Car Rental Extension: Tips for Keeping Your Wheels Longer

PUBLISHED ON Jun, 29 2023

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Are you in need of keeping your rental car for an extended period? Discover essential tips and tricks to successfully extend your car rental and avoid unnecessary fees. In this article, we will provide practical advice and valuable information on how to navigate the process of car rental extension, including insights on major rental companies like Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, and National. Read on to ensure a seamless and cost-effective experience when extending your car rental reservation.

Can You Extend a Car Rental?

When you find yourself needing to extend your car rental, it’s essential to understand the process and policies involved. Discover the answers to common questions about car rental extensions, including how late fees are calculated, how to notify the rental company, and the potential impact on pricing. Stay informed with these key points:

  • Most rental companies offer a short grace period before charging late fees.
  • Avis and Budget charge a per-day late fee if you don’t notify them within seven hours of the original return time.
  • Hertz imposes a fee of $12 per day (up to $60) starting 12 hours after the scheduled return time.

Alamo Rental Extension:

If you have an Alamo car rental and require an extension, here are the steps to follow to extend your Alamo car rental

  • Contact the specific Alamo car rental location where you picked up the vehicle to request an extension.
  • Ensure you make the extension request within the designated timeframe to avoid late fees.
  • Familiarize yourself with Alamo’s policies regarding late returns and any associated charges.

Avis Rental Extension:

When it comes to extending your Avis car rental, knowing the proper procedures and guidelines is crucial. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

  • Avis allows customers to extend an existing rental through their mobile app or by contacting the rental location directly.
  • Make sure to request the extension within the specified time frame to avoid late fees.
  • Be aware of Avis’ per-day late fee of $10 if you don’t notify them within seven hours of the original return time.

Budget Rental Car Extension:

Extending your Budget rental car reservation is a straightforward process when you know the proper procedures. Consider the following guidelines:

  • Contact the Budget rental location where you picked up the vehicle to request an extension.
  • Budget imposes a per-day late fee of $10 if you don’t notify them within seven hours of the original return time.
  • Plan accordingly and be aware of any potential impact on pricing when extending your Budget rental.

Enterprise Rental Extension:

Need to extend your Enterprise car rental? Follow these steps for a hassle-free experience:

  • Get in touch with the Enterprise rental location from where you rented the vehicle and request an extension.
  • Ensure you initiate the extension within the specified timeframe to avoid late fees.
  • Familiarize yourself with Enterprise’s policies on late returns and any associated charges.

Hertz Rental Extension

If you have a rental from Hertz and need to extend the reservation, there are specific steps you can take to ensure a smooth process. Here’s what you should know about Hertz rental extensions:

  • Hertz offers an option to extend your car rental online, providing convenience and flexibility.
  • You can also contact Hertz customer service by phone to request an extension.
  • Familiarize yourself with Hertz’s policies and any applicable fees for late returns or modifications.

National Car Rental Extension:

Extending your National car rental is a simple process when you follow the proper procedures. Consider the following guidelines:

  • Contact the National car rental location where you picked up the vehicle and request an extension.
  • Make sure to initiate the extension within the specified time frame to avoid any late fees.
  • Familiarize yourself with National’s policies regarding late returns and associated charges.

Sixt Extend Rental

If you need to extend your rental for up to a total of 28 days:

  • Sixt allows you to extend your active rental for up to a total of 28 days with a successful authorization.
  • You can easily extend your rental by using the self-service link provided by Sixt.

If you need an extension beyond 28 days:

  • If you require an extension beyond the 28-day period, you will need to make a new reservation and rental agreement with Sixt.
  • You can book your new reservation online to prepare for the extended rental period.

It’s important to note that Sixt charges rentals based on a 24-hour billing period. Any additional daily charges apply when a rental exceeds a full cycle of 24 hours [1]. Sixt provides a 30-minute grace period for convenience upon return. If you return the vehicle within this grace period, you will not be charged for an additional day. However, if you return the vehicle after the grace period, an extra day’s charge will apply.

Other Companies Car Rental Extension:

Dollar: Call (866) 434-2226, then press option 1.

Fox: Extend online or call (855) 484-8624.

Payless: Call (800) 729-5377, then press option 1, then press option 2 to be connected to an agent.

Final Word

In summary, extending your car rental can be a seamless process if you understand the policies and procedures of major rental companies. Remember these key principles to ensure a successful car rental extension experience:

  1. Notify the rental company within the designated time frame to avoid late fees.
  2. Utilize online platforms or contact the rental location directly to request an extension.
  3. Familiarize yourself with the specific policies and potential impact on pricing for each rental company.

If you’re planning to extend your car rental, it’s crucial to have the right coverage to avoid unexpected expenses. Whether it’s for a longer vacation or a change in travel plans, understanding your options can make the process seamless. At CarInsuRent, we provide comprehensive car hire excess insurance, covering costs that traditional policies may overlook, such as damage to the car’s undercarriage, tires, or windshield. This peace of mind allows you to focus on the journey ahead without worrying about costly surprises.

Before extending your rental, confirm the new terms with your provider and ensure your insurance remains valid for the extended period. Checkout our offers for best car rental insurance to learn more about how our tailored solutions can save you money and keep you covered during your rental extension.

FAQs:

Can I extend my car rental multiple times?

Yes, in most cases, you can extend your car rental multiple times as long as you comply with the rental company’s policies and notify them within the required timeframe.

Will extending my car rental affect my insurance coverage?

Extending your car rental typically doesn’t impact your insurance coverage. However, it’s always advisable to review your insurance policy or contact your insurance provider to confirm the details.

Are there any additional fees associated with car rental extensions?

Some rental companies may charge a contract modification fee or a per-day late fee for rental extensions. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific policies of the rental company you are dealing with to understand any additional fees that may apply.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does my car insurance cover rental cars?

Short Answer: Most personal auto insurance policies extend to rental cars, but coverage varies by insurer and policy type.

Detailed Answer: Your personal car insurance typically covers rental cars with the same limits and deductibles as your regular policy. This includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage if you have them. However, coverage only applies to rentals for personal use, not business travel. Always verify with your insurer before traveling, as some policies exclude certain rental types or international rentals.

Key Considerations:
  • Coverage matches your personal policy limits
  • Same deductible applies to rental claims
  • Business rentals often excluded
  • International coverage varies by insurer
  • Luxury or exotic vehicles may be excluded

Will my car insurance cover a rental car abroad?

Short Answer: Most US car insurance policies do not cover rental cars outside the United States and Canada.

Detailed Answer: Standard US auto insurance policies typically exclude coverage for rentals outside North America. Some insurers extend coverage to Canada, but European, Asian, and other international rentals usually require separate coverage. For international travel, consider purchasing rental insurance from the rental company or a third-party provider like CarInsuRent that specializes in international rental protection.

International Coverage Options:

- Rental company insurance (most expensive)

- Credit card coverage (limited protection)

- Third-party providers like CarInsuRent (comprehensive, cost-effective)

- Travel insurance with rental coverage

- Temporary international auto policies

What's the best rental car insurance for international travel?

The data is clear: CarInsuRent offers up to 70% savings on rental car insurance

Beyond savings, CarInsuRent offers:

  • Transparency: Clear policy terms you can read at leisure.
  • Control: You choose coverage levels without sales pressure.
  • Flexibility: Coverage travels with you across countries and rental companies.
  • Protection: Comprehensive excess coverage at a fraction of rental counter cost.
In an industry notorious for expensive add-ons and pressure tactics, CarInsuRent, the best rental car insurance for international travel, puts travelers back in control while saving substantial money.

Should I buy rental car insurance from the rental company?

Whether you should buy the rental company’s insurance depends on what coverage you already have and your personal risk tolerance. Here’s a practical decision framework most people use:

Skip the rental company insurance if ANY of these apply:

  • Check if your personal auto policy include coverage for rental cars.
  • Most major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, Chase Sapphire, etc.) offer primary or secondary collision damage waiver offer rental car insurance coverage. Note: Almost always this coverage excludes liability, theft of personal items, and exotic/luxury vans/trucks. You must decline rental company CDW and charge the entire rental to that card.
  • Check if your travel insurance (e.g., Allianz, World Nomads, credit-card trip insurance) includes rental collision.

Buy (or seriously consider) rental company insurance if:

  • You have no personal auto insurance (e.g., you don’t own a car).
  • You’re driving in a country where your U.S./home policy explicitly excludes coverage (fairly rare, but happens in Ireland, Jamaica, Israel, etc.).
  • Your credit card coverage is secondary and you don’t want to deal with filing through your personal policy first (deductible + possible rate hike).
  • You want zero-deductible peace of mind and don’t mind paying $30–$60/day extra.
 

Can I buy a plan for just one day?

Yes. Insurance for a single day is available.

Can I buy a plan when I pick up my rental car?

No. You should purchase a policy before starting your travel.

Can I use the policy for car hire in my home-country / country of residence?

Local rentals are covered by our Car Club / Car Sharing Hire Excess Insurance. You can use it in your Country of Residence and there are no restrictions regarding proximity of use to your home address.

If You are renting a Vehicle for use within your Country of Residence and if you purchased Multi Trip (Plan B) Policy, You must also have at least 2 nights pre-booked accommodation in your Country of Residence. The Annual Policy is priced for travelers who rent cars intermittently across multiple trips, not as a substitute for owning a car. Tourists typically drive fewer total days/miles per year and face different risks. Local renters drive far more and more often, which materially increases claim frequency and would break the pricing if covered at the same annual premium. The product is excess reimbursement for short-term rentals, not long-term / leasing / continuous domestic car use.

If You are renting a Vehicle for use within your home country and if you purchased Daily coverage (Plan A) you are covered even if theft or damage occurs within 150km of your home provided that you are a resident of the EEA.

Multiple rentals are allowed as long as each rental will not exceed 45 consecutive days.

in event that You return the rental vehicle and pick up another rental vehicle during the 48 hours after you return the first rental vehicle, the new rental is not covered under this policy, unless the new rental occurs within more than 150km from the rental station where you left the first rental vehicle.

We encourage you to read our full guide about Car Rental Insurance in Europe to learn everything you need to know about European car rental insurance.

Find the answers you’re looking for to the most frequently asked car hire insurance questions as well as other questions relating to our products and services.

Visit the FAQ page