Hotel and Travel

Are you coming from overseas for a self-drive Australian holiday? Car rental in Australia is often the most economical and freedom-creating transport option … but there are some things you must know before you make that booking! Here are the top ten.
 
1. You’ll have to tell your Australian car rental company where you are going
There may be extra charges and restrictions for driving in the snow and off sealed roads.
2. You should have a credit card
Some Australian car rental companies are happy to accept Visa debit or Mastercard debit cards, but some aren’t. A proper credit card in the name of the hirer is the safest bet.
3. Book your flight first, car hire after
This is so that you can provide your flight number to the company for car rental in Australia. If your flight is delayed, they will hold the vehicle rather than calling your reservation a ‘no-show’.
4. Note every little scratch and scuff
Make sure you are thorough on your vehicle condition report, completed at the time of pickup.
5. Liability reduction is money well spent!
You may have to pay an insurance excess even if damage to the vehicle isn’t your fault. Liability reduction cover allows you to enjoy your holiday without worrying about the other crazies on the road.
6. Child seat hire may be mandatory
In all states, all children under 7 must be restrained in an approved child seat appropriate to their age. If you’re carrying kids, forward-facing, rear-facing and booster seats can be hired from your Brisbane car rental or Sydney car rental depots.
7. You must pay tolls
There are several toll roads in some of Australia’s major cities (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) – you are responsible for paying these tolls.
8. Know the return time
Give your car rental Brisbane company an accurate idea of your return time, so they can charge you accordingly. If you return the vehicle late, you might have to pay for an extra day.
9. Get one-way hire if you need to
One-way hire is available through many Australian car rental companies, however one-way fees do apply in most cases.
10. Sometimes you get what you pay for …
Most times there is no issue with hiring an older car. However, if the vehicle breaks down your travel plans may be disrupted, since you are not allowed to drive a vehicle with any sort of fault. Consider this when making your car rental Sydney booking.