additional hourly or daily charges, as well as an administration fee. Always communicate with us if your plans change.
  • Early Returns: While you can return the vehicle earlier than planned, please note that refunds for unused rental periods are generally not provided, as per our Terms & Conditions.
  • After-Hours Returns:
    • If you need to return the vehicle outside of our operating hours, this must be pre-arranged with the branch.
    • Specific instructions will be provided, typically involving parking the vehicle in a designated area and depositing the keys into a secure key drop-off box.
    • Important: You remain responsible for the vehicle until it has been officially checked in by an Alpha Car Hire staff member during the next business hours. We recommend taking photos of the vehicle at the time of drop-off for your records.
  • One-Way Rentals: If you opted for a One-Way Car Hire, simply return the vehicle to the agreed drop-off location as per your rental agreement.

Common Charges to Avoid on Return:

  • Refuelling Fee: If the tank isn’t full (as per Full-to-Full policy).
  • Cleaning Fee: For excessive dirt or mess requiring professional cleaning.
  • Late Return Fee: If the vehicle is returned after the agreed time.
  • Damage/Excess Charges: If new, unreported damage is found and not covered by your Liability Protection or Waiver Option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Hire Returns

Our standard fuel policy is ‘Full to Full’. You should return the vehicle with a full tank of the correct fuel type. If not, a refuelling charge (cost of fuel plus an administration fee) will apply.

Returning the vehicle late may result in additional charges, which could be an extra daily rate or hourly fees, plus an administration fee. If you anticipate a delay, please contact our branch as soon as possible.

Returning to a different location requires prior approval from Alpha Car Hire and will likely incur additional ‘one-way’ fees to cover repositioning costs, as detailed on our One-Way Car Hire page. Unauthorised returns to different locations will incur significant charges for transportation or towing.

After-hours returns must be pre-arranged. You’ll park in a designated area and use a secure key drop-off box. Remember, you remain responsible for the vehicle until it is officially checked in by staff during business hours.

Yes, our staff will perform an inspection upon return to check for any new damage. It’s advisable to be present for this inspection if possible, and to take photos of the vehicle at drop-off for your records, especially during after-hours returns.

Please check the vehicle thoroughly before returning it. While our staff do their best to check for lost items, Alpha Car Hire is not responsible for personal belongings left behind. If you realise you’ve left an item, contact the return branch immediately.

Returning Your Hire Car Made Easy

With Alpha Car Hire, returning your vehicle is a straightforward part of your travel experience. We’re here to help make your journey in Australia enjoyable from start to finish.

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