STT car rental question

I'm usually one of the tuggers that answers questions about STT but I just ran into a situation I haven't encountered yet. We go for 4 weeks and always rent a car. The rates of a month period are usually much better than the weekly rates. Next year we are going a few days shy of a full 4 weeks and I was surprised at how high the car rental rates were. When I plugged in the dates for a full month they were $300 cheaper on average.

Here's my question. Has anyone ever rented for a month period and then turned in the car a few days early? What happens? Do they bump you back up to the weekly rate? I'm going to rent for the full month and turn it in two days early and I can't imagine that they would charge extra to do that.

Yep, this happens to me all the time on business travel.

The answer to your question really depends on which car rental company you are using and what their definition of a "Monthly Rental" is. For example, Hertz considers a monthly rental starting at 28 consecutive days. That definition varies by rental company. This definition can also depend on the geographic location of the rental (i.e. USA, Europe, Asia, Caribbean, etc.)

That being said my experience is that computerized systems will re-price the rental based upon the actual time you take delivery of the car and return the car. Most car companies provide customers a few hours grace period in returning the vehicle. Many times I have been delayed somewhere and I have called and updated them on my expected arrival. Most times they are understanding and have been flexible while on business or vacation.

Outside of 24 hours, my experience has been that the computer will default back to a weekly rate + # of days in excess of the last completed week.

My experience is that you will be charged extra automatically by the computer. Its already built into the system when you return the car.

I usually rent from Hertz so here is their rental terminology regarding rates:

"The rate quoted at the time of reservation is an approximate amount based on the details you provided. If the rental does not meet the conditions of the confirmed reservation (for example, returned earlier/later or to a different location), the reserved rate is not applicable. The most economical rate available at the time the vehicle is returned will be applied."

"Also, rates quoted at the time of reservation often already include any discounts that may be applicable in the quoted rate. Your invoice will reflect the quoted rate and the discount separately, but the net rate will be the same."

This has been my experience. I average 20-30 Car Rentals a year on business and pleasure.

FT