Australia’s expansive coastlines, rolling countryside, and quaint country towns make the nation at its best on four wheels. The blue-capped beaches of Western Australia, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road of legendary bends, and all the in-between places, renting a car offers freedom beyond the reach of buses and trains. Car rental in Australia is not always cheap, however. The good news? With a bit of smart planning, you can penny-pinch without penning your itinerary off.
Why is car hire usually costly in Australia?
First-time travelers are usually taken aback by the cost of car hire Prices are determined by:
Highly priced insurance costs: Damage liability reduction (DLR) or insurance waivers contribute heavily to daily prices.
One-way charges: Traveling from Sydney to Melbourne, say, incurs relocation fees.
Peak season spikes: Holidays, long weekends, and school holidays see prices increase.
Limited competition in rural areas: Smaller towns tend to have fewer rental firms, which drives prices up.
But are you set to pay through the nose for your Australian road trip? Not necessarily. Here are sensible ways to make your car rental budget friendly.
1. Book early, particularly for holiday seasons
Australia’s summer, spring break, and school holidays in June-July and September-October have strong demand and low supply. It pays to book ahead and secure better rates prior to price hikes. Try to book your car 2-3 months ahead of peak season.
2. Compare, but read the fine print
Comparison sites provide a speedy summary, but always look at:
- What’s included and excluded (some quotes leave taxes or insurance).
- Kilometre restrictions (unlimited is best for road trips).
- Fuel policies (full-to-full is cheaper).
- Age charges if under 25 years.
The lowest rate does not always equate to the best. Reading conditions prevent expensive surprises at pick-up.
3. Try to avoid airport pickups whenever possible
Picking your car up from the airport is convenient, but it is subject to location surcharges. If possible, use public transport to get to a city branch to collect. This can save you 10-20%, depending on the provider.
4. Avoid double cover for insurance
Car hire companies frequently upsell insurance at the desk but check your travel insurance first. Comprehensive travel policies often contain car hire excess cover, so you can refuse high-add-on insurance. Alternatively, purchasing separate car rental excess cover online is typically much cheaper.
As indicated by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC), third-party insurance is at least $10 per day versus $30 per day if bought directly from the car hire desk.
5. Take your own extras
Extras such as sat navs and child seats tend to incur daily fees. To avoid:
- Install offline maps on your phone prior to travel.
- Take your own booster or car seat if traveling within the country.
Skipping these extras can save over $100 on a week-long hire.
6. Select fuel-efficient vehicles
A big 4WD or SUV might appeal, but if you’re driving within city limits or paved highways, a small car is more economical with fuel and more convenient to park when you’re in congested areas.
7. Avoid one-way rentals if possible
One-way charges may be equal to or even greater than the rent. If your itinerary permits, drop the vehicle off at your same pick-up point to sidestep high relocation fees.
8. Look for toll roads and route plan
Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane cities have toll roads that are expensive. Route plan around them when possible or factor in toll charges so you don’t get a nasty surprise. Use the NSW Government toll calculator for planning.
9. Check over carefully before driving away
Keep yourself safe from unwanted fees by:
- Taking photos of the vehicle from all sides, plus any pre-existing damage.
- Inspecting tyre condition and fuel level.
- Making sure that all damage is noted in your rental contract.
This stops you being charged for damage you didn’t do.
10. Return promptly and with the tank full
Returning late might cost an additional day’s fee. Further, returning without refilling most of the time means artificially high refueling charges. Try to get back during business hours to ensure you don’t get charged for after-hours return in areas that are far from major towns.
Therefore, is renting a vehicle in Australia inexpensive?
Short answer – it can be, if you budget smartly. Sure, it may be more expensive than in other nations, but independence to drive Australia’s open roads at your own leisure is priceless for most travelers. Use these tips to have more cash left over in your wallet for what’s truly important – sunrise treks, beachside seafood, and last-minute diversions to off-the-beaten-path treasures buses won’t ever find.
Ready to roll?
At ACB Car Rentals, we strive to make your trips easy and affordable, business or leisure. We have a team that will help you choose the perfect car for your vacation so that you can leave with confidence. Book a car NOW!
