Need to hire a vehicle while you're in Australia? You've got lots of choices. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of things that can go wrong. Whether you're traveling from one side of the country to the other, or you're visiting from another country, make sure you follow these tips to ensure you get the vehicle you need at a price you can afford. Visiting the Expedia.com.au Car Hire link is a good place to start. It is a local site and offers packages from multiple car hire companies all in the one place.
Ask About All Inclusive Pricing
While you can buy individualized services, it's almost always best to get all-inclusive pricing when hiring a vehicle. Car rental companies do have packages that charge you one fee for everything. Tip: take the deal. The price will include all compulsory fees and charges like GST, kilometres, and insurance. The major benefit to you is that you avoid additional charges at your destination point or drop off point.
Ask About Free Kilometres
It might not be advertised, but many car rental companies offer free kilometres. This means that you don't have to pay a per kilometre charge for every KM you drive. This is very convenient if you're going on a long road trip or you are unsure how far you'll actually be driving.
What About Bonds?
A bond is a type of security deposit for the vehicle. When you rent a vehicle, you'll have to leave your credit card details with the rental agency. Make sure you ask exactly how much your bond will be. You don't want to arrive at your destination with surprise charges.
Get a Vehicle Report
Vehicle reports detail any preexisting damage to the vehicle. If you don't get a vehicle report, you might be charged for damages that were there before you ever stepped foot in the vehicle. The report will verify the condition of the car before you drive it and the condition it's in when you return it.
Shop Carefully and Save Money
While you can rent a vehicle from any agency, you'll find that the best deals are located just off airports. The savings is stunning - up to 14 percent lower than on-site rental cars.
Get a Phone Number
Before you drive away, get the phone number of the rental agency and keep it with you at all times. If something should happen to the vehicle, call the agency immediately.
Scout Petrol Stations
One of the worst things that could happen to you is you could end up stranded out in the middle of nowhere with no petrol stations close by. It might seem obvious that you need fuel, but it's often taken for granted that a station will be nearby. Before you head out on your trip, scout petrol stations on your route using a GPS (or your smartphone). Also, locate petrol stations near the agency. When you return, most rental agencies require that you fill up the tank before returning it. If you don't return the vehicle with a full tank, there's often an inflated petrol charge per gallon of gasoline that's missing.
Follow the Rules
Finally, even though you're in a rental, you need to obey the rules of the road. You can't get away with rule breaches, and police are often unsympathetic if you're caught speeding. On top of that, the rental agency will likely bill you for the amount of the fine plus an administration cost. If you leave Australia without paying the fine, you can even be refused entry in the future.
Elizabeth Bailey is a travel rep that spends a lot of time in hire cars. She enjoys sharing her stories and insights through blogging.
Photo credit: Sleepless in Somerset
http://www.flickr.com/photos/94956595@N00/81607681/
Posted By Liz
Updated : 6th January 2021 | Words : 626 | Views : 3517 | Comments : 1
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1 Comment
Had the most wonderful experience when I came to Port Macquarie, Australia last year. Rented out this limo service and the driver was beyond funny and made my whole rental duration very uplifting.
Posted By Alysa Cain on Tuesday 15th December 2020 @ 12:32:19
