possible stupid rental car question

[jnrrt]

Can you rent a car for longer than you will actually use it and return it early without penalty? In some cases this would be helpful. For example, my brother and his wife are traveling with us but not staying as long. Our rental was less money even though we were staying longer. Could they make the same reservation and just bring the car back a day early?

 

[Stimpy]

They could but you may be charged a daily rate rather than a weekly rate. Usually the rental companies charge a cheaper weekly rate for rentals lasting 5-7 days. If you reserve on a weekly rate but return it on the 4th day, they will charge you what ever the daily rate is on your contract.

 

[CarolA]

Stimpy is correct. In most cases you will be charge the daily walk up rate which is normally much higher then the weekly. The contract will tell you the minimum days required and if you don't keep it that many days all bets are off.

 

[JimMIA]

In addition to what others have said, it depends a lot on which rental car company you are using, and which location. A lot of rental car agencies are local franchises, and their policies vary all over the lot. I've had them charge more, and I've had them charge less.

But usually, as others have said -- you will pay more for a shorter rental than for a longer one. Doesn't make sense, but a lot of things don't make sense.