Returning a campervan to the agreed location in Ljubljana, usually by 10:00 AM on the final day of your rental. Before arriving, complete these four key steps:
- Refill the fuel tank to the same full level as when you collected the campervan.
- Empty and rinse the toilet cassette and drain the grey water and fresh water tanks.
- Clean the interior of the vehicle and remove all personal belongings and waste.
- Dry the awning and make sure all rented equipment is back in its designated place.
The security deposit may be retained immediately if the inspection reveals damage, cigarette smells, a wet or damaged awning, or excess mileage. Returning the campervan late will also trigger an hourly late-return fee.
Key Takeaways
Returning your campervan on time and in the agreed condition is the most reliable way to ensure that your security deposit is returned in full.
| Key point |
Details |
| Return time and location |
Return the campervan to the agreed location, usually by 10:00 AM; late returns may incur a fee of €40 or more per hour. |
| Four pre-return steps |
Refill the fuel tank, empty the toilet cassette, clean the interior, and dry the awning before arrival. |
| Security deposit and insurance excess |
The security deposit may be retained in case of damage or excessive dirt; a typical insurance excess may be 1% of the vehicle’s value. |
| Accident or break-in |
Immediately contact the police, complete the European Accident Statement, and notify the rental company; otherwise, insurance coverage may be refused. |
| Campervan |
A transparent campervan return process in Ljubljana with a clear inspection report and a dedicated contact person, Rok, for any questions. |
Table of Contents
How Is a Campervan Inspected When It Is Returned?
The return inspection is a joint walk-around carried out with both the renter and a representative of the rental company present. It usually takes 20–30 minutes and covers:
- Exterior: scratches, dents, glass damage, lights, and mirrors.
- Interior: cleanliness, odours, furniture, kitchen equipment, and bedding.
- Awning: dryness, condition of the fabric, and mechanical components.
- Undercarriage and tyres: visible damage and tyre tread depth.
- Equipment: checking the inventory provided at the start of the rental.
The findings are recorded in a
vehicle condition report, which is signed by both parties. Photographs taken by the rental company become part of the documentation. During the inspection, return the vehicle keys (including the spare key), rental agreement, and any fuel receipts.
Expert tip: Before signing the return report, take your own photos of all four sides of the vehicle, the awning, and the interior. Photos containing time metadata are some of the best evidence you can have if a dispute arises after you leave.
What Should You Take Care of Before Arriving at the Return Location?
Good preparation before returning your campervan prevents most additional charges. We recommend the following sequence:
- Refill the fuel tank at a nearby petrol station before driving to the return location. Keep the receipt as proof.
- Empty the toilet cassette at a designated facility at a campsite or motorhome service area. Rinse the cassette and put it back in the vehicle.
- Drain the grey water tank and the fresh water tank.
- Sweep and wipe the interior: floors, work surfaces, kitchen area, and bathroom.
- Dry the awning completely before rolling it up. Returning the campervan with a wet awning is a common reason for an additional charge.
- Collect all equipment: bedding, camping chairs and table, electrical cables, adapters, and everything else supplied at vehicle collection.
- Remove personal belongings and waste from all drawers, cupboards, storage compartments, and exterior storage areas.
The fuel rule is straightforward: you collect the campervan with a full tank and return it with a full tank. If you do not, the rental company may charge for the missing fuel at the retail price plus a service fee. Cleaning works in a similar way: standard tidiness is expected without an additional charge, while deep cleaning may be charged separately. For example, the
general rental terms state a possible additional charge of up to €250 for deep cleaning and up to €300 for smoking inside the vehicle.
Which Documents Should You Have With You When Returning the Campervan?
When arriving at the return location, have the following documents and items ready:
- Both vehicle keys (main and spare).
- The rental agreement and the vehicle condition report from the day of collection.
- Fuel receipt as proof that the tank was refilled.
- Receipts or proof of payment for any additional services or equipment purchased or rented during the trip.
- In the event of an accident: the European Accident Statement, police report, photographs, and contact details of all parties involved.
Without the original vehicle condition report from the day of collection, it can be more difficult to demonstrate that a particular item of damage did not occur during your rental. Keep the document until the security deposit has been fully settled.
What Should You Do in the Event of an Accident, Break-In, or Theft?
The procedure is clear and time-sensitive. Any delay in reporting an incident may result in the insurance company refusing coverage.
- Immediately contact the police in the country where the incident occurred and obtain a police report with the case number.
- Complete the European Accident Statement together with the other party involved in the accident. Without this document, comprehensive insurance coverage may be affected.
- Photograph the scene: damage to all vehicles, registration plates, vehicle positions, and the surrounding area.
- Record the relevant details: the other party’s name, address, insurance company, policy number, and Green Card number.
- Immediately notify the rental company by phone or email and provide all collected documents.
Without the renter’s active cooperation in reporting an accident and without a police report, the insurance company may refuse comprehensive insurance coverage. This could mean that the renter becomes responsible for the damage costs, regardless of who caused the accident. The obligation to report an incident is generally defined in the rental terms and insurance conditions.
Expert tip: Create a dedicated folder on your phone or in the cloud for accident documentation: photos, a scanned accident statement, and the police report. Send the complete set to the rental company in one email rather than in several separate messages.
How Do the Security Deposit and Insurance Excess Work?
The security deposit is financial protection for the rental company during the rental period. Some providers require a
€1,200 security deposit, which is returned in full when the vehicle is returned undamaged and clean, usually within 7–14 days after the rental has ended.
Comprehensive insurance with an excess means that, in the event of an insured claim, the renter is responsible for part of the repair costs. If the campervan is worth €60,000 and the agreed excess is 1%, your maximum excess would be €600.
Common deductions from the security deposit may include:
| Type of charge |
Indicative amount |
| Deep interior cleaning |
up to €250 |
| Smoking inside the vehicle |
up to €300 |
| Awning damage or replacement |
according to the repair price list |
| Fuel top-up (+ service fee) |
based on actual fuel required |
| Excess mileage |
according to the agreed price per kilometre |
| Late return fee |
€40 or more/hour |
The legal basis for each potential deduction is set out in the
rental agreement and general rental terms. Before signing the agreement, carefully read the section covering renter liability and the insurance excess. To protect yourself against larger unexpected costs, you may also wish to consider
travel cancellation insurance, which may cover some financial consequences of specific unforeseen events.
What Happens If You Return the Campervan Late?
A late campervan return is not merely an inconvenience for the rental company — it can directly affect the next renter and result in additional costs for you. A standard late-return fee may be
€40 or more per hour. Three hours of delay could therefore mean at least €120 in additional charges before the rental company has even inspected the vehicle.
- A delay extending beyond the agreed rental day may be charged as an additional full rental day.
- The security deposit may not be released until any dispute concerning the late return has been resolved.
- The rental company may be entitled to charge costs caused by the delay to the following renter.
If you know you are going to be late, contact the rental company immediately. Agreeing on a new return time is always better than arriving late without prior notice.
Cross-Border Travel and Excess Mileage
Any trip abroad may require prior written approval from the rental company. Some providers charge an additional insurance premium for certain destinations, while others may prohibit travel to specific countries without special permission.
- Croatia is a popular campervan destination, but local regulations prohibit camping outside designated campsites. Violations can result in fines and, in certain circumstances, temporary detention of the vehicle. Practical destination information, such as our guide to Zadar, can help you plan overnight stays at designated campsites.
- Mileage is normally agreed in advance. Any excess mileage is charged at the fixed price per kilometre specified in the rental agreement.
Expert tip: Take a photo of the odometer when collecting and returning the campervan. Keep a copy of every cross-border travel authorization you receive from the rental company.
How Does Campervan Handle the Return Process?
With Campervan, the campervan is returned at the agreed location in Ljubljana at the time specified in the rental agreement. The process is structured and transparent:
- A joint exterior and interior inspection is carried out in the presence of the renter, with a written report and photographs.
- The complete inventory is checked, including keys, equipment, bedding, cables, and documents.
- Any discrepancies are addressed immediately on site wherever possible.
- Rok is the dedicated contact person available for any questions throughout the return process.
Detailed instructions regarding the return location, the required vehicle condition, and the equipment inventory are provided by Campervan. Read these instructions before setting off on your trip, rather than waiting until the day of return.
If you had any servicing or minor repairs carried out during your rental (for example, replacing a light bulb or topping up fluids), bring the receipt or proof of service. This makes the inspection easier and helps prevent misunderstandings.
Expert tip: The day before returning the campervan, check our guide to motorhome service areas in Slovenia and find a nearby facility for emptying the toilet cassette as well as a petrol station on your route back to Ljubljana.
The Most Common Campervan Return Mistakes
Most return-related disputes come down to three recurring mistakes: renters leave personal belongings in hidden compartments, fail to empty or properly clean the toilet cassette, or return the campervan without a full fuel tank. Each of these mistakes can be avoided with around an hour of preparation the day before.
What often surprises me is that renters who have taken excellent care of the vehicle throughout the entire week sometimes rush on the final day and make a mistake right at the end. Returning the campervan is not a formality. It is the final step that determines whether you receive your security deposit back in full.
My advice: on the final evening before returning the campervan, systematically walk through the vehicle using the inventory checklist from the day of collection. Check every drawer, every cupboard, and the space under the seats. The following morning, the inspection will be quick and free of surprises. If you have any questions about the return procedure, contact me before returning the vehicle, not afterwards.
Campervan Rental with Clear Rules from Start to Finish
With Campervan in Ljubljana, you receive a campervan with clearly defined return conditions and no hidden charges. The
Mercedes V Marco Polo and Ford Nugget Plus are equipped for travelling through Slovenia, the Balkans, and the Alps, with basic insurance coverage and 24/7 assistance included in the rental price.
When returning the campervan, you receive a clear vehicle condition report, a transparent overview of any applicable charges, and a dedicated contact person available to answer your questions. No surprises and no unclear deductions. Check availability and
rent a campervan with Campervan.
Sources
Recommended Reading
