Running Late - What Happens?

To ensure that you will still be able to receive your rental car in the event of a delay, you should consider the following points:

Call the Car Rental Company!

If you find yourself running late please contact the local rental company immediately. Please refer to your voucher for contact details. 

Know the Grace Period!

Knowing the grace period is crucial when renting a car. The grace period refers to the duration for which a rental car company holds the reserved vehicle for a customer in case of a delay. It's important to note that this period can vary between rental companies, typically ranging from 30 minutes to 60 minutes. To avoid any complications or potential no-show situations, it is highly recommended that you promptly and independently contact the rental supplier if you anticipate or experience a delay. This proactive communication can help ensure that your rental car is still available when you arrive, allowing for a smoother and more convenient experience.

Be Aware of No-Show Conditions!

In case you are not on site at the agreed time or do not have the proper documents with you to pick up the car, the rental company may change the booking status to “no-show”. It's important to note that rental companies operate on tight schedules, and a delay in your arrival can disrupt their plans and affect other customers' reservations. Therefore, car rental companies have specific policies in place to handle no-show situations.

Consequences of a No-Show

If you fail to show up at the agreed-upon time for picking up your rental car, several consequences may follow:

Booking cancellation: The rental company may consider your reservation as a "no-show" and cancel it without issuing a refund. This means you'll lose the money you pre-paid for the rental.

Loss of booked car: Once your booking is marked as a no-show, the car you reserved may be made available to other customers, leaving you without a vehicle.

Additional charges: In some cases, rental companies may charge extra fees for no-shows, further increasing the cost of your rental.

Extra Fees for Late Drop-Off

Please be consious that if you are running late for drop off, the car rental supplier may charge you for the additional time. 

In conclusion, if you find yourself running late for your car rental pick-up or drop-off, it's essential to take prompt action to avoid any inconveniences. Be aware of the grace period, which varies between 30 minutes and 60 minutes depending on the rental company, and reach out to the supplier immediately in case of a delay (contact details are displayed in your voucher). If you are not present at the agreed-upon time, the rental company may mark your booking as a "no-show," resulting in cancellation without a refund. Additionally, keep in mind that running late for the drop-off may lead to extra fees imposed by the car rental supplier.  

For more tips, information, and hassle-free car rental options, visit our website HAPPYCAR. We are committed to providing you with the best car rental experience, from booking to drop-off, so you can enjoy your journey with peace of mind. Travel smart with HAPPYCAR!