Car rentals

If you need to rent a vehicle, remember to shop around for the best deal for what you need.

Choosing a hire car

Before booking a hire car, check for a deal that will suit you best:

• shop around and compare prices
• ask specifically about third party insurance (do not hire a car without this insurance)
• ask about other insurance
• check who is permitted to drive the vehicle, whether there are additional costs for additional drivers
• find out where you can and can’t drive the vehicle as some hire vehicles may be restricted to a fixed area or road type, even 4-wheel drives.
• ask if you are entitled to a refund if you can return the car early
• check if you can you pick up the vehicle in one location and return it to another and what the cost is for this
• check when your security deposit will be returned or credit card hold will be released.
• make sure your licence is current.

Signing the contract

Make sure you read the contract carefully, including the fine print, and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions.

Do not sign the contract if there is anything you do not understand or agree with. In particular, check:

• how and when you will have to pay for any damage that you did to the vehicle during your hire period
• what avenues of appeal you have if you disagree with a damage assessment given by the rental company
• procedures to follow if you break down or have an accident
• deposit and insurance information
• your rights and responsibilities in the event of a single vehicle accident
• for clauses which would leave you fully liable for any damage
• the size of the damage excess, and in what circumstances you will be required to pay it
• what you can do if the rental company is unable to supply the vehicle you wish to rent
• the total cost of the vehicle rental, including rental, basic and excess insurance cover, and all extra fees
• extra fees include early, late or airport drop-off or pick-up fees, taxes, and mileage charges.

Collecting a hire car

Before picking up a vehicle:

• inspect the vehicle for existing damage, inside and outside
• take photos of any damage and ensure it is recorded in the inspection report
• check that the vehicle you’ve been allocated meets the description in your contract
• ensure there is a full tank of petrol

Returning a hire car

Take the following steps when returning the hire car:

• ensure you have done everything you are required to do under the contract
• take photos of the car, inside and out
• if there was no damage to the vehicle while you were renting it, ask for written confirmation from the company noting that the car was returned undamaged
• if there was damage to the car during your rental, ensure you have documentation from the company about costs and procedures for fixing the damage before you leave the premises.

Damage to a hire car

If your hire car has been damaged during the hire term or you are in an accident, you will need to check the contract for information about your liabilities.

You should also:

• document how the damage or accident occurred
• take photographs of the car before you return it
• make sure you are present when the car is inspected.

Carefully check that any charges made to your credit card for damage match any bills or invoices you receive from the hire car company and are in line with the contract you signed.

Check whether your travel insurance covers any excess or damage.