What to check when returning a hire vehicle
After a smooth couple of weeks on the road or a quick weekend away, the last thing anyone wants is a stressful return. But just like setting off, returning your hire vehicle the right way makes all the difference, saving time, keeping things simple, and helping you avoid any surprise charges.
At Intack Self Drive, we like to keep things transparent and simple for our customers. Whether you’ve chosen one of our daily hire options for a short trip or you’re returning a vehicle from our long-term flexi-hire plan, the return process is quick and straightforward once you know what to look out for. So, in that note, here’s how to make sure your handover goes as smoothly as your drive.
Before you head back
It’s always worth giving the car or van a quick once-over before you set off to return it. A couple of minutes now can save you a few extra charges later. Start with the fuel level (or charge level if you’re driving an electric vehicle). Every hire leaves with a set amount, and we just ask that it comes back the same way. It’s a simple step that keeps everything fair and consistent.
Start by checking the outside of the vehicle. Take a quick walk around to look for any new marks or scratches. It's normal to find small chips or scuffs, but if you see anything more serious, like a dent or scratch bigger than 15mm, be sure to mention it when you bring the vehicle back. We have clear and easy-to-understand guidelines, so you’ll know what is considered normal wear and tear.
Inside, give the car a quick tidy. You don’t need to detail it, but removing any rubbish, wiping up spills, and checking for personal items helps us get it ready for the next driver faster.
When you arrive at Intack
Returning your vehicle should be quick and straightforward. Just make sure you arrive at our Blackburn depot at the selected time, unless otherwise arranged. If you’re running late or need to extend your hire, our team is always happy to help; that’s the flexibility that makes our flexi car hire service so popular!
Before handing over the keys, take a moment to check you’ve got everything you collected with the vehicle, such as the spare wheel, pump, toolkit, or parcel shelf. It’s easy to forget small items when unloading, but having them all there helps us complete your return instantly.
Our team will then do a quick inspection to confirm the condition, mileage, and fuel level. It only takes a few minutes, and once everything’s confirmed, your security deposit is returned to you – nice and easy!
After you return your vehicle
Once your handover is complete, that’s it! There are no hidden extras, no long waits, and no unnecessary steps. Everything is checked and confirmed on the spot, making sure your daily car hire or flexi car hire experience ends just as smoothly as it began.
If you’ve brought a vehicle back early on a daily hire, you may even be eligible for a partial refund on any unused days. It’s all part of our fair and flexible approach, giving you the confidence that you’ll only ever pay for the time you actually use.
For our flexi car hire customers, the return process is just as simple. Once the vehicle has been signed off, you’re free to extend or book your next hire whenever it suits you. Many of our long-term and business customers value this flexibility, whether it’s upgrading to something larger, switching to a smaller model for local use, or taking a short break before their next hire.
If you’d like to know more about our hire process, you can check out our full list of FAQs on our website, or give us a ring and one of our team will be happy to help!
At Intack Self Drive, we’ve spent over 50 years helping drivers across Lancashire and beyond get where they need to go. With a fleet of over 500+ vehicles, everything from compact cars to vans and minibuses, plus inclusive servicing, road tax and 24-hour breakdown cover, you can focus on your journey knowing we’ve got the rest covered.
So whether you’re booking your next daily car hire for a quick trip or need the flexibility of a long-term flexi car hire, returning your vehicle is one thing you’ll never have to worry about. Head to our website to view our full range of daily hire and flexi-hire vehicles, or give us a call on 01254 57811 to book your perfect vehicle!