10 Tips When Renting a Car in Australia

Number 1:
When you are going to choose rental car companies it may be useful to examine what you need the car for. More often than not the large rental car chains, like Avis and Hertz, are more expensive than the local ones. The large chains charge a premium because they often offer newer and better cars and these may be the best option if you are driving long distances. However, if you are just getting a car for short distance driving, you may save money by going with one of the smaller suppliers. Because the distances in Australia tend to be great, no matter where you are driving CheapRentalCar have chosen to focus primarily on giving you the best possible offer on cars from major suppliers.

Number 2:
Make sure you examine the car carefully before you drive off. Look for scratches, dents et cetera and make sure they are all documented before you sign the contracts. In the age of digital cameras it may be a good idea to take some pictures so you have some leverage if the provider asks questions when you return the car. Remember to hold a newspaper or something similar next to the damage so there is no doubt as to when the picture was taken. Furthermore, it is important to not forget to check the tires as damage to the cars tires can set you beck several hundred dollars.

Number 3:
In Australia, gas stations in rural areas may be few and far between so if you know you are driving in rural or country areas it is a good idea to ask if the car hire company have a spare portable petrol container that you can keep in your boot in case of emergency.

Number 4:
Remember to get the number for your rental car company so you can call them and ask for advice if you experience any problems.

Number 5:
Do not be worried if the car rental company asks for a credit card as security. This is a common practice and it saves you leaving a large cash deposit when you hire a car. However, you should remember to ask the car rental company to delete your credit card details after the car is returned.

Number 6:
Choose a rental car company (or deal) that offers you free miles. What this means is that you do not have to pay a price depending on how far you drive, thus you will know how much you have to pay on the day of rental and can choose a company based on this price.

Number 7:
Make sure that the insurance on the car covers, Third Party Liability, Collision Damage Waiver/Insurance and Theft/Loss Waiver or Insurance. You should also make sure you know what you have to in excess if something happens.

Number 8:
Do some research and find out if there is a petrol station close to where you are going to deliver the car. Petrol stations tend to be difficult to find when you really need them and many companies charge a price per litre higher than most petrol stations. By knowing where a station is you can make sure that you avoid any nasty surprises on your bill when you return the car.

Number 9:
Return the car at the agreed time. It may be very expensive to return the car too late.

Number 10:
Follow the rule of the road. Just because you are driving a rental car does not mean you will get away with any road rule breaches. If a rental car is caught speeding, for example, the rental car company may either bill you for the amount of the fine or send your details over to the local police and let them handle it. If you leave Australia without paying a fine you may be refused entry upon return.