FAQ's

Is your site secure?

Yes, when you go into any of the suppliers booking engines you initiate and Secure Socket layer (SSL) session BUT the https: does not show up or the little paddle lock because the sites are framed. If you right click in the body of the page and check properties you will see that you are in a secure SSL session.

Click here for our Privacy Policy.

Do I need a credit card?

Yes and no. A credit card needs to be cited before you pick up the car, whether it be yours or someone else's. This is a security measure and is needed in case of emergency or in the event of damage to the car during your rental period.

If you don't have your own credit card, someone who is willing to provide one for you as security can go into any depot and have their details recorded up against your reservation number. (Avis and Hertz - only some locations). When you pick up your car, the details will be there waiting for you and you can pick up your car. When you return your car, you can pay the balance however you choose ie. eftpos, cash.

Please note, pre-paid credit cards will not be accepted, ie. Bopo cards.

Is my credit card debited at the time of reservation?

No. Your credit card is debited at the time of pickup or return only. The credit card is used to confirm your booking as a security measure. (exception - Europcar - see terms and conditions).

Can I get a complete "quote" without entering any credit card details?

Yes, you can for all of our suppliers. You do not need to add credit card details at all to book, with the exception of commercial vehicle bookings, or booking through our Thrifty Direct link. Europcar may ask for credit card details, however, these are completely secure and your card will not actually be charged until you arrive.

Will I be charged by failing to show up?

No, however, if you supply a credit card when booking, you need to cancel any booking prior to 24 hours to pick up or you will be charged a cancellation fee. If you do not offer any details when booking, you will not be charged a fee to cancel at the last minute.

What happens when I book and the page says 'unavailable' and to call you?

We operate on a supply and demand basis, which means someone was probably trying to book the same car as you and got in first. What you can do is try again and book the next car on your search list. The price will be a tiny bit higher, but that's how supply and demand works...

So please try again, if you're quick you'll find another deal straight away, if not, you can always call us and we can guide you through it!

Why does my location revert back to Adelaide Airport when I click search?

This is a common problem on Mac computers. It is because the Safari program has technical difficulty with Java Script, though there are ways to get around this. Firefox produces a program for Mac computers, so that program can be used without hassles, instead of Safari.

Will my overseas drivers license work for Australia?

If you have held a valid, unrestricted drivers license, for a minimum of 12 months and it is in English you will not require an international permit. If you do not have these prerequisites then you will need an international permit. All documents must be original. No photocopies are recognised.

Why are flight details important?

There are two important reasons why this information is helpful on reservations.

The flight information indicates to the Car Rental Company where to have your vehicle parked to be closest to your flight arrival. There are usually kiosks at both domestic and international terminals. Delays can occur if no flight numbers are available.

Also, if your flight is delayed, the Car Rental Companies will ensure a staff member is available for a confirmed reservation.

How old do I need to be to hire a car?

In most cases you need to be a minimum of 25 years old BUT you can still rent a car if you are over 21 years old. In this case a mandatory surcharge usually applies and the in ability to lower excess charges may also apply. This varies from company to company. Some vehicle types may also be restricted.

No one under the age of 21 can rent a car from any of our suppliers at any time. This is for insurance purposes. P platers or drivers on restricted/ provisional licenses are also unable to rent under any circumstances.

Are the quotes comprehensive of all fees and charges?

For the most part the quotes are comprehensive for Airport Recovery Fees, Goods and Services taxes, and 3rd party insurance. It should be noted that in Australia the standard liability insurance ranges from $2,750 to $3,300. This can usually be reduced to the $330 to $550 range for an additional fee of $24 to $34.90 per day plus fees and taxes ( This is called the Optional Excess Reduction).

How do I make a change?

The easiest way to modify or cancel your booking is through our sites make changes links. These links will take you directly to the appropriate suppliers web pages to a change or cancellation. The companies all have different logon on procedures and these include a mixture of email address, last name and reservation confirmation number. Please note that you must enter this data "exactly" like you did when making the booking. The data fields are all case sensitive so you must use the same upper and lower case lettering as used for the booking.

How do I add a child seat to my booking?

Child seats can only be added once you have made a booking, so the cost of the seat will be added on top of the quote we give you. Once you have your reservation number, either contact your supplier directly, or Vroom, to add on the child seat. We will need to know the size/ age of the child and how many seats to add.

As baby seats are considered necessary safety equipment, some airlines will not count the seat in the luggage allowance. Please confirm with your airline, as you may be able to bring your own for free.

When do I get my discount?

Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar and Thrifty all show your prices including discount during the quoting process. No further discounts can apply to the reservation. Refer to the car rental company for airline loyalty programmes.

What happens if I receive a Speeding Fine?

Your car hire company will take one of the following actions:

Charge your credit card for the amount detailed on the fine.

Supply your information to law enforcement agencies, who will in turn issue a fine to your postal address.

In any case is advisable that you pay any fines you receive before leaving the country. Failure to pay fines received in Australia may result in refusal of a hire car, refusal of entry or cancellation of a visa on a return visit.

Can I make a reservation for a One Way car hire?

Yes you can. All of our suppliers allow one way rentals via the VroomVroomVroom website. Please note: one way rentals may incur a one way fee, though this fee will always be included in our quote for your vehicle.

Why is it more expensive when I say I'm a foreign customer?

The differences in price are due to different insurance regulations in each country, eg. some residents have lower quotes as most credit cards carry insurance and so they do not need to be charged extra.

Each different country has a different rate that needs to be charged according to the insurance terms and conditions of each rental supplier. These laws make some rates slightly higher than some others. Unfortunately this is unavoidable and part of the conditions of renting a car.

I want to drive from metro cities in Western Australia (like Perth) for a long distance. Do I still get unlimited kilometres?

Yes, but if you decide to venture interstate or further north than Carnarvon, you will not have unlimited kilometres and will be given 100 to 200kms per day for free. Additional kilometre costs vary from supplier to supplier but are around 25cents each.

Can I take my car on the Ferry?

Suppliers will allow vehicles to be taken on ferries over bodies of water, however the vehicle will be void of insurance during the ferry trip. Islands such as Fraser Island and Kangaroo Island are considered to be 'full responsibility' locations, meaning that you will have to pay in full for all damage incurred.

Purchased Excess Reduction insurance will also be voided for the ferry trip

Budget will allow cars on ferries only to go to Bruny Island from Tasmania. No other island is permitted.

Can I travel with my pets?

As each location is different, it is best to contact your pick up depot beforehand.

Suppliers will generally allow small pets to travel along with you, though the car must be returned in the same condition in which it was rented out. Cleaning fees will apply. If there is any damage from the pet, you will be charged for the damage or charged the extra cleaning fee. Traveling with the proper equipment is advised.

You are not allowed to travel with pets in a Thrifty vehicle.

GLOSSARY

Additional Driver

When there is more than one driver associated with a hire, the second and any subsequent drivers are referred to as the additional driver(s). There may be a charge applied for additional drivers.

Airport Surcharge / Airport Recovery Fees

An additional charge that applies at certain airport locations to ALL fees associated with the hire and included during the quoting process - except for Europcar - at time of reservation. More Information

Check-out / Pick-up

The location and/or time from when a hire starts.

Check-in / Return

The location and/or time, from when a hire ends.

Insurance

Australian Car Hire vehicles all have mandatory third party cover. You may increase your level of insurance when you pick up your vehicle, for an extra fee.

One Way

To hire a vehicle at one location and to return it at another is referred to as a one- way hire.

Refueling Service

A service provided at check-in which enables a customer to return a vehicle which does not have a full tank of fuel.

Rental Agreement

The formal contract, signed by Company and the hirer at the time of check-out, which shows the terms of the rental.

Rental Day

Normally, a 24-hour period which starts at the time of check-out, however can also apply to a rental period that is of several hours' duration.

Rental Duration/Length

Normally, the total of rental days, however can also apply to a rental of several hours' duration.

Rental Qualifications

The conditions imposed by a rental location, or country, in order to satisfy their legal requirements. Details of these can be obtained from each renting Company.

Car Insurance

Insurance is included in the price, however, this included insurance has a high excess if you are at fault in an accident. In order to reduce this excess, you can optionally pay $25 - $35 for excess reduction. If you're looking to insure your own car, check out car insurance Australia to compare car insurance companies in Australia.