Car Rental Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Is it better to book my car hire in advance or wait until I arrive?

A. It is much better to book & pay ahead to take advantage of a discounted fixed price in Australian Dollars. Our pre-paid rates are generally lower than foreign retail prices, as we negotiate special contracted discounted rates based on our high volume of sales and pass the savings on to you. There is also no risk of foreign currency variations after payment is made.

Q. Are there any other benefits?

A. Yes, we are available to provide you with free advice & information gained from many years of experience in overseas car hire. A little bit of advice could save you a lot of time and money.

Q. What is included in our pre-paid Car Hire rates?

A. Our rates are generally inclusive of all mandatory charges, i.e. Local Tax, Collision Damage Waiver, 3rd Party, Theft Protection, Unlimited mileage, 24 hour assistance, Airport/Premium location surcharge & Vehicle License fees (Road Tax). Some other charges may apply. These will be shown on your Invoice confirmation and on Travel Voucher that you present to the rental company.

Q. Are there hidden charges?

A. Generally it is only the optional charges: i.e. - Child Seats, GPS hire, Young or Additional Drivers fees, One Way surcharge, Fuel & Security deposit, which you need to allow for. However there can be some exceptions where a local Tax is not included on our Contracted rate. Your confirmation Invoice & Travel Voucher will clearly state any applicable extra charges you are required to pay when you collect the car.

Q. Do I need to leave a deposit?

A. Yes, a Security deposit by Credit Card will be required by the rental company. This is generally an imprint of your credit card and a nominal amount is frozen on the Card until you return the car. At the end of the hire a final calculation is done and any applicable extra charges are finalized. Please make sure you check the rental Agreement at the end of your hire to understand the nature of any applicable additional charges. Please retain all copies in case of disputes.

Q. What about a cash deposit?

A. Whilst this is possible in some cases, it is not encouraged. A Credit Card is the preferred means for a Security deposit, as most rental companies do not have the facility to hold large amounts of cash at their rental locations. It is also difficult for this reason to refund you in cash at the end of the hire.

Q. Is my hire car fully insured ?

A. Yes all our rates include full vehicle insurance, with 3rd party, fire & theft, however an insurance excess will apply but only in event of accidental damage or theft. The excess amount will be indicated on your confirmation Invoice & Voucher.

Q. Can I reduce or remove the Excess?

A. Yes you may purchase direct from the rental company a higher insurance cover, which will reduce or remove your excess obligation. This is strictly an optional purchase, but please note if you have taken out Travel Insurance to cover your whole trip, then it is likely the policy will cover the car hire excess as well and you do not need to upgrade the insurance on your hire car.

Q. Should I take out Travel Insurance?

A. Yes we strongly recommend taking out Travel Insurance to cover your entire trip. Please check the policy conditions before departing, to see if it covers car hire excess. In most cases Travel Insurance will include coverage for the car hire excess.

Q. What do I do if I am billed for damage/theft excess?

A. Firstly it is always a good idea to keep all relevant receipts & paperwork after you return the car. If the car has sustained any damage and you are billed on your credit card for the excess, you should contact the Travel Insurance company upon you return and apply for a claim of the charges billed by the rental company.

Q. Should I hire an Automatic car ?

A. If you can drive a manual car then we believe this is the option, as they are cheaper to hire, more economical on fuel and readily available. For an Automatic car you will generally pay a higher daily rate. In Europe, automatic cars are also not widely available, outside of major airports/cities. It is best to collect and return an automatic car from a major city or airport as they are more likely to be available. In the UK, Automatic cars are available from most locations and in the USA & Canada all rental cars have automatic transmission.

Q. Are there extra charges for a One Way rental?

A. If you return your car to a different location from where you collected from this is termed a one way hire and a surcharge may apply. This will be advised with your confirmation Invoice and will also appear on your travel Voucher. For more information on One Way rentals please go to: One Way Rentals.

Q. What if I need a car for an extended period? (21 days or longer)

A. Our rates are structured so that the daily rate reduces the longer you rent the car. Rentals of 2-5 days have a higher daily rate, than a rental of 21 or 28 days or longer. In Europe we recommend our Citroen DriveEurope leasing plan as the ideal option for a hire car over an extended period from 17-180 days.

Q. Can I drive into any country?

A. If you intend to drive across borders you need to be aware of any applicable geographical restrictions. This information will be displayed on your confirmation Invoice. If in any doubt please contact us and we will advise you on where you are permitted to travel and any extra charges that may apply.

Q. Should I hire a GPS?

A. A portable GPS (Satellite Navigation) is a handy accessory when driving overseas, however additional charges will apply when hiring a GPS. The costs vary between rental companies & countries and other charges also apply if you take the GPS on a one way hire. They are not available from all locations, generally only from major airport & large cities. Please request when you make a booking. For more information please go to GPS hire.

Q. Do I need an International Driving Permit?

A. Yes, if you are driving through in or through any non-English speaking countries. In many countries you maybe subject to a fine if you do not have a valid International permit. You must also carry your own full Australian Drivers License. Note: Provisional Licenses are not accepted by Rental companies. You must hold a full drivers license to rent a car.

Q. How old must I be to hire a car?

A. Generally you must be at least 21 years of age with a full Drivers License to rent a car. The rules vary between countries, so please refer to the Terms & Conditions displayed when you select your car. Please note that a Young Drivers surcharge is likely to apply on drivers between 21 & 24 years. Some luxury cars you may need to be over 30 years of age.

Q. I am over 70 years of age, can I still rent a car?

A. Yes, in most countries this is possible. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions displayed when you select the car. This will also be displayed on your Invoice confirmation and on the Travel Voucher. In most countries there is no upper age restriction, except in Ireland, where an upper age limit of 76-79 years will apply.

Here are a few TIPS to remember when renting a car:

• Always check your car for any minor damage and make sure it is noted on the Car Rental Contract.
• Please familiarise yourself with the car and check all controls and the gears to make sure you can properly operate the car.
• Most cars are manual transmission, so please check that you can operate Reverse gear.
• Check the type of Fuel for your car.
• At the end of your hire, make sure you understand any additional charges.
• When returning please make any accessories i.e. – GPS device or child seat has been accounted for and if there are any extra charges to be finalized.
• Please drive carefully at all times and do not drink & drive.