"I've booked a rental car, but what if I need to cancel due to a sudden change in plans?" "If I have to cancel, how much will the cancellation fee be?" — Many people probably feel this way. Rental car cancellation fees vary by company, and it can be unsettling to wonder when they start and how much they'll cost.

This article will answer your questions about rental car cancellation fees, explaining the fee structure, average costs, and what to do in an emergency, so you can use rental cars with peace of mind and without loss. By reading to the end, your concerns about rental car cancellations will be resolved, enabling you to make smart choices.

*The information in this article is current as of May 2025. Regulations may vary by rental car company, so please always check the latest information on official websites when making a reservation.

What You'll Learn in This Article

・Rental Car Cancellation Fees: What's the Average Cost?
・When Do Cancellation Fees Start? How Fees Are Determined
・What Happens When? Cancellation Q&A
・SAPPORO RENTA LEASE Cancellation Policy and Procedures
・Summary: 3 Golden Rules to Avoid Loss When Cancelling a Rental Car

Rental Car Cancellation Fees: What's the Average Cost?

Many rental car companies use a cancellation fee structure that varies based on the number of days from the reserved pickup date. Generally, the earlier you cancel, the more likely it is to be free or low-cost.

The average cancellation fees for major rental car companies are as follows:

・Cancellation acceptance date: Up to 7 days prior
◦ Cancellation fee rate: Free
・Cancellation acceptance date: 6 to 3 days prior
◦ Cancellation fee rate: 20% of basic fee
・Cancellation acceptance date: 2 days to day before
◦ Cancellation fee rate: 30% of basic fee
・Cancellation acceptance date: On the day
◦ Cancellation fee rate: 50% of basic fee

Calculation Method: "Basic Fee × %" is Standard

Cancellation fees are generally calculated based on the "basic fee," which does not include optional charges.
For example, if the basic fee is 10,000 yen and you cancel the day before, the cancellation fee will be 30%, or 3,000 yen.

When Do Cancellation Fees Start? How Fees Are Determined

Cancellation fees generally follow a rule that they start "X days before the reserved pickup date." As shown in the table above, in many cases, cancellation fees begin to apply after 7 days before the reserved pickup date.

Why are cancellation fees charged?

This is because by reserving a vehicle for your booking, the rental car company may lose booking opportunities from other users.

Cancellations made just before the reservation date, in particular, make it difficult to rent out that vehicle to someone else, leading to a higher percentage for cancellation fees.

What Happens When? Cancellation Q&A

We will explain situations that readers often find particularly concerning in a Q&A format.

Q1. What if I have to "cancel on the day"?

If you cancel on the day of your reservation, most rental car companies charge the highest cancellation fee. Generally, a cancellation fee of about 50% of the basic fee will apply.
You might panic and think, "Oh no!", but it's crucial to contact the rental car company as soon as you realize. The sooner you contact them, the easier it is for the rental car company to respond.

Q2. What if it's an "unannounced cancellation" where I couldn't make contact?

An unannounced cancellation is "the most disadvantageous option" when using a rental car.

Not only will you be charged 100% of the basic fee, but penalties such as future suspension from using the rental car company may also be imposed.
Even if you feel "it's hard to contact them...", always make sure to get in touch.
Tip: Setting a reminder in Google Calendar or similar can help prevent forgetting to contact them.

Q3. Is there a refund for "mid-term cancellation (early return)" after use has begun?

"Mid-term cancellation (early return)" after use has begun follows entirely different rules from "cancellation" before use.
Unfortunately, there are cases where no refund is given at all, or a company-specified fee is deducted.
This is because rental car pricing plans are structured based on the rental period. Remember that even if you return early, you are likely to be charged for the original contracted period.

SAPPORO RENTA LEASE Cancellation Policy and Procedures

Now, based on the general information above, we will explain the case for SAPPORO RENTA LEASE.

To ensure our customers can use our services with peace of mind, we have set a maximum cancellation fee (50% or 6,600 yen).

Therefore, even for long-term reservations, you don't need to overly worry about cancellation costs in an emergency. Of course, avoiding cancellation is best, but we've set a maximum limit for peace of mind in unforeseen circumstances.

The procedure is easily completed with a single phone call, ensuring a smooth process even with sudden changes in plans.

Summary: 3 Golden Rules to Avoid Loss When Cancelling a Rental Car

To avoid loss and use rental cars with peace of mind when cancelling, remember these three golden rules:

・Contact "as soon as possible" if plans change: Cancellation fees can vary significantly based on when you contact. By contacting immediately upon realizing, you can potentially minimize costs.
・Absolutely avoid "unannounced cancellations": This incurs the highest cancellation fees and may hinder future use. Even if contacting is difficult, always notify the rental car company.
・Always check cancellation policies when booking: Since policies vary by company, it's crucial to check the cancellation policy on the official website or similar when making a reservation. Be prepared for unforeseen circumstances by knowing the rules beforehand.

Unavoidable changes in plans can happen at any time.
To handle such situations calmly, keep the cancellation process and key points in mind. Internalize how to respond in an emergency and enjoy a safe and secure drive!