Ensuring Renting a Car is Secure

Renting a car can often be an expensive proposition. In addition to the cost of the rental vehicle, you will likely need to add some degree or another of insurance, as well as being concerned with any potential loss or theft of your personal property while you have the rental vehicle. Depending on the policy, travel insurance may safeguard against some of these eventualities. And fortunately there are some things that you can do before you drive off the lot to help to make your car rental experience a secure one.

Read the Fine Print

Read your rental agreement – paying careful attention to the details – as it will spell out your rights and obligations when it comes to the rental car. Make sure you’re aware of all of the specific charges, including any charge that may apply for excess kilometres, and any fees for not filling the fuel tank upon your return. Find out whether insurance is included, and the excess limit payable in the event of an accident or damage.

Compare Providers

There are a number of major companies offering car rental in Australia, including but not limited to Thrifty, Budget, Avis, Hertz and Europcar. Not only will prices and models differ significantly - terms and conditions will vary too, not to mention availability. It tends to be a good idea to start on a comparison website like EZhirecar when looking for Australian car hire.

Pay With a Credit Card

While the details of a credit card agreement will vary from one card provider to another, it is likely that using a credit card to reserve your rental car will help make the experience more secure. The credit card provider may also cover certain types of losses or damage to rental vehicles – it would be necessary to contact your provider to find out whether this would apply.

Inspect the Car Before You Drive

Be sure to complete a thorough inspection of the condition of the hire car before driving off. Examine the condition of the body, the upholstery and the tyres. Make sure that any scratches, dints or other problems are noted on the rental agreement inspection sheet to avoid complications when returning the car. If you have any mechanical knowledge, spend a few minutes looking at hoses and belts as well. Finally, check that the odometer reading matches the stated reading.

Drive Smoothly, Smartly and Safely

While on your trip, drive smoothly and gently to keep the car in as good a condition as possible. Avoid reckless driving practices to help reduce the odds that you’ll be involved in an accident that would lead to fees to cover repair or damages when returning the vehicle. Unsealed roads are invariably not a good idea, and will often be expressly disallowed in the rental vehicle agreement.

Remember that you are likely to be driving on roads you are not familiar with, through cities you have not visited previously and in conditions you potentially haven’t experienced before. Stock the car with maps, an owner’s manual, and emergency first aid kits (with flashlights and bandages for example). Make sure the spare tire and jack are in the car and they are in good condition; check the tyre pressure of the spare as well as the tyres already on the rental car.

Return to and Travel homepage.