Cheap Car Rentals Helpfull Info
When
renting a car, who reads the fine print? . Follow these tips for a hassle
free experience.
Inspect the car or truck
Disputed vehicle damages and liabilities are among the most common complaints
about car rentals.One way to protect yourself against unfair damage
claims is to check the condition report and then thoroughly inspect
the car in the presence of car rental staff before you drive away.
We recommend taking photographs of existing damage, such as bumps and
scratches, and keeping the camera in the glove box of the car. Document
any problems that may arise during the hire period.
When it comes to returning the car, get agreement in that the vehicle
has not sustained any damage. Have it acknowledged on your copy of the
contract or invoice.
Also, if you leave an imprint of your credit card at pick-up, make sure
that it is destroyed in front of you.
Keep in mind that contracts often include an authorisation to charge
an amounts to your credit card, without any need for the operator to
verify additional costs for damage to the car.
Excess /Collision Damage Reduction/ Collision Liability Reduction
Basic insurance is nearly always included in Australian car rental quotes
but excess (collision damage liability)- the amount you will have to
pay in the event of a claim - is typically about $2000 to $3000, with
some companies reportedly charging as much as $5000 (for vehicles often
worth over $50,000).
When you go to pick up your car, suppliers will recommend you reduce
the excess (collision damage liability) by purchasing excess-reduction
insurance ( this is not really insurance but a lowering of your "liability")
for about $25 a day. This is usually a good idea as accidents and mishaps
are common and the cost of fixing new cars today is very expensive.
Many customers assume this is included in the advertised rate, but usually
is not.
You should also check if you are already covered. Many credit card companies
provide insurance coverage to their upper-level cardholders - such as
gold or platinum members - providing the card is used to pay for the
rental.
Holders of the American Express Centurion Card, for example, are covered
for up to $70,000 arising from loss or damage to a rental vehicle both
in Australia and overseas. Similarly, Citibank Platinum cardholders
are covered for any insurance excess they may become liable to pay.
You may also be covered if you've already bought travel insurance.
Renters often get a better deal through their travel insurance. Rather
than just look at car rental coverage, an overall travel insurance package
may work out cheaper.
Dirt Roads/ Unsealed Roads/Beaches/
Because of a history of car damage in these terrains car rental companies
generally do not offer insurance cover . From the car rental companies
point of veiw "its an accident waiting to happen".You may
have hired a four-wheel-drive that is ripe for the roughest terrain,
but most car hire companies do not allow you to drive off road, on the
beach or in the snow .
Within every rental agreement there are specific roads that you are
not allowed to travel on. You may need to compare rental contracts if
you plan to go off the beaten track.
Dishonest Rental Clients
There are many conditions in car hire insurance cover because unlike
your own "car insurance policy " the car rental company has
no record of your accident history, your convictions(if any), and your
honesty. They give you control of a $30,000 assett based on very little
information and usually within 15 minutes. See if your banker will do
that for you. !! Virtually every rental contract has provisions that
can void your policy and leave you charged with the maximum amount.
Many contracts, for example, do not cover you for single-car accidents,
when reversing the car, or when driving on unsealed roads. This latter
restriction would include using an unsealed access road to a camping
ground.
Coverage may also be voided if the driver has a single drink before
getting behind the wheel, if an unauthorised person is asked to drive
or if the driver is under the age specified.
Some companies charge an excess regardless of fault when an accident
occurs. This is because "fault" is difficult to determine
untill all the facts are presented, and many tourists head back overseas
the day they drop off there car.
In short, if you do not follow the rental agreement to the letter you
risk having your insurance voided completely and being charged with
the maximum amount.
"Suppliers will charge customers wherever they can," Bradicich
says. "Renters need to be wise about where they go and what they
do."
The Costs
How does that $55 a day car can end up costing you $95 a day. Government
taxes and Airport Operators have there hand out at every turn. A lot
of the profits made by car rental companies come from selling optional
extras.
Need a ski rack? A child's seat? Factor in an extra $6 to $15 a day.
Under 25 years old? Expect to pay up to $30 a day more than most advertised
rates.
Surcharges and penalty fees can also cast a pall over your holiday.
Some companies charge a late penalty fee, in addition to an extra daily
charge, if the car is more than several hours overdue.
Others charge hundreds of dollars extra if you choose to return the
car to a different depot or location. Similarly, extra charges may apply
if you exceed the number of kilometres specified in your rental agreement.
"You can get slugged with a $1000 fee if you have booked ahead
and decide to change things at the last minute," Bradicich says.
Even online booking fees can be added to the advertised price.
Once again, know what you're up for. Shop around and ask lots of questions.
Beware of rogue suppliers
Sometimes big is best when it comes to car hire. While small suppliers
may seem competitive when it comes to their advertised car rental rates,
they are often lacking when it comes to service, such as roadside assistance
and car quality. In many instances, the cars belonging to small suppliers
are twice the age of those supplied by the major companies, where the
average age is between six and nine months.
That said, some small companies have excellent reputations and dealing
with franchises of the major suppliers isn't always as straightforward
as you might expect. "Some privately owned franchises don't adhere
to corporate protocols, confusing customers," Bradicich says.
Early birds get the best deals
As a general rule, the earlier you book, the cheaper the price. You're
at the mercy of the car hire company with the walk-up rate, particularly
at airport rental counters. Using an online booking agent such as vroomvroomvroom.com.au
or driveaway.com.au is another way to save money. It is even possible
to save almost $150 on the three-day hire for the same car if you find
a good deal and book up to six weeks ahead.
Once you've confirmed your booking, the price is set and can then be
guaranteed for when you arrive. "If you change your mind and don't
book the car, it will be certain that a week later your quote will have
increased, sometimes up to $100 or much more if you leave it until the
last minute," says Bradicich, who adds that weekend bookings tend
to be more expensive than weekday bookings.
It is also worth checking to see if your credit card company offers
a special discount off the advertised rate. For example, corporate and
small business customers using their American Express business card
can save up to 30 per cent on car hire from Avis and Hertz.
Keep in mind that picking up from the airport tends to be more expensive
due to a minimum 10 per cent tax on all airport pick-ups. It may be
cheaper to catch a shuttle to the city depots and pick up from there.
You can also save money if you're prepared to be flexible and opt for
a different car or a different rental firm in each city. The company
offering the best rates in one location won't necessarily offer the
best deals in the next town you visit.
Be clear about expectations
CAR hire horror - three real-life car hire experiences that went sour.
Costly bump
Entering the car park of a cafe in country NSW, David crossed a gutter
and a metal plate tilted upwards, piercing the automatic transmission
reservoir of his rented 4WD.
On phoning the car rental company, David was told he was liable for
towing and full repair of the under-car damage. He received no assistance
from his car rental company and had to rely on the cafe owners to provide
transport to the nearest town.
Damage dispute
Arthur rented a Kia hatchback while visiting Australia from Hong Kong.
Back home, Arthur found the rental company had debited $2750 from his
credit card without contacting him. The rental company subsequently
informed him there were "scratches and dents to the front of the
bumper". Arthur was adamant that no damage was done to the vehicle
during his rental, but the vehicle was left unattended at the airport
after Arthur boarded his plane. Arthur lodged a complaint with the NSW
Office of Fair Trading, who intervened on his behalf. Eventually the
rental company acknowledged that its costs were only $748: $387 for
the repair, a $220 administration fee and $141 for loss of use.
The trouble with late returns
Mary and John booked a car for a 24-hour period and took out extra insurance.
When they returned the car, the branch was closed. Rather than miss
their flight, the couple left the car at the depot and returned the
keys to the business next door, whose owner said he often took key returns
after hours. The couple figured all would be well as they were within
the 59-minute leeway for late returns, but the car hire company saw
things differently. As the depot didn't receive the keys until the next
morning, the couple were charged for a new day's hire, along with more
insurance charges and taxes.
Compiled with the help of Vroom Vroom Vroom, Choice.com.au and NSW Office
of Fair Trading.
Car hire comparison quotes*
Last minute booking Advance booking
(next day pickup) (6 weeks ahead)
Vroom** $165.79 $124.81
Avis.com.au direct $273.38 $273.38
Budget.com.au direct $165.79 $187.22
Thrifty.com.au direct $171.45 $270.61
* Using identical details for all online quotes eg. Same car, three
days rental, Sydney Airport pickup, no extras included.
In the case of the same quote from Budget, Vroom would send out the
renter a cheque for $10 upon completion of the rental from Vroom. Correct
as at 28/2/2007.
**Using Budget, renting a Hyundai Getz.