#33 Expressions for Signing a Rental Contract｜French Everyday Phrases
Izumi Curious French
#174 Changing a Rental Car Return Time｜French Travel Phrases
Izumi
When using a rental car during a trip, travel plans may change or you may get stuck in traffic, which can make it difficult to return the vehicle at the originally scheduled time.
In such situations, it is necessary to contact the rental company, ask whether the return time can be changed, and confirm the conditions.
In this section, I will explain useful French expressions for requesting a change to a rental car return time, following the natural flow of an actual conversation.
Contents
Dialogue
J’ai une voiture de location et je voudrais modifier l’heure de retour d’aujourd’hui.
（I am currently renting a car, and I would like to request a change to today’s return time.）
Bien sûr. Quelle est votre nouvelle heure de retour ?
（Of course. What is your new return time?）
Initialement, je devais la rendre à 18 heures. Est-ce que je pourrais la rendre vers 20 heures ?
（Originally, I was supposed to return it at 6 p.m. Would it be possible to return it around 8 p.m.?）
Oui, c’est possible, mais il y aura un léger supplément.
（Yes, that is possible, but there will be a small additional charge.）
D’accord. Pouvez-vous me dire combien cela coûtera en plus ?
（I see. Could you tell me how much the additional cost will be?）
Cela fera environ 15 euros supplémentaires.
（It will be approximately 15 euros extra.）
Merci pour l’information. Je confirme le changement.
（Thank you for the information. I would like to confirm the change.）
1. Requesting a Change to the Return Time
When contacting a rental company, I recommend using the following expression to request a change to the return time.
Example
- J’aimerais modifier l’heure de retour.
（I would like to request a change to the return time.）
The key verb here is “modifier” (to change). It can be used in a wide range of situations, such as changing schedules, conditions, or details.
The expression “J’aimerais …” (I would like to …) is polite and formal, making it suitable for both phone calls and in-person conversations at the counter.
2. Explaining the Original Return Time
Next, it is important to explain the originally scheduled return time.
Example
- Initialement, je devais la rendre à 18 heures.
（Originally, I was supposed to return it at 6 p.m.）
The adverb “initialement” means “originally” or “at first” and clearly indicates that this was the initial plan.
In the phrase “je devais la rendre”, the imperfect form “devais” of the verb “devoir” is used. The verb “devoir” can express both obligation (“must”) and scheduled plans (“be supposed to”). When used in the imperfect tense, it refers to a past plan or expectation.
Points
- je dois la rendre
→ I must return it (now / currently required) - je devais la rendre
→ I was supposed to return it (past plan)
The imperfect tense is used here to describe a past situation or background, which is why “devais” is appropriate for expressing a former schedule that has now changed.
3. Proposing a New Return Time
After stating the original return time, the next step is to propose a new one.
Example
- Est-ce que je pourrais la rendre vers 20 heures ?
（Would it be possible to return it around 8 p.m.?）
The preposition “vers” means “around” or “approximately,” and is commonly used when giving an estimated time.
The structure “est-ce que je pourrais … ?” (would it be possible for me to … ?) is a very polite way to make a request, and is especially suitable in negotiation or consultation situations.
Related Expression
- Est-ce que je pourrais la rendre un peu plus tôt ?
（Would it be possible to return it a little earlier?）
4. Asking About Additional Charges
In many cases, changing the return time may involve an extra fee, so it is important to confirm the cost in advance.
Example
- C’est possible, mais il y aura un léger supplément.
（That is possible, but there will be a small additional charge.）
The noun “supplément” means “additional fee” or “extra charge.” By adding the adjective “léger” (small / slight), the speaker softens the tone and implies that the increase is minor.
To ask about the amount yourself, you can use the following expression:
Example
- Pouvez-vous me dire combien cela coûtera en plus ?
（Could you tell me how much the additional cost will be?）
The phrase “combien cela coûtera” means “how much it will cost,” and “en plus” emphasizes that it is an extra charge.
Summary
Key French Phrases
- J’aimerais modifier l’heure de retour.
→ Used to request a change to the return time. - Initialement, je devais la rendre à ～ heures.
→ Used to explain the original scheduled return time. - Est-ce que je pourrais la rendre vers ～ heures ?
→ Used to propose a new return time politely. - Il y aura un supplément / combien cela coûtera en plus ?
→ Used to confirm additional charges.
