Hiring a rental car should be a straightforward process, but many Australians end up paying more because of less oversight. Most people think that choosing a rental car is as easy as making an online booking and picking up the keys. But in reality, it involves contracts, conditions, insurance, and fuel policies that everyone should know.
Whether you are planning to book a car hire for a short business trip or a family holiday, this guide will walk you through the 7 common mistakes you should avoid when hiring a rental car.
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the car rental market in Australia, hire a car with more confidence, and avoid paying hidden charges out of your pocket.
- Last Minute Booking
People often make a last-minute booking and accept the first, cheapest car available from the limited vehicle options available. Imagine you have landed at the airport, and you choose a hatchback car for your family, but end up feeling stuffed with everyone’s bags also stuffed inside. It’s exhausting to even imagine, right?
That’s why you should always start your trip by mapping out your driving needs and travel goals. You must have enough funds in your bank account or physical cash, and the essential documents required for hiring a car. Try to explore more long term car rental options and compare the pricing plans before getting into any rental agreement.
- Skipping Vehicle Inspection
Walking around the car and documenting vehicle condition with photos and videos might seem tiring to you, but skipping this step can be a costly mistake you will make. Rental companies try to keep the scratches and dents on their cars in their record, but it’s your responsibility to check that the records are accurately documented.
It will help you avoid unfair claims and disputes later. Otherwise, you might get charged for the existing vehicle damage. It’s always imperative to thoroughly inspect the car at the start of the rental agreement.
- Not Reading Rental Agreement
The rental agreement you get at the counter might feel tiring to read, but skimming through it without reading properly might invite trouble later. You should always thoroughly read your rental agreement to understand insurance coverage, mileage limits, return polices, and penalty scenarios that can affect your final bill.
- Misunderstanding Fuel Policies
Misunderstanding the fuel policy is one of the most common mistakes that Australians make every year. It is usually mentioned in the rental agreement of the car rental companies, and the fuel policy may vary between companies. Some companies may ask you to return the rental car with a full fuel tank, while others may use a pre-purchase fuel option.
Fuel policies are often overlooked, but they majorly contribute to your final cost. In most cases, if you fail to return the car with a full tank, the rental company asks you to pay for refuelling, and it is usually higher than normal petrol prices. Understanding fuel policy at the time of pickup may save you extra dollars in your pocket.
- Choosing the Wrong Vehicle
Choosing the wrong vehicle is another frequent mistake that you may make while renting a car. You should always choose a vehicle for the trip that suits your trip purpose, budget, and the comfort of all passengers. Car rental companies in Australia offer you a wide range of vehicles, like spacious SUVs, compact Sedan cars, or fuel-efficient hatchbacks.
Small Sedan cars may seem cheaper and affordable to you at first, but they may fail to handle luggage and passengers on long drives. Australian roads demand cars with fuel efficiency and higher ground clearance, and choosing the wrong vehicle directly affects your safety and overall travelling experience.
- Overlooking Additional Charges
Selecting cheap car rental services is the priority for most people who are looking for better car hire rates in the market. But you should choose a car that is comfortable and spacious to drive to avoid experiencing discomfort later.
You can also cut your total cost by removing extra optional add-on facilities, like child seats, additional drivers, GPS units, tolls, or airport surcharges. Revealing these optional extras can help you decide what you truly need, and eventually removing them can reduce your total cost.
- Delay in Returning Rental Car
Late returns of the cars often lead to penalties that you are liable to pay out of your pocket. Some renters assume a short delay may get ignored, but that’s a rare case. You may end up being charged for the full extra day in case of delays.
The penalty charges are mostly enforced because the rental cars may be scheduled for further rental use. Your failure to return the car on time disturbs the company’s bookings. Therefore, you get penalty charges if you cross the agreed deadline.
Practical Tips to Maximise Your Car Hire Experience
You should follow these practical tips to enhance your hire car experience.
- Try to choose a reputable car hire company like Vital Rental to get high-quality car rental services at affordable rates.
- Take pictures of the car’s condition and do a thorough vehicle inspection. Feel the working breaks and check for any odd sounds coming from the car before entering into the rental agreement.
- Bring your driver’s license and additional identification documents to boost the car pickup process.
- Read your rental agreement carefully to understand the insurance coverage and fuel policies.
- Be prepared to choose another car from the available vehicles in case your chosen vehicle isn’t available when you arrive at the garage.
FAQs
What to make sure of when hiring a car?
You must ensure you are at least 21 years old to hire a car in Australia. However, additional fees may apply for drivers under 25. You must have a valid driving license, additional ID and address proof. A credit/debit card in your name is also required, with enough funds to pay the deposit and the weekly rent.
How can I avoid getting scammed in the car hire process?
Conduct market research, compare pricing structures, and choose a reputable company like Vital Rental to ensure you get quality services.
How does pre-planning save you money on car hire?
Preplanning in the car hire process can secure you cheap rates, ensure you get a wider choice of vehicles, and avoid last-minute price surges.
Is insurance provided in a car rental service?
Yes, you get the basic insurance coverage in the car rental agreements. You also have the choice to buy extra add-ons for better road safety.
What should I do if the rental car breaks down?
You should contact the company’s emergency roadside assistance number given in your rental agreement to get help or get a vehicle replacement. Avoid repairing yourself and organising towing, as this may leave you responsible for the damage.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a car in Australia doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive, especially if you have market insight and know how to avoid common mistakes. These mistakes are more likely to happen because of a lack of information about the car rental market.
The seven mistakes discussed in the article cover the majority of problems that cause disputes in the car rental industry in Australia. I hope this blog may help you avoid making such mistakes in your next car hire, and you will be able to make a well-informed decision.
