It's really annoying to return the car in Salzburg. On the afternoon we arrived, we happened to meet an Austrian holiday, and everyone was off work early. Then we tried all kinds of ways to return the car by ourselves. The next day, we received an email saying that the left rear hub was damaged, so we rushed to the return point. They said the car had already been rented out. Yesterday, we received an email saying that we had to pay 320 euros in compensation. It's really not worth it! Fortunately, the insurance can be compensated, so be sure to buy insurance, otherwise you don't know what will happen ? Austria Q&A
Return and inspection of the car 1. Prepare the checklist provided by the rental company before 2. Rental agreement, insurance documents, deposit receipt 3. Wash the car before returning it, both interior and exterior. Otherwise, you may be fined up to 500 Swiss francs for car washing (e.g. in Switzerland) 4. All photos taken when picking up the car 5. Return the car with a full tank of gas. Otherwise, you may be charged for refueling, which can be expensive 6. Take a photo of the fuel gauge 7. Take photos of any potential scratches to avoid being overcharged 8. When the car is inspected, make sure to check what is written and any associated fees. If there are any objections, resolve them before signing. This can be a stressful time, especially if you are in a rush to catch a flight, and you may overlook certain issues. It can be difficult to resolve them once you have returned home 9. The deposit refund will depend on the rental company checking for any violations, parking tickets, or toll charges. It may take 1-2 months to receive the deposit refund, and there will be no notification. The charges will be automatically deducted Additional information: Some gas stations offer automatic and manual car wash services. Both require self-operation. Automatic car wash: Drive in, the brushes will automatically clean and dry the car. The cost varies from 10-29 Swiss francs, depending on the size of the car. Advantages: Quick, approximately 10-20 minutes. Disadvantages: Expensive, and the car may not be thoroughly cleaned. Vacuuming requires coins, approximately 1 franc for 10 minutes Manual car wash: Advantages: Cheaper, more thorough cleaning, and can help identify any issues. Disadvantages: Tiring, limited time with the car wash hose, need to purchase car wash detergent. Indoor vacuuming requires renting a vacuum for approximately 1 franc for 10 minutes ? Switzerland Q&A
Regarding the prepayment of fuel issue, I want to give a hint to the friends who will rent a car later. I just saw a car friend above who said something not quite right. When we paid the prepayment for fuel, we were told to pick up the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank. However, when we returned the car, we were informed that because we returned it with a full tank, the deposit would be refunded. But in reality, it did not happen. We sent an email to the car rental company Sixt to confirm this, and the reply was that after prepaying the fuel fee, it is not necessary to return the car with a full tank, and returning it with a full tank will not result in a deposit refund. (It's just a way for them to keep your money in the end.) As long as you have signed the contract, they will insist on it. (Regarding what the car friend above said, to put it bluntly, it's just a matter of not being good at English. I really want to roll my eyes at this. ️ They are lumping everyone's different situations together.) ? United Kingdom Q&A