How to Avoid a Drop Charge
- 1). Consider your options when choosing a rental car company. Some companies have higher surcharges than other companies do. Ask a company representative to detail the precise nature and circumstances of any drop-off charges that could apply in your case. Some companies will even charge an early return fee if you bring the rental car back early, so do your research thoroughly.
- 2). Inspect your rental vehicle fully before leaving the agency. There may be damage to the vehicle that the rental agents have not spotted. If you don't point it out now, you may be charged for it later.
- 3). Avoid exceeding any mileage limits imposed by your rental car company. These limits will be spelled out in your contract, but a company agent should be able to inform you of this quota when you pick up the keys. The rental company will likely charge you a set rate for every mile over the mileage limit.
- 4). Return the rental vehicle to the location agreed upon when you picked it up. The rental company will charge you to return the vehicle if you drop it off at a different location. The rental car company usually bases this fee on the total distance between where you agreed to drop it off and the vehicle's current location.
- 5). Fill the gas tank to the level it showed when you picked up the vehicle. Your rental contract will indicate this level. You'll be charged by the rental company to fill up the tank to this level if the gas tank is low.
- 6). Return your car on the day upon which you originally agreed to avoid incurring extra charges. You can avoid this fee by calling the rental agency before your rental period expires and asking to extend the contract.
Source...