Complete Guide to Car Hire, Part 2: What Car Hire Prices Are

Continuing our Complete Guide to Car Hire series, which began with tips on selecting the ideal rental car for your vacation or business journey, we present the second installment of our engaging Car Rental Roadmap. This week, we delve into the intricate details of how car hire prices are determined. Understanding this topic is crucial for anyone seeking a great deal, as the breakdown of car hire costs can be more complicated than many realize. It's only natural to assume that the price you receive is the final amount you'll pay, but unfortunately, this isn't always true due to variations among suppliers. By familiarizing yourself with what should be included in the price, you'll be better equipped to compare quotes from various companies effectively. We strive to make our pricing as transparent and all-inclusive as possible, so you can trust that we have nothing to conceal!

What car hire prices are made of -

• The Type and Size of Car you choose


• Length of Rental: Keep in mind that car rentals are typically based on 24-hour periods, so the times you select for pick-up and drop-off are crucial. For instance, if you pick up a rental car at 10:00 AM and return it at 2:00 PM the following day, it will be considered a 2-day rental since the 24-hour mark has been exceeded.


• Destination: If you're considering picking up your vehicle at one location and returning it to another, be aware that a 'one-way fee' may apply to your reservation. This fee is required when you drop off the rental car at a different site from where you collected it. The exact amount of the one-way fee will be set by the rental supplier.


• Extras: When renting a vehicle, keep in mind that if you require additional items such as child seats, luggage racks, or snow chains, you will need to pay for these upon arrival, in addition to the vehicle rental cost. The fees for these extras are determined by each individual supplier, and Auto Europe does not have any influence over their pricing or the total amount due. Nevertheless, we strive to provide a comprehensive list of these charges in the Terms, Conditions, and Local Fees section of our booking engine, as well as on your voucher.


• Flexibility: If you find yourself needing to cancel or modify your travel plans, what are your options? Many car rental companies impose fees for cancellations and changes, and these fees can vary widely. However, with Auto Europe, you can enjoy the benefit of free cancellations or modifications without any administrative fees, as long as you make these changes at least 48 hours before your scheduled vehicle pickup.


• Fuel: Be sure to review the fuel policy, as some car rental agreements may charge you for a full tank of gas, even if you don’t use it. This fee is often applied at the time of pickup and may not be reflected in your initial quote. Look for options that let you refuel the car yourself, meaning you return it with the same fuel level as when you picked it up. Just confirm whether the policy is 'full-to-full' or 'empty-to-empty'. Auto Europe now provides the easiest and most favored choice, known as "full to full," which you can find on our booking engine labeled as "Pick up full & Return Full." When you reserve a rental car with us, you automatically benefit from a "full to full" fuel policy.


• Insurance: Every car rental provider we work with includes essential coverage for driving in their respective countries within their fees. When you book a vehicle through Auto Europe, this coverage comes standard with the Standard package. This package features Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection (TP), Third Party Liability, and Fire Insurance. It's important to check the potential excess amount you might need to pay in case of a claim, as it can range from a few hundred to over a thousand pounds.


• Mileage: When looking at car rental quotes, it's essential to confirm that they include unlimited mileage. Many car rental companies may present special vehicles that come with mileage restrictions. This is particularly common for sports cars, luxury models, compact convertibles, SUVs, and premium vehicles. Conversely, the standard car categories, which are the most commonly rented, typically offer unlimited mileage. You can easily identify these options on our booking platform before finalizing your reservation. In the search results, mileage details will be displayed right under the vehicle name, along with other key information.


• Surcharges: Additional fees may apply, such as a late collection charge if you pick up your vehicle outside of standard business hours (which can differ by supplier and location). Other potential surcharges include adding multiple drivers for your rental period, opting for extra insurance, and fees for young or senior drivers, among others.


• Taxes: UK taxes are normally included in car hire quotes but it's worth checking if the 'local' taxes for your destination are included.

The staff at the car rental pick-up counter will probably attempt to upsell you on additional services like excess insurance and fuel options. However, remember that you are under no obligation to purchase anything you don't need. It's wise to familiarize yourself with what your reservation covers before your trip, allowing you to make a well-informed decision.

Explore every section of our Complete Guide to Car Hire -

• Complete Car Hire Guide - Part 3: About your Auto Europe Voucher
• Complete Car Hire Guide - Part 4: Collecting your car hire
• Complete Car Hire Guide - Part 5: Returning your car hire
• Complete Car Hire Guide - Part 6: Car hire coverage explained