It is possible to change the pickup or drop-off location of your car reservation in many cases, depending on the time of the request, availability, and the rental company's policies.
How can I request a location change?
If the change is requested before picking up the vehicle, you can make it yourself, exclusively through the website.
To change the location for your reservation, follow these steps:
Log in to your Rentcars account.
Go to “My Account.”
Open “My Reservations” and select the reservation you want to change.
In the “Manage Your Reservation” section, click “Make Changes.”
Select “Pickup and/or Return Location” and follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
What happens if I want to change the drop-off location during my rental?
If you need to change the drop-off location after the rental has already started, the process is different. Rentcars cannot process these changes.
To make the change, you must contact the rental company's support team directly. The approval of the change will depend on availability, and in most cases, there will be additional fees. Therefore, it is crucial that you confirm the new prices and drop-off policies directly with them.
What rules apply if I want to change the pickup or drop-off location?
Changing the pickup or drop-off location of your rental car is possible, but it is subject to some important rules.
Availability: Location changes depend exclusively on the rental company's availability at the time of the request.
Additional costs: Changing locations frequently results in price differences. Additional fees may be applied, especially for one-way rentals (drop-off at a different location than pickup) or drop-offs in different cities.
Does changing the location have a cost?
Yes, changing the pickup or drop-off locations generally affects the price of your reservation. Changing the drop-off location, for example, may increase the total amount, as rental companies charge what we call a "drop fee."
This fee is calculated based on the location, distance, and the company's specific policies, covering the costs of transporting the vehicle back to its original base.
The payment method can vary: sometimes the fee is paid directly at the rental counter, at the destination, and in other cases, it is possible to pay for everything in advance.
Therefore, it is essential to always confirm the updated price before finalizing any change.
What happens to the value of my already-paid reservation if I change the pickup or drop-off location?
After the change, the value of your reservation may change. Here’s how the scenarios work:
If the new value is higher: You will receive a payment link to pay the difference.
If the new value is lower: The excess amount will be refunded within 5 calendar days to the same payment method used for the original reservation.
Attention: If your reservation is still pending payment, you will receive a new link with the updated amount so you can finalize it.
To better understand how the payment link works, check out our article. Click here to learn more!
Are there specific scenarios for location changes?
Yes. While general rules apply to most cases, there are some specific scenarios worth knowing about.
Changes between airports: If you need to change the drop-off location between airports, for example, from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, the change is generally possible, provided the rental company has agencies in both locations.
Non-traditional pickup locations: If the rental company of your current reservation does not serve a specific location you need, such as a port or a specific neighborhood, you can request to switch to another rental company. In this case, we will check availability in our system and inform you if there is any adjustment to the price of your reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the changes are not possible?
In scenarios where the desired location is not served, it may be necessary to switch rental companies or consider alternative travel arrangements.
Do I need to cancel my reservation to change the location?
In most cases, it is not necessary to cancel. The change can be made, but it may lead to an adjustment in the daily rate or the inclusion of fees.
Is it possible to return the car in another country?
Yes, some rental companies allow international drop-offs, but almost always with the payment of fees and border restrictions. It is essential to confirm this possibility in advance in your reservation. Click here and understand how "Border Crossing" works.