Avoid Surprise Charges On Your Rental Car With This Expert’s 7 Tips and why a £15 investment could save your holiday from a £120 surprise fee.
Planning a dream holiday often includes renting a car to explore your destination freely, but many travellers are caught off guard by unexpected charges when returning their vehicles.
“Most people don’t realise how easily rental cars can accumulate damage or dirt that leads to extra fees,” says Harry Anapliotis, CEO of Rental Center Crete, a premier car hire company operating in Greece since 1975.
After witnessing thousands of customers face surprise charges at the end of their holidays, Anapliotis shares practical advice to help travellers keep their rental cars in excellent condition and avoid those dreaded extra fees.
1. Invest in a portable vacuum
A small handheld vacuum can be a lifesaver, especially for family holidays. Beach sand and food crumbs are among the most common reasons for cleaning charges.
“Sand is particularly problematic because it gets everywhere and can be difficult to remove completely,” says Anapliotis. “A £15 portable vacuum is worth its weight in gold when it can save you an £80 cleaning fee.”
2. Use seat covers or beach towels
One of the simplest ways to protect your rental car is by placing beach towels or seat covers on the seats before getting in after a swim or hike.
“We see many customers who come straight from the beach with wet swimwear or return from a dusty hike and sit directly on the car seats,” explains Anapliotis. “This can stain the upholstery permanently, especially if salt water or sweat is left to dry on fabric seats.”
3. Create a designated ‘clean zone’
Establish rules about what can and cannot enter the car, particularly if travelling with children or in groups.
“Make the trunk your ‘dirty items’ zone for beach gear, hiking boots, or sports equipment,” suggests Anapliotis. “Keep a separate bag for sandy or wet items, and shake out beach towels thoroughly before bringing them into the vehicle.”
4. Check your shoes
Travellers often don’t realise how much dirt is tracked into cars from footwear. This is especially true in destinations like Greece or Spain, where exploring often involves dusty ancient sites or muddy countryside trails.
“The floor mats of rental cars often tell the story of a customer’s entire holiday itinerary,” jokes Anapliotis. “Taking ten seconds to tap your shoes together before getting in can make a huge difference to the car’s interior condition.”
5. Handle food and drinks with care
While eating on the go is tempting, food spills are among the most common causes of cleaning charges. If you must eat in the car, take precautions.
“Coffee and ice cream spills are the worst offenders,” warns Anapliotis. “They seep into fabric and leave stubborn stains. If you absolutely need to eat in the car, bring napkins and a small trash bag, and avoid messy foods altogether.”
6. Daily quick cleans
Taking just five minutes each evening to remove the day’s trash and wipe down surfaces can prevent dirt from building up to unmanageable levels.
“Many tourists let small messes accumulate over their entire holiday, then face a cleaning bill at the end,” says Anapliotis. “A daily quick clean with baby wipes for the dashboard and door panels keeps everything looking fresh with minimal effort.”
7. Document the car’s condition thoroughly
While this doesn’t make the car cleaner, it protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage.
“Always take detailed photos or videos when picking up and returning the vehicle,” advises Anapliotis. “Pay special attention to any existing scratches, dents, stains, or unusual odours, and make sure these are noted on your rental agreement.”
The hidden costs of car neglect
Tourists usually don’t realise just how expensive cleaning fees can be. According to Anapliotis, his company charges between £40-120 for deep cleaning depending on the severity of the mess – a significant dent in any holiday budget.
“The most expensive cleaning charges come from cigarette smoke, which can require special equipment to remove from upholstery,” says Anapliotis. “Even if you’re a smoker, simply following the no-smoking policy in the car can save you a substantial amount.”
Sand removal is another costly service, especially when it gets into seat tracks and air conditioning systems. “Once sand gets into mechanical components, it requires professional cleaning that can cost upwards of £60,” Anapliotis explains.
Harry Anapliotis, CEO of Rental Center Crete, commented: “After nearly five decades in the car rental business, I’ve seen it all – from cars returned covered in beach sand from top to bottom to interiors sticky with melted ice cream and spilled drinks. What many holiday-makers don’t realise is that these cleaning issues can lead to charges that they hadn’t budgeted for, potentially putting a dampener on an otherwise perfect trip.
“Most of these situations are completely avoidable with just a bit of care and attention. We don’t expect customers to return cars detailed like new – normal usage is expected. However, taking these simple precautions can help travellers avoid those unexpected fees and ensure their holiday memories aren’t tarnished by surprise charges when they return the keys.
“Remember, rental companies aren’t trying to catch you out – we simply need to prepare vehicles quickly for the next customer. By following these straightforward tips, you’re saving yourself money and helping the entire rental process run smoothly for everyone.”