Charges at Pick-Up
Picking Up Your Car
When you pick up a rental car, there are a few charges you might encounter, depending on the rental company and the specifics of your booking. Here are some of the common ones:
- Your rental cost: As the prices displayed on DriveNow.com.au are ‘pay later’ rates, the rental cost balance will be required at the time of vehicle collection and is paid directly to the rental car provider.
- Security Deposit (Bond): This is a hold or deposit placed on your credit card, which serves as security for any additional charges (e.g., damages, fines, fuel) that might arise during your rental.
- Insurance: Rental companies usually offer various types of insurance to cover damage, theft, or liability. You might be offered:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Reduces your liability in case of an accident.
- Theft Protection (TP): Covers theft of the vehicle.
- Third-Party Liability Insurance: Covers damage to others’ property or injury to others in an accident.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Covers medical expenses for you and passengers. If you don’t have your own coverage (e.g., through credit card benefits or your own insurance policy), you may need to buy one of these options.
- Fuel Charges: Most rental companies expect you to return the car with a full tank of gas. If you don't, they'll charge you for refueling, usually at a higher rate than you’d pay at a gas station.
- Additional Driver Fees: If you plan to have someone else drive the car, there may be an extra charge for each additional driver. This fee varies by company, and sometimes it can be waived for family members.
- GPS or Car Seat Rental: If you need extra equipment, such as a GPS system, child car seat, or Wi-Fi device, rental companies may charge additional fees.
- Young Driver Fee: Many rental companies charge an extra fee if you're under a certain age (usually 25). If you're 21 to 24, you may incur this charge.
- One-Way Fee: If you're picking up the car in one location and dropping it off at another, the rental company may charge a one-way fee, depending on the rental agreement.
- Tolls and Traffic Violations: Any tolls you incur or traffic tickets during your rental period may be billed to you after you return the car.
Make sure to carefully review the rental agreement at pickup to understand all the charges, and ask questions if anything is unclear. Additionally, check whether any of these charges are pre-paid or paid at the end of your rental period.
Other Things to Consider
When Picking Up Your Car
- Airport Pick-ups
- Different Vehicle Than Expected
- Late Pickups or Delayed Flight
- Required Documents for Pick-Up
- Security Bond
- Vehicle Inspection
- What To Take When Collecting Your Car Rental