How to collect your rental car

You’ve booked your rental car, and now comes the time to pick the vehicle up from the depot. VroomVroomVroom has put together a guide to help navigate you the process of picking up your rental car to make it as easy and straightforward as possible.

What documents do I need to collect my rental car?

When you pick up a rental car in Australia, you will need to bring your identification documents with you. You will need to present your driver’s licence, and a valid credit card in the name of the lead driver. In some cases debit cards are accepted, but restrictions will apply. If your driving licence is not printed in English, then you will need to have an International Driving Permit.

Can I have my hire car delivered to me?

In Australia the answer to this question is unfortunately no, but while you cannot have a hire car delivered to you, there are some other points to keep in mind.

What should I do if I’m offered a rental car upgrade?

A car rental upgrade usually means that you’ll be able to drive a vehicle that’s more sophisticated and more spacious than what you originally booked. Before agreeing to get an upgrade, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

What are some common additional charges?

When you collect your rental vehicle, there may be some additional charges you’ll be required to pay depending on if you’ve requested additional features like pre-paid fuel, a GPS or child seat, or need to add an additional driver, among other items.

How can I pay for my hire car?

The most common way to pay for a hire car is with a credit card, or, less commonly, a debit card. Opportunities to pay in cash are very limited and come with quite a few rules and stringent conditions — if you’re planning to book your car through VroomVroomVroom, you cannot use cash to do so.

What if I find a scratch or dent in my rental car?

It is important that you check your rental car for any additional damage before you leave the depot. You’ll receive a report showing any existing damage on the rental car, and you can inform a representative if you find any extra damage and it is a good idea to take photos of the car as well in case there are any disputes regarding damage to it. Before you leave the depot after returning the car, you will need to check your hire car for damage.

What is the Rental Agreement?

A Rental Agreement is the contract between the Customer and the Car Rental Company that must be agreed to & signed by the Customer before getting on your way. It outlines the details of your car rental including the car type and particulars, driver details, your journey start date, return date, pick up and drop off times. The Rental Agreement also states the cost of hiring the car and any additional fees or charges that apply to your rental such as an Administration Fee or a Premium Location Surcharge. Further, details of any existing damage to the rental vehicle and any specific Terms and Conditions that apply to your rental will be included in your Rental Agreement.

Do I need to purchase excess reduction?

Purchasing Rental Vehicle Excess Insurance or Collision Damage Waiver from an insurance company or car rental supplier is entirely your choice. Excess insurance is not compulsory in Australia. When you rent a car in Australia, the vehicle will have a capped excess amount. The amount depends on which company you are hiring the car from, and the type of vehicle you will be driving.

What is a hire car security bond and is it optional?

Car rental companies will require you to leave a bond, which is an amount of money frozen on your credit card. Providing there are no additional charges — or damage to your vehicle — at the end of your rental, the bond will be returned to the same card at the end of your rental.

What do I need to know when picking up at the airport or a cruise terminal?

Some different rules may apply if you need to pick up your car at the airport. For example, you may have to pay a premium location surcharge. You will also need to provide your flight details before you arrive, in case there are any flight delays. While you generally won’t find car rental providers at cruise terminals, there are options close to some of the more popular cruise ship ports in Australia.

Important Information

When you pick up your rental car

Before you arrive to pick up your rental car make sure you have your driving licence, an International Driving Permit (if required) and a credit card in the driver’s name. Whether you are using an existing travel insurance policy, or excess reduction products, it is important to make sure you are familiar with the Terms and Conditions. Before you leave the depot, carefully check the rental car for damage and it is advisable to take photos of any pre-existing damage to the vehicle.