It happens more often than you think: you've arranged a rental car for a few days, but you want to stay longer or unexpectedly still need the rental car extended. In many cases, you can simply extend a rental car on the spot, but there are a few important points to consider. In this article, you'll read exactly how it works, what to look out for, and what costs you can expect. It's important to know that you can extend the rental car, but there are some conditions.
Can you extend a rental car at the rental location?
In most situations, you can extend a hire car on the spot, as long as the car remains available. Car hire companies work with a rental schedule which states when a vehicle has been rebooked. If nobody else has reserved the car after your rental period, the rental company can easily extend your contract. Don't forget that it is sometimes also possible to extend a hire car at the original rental location.
When hiring a car, it is often possible to extend your rental. This can help you to cope better with unforeseen situations and ensures you do not encounter any problems when you need to extend the car hire.
If you want to keep the car for longer, it is advisable to let us know as early as possible. The sooner you report it, the greater the chance that the car will remain available and that you will retain the favourable price.
What happens if the car is already booked?
If your car has already been rebooked after the original rental period, you cannot extend it. In this situation, the rental company often offers an alternative vehicle. This may be at the same price, but sometimes different rates will apply, for example, if the replacement car is of a different class.
What are the terms and conditions for on-site renewal?
When extending a rental car, the same conditions apply as for the original rental, unless otherwise agreed. These include:
- the same insurances and coverages
- the same excess
- same mileage scheme
The landlord simply adjusts the end date of your rental agreement and incorporates the extra rental days into the total rental price.
What does it cost to extend a hire car?
The costs depend on the rental rate at the time and the duration of the extension. Sometimes the price per day remains the same. During busy periods, such as holidays or festivals, the daily rate may be higher. So it pays to extend on time, so you avoid ending up with last-minute rates.
Can you renew online or by phone?
With many landlords, you can also extend the rental period by phone or online. This is especially useful if you are not near the rental location. The landlord will then check availability and adjust the contract digitally. In that case, you don't need to visit in person.
What happens if you don't report on time that you want to renew?
If you return the car late and haven't notified us of an extension, the rental company may charge you a surcharge or an extra day's rate. This is especially common when the car has already been reserved for someone else. Therefore, always report any extension in good time to avoid any surprises.
Tips for extending your car rental
- Contact the landlord early to guarantee availability.
- Check if the rental rate remains the same during the extended period.
- Check if the insurance policies cover the extra days.
- Ask for an alternative vehicle if your car is already booked.
- Renewing is usually easier than re-letting, so act in time.
Conclusion
Yes, in many cases, you can simply extend a rental car on the spot. The rental company will first check the availability of the vehicle and then adjust the contract. By indicating this in advance, you prevent the car from being re-booked or you paying higher last-minute rates. At Adrem, we're happy to think along with you and will arrange the extension quickly and clearly, so you can continue driving without stress.
Frequently asked questions
Can you always extend a rental car?
Only if the car is still available. Otherwise, you'll usually get an alternative.
Is extending more expensive than booking extra days in advance?
Sometimes, yes, for example during busy periods. Renewing on time helps to keep the rate the same.
Do you need to come to the rental location in person to extend?
Not always. With many landlords, it can also be done by phone or online.
Does your insurance automatically cover the extended period?
Yes, the same cover continues as long as the extension is officially processed.
