Returning Your Campervan
Refuel, empty the toilet cassette and tidy the van, arrive well before the depot closes, and know which charges can still apply after drop-off.
Drop-off checklist
- Refuel the vehicle, and refill or swap the gas bottle unless you bought a prepaid gas option.
- Empty the toilet cassette and leave the wells under it dry. Booking a campground with a dump station for your last night makes this easier.
- Clean and tidy the van, and put all supplied equipment back. If you're unsure what needs cleaning most, ask the depot staff when you collect the vehicle.
- Tell the staff about any damage, incidents or fines when you return, so you can review possible charges together.
- Arrive in good time. Plan to reach the depot 30 minutes to an hour before it closes. If you're flying out, allow time for the drop-off as well as the trip to the airport.
Depot hours are limited, and after-hours drop-off is generally not available. Some depots need an appointment on certain days, and your confirmation will say if yours does. See suitable times for drop-off.
If your plans change
- Running late on the day: call the depot you're returning to as soon as you can. Fees usually apply to unexpected late returns. To avoid a long drive on the last day, consider staying closer to the depot the night before. See late returns.
- Want to extend your trip: call the rental company's reservations team as soon as you start thinking about it. Extensions depend on availability, and the rental company quotes and charges for the extra days.
- Need to return early: contact the rental company as soon as you know. Most rental companies don't refund unused days, and returning to a different depot can add charges. See early returns.
Charges after you return
Some charges, such as for cleaning, fuel, damage, lost equipment or fines, may only show up after the vehicle has been checked or a fine arrives. The rental company should send an invoice explaining any charge it makes to your card. If you think a charge is wrong, contact the rental company's customer care team, or contact DriveNow and we can point you in the right direction. Unexpected additional charges lists the common charges and how to avoid them.
All Returning Your Campervan guides
Part of the Campervan Hire Handbook.