When you rent a self drive car, the daily rental price is not the only cost you may have during the trip. Fuel, toll tax and parking charges are also part of your travel budget.
Many first-time renters ask the same question: Does the rental company pay for fuel and tolls, or do I have to pay them?
In most self drive car rentals, the customer pays for the expenses that happen during their trip. This usually includes fuel, tolls and parking. However, the exact rental policy can differ from one company to another.
If you are planning to rent a self drive car in Chandigarh from ODAC24, here is a simple guide to help you understand these charges before starting your journey.
Who Pays for Fuel in a Self Drive Rental?
Fuel is generally paid for by the person renting the car.
For example, if you take a self drive car from Chandigarh to Shimla, you are responsible for the petrol used during the trip. The same applies whether you are driving around Chandigarh or travelling to another city.
Before starting your journey, check the fuel level of the car and understand the fuel policy of your rental booking.
At ODAC24, we prefer customers to use good-quality petrol such as XP95 or 100-octane petrol, where suitable for the vehicle. However, the most important thing is to follow the fuel type and grade recommended by the car manufacturer.
Using the right fuel helps keep the car running properly and can be a better choice for a long road trip.
Does ODAC24 Provide a Full Tank?
Fuel policies can vary according to the booking and vehicle. Before taking the car, check the fuel level and make sure you understand how the car should be returned.
If the car is provided with a particular fuel level, it is a good idea to return it according to the agreed rental terms.
A simple tip: take a photo of the fuel meter when you collect the car. It gives both the customer and rental company a clear record of the starting fuel level.
Who Pays Toll Charges?
Toll charges are normally paid by the customer.
If you take a self drive car from Chandigarh to Delhi, Manali (check chandigarh to manali), Shimla or another outstation destination, you may pass through toll plazas. These charges are related to your journey and are normally your responsibility.
For example:
Chandigarh → Delhi
You may have toll charges on the route.
Chandigarh → Manali
Your route may include tolls depending on the road you take.
Chandigarh → Shimla
Toll charges may also apply depending on your route.
Keep some money or a working FASTag arrangement ready for your trip. Before leaving Chandigarh, it is better to ask the rental company how toll payments and FASTag charges are handled for your particular car.
Who Pays Parking Charges?
Parking charges are also generally paid by the customer.
If you take the car to a mall, hotel, tourist attraction, railway station, airport or paid parking area, the parking fee is normally not included in the daily rental price.
For example, if you rent a car in Chandigarh and visit:
- Sukhna Lake
- Elante Mall
- Sector 17
- Chandigarh Airport
- Shimla Mall Road
- Manali
- Hotels with paid parking
any parking fee charged during your trip is usually paid by you.
It is always better to ask about parking availability before visiting busy tourist places.
Are Fuel, Toll and Parking Included in the Daily Rental Price?
Usually, the daily rental price covers the use of the vehicle for the agreed rental period, while trip expenses such as fuel, tolls and parking are separate.
For example, suppose your car rental costs ₹1,500 per day.
Your actual travel budget may look like this:
| Expense | Usually Paid By |
|---|---|
| Car rental | Customer |
| Petrol | Customer |
| Toll charges | Customer |
| Parking | Customer |
| Traffic fines | Customer |
| Extra rental days | Customer, if applicable |
Always check your booking terms because policies can vary by rental provider and vehicle.
What About Traffic Fines?
Traffic fines caused during your rental period are generally the responsibility of the driver who committed the violation.
This is why you should follow speed limits, parking rules, traffic signals and other road rules.
Do not assume that a rental car gives you different traffic rules. You are expected to drive the vehicle responsibly just as you would drive your own car.
How Can You Keep Your Trip Budget Under Control?
A little planning can help you avoid unexpected expenses.
Before starting your trip:
- Check the fuel level.
- Ask about the fuel return policy.
- Check the expected tolls on your route.
- Keep FASTag/payment arrangements ready.
- Check parking charges at your destination.
- Ask whether there are any extra charges for outstation travel.
- Confirm the rental period and late-return policy.
- Keep your booking details with you.
If you are travelling from Chandigarh to Manali or Shimla, also keep some extra money for fuel and parking because road-trip expenses can change depending on your route and stops.
Why Fuel Quality Matters for a Rental Car
A rental car may be driven by many different customers, so proper care matters.
At ODAC24, we prefer XP95 or 100-octane petrol where it is suitable for the particular vehicle, while following the manufacturer’s recommended fuel specification. Customers should not use a different fuel type simply because it is marketed as premium.
If you are unsure which petrol to use, ask the rental team before refuelling.
For a long trip, it is also a good idea to keep the fuel level reasonable instead of waiting until the tank is almost empty.
Final Word
Fuel, toll and parking charges can add to the total cost of a self drive trip, but they are easy to plan when you know what to expect.
For most self drive rentals, the customer pays for the petrol used, toll charges on the route and parking during the trip. These costs are normally separate from the daily car rental price.
Before picking up your car from ODAC24, simply confirm the fuel policy, toll/FASTag process, parking responsibility and any outstation charges. Once these details are clear, you can enjoy your Chandigarh road trip without worrying about unexpected costs.
FAQs
Does the customer pay for petrol in a self drive car?
Yes. In most self drive rentals, the customer pays for the fuel used during the rental period.
Who pays toll charges on a rental car?
The customer normally pays toll charges incurred during their trip. Confirm the FASTag and toll process with the rental company before starting your journey.
Are parking charges included in car rental?
Usually, no. Parking fees at malls, hotels, airports, tourist places and paid parking areas are generally paid separately by the customer.
Does ODAC24 recommend premium petrol?
ODAC24 prefers XP95 or 100-octane petrol where suitable for the vehicle. However, customers should always follow the fuel type and grade recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Can I use normal petrol in a rental car?
Use the fuel grade recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. If you are unsure, ask ODAC24 before refuelling the car.
Are toll charges included in the daily rental price?
Generally, toll charges are separate from the daily rental amount. Check your booking terms for the exact policy.
Who pays traffic fines on a self drive rental?
Traffic fines caused by the driver during the rental period are generally the driver’s responsibility.
What should I check before taking the rental car?
Check the fuel level, visible vehicle condition, documents, booking details and rental terms. Also ask about tolls, FASTag, parking and fuel-return requirements before starting your trip.
