Understanding Out-of-Hours Fees and How To Avoid Them

There are several ways to avoid an out-of-hours fee when traveling. Planning ahead is your best bet.

Sometimes, plans change unexpectedly due to flight delays or a sudden change in your itinerary. In such situations, it’s a relief to have flexible options like out-of-hours services for rental cars. Being able to pick up or drop off your rented vehicle outside of business hours gives you the freedom to adjust on the go and without having to stress during your journey.

Understanding out-of-hour fees and their rates

Some car rental suppliers offer out-of-hours services, allowing customers to pick up or drop off their rented vehicles outside the supplier’s regular operating hours, such as early in the morning or late at night. These services are sometimes free or come with a fee, depending on the supplier and the time of day. Suppliers like Avis charge a different or higher rental rate than the initial rental fee, while suppliers like Greenmotion don’t guarantee out-of-hours services. In case they do provide it, an additional fee of 45 USD is payable and pick up or drop off after midnight incurs a fee of 93 USD.

*The above information is sourced from the official rental car companies’ websites in August 2024.

Picking up & dropping off rental cars outside opening hours

Although it’s best to rent and return cars during official operational hours, plans change. If you anticipate any adjustments, it’s wise to contact your car supplier. Let them know when you plan to pick up or drop off the car, where to collect or leave car keys and other relevant details so they can provide information on potential charges. Some suppliers offer a self-service kiosk for pick-up. You might have a drop box to leave the keys of your rented vehicle once you’ve parked the car at the agreed-upon location.

Ways to avoid paying an out-of-hour fee

There are several ways to avoid an out-of-hours fee when traveling. Planning ahead is your best bet. Check the car rental office’s opening and closing times to pick up or return your vehicle during those hours. Renting from an airport or a train station location also helps because they have longer hours. If you know that you’ll need to rent outside of regular hours, contact the company to explain your situation and ask about the charges. While you’re at it, see if they might be willing to waive any fees. Some suppliers might not charge if you arrive within a specific time before or after closing.