What is the Grace Period for Returns of my Car Rental?

Some car rental companies offer a grace period for returns and some do not. It used to be that car rental companies would give you an hour's grace period for a late return. This is no longer an option! Below is the information that I've gathered regarding late returns, grace periods and hourly rates (if applicable)

Keep in mind that with late returns, when overtime is accrued, an extra day's charge applies for any optional items (insurances, additional driver fees, car seats, gps, etc), plus taxes and fees.

Alamo

Alamo rentals are due back the same hour as rented to avoid additional charges. Overtime hours, if the car is returned late, are charged on an hourly basis until the daily rate is reached.

For Alamo, the hourly rate is the daily rate divided by 3 and there is no grace period.

Avis

Avis offers no grace period for returns. Beyond the 24-hour, minimum daily rate period, an hourly rate is charged and calculated as half the daily rate plus $.01. For example, a daily rate of $30.00 would equate to an hourly rate of $15.01. If a rental exceeds a 24-hour period by 1.5 hours, a 2-day charge will apply.

Budget

There is a 29-minute grace period when returning a car late. After 30 minutes late, hourly charges will apply. The hourly rate is calculated at 75% of the daily rate. If the rental is more than 30 minutes late, but less than 2 hours late, there will be an extra one hour charge. If the vehicle is 2 or more hours late, an extra day is charged.

Dollar

No grace period for returns. No set calculation was set for the hourly rate. I would suggest that you research either online or contact Dollar's toll free line and speak to a representative.

(866) 957-0118

Enterprise

Rentals are due back the same hour as rented to avoid additional charges. Overtime hours, if the car is returned late, are charged on an hourly basis until the daily rate is reached.

For Enterprise, the hourly rate is the daily rate divided by 4 and there is no grace period.

Hertz

There is a 29-minute grace period when returning a car late. After 30 minutes late, hourly charges will apply. The hourly rate is calculated at 80% of the daily rate. If the rental is more than 30 minutes late, but less than one hour and 30 minutes late, there will be an extra one hour charge. If the vehicle is one hour and 30 minutes late or more, an extra day is charged.

National

The car is due back the same hour it is rented to avoid additional charges. Overtime hours are charged on an hourly basis until the next day's rate is reached.

For National, the hourly rate is the daily rate divided by 2 and there is no grace period.

Thrifty

No grace period for returns. No set calculation was set for the hourly rate. I would suggest that you research either online or contact Thrifty's toll free line and speak to a representative.

(866) 957-0058

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