Planning a road trip? Looking for cheap car hire in Australia? Renting a car can be like pulling a tooth: expensive and painful, but still necessary for a feel-good. Car hire can be costly, but it’s not something you always have to go for! Understand a few significant factors that can influence the total cost of car hire. Develop further cost-saving strategies.
Factors Influencing The Car Hire Costs
Introductory rate of car rental:
- Larger vehicles, such as SUVs, are costlier than smaller cars.
- New vehicles have higher rental values.
- Car rental for a more extended period, like a week or more, costs you less.
Additional fees:
- You will incur additional charges if you demand a pickup and drop-off service from the airport.
- If you purchase those additional insurance coverages, it will add to your budget as extra expenses.
- Most car rental companies provide pre-paid full fuel or full-to-full options.
- If you consider taking extra facilities like child seats and more, those will cost you extra value.
These factors are crucial to fixing your budget for car hire in Australia. When you understand the extra baggage, filter out what to avoid. Next, you must learn the tricks and tips to shape your total transport budget for a tension-free tour.
7 Important Tips For Cheap Car Hire In Australia
Compare Prices & Book Early
You might find the exact vehicle priced differently across various car hire services. Comparing their prices and pre-booking are essential to getting the best deal. Some companies offer free cancellation, too. Do a quick online comparison and go for the lowest price. What if a better price pops up later? Just cancel the first booking to grab the new one.
Be Strategic About Choosing A Pickup Location
If you do not arrive at the airport or have to catch a late-night flight, avoid choosing the airport as the rental location. Pickup and drop-off from an airport location are usually costly. Give the pickup location in any neighbourhood area of the airport. The cost of your pickup and drop-off service can go down by half.
Do Not Go For Unnecessary Insurance Packages
Before purchasing any additional insurance at the counter of your car rental company, do not forget to check if you are already insured with them. Check their written coverages. Your bank or insurance provider can give you a better understanding of insurance. However, taking the car rental company’s insurance plan can prove fruitful if you are on an international trip.
Join Free Membership Programs
Many car rental companies in Australia offer free registration and membership programs. These often benefit their clients in terms of time and cost savings. Usually, the list of advantages includes
- Discounts for members – Exclusive offers, like some low-price offers for registered members only
- Free upgrades—If a better version is available at your next booking, you will receive it free of cost for your standard booking.
- Free rental points—You earn points on every rental. Later, you can redeem the points for free rental days.
- Skip the counter pickup – Except for standing in the queue, you can bypass the front desk to pick up your desired vehicle.
Avoid Hidden Fees
Except for paying your rental money, you should avoid all other hidden charges, which you are not expected to pay! You must read the fine print sensibly to prevent unexpected fees from being paid. The list may include additional drive fees, penalties for late returns, GPS rental, toll transponder fees, etc. Talk to the helpdesk and reject optional services which you do not want.
Be Cautious About Fuel Charges
Most car rental companies offer multiple fueling options. Some offer pre-paid fuel for tank-filling, while others may provide a full-to-full policy. They will give you a vehicle with a tank full, and you need to return the car in the same fuel condition. You must decline pre-paid fuel options for the best value. Fill up the fuel yourself and keep the gas receipt with you. While returning the vehicle, find a cheaper gas station nearby and fill the tank before returning your vehicle.
Go For a Longer Rental Period
The length of your car rental duration is a massive influencer in deciding your car rental. Usually, daily rates are higher than weekly or monthly rates. So, if you need a vehicle for 3-4 days, consider comparing the price for a weekly rental. It may charge you less still! Some other beneficial deals may be –
- Weekends are costlier than weekdays
- After-hours fees are higher than business hours
- Adjust your pickup and drop-off times to make a correct, economical combination
Lay The Groundwork For Success
Car rental prices vary with season and company. Plan your booking well if you want a cheap car hire in Australia. Consider the above-discussed factors carefully. Browse the internet to trace one of Australia’s best car rental service providers, such as Spendless Car Rentals. They put their customers ahead of their business. Additionally, well-prepared money-saving strategies can make you some good memories during your tour.
Just use your brain, plan in advance, and understand the Australian car rental market. You will have a blast on your upcoming tour!