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Need help with your car rental? Phone: 0808-164-1480
Need help with your car rental?
Phone: 0808-164-1480

What Happens If I Return My Hire Car Late?

late returns in the UK banner

It is important to take note of the time specified on your rental agreement that you will need to return your vehicle. If you do not return your car on time, you could face extra charges - including being charged an extra day's rental. If you are going to be late, it is a good idea to call the car rental company and let them know.

Alamo logoAlamo generally allows a 29 minute grace period for vehicles rented in the UK., after which you will be charged a late fee. If you return your car more than 2 hours after the specified time, you will be charged an additional day's rental.
Avis logoIf you return your vehicle late, you will be charged a late fee of £18 for each 24 hour period you are late. You will also need to pay an additional days rental.
Budget logoIf you do not return your car at the specified time, you may have to pay a charge of £12 as a late fee. On top of this, you may be charged the rate for a full day's rental
Enterprise logoGenerally, a 29 minute grace period is allowed for late returns, after which a late return fee will apply. If your vehicle is returned more than two and half hours late, you may be charged an extra day's rental.
Europcar logoIf you return your car more than 24 hours after the agreed upon time, you will be charged an extra day's rental along with a late fee of £40.
Greenmotion logoGreen Motion allows a grace period of 59 minutes for late returns. After this, you will be charged the daily rate for the rental car along with a late fee of £36.
Hertz logoSome Hertz locations may allow a grace period, but you will need to confirm with the individual location. Generally, renters will be charged an additional day's rental rate if they return their vehicle late.
Sixt logoIf you return your rental car more than 30 minutes late, you may be charged a late return fee for each day the vehicle is not returned, as well as the cost of the extra days rental.
Thrifty logoFor each day you do not return your rental car after the specified return time you will be charged for the full day's rental set out in your rental agreement.

Remember:

If you are returning your car late . . .

If you're delayed in returning your hire car, it is a good idea to give the car rental company a call and let them know your expected time of arrival. If you do not notify the car rental company, you could be subject to a late return fee.