HIDDEN FEE
Fuel policy (full-to-empty)
Full-to-emptyPre-purchase fuelFuel purchase option
Under a full-to-empty fuel policy you pay for a full tank at pick-up and return the car empty, with no refund for fuel left in it — often at a fuel price above the local pump rate. A full-to-full policy, where you return it as you got it, is usually cheaper and fairer if it is offered.
Where it applies
How to avoid or shrink it
- Choose a full-to-full policy where available and simply refill before returning the car.
- If stuck with full-to-empty, you effectively pay for any fuel you leave behind, so plan to arrive near empty.
- Keep the refuelling receipt for a full-to-full return in case of a dispute.
THE HONEST CAVEAT
Full-to-empty is not always avoidable at every supplier or location — but where full-to-full is offered it almost always works out cheaper.
Count it in your true total
Run a specific booking through the calculator and this fee is counted — sourced, dated and confidence-graded alongside everything else the headline price leaves out.
Back to the full fee glossary, or browse the Hidden-Fee Index.