Do I need to return the car with a full tank of fuel?
All vehicles are supplied with a full tank of fuel (less any used during delivery/collection). When you return the vehicle, you must comply with the fuel option selected in your agreement.
Note: The rules for Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrids are different. Please ask our branch staff for details when you collect the vehicle.
Option 1: Full to Full Option (Standard)
This is the most common option, where you commit to returning the vehicle with a full tank.
Condition | Charge | |
Vehicle Returned Full | You pay nothing for refuelling service or missing fuel. | |
Vehicle NOT Returned Full | You will be charged for the missing fuel based on the Refuelling Rules (see below). |
Option 2: Full Tank Option (Pre-authorisation)
This option requires a pre-authorisation for the cost of a full tank of fuel at pick-up.
Condition | Charge / Action | |
Vehicle Returned Full | We will not process the pre-authorisation for the full tank of fuel. | |
Vehicle NOT Returned Full | We will process the pre-authorisation for the full cost of a tank of fuel, regardless of the fuel gauge level. |
Refuelling Rules (When Vehicle is NOT Returned Full under Full to Full Option)
If you chose the Full to Full Option and the tank is not full on return, you will be charged for the missing fuel as follows:
1. Calculating the Missing Fuel Cost:
2. Determining Missing Litres (How We Measure):
Measurement Condition | How Missing Litres Are Determined | |
You Are Present at Check-in | We examine the fuel gauge reading and use that to calculate the missing litres based on the vehicle's fuel tank capacity. | |
You Are NOT Present | We will physically refill the vehicle and charge you based on the exact number of litres added to fill the tank to its maximum capacity. |
Important: The total amount charged represents the reasonable cost incurred by Europcar due to your failure to return the vehicle with a full tank. You can find the specific refuelling charges in the Tariff Guide.
