What to do before returning your rental car
Plan your route
Plan your route carefully and allow plenty of time for contingencies in case you encounter any roadblocks, like heavy traffic, which is common at rush hour, a breakdown or bad weather. Hire companies charge late fees, so you should be aware of when your car is due back. For information on Car Hire Excess Insurance, visit https://www.moneymaxim.co.uk/car-hire-excess-insurance
You can use online resources like Google Maps to estimate travel times. However, they do not take into consideration roadworks and other hazards. If you are unsure how to get to the drop-off location, you can call your car rental provider. Their number will be on the paperwork.
Find a petrol station nearby to fill your tank
The majority of car rental agreements have a “full-to full” fuel policy. This means that the car is already filled up when you pick it up and you will need to fill it back up just before you return the vehicle. You can use online maps to find petrol stations near the drop-off location. However, it is best to confirm this with your supplier before the rental period begins.
Clean and tidy your car
The cleanliness of the car is also important to consider. This can be included in the ‘expectations of the provider’ when signing off the vehicle at the end the rental period. Car rental companies do not expect cars to be returned in perfect condition, but you will not have any problems with a cleaning charge if your car is returned reasonably clean.
Take photos
Take as many photos as possible of the vehicle in case any marks or scratches that you did not cause are discovered. Nowadays, most people have a smartphone with a decent-sized camera. Collecting photographic evidence for use in a dispute can be done easily.