Rental car fuel regulations - which one is best?

The range of fuel policies offered by car rental companies might be confusing if customers are not familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of each one. Common policies include the fair fuel policy or the full/empty fuel policy. Please consider the information below to determine which is best for you.

Rental car fuel regulation: What does "fair" really mean?

You only have to fill up the car’s gas tank to the level it was when you received the vehicle. For example, if you receive a rental car which tank is only three-quarters full, the tank only needs to be refueled back up to three-quarters full. This is a fair refueling regulation, which ensures that you only pay for the fuel that you use.

Normally, the fuel level is noted in the rental agreement. Also, it is advisable to photograph the fuel level again before your departure so that there are no doubts or misunderstandings when you hand in the rental car. It is definitely worth checking the fuel gauge and comparing it with the data in the rental agreement. If you notice any discrepancies, please inform the supplier immediately.

How to book the “Fair fuel policy”?

By default the fair fuel policy is pre-selected for all offers shown on HAPPYCAR. You can deselect it in the filter section to get other offers.

Why is the fair fuel policy the cheapest car rental fuel regulation?

Depending on which fuel regulation you choose for your rental car, service charges may apply at the end of the rental period. If you choose the “Fair fuel policy”, you will usually receive your rental car fully tanked. You must, then, return the vehicle with a full tank of fuel. With this option, you have maximum control over the costs and can even choose the cheapest possible filling station near the drop off station. This fuel policy allows you to only pay for the fuel that you actually use.

Why can the rental car fuel regulation “full/empty” be a disadvantage?

First of all, in many cases, this regulation involves a so-called service fee for the subsequent refueling by the supplier, which can be relatively high. Besides, it is difficult to calculate exactly how much fuel you will use.

Therefore, if you do not return the car or tank completely empty, you have given away petrol and money. Only choose this option if you know you will use up all the fuel in the tank. This is the only way you can save money with this rental car fuel regulation.

Why is the rental price with the rental car full/empty regulation cheaper than the fair fuel regulation?

The rental price with the fair fuel regulation is usually higher than with the full/empty policy. However, the service fee for the full/empty version is often much higher. Besides, you normally do not get your money back for the gas that is still in the tank when you return the vehicle.