If you’re new to renting cars, you will find there is a lot to learn about how to get the best price and how to avoid additional charges. Even if you frequently rent cars, there are often many tips and tricks that will help you to get a better deal. VroomVroomVroom has years of experience in the industry, and our car rental experts have plenty of advice to share. Here are just a few secrets of the car rental industry that could help you save money and get more out of your trip.
Many people pick up their rental car from the airport, as it is undoubtedly a convenient location. Although disembarking from your flight and heading straight to the car rental desk may sound appealing, be aware that this can add extra money onto your bill. Airports are considered “premium locations” and therefore picking up a rental car at an airport involves an additional surcharge. If your travel plans are flexible, you can often save money by picking up your car from either an off-airport or downtown depot instead.
It is always a good idea to read the fine print. In some cases, rental cars come with limited kilometres, meaning you’ll be charged for every kilometre you travel over that limit, and this can add up to quite a bit of money. It is a good idea to check if your car has limited kilometres so you don’t get any nasty surprises at the end of your rental. In locations like the Northern Territory, rental cars often have limited kilometre rules.
You should also check be aware of the vehicle’s fuel tank size before leaving the depot if you’re travelling long distances. In remote parts of Australia, petrol stations can be a long distance from one another and difficult to find, and you don’t want to get caught out on outback highways with an empty fuel tank. Make sure you know what type of fuel your rental car takes as well.
A lot of people leave renting a car until the last minute. During peak travel periods, particularly the holiday season, this can be a bad idea. If you show up to the depot without a booking during this time be prepared to be told that there are no more vehicles available. Popular holidays like Easter and Christmas see higher rates and many customers booking rental cars, so if you want to travel at this time, book as early as possible to get the best price and a better choice of vehicles.
While some people may skim over the terms and conditions, it is best not to do this as there is important information about what is and isn’t allowed with your rental car. For example, some roads or regions may be strictly off limits, and there can be restrictions if you are driving a vehicle outside of certain hours in regional areas, where the risk of hitting animals is higher. If you break the terms and conditions and have an accident, you may be liable to pay the full damage costs.
Weekly rates for a rental car may be lower than the daily rate, meaning you could save money if you keep your car for more than seven days. Always check if you can save money by keeping your car for the full week. Also pay attention to the pickup and drop-off times, as even adding an extra hour onto your request could result in you paying for a full additional day. Car rental rates are measured in 24-hour periods.
Always be sure to check what the licence and document requirements are. In some cases, your booking confirmation and driving licence may not be enough. This is particularly relevant if you are renting a car in another country, where you may also be required to show your passport or travel documents. If you have a foreign licence and you are renting a car in Australia, you may also need an International Driving Permit.
Young drivers generally need to pay a daily age surcharge either during the booking process or at the car rental counter. It is a good idea for drivers under 25 to do their research beforehand, as some car rental companies have lower age surcharges than others. Young drivers may also be restricted to certain vehicle groups.
Take some time before you leave the depot to check the car for pre-existing damage. To avoid any disputes, it is also a good idea to take photos or video so you have proof of the car’s condition. If you find any damage on the car that is not listed on the rental report, make sure you inform a representative of the company before you leave.
It is important that you have insurance for your rental car so you can avoid paying any damage fees, but if you have existing rental vehicle excess insurance, you may not need to purchase additional products from the car rental company. Purchasing insurance in advance can also save you money, as car rental excess reduction products sold at the counter are often more expensive. Click here to find out more.
One-way bookings can be quite expensive, particularly in Australia where the distances between cities can be quite large. In some cases, the car rental company may not permit their vehicles to be dropped in a different state. Optional extras can also add quite a bit of money onto your bill. You may find it cheaper to bring your own child seat or navigation device, rather than requesting a baby seat or GPS from the car rental company. Check out our baby seat page for more information. VroomVroomVroom allows you to cancel with zero charges, which means you can book and cancel at anytime.
