8 Self-Drive Car Rental Tips for India: Things to Know Before Booking

4. Fuel Policy and How Refuels Are Charged

Fuel terms vary a lot between providers. The most common approach is full-to-full: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full, so you only pay for what you use. Some companies ask you to prepay a tank; others charge per litre at pickup or deduct a refuel charge from your deposit. Ask whether the firm charges a premium per litre for top-ups and whether they accept fuel receipts as proof. Always photograph the fuel gauge and odometer at both pickup and drop-off. When driving to remote hill stations or long stretches, note the distance to the next petrol pump and plan fills accordingly. Keep all fuel bills during the trip. A clear fuel policy avoids post-rental disputes over costs that can add up quickly on long trips.