Car Hire

Compare Car Hire in Australia

Car hire is a major industry in Australia; it is a popular choice for many travelers especially for families or for those traveling in the regional areas. Pricing and packages across car hiring companies are very similar, so how do you go about and find and compare the car hire packages? We compare car hire deals from a range of Australian car hire companies to help you find the best car hire package for your needs.

Why Car Hire?

Car hire is a popular option for the following scenarios:

• Families – if you are traveling with children, car hire is both a cost-effective and a convenient way for traveling. Public transportations are not an easy option sometimes and many tourist attractions are usually far away from the CBD areas.
• Lengthy Stays – Car hire is also popular for those stayed for lengthy periods
• Business Travelers – Car hires have also been popular for some business travelers who need to travel around and visit their clients or suppliers.

Car Rental – things to consider Type of Car from Car Rental Companies

Some car rental companies only have limited range of vehicles available. Think very carefully before you make your booking with car hire company, price can vary considerably, if you are looking for economic option, you should go for a smaller vehicle, if you are going for adventures or with a lot of gears, you need a larger car.

If you are planning to travel long distances, petrol stations are a few between the States, perhaps you will need a vehicle with larger fuel tanks.

Make enquiries to your car rental company make sure the cars are available.

Drivers Age

Car hire fee can increase significantly if you have young drivers, levies are added if the one of the designated drivers listed is below 25 years of age.

Car Hire and Insurance

Make sure what types of insurance policies you have from your car hire companies. Accidents can happen during your travel, you should ensure that the policies include third party damages, property damages and if that also includes damages to the hired car.

Car Hire and Registration

Hired cars are often registered in different States. Some car hire companies register vehicles in another State to save on insurance cost. It is wise to check with the car hire company before hand if this will be a concern if you plan to travel inter-state.

Choices when choosing a car hire company

Major car hire companies, often global car hire companies are the first point, but they are often more expensive as well.

If you are looking for a longer term rental leases, you may get a better deal from local car hire companies including many car dealers or even from petrol stations, they often have several cars for hire.

But be weary when you use these deals, they maybe without insurance, this means, you have to arrange insurance yourself or take the risk.

Break Down Procedures

Large car hire companies have their own break down or emergency response teams in case the car is broken. This is another advantage they have over local car hire companies.

Direct or Indirect Bookings

Always shop around. There are a lot of special deals for car hires, always make direct enquiries with the car hire companies first, and check with major travel booking websites which sometimes have special deals.

Airlines are another place where special car hire deals are bundled with bookings. Hotel chains can also provide discounts to car hires.

Some travel agents can also negotiate better car hire deals for you especially if you are renting them for more than one week.

Use Loyalty Program

If you're not already, consider joining the loyalty program when you book with the car hire company.

These vary by company, but most of them are free and entitle you to certain privileges when picking up your vehicle; your information will be on file ahead of time, allowing you to simply jump into the car and go rather than standing in a long line or filling out paperwork.

Many airlines also have alliances with car hire companies, where you can accumulate frequent flyer points or use points to exchange for car hire values, such as extended hire or upgrades.

Understanding Your Rental Contract

If you're booking online, read the terms and conditions carefully before confirming your reservation.

If you're booking on the phone, ask the agent about restrictions. Be sure you understand the conditions of your reservation.

• Know your penalties. Car hire have various penalties, such as late drop-off charges even if you do not show up to pick up cars because of flight cancellations. If pertinent, ask about any restrictions on interstate travel.
• For your own protection in case of breakdown, be sure the company has offices in all the states on your itinerary.
• Always get a confirmation number when you book and keep a record.
• Check with your car hire company about fuel requirements, many car hire companies require the fuel tank to be filled when returning.

Car Hire – hidden costs

The rate you see advertised from car hire companies maybe different with various taxes,, additional driver fees, insurance, fuel charge, drop off charges. They will all add up and in some cases, even more than the car hire cost!

Advertised rates may only be available in certain locations or period, and only available to certain car types or makes.

Over the recent years, car hire is becoming more transparent as Internet is becoming more popular, you can now compare packages from different car hire companies online easily these days.

When you pick up

Before you drive away, there will always be representatives from car hire company next to you, inspect the car carefully for body damage, mark all the damages on contract. If in doubt, do not take the car and renegotiate with the car hire company.

Be sure the lights and turn signals are working properly, and check the odometer, this is your last chance to confirm with car hire company before you drive away.

Returning Your Car

Always fill the tank yourself before returning the vehicle so that you're only paying for the amount to avoid penalty rates.

Also check with your car hire company and ensure there are no early return fees, or if you return early, would you be able to get a credit off?

Finally, before returning the car to the car hire company, make sure there are no disputed marks or damages on the car, settle everything and check your bills as you may find some additional items not listed in the car hire agreement.

With Internet age, much of the research can be done online these days, you can search on information about car hire companies, you can check your frequent flyer program to see their car hire alliances. You can even read car hire agreements online these days, which saves a lot of time. Use Internet effectively, and you will save a lot time next time you hire a car.