early car return?

[lsutigger2]

Is there a penalty for returning a car rental early? The rates for a week are cheaper than for the five days that I need the car.

Thanks for the info

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Usually the weekly rate is 5 days or more, depending on who you use. If not, if you book for a week and return it before the minimum number of days for a weekly rental qualification, they will convert the reservation into a daily rate.

 

[safetymom]

The rental agencies have figured out that loophole. In some places they don't want the car back early because they don't have room for it.

If you take it back early the day of your return that isn't a problem but taking it back days early does.

 

[manning]

You got that right Safetymom. I rented a car for a week and got back 4 days early. They wanted to charge me more than the weekly rate. I told them I'll see you at the end of the week and went out and drove that car non-stop. When I brought it back the agent looked at the miles and commented they lost money at that rental. I just looked at him and said go figure and walked out.

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by lsutigger2
Is there a penalty for returning a car rental early? The rates for a week are cheaper than for the five days that I need the car.

Thanks for the info

Not really a penalty but some rental agencies will recalculate the rate based on the time you have the car.

Much better to shop based on the time you plan on having the car. With some agencies 5 days gets you the weekly rate and 2 hours advances you to the next day. In other words 4 days + 2 hours may qualify for the weekly rate. With other agencies a weekend rate and/or coupon for a free day may work better.

You'll probably do better shopping in advance rather than having the agency redo your rate on return.

 

[lsutigger2]

I used a coupon I had and got a pretty good rate for the days I needed it.
Why can't life be simple?

Thanks again for all the helpful information.

 

[Lewisc]

I thought you were going to make a reservation for more days than you need. Did I misread your post? Life is simple, plug in the dates and time you need the car and work from there. The discounts/coupons that work for a weekly rate may not be the best combination for a weekend rental. Some agencies will give a weekly rate for 5 days and others won't.

As a starting point try using travelnow.com. Sometimes they get you the best rate without having to bother with coupons and codes.

Originally posted by lsutigger2
I used a coupon I had and got a pretty good rate for the days I needed it.
Why can't life be simple?

Thanks again for all the helpful information.

 

[lsutigger2]

Thanks for your concern!
I did plug in the dates and got my reservation wiil a cost that is reasonable.
Thanks again.

 

[Lewisc]

It seems (at least in Orlando) if you don't like a car rental rate you like keep trying. Eventually you'll get a rate you like.

Originally posted by lsutigger2
Thanks for your concern!
I did plug in the dates and got my reservation wiil a cost that is reasonable.
Thanks again.