Whether you’re on a road trip, managing a business trip, or need more time with a vehicle, there may come a point when you need to extend your car hire period. While it may sound straightforward, there are several essential factors to consider before making any changes to your rental agreement.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to extend car hire, including the rules, costs, and policies that may apply. We’ll also cover helpful tips to make the process smoother and more affordable.
Lanes Car Hire makes extending your rental easy and stress-free. With flexible rental terms and responsive customer service, you can continue your journey uninterrupted. Whether you’re planning or need a last-minute extension, call us on 020 8290 4567 to book our services today!
Need more time with your rental? Lanes Car Hire makes extending your car hire simple, flexible, and affordable—so your journey never has to pause.
Why You Might Need To Extend Your Car Hire
There are countless reasons a person may choose to extend car rental arrangements:
- Flight delays or cancellations
- Extended business trips
- Family emergencies
- Deciding to travel longer
- Changes in personal schedule
Whatever the reason, the key is to act early and communicate clearly with the rental company to avoid penalties or limited availability.
How To Extend Car Hire
The process for extending a rental car agreement varies depending on your provider, but typically includes the following steps:
1. Review Your Car Hire Agreement
Begin by reviewing your car rental agreement. Most agreements will outline the steps involved in a car rental extension, including time limits, additional charges, and whether the vehicle must be returned for inspection before the extension can continue.
2. Contact The Rental Company Promptly
As soon as you realise you’ll need more time, contact the rental provider. Some companies allow you to manage extensions online, while others may require a call or in-person visit. It’s always better to contact them before your rental period expires.
For flexible and friendly support, reach out to Lanes Car Hire—we’re here to help extend your rental with ease.
3. Understand The Car Rental Extension Policy
Each rental company has its car rental extension policy. Some may offer hourly or daily extensions, while others require a new agreement. You might also need to bring the car in for inspection, especially if you’re approaching the maintenance mileage threshold.
Cost To Extend Car Hire
What Affects The Price?
The cost to extend car hire will vary based on:
- Vehicle type
- Season/demand
- Location
- Duration of the extension
- Insurance or breakdown cover updates
It’s possible that your daily rate could increase slightly for the extended period, especially during high-demand seasons or if your original rate was part of a discount.
Avoiding Unexpected Charges
To avoid unexpected fees, ensure you thoroughly understand the car rental policy. Some companies charge a full day even for short extensions, while others may apply penalties for last-minute changes.
Rules For Extending Car Rental: What You Need To Know
Before you extend, keep these rules for extending car rental in mind:
- Return timing matters: Extensions must be confirmed before the return deadline to avoid late fees.
- Insurance coverage: If your insurance was time-bound, you’ll need to update it.
- Availability: The same car may not be available if someone else has already booked it after your original return date.
- Payment in advance: Some companies require payment in advance for extensions.
Car Hire Extension Tips
Here are some practical tips to make your rental car extension process smoother:
- Book in advance: If you may need extra time, mention it at the start.
- Keep documentation handy: Have your driving licence and rental agreement ready.
- Inspect the vehicle: Make sure to report any new damage if the extension involves a vehicle check.
- Ask for offers: Some companies may offer lower rates for more extended periods—don’t be afraid to ask.
Can You Extend A Car Hire More Than Once?
Yes, in many cases you can request an extended car rental more than once, depending on availability and the company’s policy. However, repeated extensions may require additional documentation or a contract renewal.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When extending your rental, avoid these pitfalls:
- Waiting until the last minute
- Assuming your insurance automatically carries over
- Failing to check availability for your specific vehicle
- Not confirming the new return time in writing.
CONTACT LANES CAR HIRE
Final Thoughts: Plan For A Smooth Extension
Extending your car hire doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding your rental company’s policies, acting early, and asking the right questions, you can avoid stress and keep your journey running smoothly.
Whether you’re planning an extended holiday or just need more time on the road, Lanes Car Hire offers flexible and affordable solutions for every journey. With convenient options and excellent service, your rental experience is always in good hands.
Ready to extend or book your next trip? Contact us today or explore the car hire benefits with Lanes Car Hire.
FAQ
1. Can I extend my car hire online?
Some rental companies offer online portals that allow you to manage your bookings. Others may require you to call or visit a branch in person.
2. Will the cost be the same when I extend?
Not always. Extension rates may differ based on availability, demand, or your original booking terms.
3. Can I extend if I’ve already passed the return time?
Technically, that would be considered a late return, and you may incur penalties. Always request an extension before your rental period ends.
