What happens if the model I have booked is unavailable?

We explain what will happen if the model you booked is not available, and what your options are if this happens.

Unless you have used a car hire company's premium service, which promises an exact match, you are accepting that you will get a similar car to that named or pictured during the booking process. But you should get a car that is broadly similar and, if you are asked to accept a smaller model, you should expect some money back. If you are asked to take an upgrade you shouldn't pay more - although you won't be able to claim compensation for higher fuel usage either - as fuel consumption was never part of your agreement when you reserved your car.

Also, if you are being upgraded, make sure that an extras you have reserved don't cost you more than if you took the hire car you originally booked - sometimes insurance costs or excesses are car model related. If you are being treated poorly, ask to speak to the manager at the car hire station and get the car hire company or car broker involved if necessary

Compare car hire insurance prices with MoneyMaxim

If you have any queries do call a member of the MoneyMaxim car hire insurance team.

This content was last reviewed on 10/10/2022

Image courtesy of: Mike Pennington

Similar Questions

General Car Hire Queries Answered

• Can you tell me if my car hire company will be in the airport or if I will need to get a shuttle bus?
• Should I choose unlimited mileage with my car hire? And how do I?
• Can you provide me a quote for car hire and car hire excess insurance even if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
• Can I be charged a fee for cleaning my hire car?
• Do I have to use a credit card to hire a car?
• Can I take my hire car cross border from one country to another and how much will it cost me?
• Can I hire a car if I don't have my driving licence?
• Do I need an International driving permit to hire a car abroad?
• How do I Find the Best Deals for Cheap Car Hire?
• What happens if I forget my driving licence?
• Which fuel rules apply to hire cars?
• Will I be able to put a roof rack on my hire car?
• If I need a car for less than a week, is it cheaper to hire daily or weekly?
• If I arrive late and want to pick up my vehicle the following day is this OK?
• If I return the hire car late, will I be charged?
• What do car rental companies typically charge if you lose the keys to your rental car?
• What happens if the model I have booked is unavailable?
• Can I pick my car up in one place and return it to another?
• What if I am overcharged or do not get the car group I booked?
• Do hire cars have to be new and well cared for?
• What happens if the car or the boot is not big enough for my party?
• Am I able to accept an upgrade?
• Do car rental companies have spare keys?
• Will I get a Sat Nav with my hire car?
• I booked snow chains, a roof rack or a roof box - what happens if they are not there when I arrive?
• What happens if the car rental company do not have the car I booked?

Driver and Passenger Related Car Hire Queries Answered

• Does it cost more for additional drivers?
• Young Drivers (under 25 years old)?
• Am I too old to hire a car?
• If I want an additional driver on my hire car, will I have to pay more?
• What's the maximum number of passengers I can take in my hire car?