Understanding the fuel policy for your rental is key to avoiding surprise charges at return. Sicarro suppliers offer three fuel policy options, each clearly displayed on the vehicle listing. This guide explains all three so you know exactly what to expect.
💡 Tip: Always check the fuel policy on the listing page before booking. It's also shown in your booking confirmation and rental agreement.
Three Fuel Policies Explained
1. Free Tank
The simplest option — no fuel worries at all.
- How it works: The supplier provides the car with fuel included in the rental price. You can return the car at any fuel level, even nearly empty
- Best for: Short rentals, convenience-seekers, travelers who don't want to worry about finding a gas station before return
- Cost impact: The daily rate may be slightly higher to account for fuel costs
- Return requirement: None — return at any fuel level
✅ Convenience winner: Free Tank is the most hassle-free option. You never need to think about fuel — just drive and return.
2. Like-for-Like
Fair and balanced — return what you received.
- How it works: You receive the car at a certain fuel level and return it at the same level. For example, if you pick up with a half tank, return with a half tank
- Best for: Renters who want a fair policy without needing to return a completely full tank
- Cost impact: You only pay for the fuel you use
- Return requirement: Match the pickup fuel level
Key tip: Take a clear photo of the fuel gauge at pickup. This is your reference for the return level. A quarter-tank difference is usually tolerated, but try to match it as closely as possible.
3. Full-to-Full
The most common policy — pick up full, return full.
- How it works: The supplier gives you the car with a full tank. You return it with a full tank
- Best for: Longer rentals where you'll use significant fuel anyway, cost-conscious renters (you fill up at gas station prices, not inflated return fees)
- Cost impact: You pay for a full tank at local gas station prices. Any fuel remaining in the tank at return is "free" since you started full
- Return requirement: Return with a full tank. Keep the gas station receipt as proof
⚠️ Important: For Full-to-Full, fill up at a gas station close to the return location so you don't use fuel driving back. Keep the receipt!
How to Check Which Policy Applies
The fuel policy is shown in multiple places:
- Vehicle listing page: Displayed in the vehicle details section alongside features like transmission type and seats
- Booking summary: Shown at checkout before you confirm
- Booking confirmation email: Included in your booking details
- Rental agreement: Written in the contract you sign at pickup
If you're unsure about the fuel policy, message the supplier through Sicarro before your pickup.
Tips for Each Policy Type
Free Tank Tips
- No special preparation needed — just enjoy the ride
- Use the fuel freely without worrying about the return level
- Consider this option if you're doing a lot of driving and don't want the hassle
Like-for-Like Tips
- Take a clear, timestamped photo of the fuel gauge immediately at pickup
- Note the approximate fuel level (1/4, 1/2, 3/4, full) on the rental agreement
- Before return, check your pickup photo and fill up to match
- A small variance (one notch on the gauge) is generally acceptable
Full-to-Full Tips
- Verify the tank is actually full at pickup — the gauge should show F or completely full
- Find a gas station within 5 minutes of the return location for your final fill-up
- Fill the tank completely — don't stop at the first click of the nozzle if the gauge isn't at full
- Keep your gas station receipt showing date, time, and fuel amount
- Take a photo of the fuel gauge after filling up, while still at the gas station
Gas Stations in El Salvador
Finding fuel in El Salvador is generally easy:
Major Fuel Brands
- Puma Energy: The most common brand, found throughout the country
- Texaco: Widely available in cities and along highways
- Shell: Present in major urban areas
- Uno: Found in various locations
Fuel Tips
- Gas stations are plentiful in San Salvador, Santa Ana, and along the Pan-American Highway
- In rural or beach areas, stations may be more spread out — don't let your tank get too low
- Most stations accept cash (USD) and some accept cards
- Fuel is sold in gallons and priced in USD
- Regular gasoline is the standard — ask your supplier if the car requires premium or diesel
- Some stations have attendants; others are self-service
⚠️ Heads up: If you're heading to remote beach towns or mountain areas, fill up in the nearest city first. Rural areas may have limited gas stations.
What Happens If the Fuel Level Doesn't Match?
If you return the car without meeting the fuel policy requirements:
- Missing fuel charge: The supplier may charge for the missing fuel at a rate higher than gas station prices (typically 1.5x to 2x the pump price)
- Refueling service fee: Some suppliers charge a flat service fee ($10-$25) for having to refuel the car
- Deposit deduction: Fuel charges are deducted from your security deposit
To avoid these charges, simply follow the fuel policy for your rental. When in doubt, return with more fuel rather than less.
Documenting Fuel Level
Protect yourself by documenting the fuel level at both pickup and return:
At Pickup
- Turn the ignition to the ON position (without starting) to activate the fuel gauge
- Wait a moment for the gauge to settle
- Take a clear, close-up photo of the fuel gauge
- Ensure the timestamp is visible or your phone records the date/time in photo metadata
- Confirm the level matches what's recorded in the rental agreement
At Return
- Take a photo of the fuel gauge before handing back the keys
- If Full-to-Full: take a photo of the gas station receipt alongside the full gauge
- Show the fuel gauge to the supplier during the return inspection
Electric Vehicles: Charging Policy
As electric vehicles become available on Sicarro, here's what to know about charging:
- Charge level at pickup: Electric vehicles are typically provided with at least 80% charge
- Return charge level: Check the listing — most suppliers ask for a return charge of at least 50-80%
- Charging locations: El Salvador's EV charging infrastructure is growing. Your supplier will provide information about nearby charging stations
- Home charging: If the supplier provides a home charging cable, they may allow you to charge at your accommodation
- Charging costs: Depending on the arrangement, charging may be included or at your own expense
💡 Tip: If renting an electric vehicle, ask the supplier about charging station locations and whether any charging accessories are provided with the car.
