Easy Guide to Car Rental Fuel Policies: Full Tank, Same-to-Same & Others
Picture this: you are at the car rental office to rent a car, and the agent is explaining the terms and conditions of the car fuel rental policy to you. You are fully immersed in understanding the policies and thinking about which one will fit your bill without digging a hole in your pocket. With so many options – full-to-full, same-to-same, or prepaid fuel – the policies sounded acceptable to you. However, the real story unfurls only when returning the vehicle.
Car hire fuel policies can be complicated, and if you choose the wrong policy, you might have to pay more than expected. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right fuel policy while renting a car that saves you money and time.
Easy Guide to Car Rental Fuel Policies
Understanding the fuel policy can save you money and avoid unwanted charges when renting a car. Let’s take a look at the most common policies in general, explained in the table below:
| Fuel Policy | How it Works | Pros | Cons | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-to-Full | You get the car with a full tank and must return it full. | – You pay only for what you use – Easy to understand. |
– You must find a petrol station before returning. | Long trips and most travel requirements |
| Same-to-Same | You return the car with the same fuel level it had when you picked it up (e.g., half or full tank). | – It gives flexibility – No rush to fill the tank. |
– It can be challenging to match the exact fuel level – Risk of extra charges if under. |
Short-term rentals |
| Pre-Purchase (Full Tank) | You pay upfront for a full tank and can return the car empty | – It is a convenient method. – No need to refuel before drop-off |
– No refund for unused fuel – Often pricier than pump rates. |
Road trips where you are sure to use a full tank. |
| Pre-Purchase with Refund | Pay upfront for fuel but get refunded for unused fuel (minus service fees) | – Flexible and convenient policy. | – Refund may take time – The service fee can reduce savings. |
Travelers who want no-fuss returns. |
| Full-to-Empty | Get a full tank and return empty – fuel cost is added to the rental | – No need to refill. | – This is an expensive policy – Money is wasted if you don’t use the whole tank. |
One-way rentals or last-day tight schedules. |
Depending on the car rental company and the city you choose to rent a car, there may be a few of the above fuel policies applicable or available to select from. It is essential to discuss the policies with the rental company before renting the vehicle.
Fuel Policies for Self-Drive Car Rentals
1. Full-to-Full Policy
A Full-to-Full fuel policy is the best and most transparent fuel policy for self-driving car rentals. Under the Full-to-Full policy, the renter collects a car with a full tank of fuel, which the renter must return with the same amount of fuel. You only pay for the fuel you use under a Full-to-Full fuel policy, making this policy both economical and simple to comprehend.
2. Pre-Paid Fuel Policy
If you are seeking convenience, a pre-paid fuel option could be a good alternative. A customer can select prepaid fuel and pay for a full tank at the time of booking and return the vehicle with an empty tank. This policy is best for long trips and for those who may not make the time to stop and fill up the tank.
3. Return-as-Is Policy
The return-as-is policy is another flexible car rental fuel policy that allows the customer to return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel that it had at pickup. This policy helps those who are not sure about the distance of travel or fuel consumption. This eliminates the added stress of refueling, so it is a perfect option for spontaneous trips!
Quick Tips on Selecting Car Rental Fuel Policy in India
- If choosing the pre-purchase policy, check the rate per liter, as some rental companies might charge more than local stations.
- Photograph the fuel gauge when you pick up the hired car to avoid disputes.
- Plan refueling near the return location to save time and money.
- Full-to-full is generally cheaper if you can refuel easily.
- Some companies have mileage limits. Hence, check for any additional fees if you exceed the mileage.
- Always carefully read the rental agreement and understand the fuel policy details before signing.
Common Mistakes First-Time Renters Should Avoid
If you are a first-time renter, you will undoubtedly be faced with unavoidable errors when renting a car. Here are some common mistakes regarding car hire fuel policy that you can avoid:
- Not reading the fuel policy terms and conditions – This is a significant thing to remember. Please take the time to read the rental agreement carefully before signing, to eliminate any disagreements later.
- Not checking the car for damages before driving – A vital thing to take into account is documenting any pre-existing damage before you drive off in the rented vehicle.
- Not budgeting correctly – When renting a car, try to calculate everything you will have to pay, like fuel, tolls, parking, and/or possible fines, which can add up.
- Not taking Insurance: Even if it is optional, never miss insurance.
How to Choose the Right Rental Company
Selecting the right rental company can be tricky and challenging, especially since there are several different car rental companies in the market. However, it is one of the critical things to ensure.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right car rental company:
1. Customer Reviews of the Car Rental Company
When choosing a rental service provider, you need to check their online reviews and customer feedback, and be certain they are trustworthy and transparent. Stay away from providers with hidden rules and negative feedback.
2. Pricing Policy of the Rental Company
Verify the pricing of the rental company and check for hidden fees, as prices may vary by location for some rental service providers. Knowing the pricing policy is essential for longer-term rentals, for example, a month-long car rental.
3. Vehicle Options
Select a quality rental service provider with a wide range of vehicles to match your needs.
4. Best Customer Service
Excellent customer support is essential. You must have quick and effective help or customer support if something goes wrong during your rental period.
To Conclude
Knowing fuel policies in advance helps save money and avoid the hassle of fuel policy changes. Remember to select a fuel option that best suits your trip and your driving situation. Choose an option that allows you to return the car with great memories, not unexpected fees. Revv car rental company is one of the best car rental service providers in India, offering clear and transparent fuel policies.
Revv provides the option of renting a car with the fuel prices included or excluded. In case of the first option – the fuel prices included option – you do not need to worry about any sudden hike in the already high fuel charges. It provides you with greater cost efficiency and serves as the best option for renting a car for shorter durations. If you select the ‘without fuel’ or the fuel prices excluded option, the responsibility to refuel the vehicle during your rental period and pay for the fuel costs will be borne by the renter.
If you are planning to rent a car for your next trip, book with Revv by visiting the portal or by installing the Revv app to enjoy fuel savings. The Revv cars are well-maintained and sanitized regularly to ensure a pleasant experience for customers, offering them a comfortable and value-for-money car rental service.
