The No-Surprises Car Rental Guide: Insurance, Fuel and Deposits Explained

Fuel policy is the first thing to check. 'Full-to-full' — pick up full, return full — is almost always the fairest deal. 'Full-to-empty' policies charge premium fuel rates and refund nothing for what you don't use.

On insurance: the basic rate usually includes Collision Damage Waiver with a high excess (deductible). Third-party excess insurance bought online in advance is typically far cheaper than the same cover sold at the rental counter.

Hold a credit card in the main driver's name. Most rental desks require one for the security deposit; debit cards are frequently refused or trigger forced insurance purchases.

Photograph the car — every panel, wheels, windscreen and fuel gauge — at pickup and at return. It takes ninety seconds and it is the single best protection against damage disputes.