If you return the vehicle early, you may not be entitled to a refund for unused days or hours, depending on the contract. If you return the vehicle late without notifying the rental company, additional fees will be charged (extra hours or full days at updated rates), and there is also a risk of legal action for breach of contract.
Below, learn about the detailed rules, possible fees, and actions required to manage the duration of your car rental.
If you want to return your rental car early
If you need to return the car before the scheduled time or date, the procedure is simple, but you should pay attention to potential costs. Early returns are allowed, but a refund for the remaining unused days is not guaranteed and depends on the rules of each rental company.
If you decide to return the vehicle early, follow these steps:
Inform the rental company: although this is not mandatory, we recommend informing the rental company of your intention to return the vehicle early through its official support channels.
Document the vehicle's condition: before returning the vehicle, take photos and videos of the interior and exterior to record the car's actual condition. This is a standard procedure for a smooth return.
Check the return location: the car must be returned to the same counter/branch where it was picked up, unless the contract provides different instructions or a different service has been arranged (such as a return fee).
Obtain proof of contract closure: request the document confirming the closure of the contract when returning the vehicle. Some companies send this confirmation directly by email. This is important so you can prove that you actually returned the car earlier than scheduled.
Is a refund possible for unused days?
It depends. The rules vary depending on the rental company, destination, and rental agreement.
For reservations in Brazil, refunds for contracted but unused days depend exclusively on the policies of the partner rental company, the terms agreed upon in the contract, and the company's own assessment of the case.
For international reservations, rental companies generally do not refund unused days. However, in exceptional and properly documented circumstances (such as serious health problems or force majeure events), the rental company may assess the case.
How do I request a refund for unused days?
If your case falls within the rental company's refund rules, organize the relevant information before submitting your request to speed up the review and potential refund process.
You will need to provide documents related to the rental, such as the original contract, payment receipts, and the contract closure/check-out document issued by the rental company when the vehicle was returned early. Once you have the documents, contact our help center.
The response time varies depending on the processing and review time of the partner rental company. For more information, read the full article about refunds.
If you return the rental car late
Returning the car after the agreed time may result in additional fees charged directly by the rental company. If you are unable to return the vehicle at the scheduled time, it is important to notify the rental company in advance.
When the delay is not reported beforehand, the rental company may apply financial and contractual penalties according to its rules and conditions.
What charges may apply for returning the car late?
In the case of extra rental days and unreported delays, the amount charged will be based on the rate in effect on that day, as determined by the rental company, plus any applicable fees for additional services. This means the daily rate may differ from the amount paid at the time of booking and may be higher or lower.
The financial settlement of these amounts must be made directly with the rental company when the contract is closed.
Keep in mind that extending the rental period without a formal renewal may affect the validity of the protection and insurance coverage purchased for the vehicle during the additional period.
Can I extend or prolong my car rental period?
Yes, it is possible to extend your car rental, but the change requires prior authorization from the rental company. The company will assess the vehicle's availability for the new period and update the rental agreement.
If you realize that you will be late or need the car for additional days, follow these steps immediately:
Contact the rental company directly: immediately notify the branch where you picked up the vehicle. The phone number is available on your reservation confirmation voucher. Failure to provide prior notice constitutes unlawful appropriation, which allows the rental company to take measures to locate and recover the vehicle, in addition to potentially generating legal and administrative costs.
Support channels: most rental companies allow you to request an extension of the contract by phone or chat, eliminating the need to visit the rental branch in person.
Cost of extending the contract: extending the rental period will result in additional charges. These additional rental days and fees will be calculated based on the rental company's rates in effect on the day of the request, rather than the promotional terms of the original reservation made through Rentcars.