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Renting A Car In Australia: Things To Consider For The First Time
December 27, 2021

Renting A Car In Australia: Things To Consider For The First Time

Australia is a vast country with a lot to offer. While most travellers prefer public transport to go from one place to another, renting a car in Australia will allow you more flexibility and comfort to gain a unique experience. You can easily travel across the country at your own pace and enjoy its natural beauty. Taking a road trip across regions outside the city limits will help you explore some hidden gems, thus making your Australian vacation a memorable one. However, before starting your trip, there are some things you must know to make sure your journey is smooth and safe.

Where can you hire your cars?

Many car rental companies are based here, which include both international names and small local firms. They offer different rental prices, and thus, you can make your choice by comparison. Pick up locations for most companies are in major towns and cities, but you can collect the car from the airport from the moment you arrive.

How much will it cost you to rent a car in Australia?

Depending on your age, the size of the car, whether you choose to hire it at the airport, or any other extras, renting a car can cost you from $30 to more than $100 per day.

Hiring a car is relatively easier in Australia. Irrespective of your purpose of booking a car for rent, you can make the booking online or hire the car after arriving in Australia. However, if you choose the second option, it is important to be flexible about car type.

Read More: How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Car In Australia?

What are the requirements of renting a car in Australia?

You can receive a car for rent only when you meet the following requirements.

  • The minimum age limit for hiring a car is 21 years.
  • You must have a valid driving license.
  • For any car you hire, you must have auto insurance. Most car hire experts recommend having comprehensive insurance.
  • As per Australian law, a rental car cannot be taken on ferries

What are the basic road rules you must maintain in Australia?

When you drive along Australian roads, it is important to remain compliant with the basic road rules, which are as follows.

  • In Australia, you have to keep yourself on the left side of the road to drive your car. It can be challenging, especially if you are from the US or any other country in Europe where drivers have to keep on the right side. So, if you are not used to driving on the left, it is better to take help from YouTube videos.
  • Unless there is a sign, drivers in Australia cannot make a left hand turn when the red signal is on.
  • Wearing seat belts is mandatory in the front seat and the back seat. So, this rule applies to both drivers and passengers.
  • Australia is strict about drunk driving. The BAC (blood alcohol concentration) limit is 0.05% in the whole country.
  • If you are suspected of committing an offence while driving, the authority will send an infringement notice to the company where you hired your car.
  • Also, if you break the speed limit on a hire car, the fine details will be sent to the rental agency.

What costs must you consider while hiring a car in Australia?

In addition to the basic car rental price, there may be some additional charges involved that may increase the total cost. So, while hiring, you must keep these costs in mind.

A one-way fee

You will need to bear a one-way fee if the pick-up and drop-off locations are not the same. It becomes a significant inconvenience for the rental agency when it happens, and thus, the cost can be much higher. The details can be found in the rental PDS (product disclosure statement).

For example, you hire an intermediate car from a leading car rental company to pick you up from the Sydney Airport and drop you off at the Brisbane Airport. In that case, your daily cost may become as high as $69.

Baby seats

Having kids with you can also increase your expenses because you cannot put them in the regular seats. Several agencies allow the drivers to rent a car seat in exchange for a daily charge.

Mileage excess

Mileage limit is another factor to consider. Some car rentals charge extra money for any distance over the limit. This condition mostly applies to truck and van rentals when you move household items.

The daily limit ranges from 100 to 200km for most car rentals. The excess amount you will need to pay for excess mileage will be available in the agreement you will sign.

Car rental excess insurance

Another high cost is the car rental excess insurance. Like regular car insurance, it is also based on the car type you rent and your age.

This cost is sometimes covered under usual travel insurance policies. So, before hiring your car, you can check the PDS to see if you are already covered.

Late charges

There is also a fixed time limit to return to the drop-off location. If you return late, expect to bear late charges, which can sometimes be at the full day rate even if you are late by only a few hours.

Fuel rate

When returning the car, the rental company will expect the fuel tank to be full, and the agency may charge you double the standard fuel price if the fuel is not there. So, either fill it up before going for the trip or sometime before returning the car.

Toll fee

If you know the tools you will be passing through and the rental agency allows you, you can pre-purchase a toll and a transponder device. Usually, you will be charged at regular toll rates.

Rent your car from ESKA Car Rental

Australians love cars. It means you can find a wide range of cars to choose from. ESKA Car Rental has provided service to its clients all these years, and so, for any help regarding car rental, you can contact them without hesitation.

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