Are there likely to be any additional costs when returning the hire car?

When you return your hire car, are there likely to be any additional costs?

What can initially seem a good deal when hiring a car can turn into an expensive mistake when you return your hire car. Don't let the car hire companies take you for a ride, ensure you are aware of any additional costs that may be due when you return your hire car and you may be able to avoid these additional costs.

Is it worth worrying about returning the hire car with less that a full tank of fuel?

Yes! It might seem like an unnecessary job on your way to returning your hire car, but you should not overlook filling your hire car with fuel.

Depending on the terms of the contract you have with the car hire company, if you don't return the hire vehicle with a full tank of fuel you may discover that the hire car company charge you to refuel the hire car. At the very least this could be the cost of the fuel (with a mark up on the actual pump price being charged), while some may add a flat fee on top of this as a "refuelling fee".

So returning your hire car with less than a full tank of fuel could end up costing you much more than just the basic cost of the fuel.

Are there likely to be any Mileage charges?

The majority of car rental rates include free unlimited mileage. However, some rental car companies will include a limit of free mileage and charge for any additional mileage made thereafter. You should check this before accepting the hire car.

Damage

Your hire car will be inspected upon return and assessed against the condition of the vehicle at time of rental (you will have been asked to sign a condition report before accepting the hire car). If any damage has been incurred during rental you will be liable to pay an excess, depending on the level of Collision Damage Waiver purchased beforehand and the terms of the insurance agreement.
It is important that the inspection is carried out in your presence so that any problems can be discussed there and then.

What is collision damage waiver (CDW), and do I want it?

Yes you do! Your hire car agreement will probably include third party insurance as standard, but collision damage waiver covers damage to the car you're driving as well. If you do not take out CDW and you are unfortunate enough to have an accident you could (and probably will) be liable for the cost of repair.

Most hire car companies quote rates that include CDW, but not all of them. Collision Damage Waiver can be expensive, but when is covers you for damage to a hire car that can costs thousands of pounds to repair it is well worth it.

If Collision Damage Waiver is included in my car hire agreement am I completely covered against accidents?

Probably not. As with car insurance that you have for the family car there will probably be a "excess" payment due. In the event of an accident you will be responsible for paying the excess payment.
With excess payments likely to be around £500 it can be worth insuring against having to pay the excess.

Is it worth insuring against having to pay the excess?

It may be possible to purchase super collision damage waiver to reduce the excess. This may be called something else with your car hire company. As for whether it's worth this extra expense depends on your general attitude to risk. Costs can be anything from around £6 per day to reduce the excess payment from £500 to £200. But some car hire companies will only charge £2 per day to waive the excess charge completely.

If you hire several cars over the period of a year consider seeking out an annual insurance policy. It works much like an annual travel insurance policy. For a flat fee the insurance company will refund any excesses incurred during the year. Annual cover can costs from as little as £49.

Is there anything else that may not be covered by insurance?

Make sure you ask your hire car company about damage to tyres, windscreens and so on as these are rarely covered by hire car company insurance.