Posts Tagged ‘car rental’

How To Find The Best Car Hire Deals

Posted on January 20th, 2010 by by Adriana Noton

There are lots of different ways that you can do if you need a car hire in another country or city. For one, there are various international car rental companies which can be found in major city airports all over the world. Do not be surprised if you find a number of their kiosks or help desks just as you exit the airport terminal. Some even have branches right in your own hotel.

Car hire companies give you a lot of choices and varieties, that is why prices between companies are not always the same. The best thing that you should do is to scout for the cheapest deal. This can be easily done prior to your travel, since there are a lot of websites which offer comparison between such car rental companies and the deals and promotions that they currently have.

Another way to effectively get the best promotions is to book online. Like what was written earlier, scouting these companies from the Internet also gives you the opportunity to book and reserve online. Often times, there are special prices for Internet deals and other freebies that you can definitely use. They can also give you the best possible Internet price, giving you more savings.

When choosing which car to hire or rent, consider your budget first, then shop around within that particular range. You will see that you have a number of choices within your budget. From compact cars to luxury cars, there is always one that would surely fit your budget.

One more thing to consider about car hire is the company’s terms and conditions. Always ask if there is something that is unclear to you, such as the car’s pick up and drop off points. You should also check on the mileage limit of your car, because you may end up paying even more at the end just because you went over their required mileage.

The best deal for a car hire is one without mileage limits. You also have the choice whether you would drive around on your own, or have your own personal driver for the rented car. Either way, you would surely get to go around that particular city or town in comfort.

Getting a car insurance is often optional with such companies, but always remember to check for their requirements. Aside from an International Driver’s License, you might also be required to get an insurance. Most credit cards have tied-in insurance policies for travels and car rentals, so do check those with the agent before getting your rented car.

Remember to check the car before getting it. Inspect the car and put everything on the checklist so there will not be any problems regarding broken parts and other things. Keep in mind that your car hire is your sole responsibility, and you would pay for any damage to the car provided that it was still under your usage when the accident happened. Just keep everything clear, ask your questions, and drive away in a new city or town with your rented car.

Are There any Road Tolls when Driving a Rental Car in Australia?

Posted on July 5th, 2009 by by Amy Nutt

If you are planning a trip to Australia, the best way to appreciate the vast and stunning scenery is with a car rental. A car is the most practical way of taking in all that the country has to offer. When renting a car in Australia, you not only have to follow all of the traffic laws, but you must be aware of the road tolls that you will most likely encounter.

There are a number of road tolls in Australia. One is required to pay any where from $1.50 to around $8.00 at a toll. When it comes to renting a car, one is responsible for road toll fees. All rental car companies provide written information to customers explaining toll road procedures and how they make payments. In most cases, car renters who fail to pay at the road tolls will have their credit card debited the amount that they owe. There may also be a fine and other fees such as administration charges.

There are a number of methods one can use to pay at road tolls. The following lists a payment options one can use at a road toll:

E-Tags: These tags are electronic ‘tags’ that record a car travelling through a road toll. The E-Tags are read by sensors at the toll points and the driver’s toll account is debited the toll fee. This payment method permits drivers to pass through the toll without stopping. Electronic tags can be used on all road tolls. When approaching a toll, look for the lanes marked with the red and yellow ‘E’ symbol.

When it comes to rental cars, a company will attach E-Tags to all of their cars. When you return the rental car, you are charged for the tolls that you have used. You can also purchase pre-paid tag accounts. When the pre-paid to balance drops to a specified amount, the toll account is replenished. The tag provider will use your credit card to add funds to the account. If you drive on a road toll without a sensor, a photo is taken of your vehicle’s plate number. You will normally have a day to pay before you are fined.

Cash: You can pay cash at the majority of toll roads. There are a few exceptions so make sure you know where they are before travelling. The rental car agency will give you more information. The exceptions to cash payments use electronic methods of payment. As well, some toll booths only accept the exact amount of the toll. If you have the cash, look for signs stating ‘auto’ or ‘exact toll.’ If you don’t have the exact toll amount, look for the booths marked ‘change.’ There is now a trend of converting toll roads to a fully electronic format so the cash payment tolls will slowly be disappearing.

Pass: A ‘Pass’ is a contractual agreement between a driver and a toll provider to travel on specific toll roads. This method is a good option for the electronic toll roads. Cameras at toll points photograph your licence plate number and your toll account is debited.

Driving in Australia is an experience one will never forget. The vast open spaces, astounding scenery, and charming towns, can only be enjoyed in person. A car is the best way to travel from one tourist attraction to another. Being prepared for Australian road tolls will make your driving experience much more enjoyable. If you rent a car while visiting Australia, make sure that you ask the rental company about securing a payment method for all road tolls.

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