What is the fuel policy when hiring a car?

Article

When hiring a car, one of the most important decisions to make is which fuel policy to choose. The fuel policy determines how you will collect the vehicle and how you should return the fuel tank at the end of your rental.

There are two main types of fuel policies: Full-Full and Full-Empty. Although hiring a car is a quick and easy process—just as we explain in our post about getting the best car hire price—it is crucial to understand the contract terms to avoid unexpected charges and enjoy a hassle-free experience.

Your choice of fuel policy should depend on your circumstances. Returning a family car after a well-planned holiday with plenty of time is not the same as hiring a vehicle for a business trip, where speed and flexibility are your priorities.

In this post, we'll also share some useful tips to help you choose the most suitable fuel policy for your journey. Depending on your specific situation, one option may be more convenient than the other. Below, we explain the different fuel policies available when booking with DoYouSpain.

Fuel policies at DoYouSpain: everything you need to know

When booking a hire car with DoYouSpain, it's essential to understand the fuel policies available. Below, we explain each policy in detail—how they work, their advantages, practical examples, and key considerations when making your reservation.

Full-Full Fuel Policy

If you choose a Full-Full offer, you will collect the car with a full tank and must return it in the same condition. This means that before handing back the vehicle, you’ll need to refuel to ensure the tank is as full as it was at the start of your rental. That way, you’ll only pay for the fuel you actually use.

This policy is the most recommended option at DoYouSpain, as it's the best way to save money.

How does the Full-Full Policy work?

• Collecting the car: When you pick up the vehicle, a deposit will be blocked on your credit card, equivalent to the cost of a full tank of fuel. Each rental company sets different rates, which you can review in the terms and conditions before confirming your reservation online.
• Returning the car: Before dropping off the vehicle, you must refuel at the nearest petrol station to the rental office so you can return it with a full tank. Once at the office, the staff will check the fuel level, and if everything is correct, your deposit will be immediately unblocked.

Example: If the cost of a full tank is €70, a €70 deposit will be blocked on your credit card upon collection. If you return the car with a full tank, you'll get back the full €70 without any extra charges.

What happens if you don't return the car full?

If the vehicle is returned with less fuel than agreed in the contract, you will need to pay for the missing fuel, plus an additional penalty. The amount of this penalty is specified in the terms and conditions of your rental agreement.

Full-Empty Fuel Policy

With this fuel policy, you will collect the car with a full tank and have the freedom to return it with any fuel level. However, it’s important to note that when picking up the vehicle, you will pay for the full tank, along with an additional refuelling service fee. This extra charge allows you to return the car without refuelling, even if the tank is partially full.

Upon returning the vehicle, the car hire company will reimburse the remaining fuel proportionally, based on the amount left in the tank. However, the refuelling service fee is non-refundable, as it covers the convenience of returning the car without worrying about refuelling.

How does the Full-Empty Policy work?

• Collecting the car: At the beginning of the rental, you will pay for the full tank, along with a refuelling service fee, which typically ranges between €30 and €50. The exact amount is specified in the terms and conditions of your offer and is available throughout the booking process.
• Returning the car: You can return the vehicle with any fuel level. If, for example, you return it half-full, the company will calculate the remaining fuel and refund the corresponding amount based on what you originally paid for the tank.
• Refuelling service fee: This charge is not reimbursed, regardless of how much fuel remains in the tank. The car hire company retains this cost, as it covers the convenience of allowing you to return the car without refuelling beforehand.

Example: If you pay €70 for the full tank and €30 for the refuelling service, the total cost will be €100. If you return the vehicle with half a tank, the car hire company will refund half of the full tank price, meaning €35. However, the refuelling service charge (€30) is non-refundable, regardless of how much fuel remains.

Pros and cons of Fuel Policies at DoYouSpain

After reviewing the two main fuel policies available at DoYouSpain, it's important to highlight that there is no universally "better" or "worse" option. The best choice depends on your needs and the type of journey you're planning. Below, we summarise the advantages and disadvantages of each policy to help you decide which one suits your situation best.

Tips for choosing the right Fuel Policy

Use our website's search filters to save time

Now that you understand the two types of fuel policies, you can use the filters on our website to display only the offers that include your preferred option, making your search easier and faster.

Your fuel policy choice should align with your travel plans

If you’re travelling with family for a week-long holiday, you likely have a planned itinerary and enough time to handle refuelling before returning the car. In this case, Full-Full may be the best option, as you’ll only pay for the fuel you actually use. Plus, returning the car with a full tank ensures that your deposit is fully refunded without extra charges.

If you opt for Full-Full, make sure to locate the nearest petrol station to the airport or car hire office in advance. Waiting until the last minute to refuel can be stressful—especially if you're travelling with kids or on a tight schedule.

If you're travelling for business and need maximum flexibility, the Full-Empty option may be more convenient. While it comes with a refuelling service fee, it allows you to return the car without worrying about refuelling, which can be ideal when you're on a tight work schedule.

Summary of Fuel Policies

The main difference between these options lies inhow you return the car:

1. Full-Full: You pick up and return the car with a full tank, leaving a fuel deposit that will be fully refunded if the car is returned in the same condition.
2. Full-Empty: You pick up the car with a full tank, paying for the fuel upfront along with a refuelling service charge. You can return the car at any fuel level, and the car hire company will refund the remaining fuel proportionally, though the refuelling service fee is non-refundable.

Now that you know the details of each policy, you can search on DoYouSpain and choose the best option for your trip. Find the best car hire deals and enjoy a hassle-free journey!