When you need this

Once you've found a car, the agent wants to know how long you need it and where you'll bring it back. Then it's your turn. You have a short list of questions that change the price and the trip: miles, gas, extra drivers, a child seat, a GPS. Ask them at the counter, while someone can still answer.

Rental companies count in days, and one day is usually twenty-four hours. If you pick up at ten on Monday and return at noon on Thursday, that can be four days, not three. Ask what time the car is due back.

Phrases

says how long you'll keep the car

asks the time you must return it

asks about dropping it off somewhere else

you can drive as far as you want for the same price

puts another person on the contract

a safety seat for a small child

a screen that shows the way; most people use their phone now

you get the car with a full tank and bring it back full

the American word; Australians and the British say petrol

asks what happens if you return it after the time

asks who to call if the car breaks down

for returns when the office is closed

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Practice · 3 min

Say the line that fits. Situation on the left, one natural line on the right.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.