You know the questions you’re going to be asked at the counter when renting a car. Do you want to upgrade to a larger/nicer/fancier car? How about the insurance coverage? Do you want the navigation system? Do you want to opt in to their toll program? Lastly, you’ll get the pitch to prepay for the gas. It sounds like a good idea. The price they’re showing is reasonable and it’s much lower than the amount they’ll charge you if you don’t bring it back full. Should you go for it????
NO! Don’t do it. This is rarely a good deal
For example, on a past rental from Alamo in Austin, Texas. The car rental agent asked if I wanted to get the prepaid fuel option – all I had to do was bring the car back empty. I told him no thanks, I’ve rented cars in Austin before and I know there are gas stations all around the airport. He said Alamo’s gas prices were lower and sometimes the wait at the other stations can be 20 minutes. I give him credit; his salesmanship was better than most. I came back with the response that I could not schedule my driving to make sure that I return the car with no fuel left in the tank. Once it was clear to him that he wasn’t going to make the upsell, he admitted that you have to return the car with 1/8 of a tank or less to break even.
Math Example
It’s not difficult to do the math. When you prepay for fuel, you’re essentially buying a full tank from the rental car company. Any gas left in the tank when you return the car is your loss.
Let’s say your rental has an average-sized 15-gallon tank. The rental company’s rate might look slightly cheaper than the station down the road — maybe only 10–20¢ per gallon less. On paper that sounds like a deal, but here’s the catch:
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If you prepay and return the car with half a tank left, you’ve just paid for 7–8 gallons you never used.
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To truly “break even,” you’d need to return the car with the needle practically on empty — usually less than a gallon left.
I’m not willing to drive a car until it’s almost out of gas — not after running out of gas on a road trip.
Exceptions (When Prepaying Might Make Sense)
So if the math doesn’t work out, is there ever a time when you should prepay for the gas? I can think of a few reasons:
- If you’re returning the car very early or very late, it’s possible the gas stations in the area won’t be open.
- You’re not familiar with the area and don’t want to worry about getting gas when returning the car.
- If your employer reimburses you for prepaid fuel, even if it costs more, the convenience might be worth it.
Either way, go in knowing you’ll pay the car rental company with any fuel left in the car when it’s returned—simply for the convenience, not the cost.
How to Avoid the Trap
So how can you avoid these situations? I fill up our rental car the day before going home when I see a good gas price. This way, I’m already on full and only would need to put in whatever gas I use on that last day driving around and to the airport. When I use my phone to get directions to the airport, I search for gas stations on my route. I try to find one within 2-3 miles of the airport so I don’t use too much gas after filling up. If you have an app on your phone that tells you the price of gas at those stations, like Google Maps or Waze, you can also avoid places that try to rip you off.
Orlando Gas Station Example
The closest gas station to Orlando Airport has exceedingly high prices, hoping to catch tourists off guard, and they won’t notice the price until it’s too late. This was the sign the city forced them to put up, clearly showing the price, after literally years of not showing their prices (and getting thousands upon thousands of dollars in fines). However, it’s still not easy to find – it’s on the side of the building, closer to the back.
Some rental companies may ask for a receipt to confirm you filled up near the airport.
Final Thoughts
I rarely think buying the full tank of gas from the rental car company is a good deal. Unless you’re in one of those few situations — like returning the car at an odd hour when stations might be closed, or you simply don’t want the hassle — it usually means paying for gas you won’t use.
Planning ahead is the easiest way to avoid the upsell. Top off the tank the day before, find a reasonably priced station close to the airport, and always keep the receipt in case the agent asks for proof. That way, you’ll save money, avoid inflated airport gas prices, and return the car on full without stress.
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