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Full Means Full
Which Type of Fuel Should You Use?
What About AdBlue?
What If I Return the Car With More Fuel?
Fuel and Mileage Are Two Different Things
A Practical Example
The Simple Rule
Fuel Policy: I Get a Full Tank — Do I Have to Return It Full?
Author: Martin Russin
Yes — the car comes with a full tank and should be returned with a full tank. In this article, we explain how fuel charges work, why it is better to refuel before returning the vehicle, and what to keep in mind when refuelling.
The rule is simple: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank.
When renting a car, it is good to have the fuel policy clear before you set off. We record the fuel level when the vehicle is picked up and when it is returned, so it is always clear what the starting fuel level was.
Full Means Full
The fuel level is recorded in the rental documents both when the vehicle is picked up and when it is returned. With larger SUVs, the difference between a full and an almost-full tank can be significant, which is why the fuel level is not determined solely by looking at the gauge.
If you return the vehicle with less fuel than when you picked it up, the difference is charged according to the applicable price list, including the relevant refuelling fee.
The simplest solution? Refuel before returning the vehicle.
Why Is It Better to Refuel Yourself?
If you refuel the vehicle yourself at a petrol station, you only pay the price of the fuel.
If you return the vehicle with insufficient fuel, the rental company has to arrange the refuelling, and an additional service or administration fee may be added to the fuel cost.
That is why we recommend refuelling at a suitable petrol station shortly before returning the vehicle.
With a large SUV, even a few dozen kilometres can mean several litres of additional fuel.
Which Type of Fuel Should You Use?
The correct fuel type is indicated on the vehicle and in the rental documentation.
If you are unsure, it is always better to ask before refuelling.
If the wrong fuel is added, do not start the vehicle and contact our customer support as soon as possible. Continuing to drive can increase the extent of the damage and therefore the cost of resolving the issue.
Incorrect fuelling is also not considered a standard insured event, and the costs associated with resolving the issue are borne by the renter in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions.
What About AdBlue?
For vehicles equipped with an AdBlue system, we take care of refilling it during standard short-term rentals.
For longer rentals or unusually high mileage, the refilling arrangements can be agreed individually in advance.
What If I Return the Car With More Fuel?
If you return the vehicle with more fuel than it had when you picked it up, the difference is generally not reimbursed.
That is why it is best to refuel so that the fuel level at return matches the level at pickup.
Fuel and Mileage Are Two Different Things
These two items are often confused when renting a car.
Fuel concerns the fuel level when the vehicle is picked up and returned.
Mileage concerns the total distance you drive during the rental.
You can therefore return the vehicle with a full tank and still exceed the included mileage. Likewise, you can stay within the mileage limit but return the vehicle with insufficient fuel.
These are two separate items.
A Practical Example
Imagine a six-day rental of a large SUV. You pick up the vehicle with a full tank, refuel during your journey as needed, and fill the tank again before returning the vehicle.
When the vehicle is returned, the fuel level is checked and recorded in the rental documents.
If the tank is full again, there is nothing more to deal with regarding fuel.
The mileage is assessed separately according to the conditions of the specific rental.
The Simple Rule
Pick up the car with a full tank and return it with the same fuel level.
If you keep this simple principle in mind throughout your rental, fuel does not have to become an issue when returning the vehicle.