DriveTime Return Policy Returns Refunds and Exchange Rules

DriveTime Return Policy 2026 Update

Buying a pre-owned vehicle is a major financial step. When you drive a car off the dealership lot, the last thing you want is buyer’s remorse, unexpected repair issues, or surprise loan terms. If your purchase does not meet your expectations, understanding the DriveTime return policy is critical to reversing the deal without losing your hard-earned money.

Unlike retail stores that sell small consumer goods, DriveTime sells used cars, trucks, and SUVs. Because of this, their return rules operate as a formal contract cancellation and vehicle buyback program. DriveTime backs every retail vehicle sale with an official 5-day money-back guarantee, subject to strict mileage and vehicle condition limits.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about returning or exchanging a vehicle at DriveTime. We cover the strict return windows, mileage ceilings, how down payment refunds work, the process of canceling your auto loan with Bridgecrest, and what happens to your trade-in. All information is based on the latest available policies and verified for 2026.

Overview of DriveTime Return Policy

The DriveTime return policy provides car buyers with a 5-calendar-day return guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your vehicle for any reason, you can bring it back to the dealership within this timeframe for a full down payment refund or a one-time inventory exchange.

To qualify, you must drive fewer than 300 miles from the odometer reading recorded at the time of purchase. You must also return the car in the exact same condition as when you took delivery. When completed correctly, the transaction completely unwinds your retail purchase contract, cancels your vehicle financing, and refunds your down payment with no standard restocking fee.

DriveTime Return Policy at a Glance

Return Window & Eligibility Requirements

Returning a motor vehicle involves legal titles, state registrations, and automotive financing contracts. Because of this, DriveTime enforces specific eligibility rules to protect both parties.

Purchase Date / Day 1 ──> Day 2 ──> Day 3 ──> Day 4 ──> Day 5 (Return Deadline)
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                                         [Dealership Closing Time & Under 300 Miles]

Standard Return Window

The standard return window lasts exactly 5 calendar days, beginning on the day you take physical delivery or drive the car off the dealership lot. For example, if you complete your paperwork and drive away on a Tuesday at 2:00 PM, Tuesday counts as Day 1. Your return window expires at the close of business on Saturday (Day 5).

Along with the 5-day rule, DriveTime enforces a strict 300-mile limit. The odometer reading at the time of return cannot be more than 300 miles higher than the number listed on your purchase contract. This mileage cap allows for routine commuting and short test drives while preventing long road trips. If you plan to return the car, park it immediately to keep your mileage safe.

Online vs. In-Store Return Windows

Whether you finalize your paperwork on a local lot or complete your vehicle reservation online, the return window remains identical. DriveTime online returns do not receive an extended trial period.

If you arrange home delivery, the 5-day clock begins the minute the delivery driver transfers the vehicle and hands you the keys. The 300-mile ceiling applies equally to all purchase methods.

What Items Qualify for Returns

All standard pre-owned passenger vehicles sold directly through DriveTime retail channels qualify for the 5-day guarantee.

Additionally, any optional protection plans or add-on products purchased alongside your vehicle automatically qualify for a 100% refund during this 5-day window. This includes:

• Gap insurance policies
• DriveCare vehicle service contracts
• Ancillary appearance or wheel protection plans

Conditions for Accepted Returns

To ensure your return is accepted without dispute, the vehicle must satisfy the following physical and mechanical standards:

• Identical Condition: The car must be in the same cosmetic and operational state as when purchased, accounting only for minor, normal wear over 300 miles.
• Accident & Damage-Free: The car must have no new collision damage, body dents, bumper scrapes, cracked glass, or mechanical breakdowns.
• Clean Title & No Liens: The vehicle cannot be pledged as collateral for another loan, impounded by municipal authorities, or subject to mechanic liens.
• Complete Accessories: You must return every item provided at the time of delivery, including both sets of keys or key fobs, owner’s manuals, spare tires or tire inflation kits, and original floor mats.
• No Citations: You must resolve any parking tickets, red-light camera citations, or toll violations incurred during your 5 days of ownership.

How to Return Items to DriveTime

Because you are returning an automobile, the return process must take place in person. Returning your car smoothly requires following specific logistical steps.

Step 1: Stop Driving (Keep under 300 miles)
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Step 2: Call the Dealership to Schedule an Inspection
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Step 3: Gather Keys, Documents & Proof of Insurance
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Step 4: Complete On-Site Inspection & Odometer Audit
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Step 5: Sign Mutual Cancellation Documents & Get Receipt

In-Store Return Process

An in-store return is the standard and mandatory way to reverse your vehicle purchase. Follow these steps to complete your return:

1. Park the Vehicle Immediately: As soon as you decide to return the car, stop driving it. Check your purchase agreement to verify that your odometer reading has not increased by more than 300 miles.
2. Call Ahead to Schedule an Appointment: Contact the DriveTime dealership where you bought the car. Ask to speak with the General Manager or Inventory Coordinator to schedule a return appointment. Making an appointment ensures that qualified staff are present to inspect the vehicle and process financial cancellations.
3. Assemble Your Paperwork and Accessories: Gather all original sale documents, your driver’s license, proof of insurance, every key and remote fob provided, and all vehicle accessories.
4. Complete the Vehicle Walkaround: At the dealership, an inventory specialist will conduct a physical walkaround inspection. They will verify your odometer reading, check for new body or wheel damage, and inspect the interior cabin.
5. Sign Contract Cancellation Documents: Once the vehicle passes inspection, you will sign a mutual contract unwinding agreement and an odometer disclosure statement. Always request a physical copy of your signed cancellation receipt before leaving the dealership.

Online Return Process

If you completed your vehicle purchase online with home delivery, you cannot initiate an automated online return via a web portal.

Instead, call DriveTime Customer Relations at 888-418-1212. A representative will open a return authorization file and instruct you to take the vehicle to the nearest DriveTime dealership hub. You must still drive the vehicle to an authorized location for physical inspection and paperwork unwinding.

Mail-In Return Process

Vehicles cannot be returned via standard parcel mail. DriveTime does not accept mail-in vehicle returns or unaccompanied transport drop-offs.

If you cannot drive the vehicle back yourself and plan to hire a commercial auto transport or flatbed towing company, you must obtain written approval from dealership management first. Unannounced transport deliveries will be refused at the gate.

Return Label Instructions & Document Handling

While you cannot ship a car, certain return scenarios require returning documentation or duplicate keys by mail. If you completed paperwork remotely, DriveTime may email you a secure digital document package (such as DocuSign) to finalize the contract unwinding.

If you accidentally left a spare key fob, owner's manual, or original title form at home, the dealership may provide a prepaid shipping envelope. When sending paperwork or keys:

• Place the items in a padded envelope.
• Securely attach the prepaid shipping label to the outside.
• Drop the envelope at the designated carrier facility (such as FedEx or UPS) and keep your tracking number.

Refunds & Processing Time

Once your vehicle return is accepted and the cancellation paperwork is signed, DriveTime initiates the refund method corresponding to your original payment.

Debit / Credit Card Down Payment  ──> 3 to 5 Business Days
ACH Bank Transfer Down Payment    ──> 5 to 10 Business Days
Cashier's Check / Certified Funds ──> 7 to 10 Business Days (via Corporate Check)
Bridgecrest Auto Loan Account     ──> Fully Voided & Unwound

Down Payment Turnaround Times

The processing time for your down payment refund depends on how you originally paid:

• Debit or Credit Cards: 3 to 5 business days to post back to your account, depending on your card issuer.
• ACH or Electronic Bank Transfer: 5 to 10 business days for electronic fund clearance between financial institutions.
• Cashier’s Checks or Money Orders: 7 to 10 business days, issued as a DriveTime corporate refund check sent via tracked mail.

Bridgecrest Financing Cancellation

Most DriveTime purchases are financed through their affiliated lender, Bridgecrest. When you return the vehicle within the 5-day window, the financing agreement is canceled.

DriveTime notifies Bridgecrest to close the account balance. Because the contract is canceled within the cooling-off window, you will have no remaining monthly payment obligations, and the closed loan will not appear as an open, delinquent debt on your credit report.

Trade-In Vehicle Handling

If you traded in your old car as part of the deal, DriveTime handles your trade-in based on its current location:

• Trade-in Still on the Lot: If your previous car has not been processed, transferred, or detailed for resale, DriveTime will return the vehicle and its keys directly to you.
• Trade-in Already Transferred or Sold: If your old car has already been moved to an off-site wholesale auction or prepared for resale, DriveTime cannot return the vehicle. Instead, they will pay you the agreed-upon trade-in valuation amount via a corporate check.

When Refunds May Be Reduced

Your down payment refund may be reduced under specific circumstances:

• Excessive Cleaning Needs: If the vehicle requires deep interior detailing due to smoke, pet hair, or food stains, a detailing fee ($200 to $500) may be deducted from your refund.
• Missing Equipment: Failure to return both keys, floor mats, or the spare tire kit will result in deductions to cover replacement costs.
• Unapproved Excess Miles: If management approves a return that slightly exceeds the 300-mile limit, an excess mileage fee (typically $1.00 per mile over 300) may be subtracted from your down payment.

Exchange Policy

If you like DriveTime’s financing structure but chose the wrong vehicle, you can use their vehicle exchange policy instead of taking a cash refund.

• The One-Time Exchange Option: DriveTime allows buyers to complete a one-time inventory exchange within the standard 5-day / 300-mile window.
• Transferring Funds to a New Car: Your original down payment, sales tax credits (where permitted by state law), and any trade-in equity roll directly into the financing contract for the replacement car.
• Price Differences: If the new car costs more than your original selection, you must pay the difference in down payment or adjust your monthly loan payments through Bridgecrest. If the replacement car costs less, DriveTime refunds the excess down payment via your original payment method.
• No Secondary Trial Period: Once you execute an inventory exchange, the 5-day return guarantee does not reset. The replacement vehicle is considered your final selection, though it remains covered by standard mechanical warranty protections.

Non-Returnable or Restricted Items

Certain actions and vehicle conditions completely void the 5-day return guarantee. Review these non-returnable items and restrictions before attempting a return:

• Vehicles Over 300 Miles: If your odometer registers 301 miles or more past the purchase mileage, DriveTime is legally permitted to reject the return entirely.
• Aftermarket Modifications: Any vehicle modified after purchase cannot be returned. This includes aftermarket window tinting, custom stereos, subwoofers, alarms, wheel rims, or engine tuning.
• Smoked-In or Pet-Damaged Vehicles: Vehicles showing evidence of cigarette smoke, vaping odor, pet bio-waste, or heavy animal hair will be disqualified or charged heavy cleaning deductions.
• Impounded or Ticketed Vehicles: Cars held in municipal impound lots or encumbered by unpaid towing or repair charges cannot be returned until all third-party fees are cleared by the buyer.
• As-Is or Commercial Sales: Vehicles sold specifically under commercial fleet contracts or marked as non-returnable wholesale purchases do not qualify for the 5-day policy.

Fees, Deductions & Exceptions

DriveTime’s return policy is transparent regarding potential fees:

• Restocking Fees: DriveTime charges a $0 restocking fee on vehicles returned within the 5-day / 300-mile limit in their original condition.
• Per-Mile Deductions: If a local manager grants an exception for a return that slightly exceeds 300 miles, an excess mileage surcharge of approximately $1.00 per extra mile is deducted from your refund.
• Detailing & Missing Key Costs: Missing key fobs typically incur a $150 to $350 deduction. Smoke odor removal or heavy interior upholstery cleaning incurs a $200 to $500 fee.
• State DMV & Administrative Fees: State motor vehicle agencies, title bureaus, and local administrative offices do not always refund temporary tag fees or registration processing costs once the paperwork is submitted. These government fees may be withheld from your final refund.

DriveTime vs. Competitor Return Policies

If you are shopping across multiple used-car platforms, comparing return guarantees helps you choose the best buying experience:

• CarMax: Offers a generous 10-day money-back guarantee with a 400-mile cap (learn more in our CarMax return policy guide).
• Carvana: Features a 7-day test-own return window with a 400-mile limit and direct vehicle pickup (detailed in our Carvana return policy guide).
• AutoNation: Uses a comparable 5-day / 250-mile money-back guarantee across its nationwide dealer lots (explore our AutoNation return policy guide).

Holiday & Extended Return Policies

Unlike department stores that offer extended holiday windows around Christmas or Black Friday, DriveTime does not provide a holiday return policy or seasonal extensions. Automotive financing regulations require fixed contract unwinding windows regardless of the season.

Dealing with Sunday and Holiday Closures

Most DriveTime dealership locations are closed on Sundays and select federal holidays (such as Thanksgiving or Christmas Day).

• If your 5th calendar day falls on a Sunday, your return deadline does not automatically roll over to Monday.
• You must notify DriveTime corporate customer relations in writing or by phone before the close of business on Saturday, or deliver the car by Saturday evening to protect your return rights.

Customer Support & Contact Information

If you run into issues or need to schedule a vehicle return, use the following verified customer support channels:

• DriveTime Customer Relations: 888-418-1212
• Financing Customer Service (Bridgecrest): 800-967-8026
• Website & Chat Portal: drivetime.com (Live chat available during business hours)
• Corporate Support Hours:
• Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM EST
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST
• Sunday: Closed

Pro Tip for Faster Service: Always call your local selling dealership first to speak directly with the on-site General Manager before calling corporate support lines. The dealership manager is the person who physically inspects the vehicle and signs off on the cancellation paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a car to DriveTime without the original paperwork?

No. DriveTime requires your original purchase contract, proof of insurance, and registration paperwork to unwind the deal. If you lost your sales contract, visit the dealership in person so their finance department can reprint the files from their internal records before initiating the return inspection.

What happens if I discover a mechanical issue after the 5-day return window?

Once the 5-day / 300-mile return window passes, you cannot return the car for a refund. However, retail vehicles come with a 30-Day / 1,500-Mile Limited Warranty administered by SilverRock. This warranty covers critical mechanical issues (such as engine, transmission, and drivetrain components) rather than contract cancellation.

How long does it take for DriveTime to refund my down payment?

Debit and credit card refunds take 3 to 5 business days to appear on your bank statement. ACH electronic transfers take 5 to 10 business days. If you paid by cashier’s check or certified funds, a corporate check will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

Can I return my car to a different DriveTime dealership than the one I bought it from?

Generally, you must return the car to the original dealership location where the purchase contract was executed. If you have moved or face extreme logistical difficulties, you must contact DriveTime Customer Relations in advance to request a manager-approved transfer to an alternate lot.

What happens to my traded-in vehicle if I return my DriveTime car?

If your trade-in vehicle is still physically on the dealership lot and has not been sold or sent to wholesale auction, DriveTime will return it to you. If the vehicle has already been transferred off-site, DriveTime will issue a corporate refund check for the agreed-upon trade-in cash value.

Does DriveTime charge a restocking fee on vehicle returns?

DriveTime does not charge a restocking fee as long as the car is returned within 5 calendar days, has been driven fewer than 300 miles, and remains in its original purchase condition. Deductions only occur for missing keys, excess mileage, or required deep interior cleaning.

Will returning a car to DriveTime hurt my credit score?

Returning a car within the 5-day window unwinds your loan with Bridgecrest, meaning you will not have an open auto loan or monthly payment history on your credit profile. However, the initial hard credit inquiry performed when you applied for financing will remain on your credit report as standard procedure.

Can I exchange my vehicle for a different model instead of taking a refund?

Yes. DriveTime permits a one-time inventory exchange within the 5-day / 300-mile window. Your down payment and financing profile transfer directly to the replacement vehicle, but your 5-day trial period does not reset for the second car.

What should I do if my 5th return day falls on a Sunday?

DriveTime dealerships are closed on Sundays. If your 5th calendar day falls on a Sunday, you should return the car before dealership closing on Saturday. If that is impossible, call DriveTime Customer Relations at 888-418-1212 on Saturday to log a formal return request and obtain instructions for Monday morning drop-off.

Conclusion

The DriveTime 5-day return guarantee offers valuable protection when purchasing a pre-owned car. As long as you stay under the 300-mile ceiling, preserve the vehicle's original condition, and keep all keys and accessories intact, you can cancel your purchase contract without paying restocking fees.

If you decide the vehicle is not right for you, park it immediately, collect your paperwork, and contact your local dealership to schedule a return appointment before the 5th calendar day passes.

Disclaimer: Return policies may change at any time and can vary by location. Always confirm details on the official DriveTime website or with your local store. Information verified 2026.

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