Understanding Additional Fees and Charges in Réunion Car Rental

Avoiding Hidden Fees When Renting a Car in Réunion

Renting a car in Réunion is the best way to fully experience the island’s breathtaking scenery—from the towering Piton de la Fournaise volcano to the serene beaches of Saint-Gilles and the lush forests of Cirque de Mafate. While public transport exists, it’s limited, and taxis can be expensive. A rental car lets you set your schedule, stopping whenever you want. However, renting a car isn’t always as simple as it seems. The price you see when booking is usually the base rate — additional fees can add up if you don’t know what’s included.

This guide breaks down the most common extra charges you may face when renting a car in Réunion and how to avoid unnecessary costs. By understanding these fees in advance, you can budget smartly and enjoy your island adventure without stress. So, if you want to hit the open road without any hidden surprises, let’s dive into the details.

1. Common Additional Fees in Réunion Car Rental

When you book a car rental, the price advertised usually covers the base rental cost. Car rental companies may charge extra for services, insurance, and add-ons. Let’s explore the most common ones:

Insurance and Protection Plans

Most car rental companies in Réunion include basic Third-Party Liability Insurance in their rates. This covers damages you might cause to other people or property. However, it does not protect you from costs if the rental car is damaged, stolen, or involved in an accident.

To reduce your financial risk, you may be offered additional protection plans:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): This limits the amount you can pay if the rental car is damaged in an accident. Without CDW, you could be responsible for the full cost of repairs. Even with CDW, there’s often an excess—meaning you still pay a portion of the repair cost.
• Theft Protection (TP): Covers expenses if the car is stolen or damaged due to theft or attempted theft.
• Super CDW or Zero Excess Insurance: An upgrade from standard CDW that reduces or eliminates the excess, so you won’t have to pay anything for damages (except for exclusions like tyre or windscreen damage).
• Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Provides medical cover for you and your passengers in case of injury during an accident.

Before purchasing these add-ons, check if you’re already covered. Many travel insurance policies and premium credit cards offer car rental insurance—sometimes at a lower cost than what rental companies charge. Always read the terms carefully.

Fuel Policy Charges

Choosing the right fuel policy in your car rental agreement is important, as the wrong choice leads to extra charges. In Réunion, the most common fuel policies are:

• Full-to-Full: The car comes with a full tank, and you must return it with a full tank. If you don’t, the rental company will refuel it, usually at a higher cost than local petrol stations. This is usually the most cost-effective option, as long as you remember to refuel before returning the car.
• Prepaid Fuel (Full-to-Empty): You pay for a full tank when you pick up the car and return it empty. If there’s any unused fuel, you won’t get a refund. While this option is convenient, it’s usually more expensive than refuelling the car.

How to save money:

• Always ask about the fuel policy before driving off.
• If you choose full-to-full, use a maps app to find the closest petrol station to the rental drop-off point, so you’re not hit with unexpected charges for refuelling.

Additional Driver Fees

Register them as an additional driver if you share driving duties with someone else. Rental companies charge a daily additional driver fee to cover extra insurance costs.

Why add a second driver?

• It’s useful for long road trips around Réunion’s winding mountain roads.
• It ensures you’re covered by insurance if the second driver takes the wheel.

Some car rental companies run promotions where one additional driver is included for free—always check before you book. Never let someone drive the rental car if not listed on the agreement, as this could invalidate the insurance.

Young and Senior Driver Fees

Age can influence the cost of your rental car. Many car hire companies in Réunion apply:

• Young driver fees: Expect a daily surcharge if you’re under 25. Younger drivers are considered higher risk, which increases insurance costs.
• Senior driver fees: Drivers over 70 may also face extra charges, depending on the rental company’s policies.

How to reduce this fee:

• Some rental companies have loyalty programs that waive young or senior driver fees.
• Consider comparing multiple rental companies to find the best rates for your age group.

One-Way Rental Fees

A one-way rental means picking up your car at one location and dropping it off at another. While this flexibility is useful for those planning a road trip around Réunion, it often comes with an extra fee. The amount depends on the distance between pick-up and drop-off points and whether the rental company has to transport the car back. To avoid this fee, plan a round trip by returning the car to the same location, especially if you're travelling on a budget.

Late Return Fees

Returning your car late can result in significant penalties. Car rental companies usually allow a 30- to 60-minute grace period after the scheduled return time. Beyond that, you may be charged for an additional full day.

Avoid this fee by:

• Double-check your return time and location when you pick up the car.
• Allowing extra time for traffic, especially during peak hours in Réunion’s cities.

2. Optional Extras and Their Costs

Apart from standard fees, rental companies offer optional add-ons to make your trip more comfortable—but they come at a price.

GPS and Navigation Systems

If you're unfamiliar with the roads in Réunion, the rental company may offer a GPS device for an additional daily fee. Use free navigation apps instead to save money. You can download offline maps ahead to avoid roaming charges during your trip.

Child Seats and Booster Seats

By law, children under 10 are required to use an appropriate car seat. Rental companies offer child and booster seats for a daily fee, but these costs can add up, especially over an extended period. Bring your car seat from home, ensuring it complies with European safety standards to save money.

Wi-Fi and Mobile Hotspots

Some rental companies provide portable Wi-Fi devices to keep you connected throughout your drive. However, a more affordable option is to purchase a local SIM card, which is just as effective and typically cheaper than renting a mobile hotspot.

3. How to Avoid Unnecessary Charges

Renting a car in Madrid can be a smooth and cost-effective experience — but only if you’re aware of the potential extra charges that could creep onto your final bill. The key is to be proactive and informed. Here’s a detailed guide on how to avoid unnecessary charges and keep your car rental costs transparent and under control:

Read the Contract Carefully

Before signing anything, take the time to review the rental contract. It might be tempting to skim through the paperwork, especially if you're eager to get on the road, but this step is crucial. Hidden fees often lurk in the fine print, and the only way to protect yourself is to understand exactly what you're agreeing to.

Look for details about:

• Insurance coverage: Confirm what’s included and whether you’re expected to pay an excess fee in case of damage. Is there roadside assistance? What about theft protection? If anything seems unclear, ask the rental agent to explain it.
• Additional charges: Some rental companies charge extra for optional add-ons like GPS devices, child seats, or additional drivers. Ensure you know the costs upfront so there are no surprises later.
• Fuel and mileage policies: Double-check whether your contract includes unlimited mileage or if there’s a daily limit. Exceeding mileage caps can result in hefty penalties.
• Late return fees: Many companies have strict return time rules — even a 30-minute delay could result in an extra day's rental fee.

Ask the rental staff to clarify if you spot any charges you don’t recognise or understand. It’s better to sort out these details before you drive off than to face unexpected costs when you return the car.

Inspect the Car Thoroughly

One of the most effective ways to avoid extra charges is to be billed for damage they didn’t cause simply because they didn’t notice it during pick-up.

Here’s how to do a proper inspection:

• Walk around the car slowly and check for dents, scratches, and chipped paint. Pay special attention to areas prone to damage — like bumpers, door edges, and wheel rims.
• Check the windows and windscreen for cracks or chips, as even minor damage can result in replacement fees.
• Look inside the car and examine the upholstery, dashboard, and controls. Torn seats, broken air conditioning, or missing accessories (like a spare tyre or warning triangle) should be reported immediately.
• Check the lights, indicators, and wipers to make sure they are working properly. A faulty headlight could become your responsibility if it goes unnoticed at pick-up.
• Don’t just rely on the rental company’s damage sheet — take time-stamped photos and videos of the car from all angles, including close-ups of any existing damage. If something isn’t listed in the company’s records, ask the staff to add it before you sign the contract.

A thorough inspection may take 10 minutes, but it could save you hundreds of euros in unfair repair costs.

Stick to Your Fuel Policy

Fuel policies can lead to unexpected charges, so it's crucial to understand and follow the terms in your rental agreement. The most common fuel policies are:

• Full-to-full: This is the fairest option — you receive the car with a full tank and must return it with a full tank. Refuel at a local petrol station close to the drop-off location to avoid extra charges. Don’t wait until the last minute, as nearby stations sometimes have inflated prices. Keep the receipt as proof just in case there’s a dispute.
• Full-to-empty (prepaid fuel): While convenient, this option often costs more since rental companies charge a premium for fuel. Plus, you won’t get a refund for any unused petrol. If you have a choice, full-to-full is usually the better deal.
• Same-to-same: Less common, this policy requires you to return the car with the same fuel as when you collected it. To avoid mistakes, take a photo of the fuel gauge at pick-up so you have clear evidence of the initial fuel level.

A common trick some companies use is claiming the tank wasn’t full upon return — even if you just topped it off. To counter this, always refuel at the closest station and keep a record of the transaction.

Ask About Grace Periods for Returns

Late return fees are another way renters unknowingly rack up extra charges. Most car hire companies have strict return policies, so being slightly late can result in an unexpected penalty. Before leaving, ask the rental staff about their return grace period.

To avoid last-minute stress:

• Plan your return. Factor in potential traffic, especially if you're returning the car in a busy city like Madrid.
• Know the return process. Is there an after-hours drop-off service? If so, understand how it works — whether you need to park in a specific area or use a drop box for keys.
• Confirm operating hours. Don’t assume the rental office will be open — check their closing time, especially if you have an early morning flight or a late-night drop-off.

Allow extra time for unexpected delays — it’s better to arrive early than risk paying for an unplanned extra day.

Why These Steps Matter

Avoiding unnecessary charges isn’t just about saving money — it’s about ensuring a smooth, stress-free car rental experience. You’ll minimise the risk of surprise fees by carefully reviewing your contract, thoroughly inspecting the vehicle, and sticking to your fuel and return policies.

Rent a Car in Réunion

Renting a car in Réunion is the perfect way to explore the island at your own pace, and Finalrentals makes the process simple and affordable. With a wide range of vehicles — from compact cars for solo travellers to spacious SUVs for family adventures — there’s something to suit every journey.

At Finalrentals, we offer transparent pricing with no hidden charges, so you can be confident that you know exactly what you're paying for. Our user-friendly booking platform makes it quick and easy to secure a car, whether you're picking it up at central locations like Saint-Denis or Saint-Pierre. One of the best parts of booking with Finalrentals is the flexibility we provide — whether you need a short-term rental for a quick trip or a long-term option for an extended stay. Plus, our reliable customer service team is always available to assist, ensuring a smooth car hire experience from start to finish.

With Finalrentals, you're not just renting a car — you're unlocking the freedom to explore Réunion’s stunning landscapes, from the dramatic Piton des Neiges to the charming coastal towns along the western shores. Ready for a hassle-free car rental experience? Rent a car in Réunion with Finalrentals and kickstart your adventure today.

Take control of your Réunion adventure. Rent a car in Réunion with Finalrentals today — with no hidden costs and complete flexibility. For more travel advice and car rental tips, check out our other blogs.