Returning a hire car out of hours: risks and charges
Returning a vehicle outside opening hours normally carries a service charge of twenty five to sixty euros and leaves the vehicle under the hirer's responsibility until it is inspected, which makes dated photographs the only available defence.
gelisted editorial team · Updated 15 August 2026
The short version
- The out of hours service charge runs 25 € to 60 €.
- The vehicle stays under the hirer's responsibility until inspection.
- A delay beyond 29 to 59 minutes is usually billed as a full extra day.
- Photographs and video with a visible date are the only usable evidence.
A six o'clock flight means leaving the car when nobody is there. That is normal and permitted, and it changes entirely who carries the risk for the next few hours.
What changes against a staffed return
With staff present, an employee inspects the vehicle, signs the condition report and closes the contract on the spot. With a key box return, the contract stays open until someone inspects the car, which may be hours later. Any damage found at that inspection is attributed to the last registered driver unless there is evidence to the contrary.
| Item | Amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Out of hours service | 25 to 60 € | whenever applicable |
| Late return beyond grace | one full day | from 29 to 59 minutes |
| Return at a different location | 40 to 150 € | one way |
| Fuel not replaced | fuel plus 20 to 40 € | by level |
| Extraordinary cleaning | 40 to 120 € | sand, stains, odours |
| Damage found at inspection | up to the excess | without contrary evidence |
| Immobilisation days | 40 to 90 € a day | if repair is needed |
The evidence that works
A video of 40 to 60 seconds walking around the vehicle in good light, covering the 4 corners, the wheels, the windscreen, the roof and the underside of the bumpers. Photographs of the dashboard showing the fuel gauge and the odometer. An image of the car in its allocated bay with the number visible. And a photograph of the key envelope before it goes into the box.
The clock
Most contracts allow a tolerance of 29 to 59 minutes past the agreed time; beyond it, a full extra day is charged at 35 € to 120 € depending on category and season. Returning early does not usually generate a refund: a 7 day rental handed back on day 6 is not pro-rated. Setting the return time about 2 hours before the flight, and not more, is the efficient choice.
At Palma airport in high season the transfer from the rental parking to the terminal can take 15 to 30 minutes, and that time counts.
When waiting is better
If the difference between the key box and the counter opening is 1 or 2 hours and the flight allows it, waiting removes the 25 € to 60 € charge and closes the contract with a signature. Where there is no alternative, the photographic sequence plus an email the same day asking for written confirmation that the contract closed without incident is what prevents a surprise charge 3 weeks later.
Frequently asked
+What does an out of hours return cost?
A service charge of 25 € to 60 €, plus anything due for fuel, cleaning or damage.
+Who is responsible if damage is found?
The last registered driver, unless they can evidence the condition in which the car was left.
+What evidence should I gather?
A full walk around video, photographs of the dashboard and the parking bay, and an image of the key envelope.
+How much grace is there on the return time?
Usually 29 to 59 minutes, after which a full extra day is charged.
+Do I get money back for returning early?
Normally not. The contracted period is not pro-rated for an early return.
Sources
- 1Boletín Oficial del Estado, BOE (August 2026)
- 2Govern de les Illes Balears, Govern de les Illes Balears (August 2026)