When you pick up a hire car in Europe, the things most people focus on is the vehicle type and the cost. However there is another detail that can impact you trip – the mileage terms.
Many renters only discover how mileage limits work after returning the car, when expected charges appear on their final bill.
This useful guide breaks down the two main mileage options you’ll come across so you can decide which one makes the most sense for your needs.
Why Do Mileage Terms Matter When Renting a Car?
It’s easy to assume that renting a car gives you complete freedom to explore, but in reality, your mileage policy has a big say in how far you can drive without paying extra.
There are two main mileage terms that car rental providers use:
- Unlimited mileage
- Limited (or fixed) mileage allowance
Unlimited mileage allows you to drive as far as you like without restrictions; limited mileage means extra charges apply if you exceed the allowance stated on your rental agreement.
Both policy options are common across Europe but the availability depends on several factors such as the country you are renting a car in, the category of car you’ve chosen, as well as how long you are renting for.
How Limited Mileage Car Rentals Work
If your rental agreement includes a mileage cap, it will clearly state:
- Your included allowance (150 km per day or 1,000km per rental)
- The cost per additional kilometre
Once you return the rental vehicle, the company will check the odometer and if you’ve gone over the allowance, the excess mileage fee will apply.
If you’re planning longer trips like road trips, fly-drive holidays or multi-destination ititenaries, then the mileage limits can quickly be exceeded meaning this is an important detail to consider before booking your rental car.
What Are Excess Mileage Fees?
Excess mileage fees are charged when you drive beyond the included allowance stated in your rental agreement.
Typically, the fees are usually:
- Charged per additional kilometre
- Fixed in advance
- Different depending on the rental company, country, and vehicle type
The per-kilometre cost may seem small but it can become quite expensive if you exceed the limit by a long way.
What Happens if You Exceed the Mileage Limit?
If you go over the mileage allowance the excess mileage charge will either be deducted from your deposit, or you will receive a separate invoice after the rental ends.
If you know you’ll be covering long distances, choosing a rental that has unlimited mileage from the outset will save you both money and stress.
Please be aware that a Cover4Rentals’ excess insurance policy for hire cars will not reimburse you for the cost of exceeding your mileage limit.
Is Limited Mileage Ever Cheaper?
Yes sometimes limited mileage rentals can be a budget-friendly option especially if you are only driving short distances. They may be the best option for you if:
- You are staying mainly in one location
- You’re using the car for short trips or local errands
- You headed on a city break with only minimal driving planned
Limited mileage does reduce your flexibility as unexpected detours or last-minute plan changes could push you over the allowance and increase your total cost.
Other ways to save money when renting cars abroad include booking early, travelling outside peak seasons, and comparing offers across multiple rental providers.
Unlimited vs Limited Mileage: At A Glance
Unlimited Mileage
Advantages
- Travel freely without worrying about extra charges
- Ideal for long-distance journeys or multi-country trips
Disadvantages
- Upfront rental cost could be higher
- Not as cost-effective if you’re only driving short distances
Limited Mileage
Advantages
- Often cheaper for low-mileage travel
- Good for city breaks or short stays
Disadvantages
- Additional kilometres come with extra fees
- Requires careful planning to avoid going over the limit
Final Thoughts
Car hire mileage policies don’t need to be complicated. Review your rental agreement and think about your route in advance so you can choose the right mileage option that fits your travel plans.
And although mileage charges are not cover by car hire excess insurance polices, protecting yourself with a Cover4Rentals policy can still save you hundreds of euros if something unexpected does happen.
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