Australia is a continent nation of
spectacular contrasts. It offers you everything from the rugged
beauty of its Outback to the wild and picture postcard-like coastlines,
from the tranquil ambience of rainforests to the dazzling illumination
of its cosmopolitan cities. Once you are in that beautiful country,
the unique charm of its landscapes will beckon you and you will
find it extremely difficult not to respond. The best way to explore
the beauty of Australia is to hit the road with the freedom and
comforts of rented autos such as motor homes, campervans, or 4-wheel
drives.
A
motor home is a self-propelled, self-contained auto that contains
all the conveniences of a home that include cooking, sleeping, and
sanitary facilities and in which the driver’s area is accessible
in a walking position from the living quarters. A campervan is a
self-propelled automobile that provides both transport and sleeping
accommodation. Smaller in size than motor homes, campervans are
mainly vans that have been rebuilt to be used as accommodation.
Like
ordinary cars, some rental terms and conditions apply also for these
types of automobiles in Australia.
Driving
license
At
the time of renting a car, you will be required to produce a full
resident country driver’s license, held for at least one year. In
case the license is not in an English format, an international driver’s
license is also needed.
Age
limits
Drivers
must be 21 years old or above. Above-75 drivers must furnish a fitness
certificate stating that he/she is fit to drive the vehicle they
have booked for the duration of the hire.
Kits
Many
auto rentals austrtalia companies provide one kitchen kit
(crockery, cutlery, utensils needed for cooking) and personal kits
for travelers (towel, pillow, pillowcase, duvet, bed sheet, tea
towel) at no additional cost. If needed, you can get picnic table,
picnic chair, child/booster seat, awnings, satellite phone, tent,
camping pack for which you have to request in advance and pay on
pick-up. You will find a First Aid Kit in all vehicles. If you find
that the seal is broken the Kit becomes your property and you have
to pay for it when you return the vehicle.
Road
curbs
Most
auto rentals austrtalia
companies have discretionary rights to restrict auto movements in
certain areas considering adverse road or weather conditions, and
also taking into account the distance to nominated destinations
in relation to the length of the rental period.
Rental
duration
In
normal practice, the day of pick-up is considered as the first day
of the rental, regardless of the time of day you pick up the vehicle.
The day you return the vehicle is considered as the final day of
the rental. When an auto rental is spread over more than one rate
seasons, the calculation is adjusted accordingly. If you rent a
vehicle for more than 90 days, the rental agency may offer you special
rates. If you wish to change your drop-off destination after the
rental has commenced, you must first obtain authorization from the
company and if it is approved, you have to pay an extra charge.
For extension of your rental too, you need to obtain authorization
and once you get it, you must pay the additional cost.
Daily
rental rates
Most
auto rental companies in Australia include in their daily auto
rentals austrtalianj rates unlimited kilometers, vehicle insurance,
Goods & Services Tax, vehicle registration surcharge, stamp duty
and administration fee. Also included are taxi fare from airport
to company branch on pick-up only, starter pack, and additional
driver fees. In addition, you get a travel wallet that includes
road maps and travel information, and Super Saver booklet with discounts
to tourist attractions and holiday parks.
Insurance
excess reduction options
Registration
third party insurance in mot cases covers personal injury. However,
it is wise for everyone traveling in Australia to take out personal
travel insurance. All vehicles are covered by insurance for the
damage caused to the automobile or to the property of a third party.
Some auto rental companies like Maui holds the hirer responsible
for the first A$5,000 ("the excess") of the cost of damage caused
to third party property or to the vehicle rented by the company,
including single vehicle mishap, damage to windscreen and tire,
towing and recovery expenses, as well as theft, fire, break-in or
vandalism. This also includes the cost of the daily rental for the
period the vehicle undergoes accident repairs. The excess applies
in respect of each claim, and not rental. Besides, it is applicable
regardless of who is at fault. You have to pay the amount when the
accident report is completed. However, the amount can be refunded
if the company is able to recover the cost of the damages from the
third party.
This
amount can, however, be cut down if you buy Excess Reduction Option
1 or Excess Reduction Option 2 or any Premium Package offered by
the company. As far as Excess Reduction Option 1 is concerned, the
hirer is responsible for the first A$2,500 of any accident cost
of damage to third party property or to the rented vehicle. It includes
single vehicle accident, windscreen and tire damage, towing and
recovery costs, theft, fire, break-in or vandalism.
With
Excess Reduction 2, the hirer will not have to pay any excess at
all for any damage to the vehicle or property of a third party.
Security
deposit
You
have to pay a vehicle security deposit when you pick up the vehicle
depending on the protection package selected. If you do not opt
for either Excess Reduction Option 1 or Excess Reduction Option
2, the amount of security deposit to be paid becomes much higher.
You will be refunded the full amount of the security deposit if
you can return the vehicle on time, to the scheduled location, without
any damage, with a clean interior and with full fuel tanks.
Different
rules apply for cancellation of booking or repairs for different
companies.
Auto
rental companies in Australia
Some
of the leading names in auto
rentals austrtalia sector are Kea, Maui, Britz, Apollo Motorhomes,
Cruisin' Tasmania Motorhomes (Tasmania only), Trailmaster Campervan
Rentals, Around Australia Motorhomes, and Backpacker Campervan Rentals.
You can get different types of motorhomes, campervans, and 4-wheel
drives from them. Surf the Net or call them for details, compare
their prices, make your choice and start off.
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