These conditions are a summary and should be used as a guide only. Full conditions of rental are provided at the depot on pickup. You are required to sign a contract with the car hire company before they will release the vehicle.
RentNewCars is the only website that offers you three (3) online payment options.
Insurance Excess Reduction is an optional surcharge that reduces your legal liability for the amount due to the car hire company IF your vehicle is damaged. You can save between 15-20% per day by pre-paying Rentnewcars rather than paying it at the depot.
We offer Insurance Excess Reduction with our Max Cover payment option. Some speciality and commercial vehicles do not have this option, however they will not be displayed during the quote process.
*Refunds can take up to 7 days to process.
*NOTE: Once any depot charged errors have been reversed. We will require a copy of the rental agreement issued at the depot to accompany any claims, showing the final price charged.
All depots have surcharges on credit card payments these differ from 1.7% up to 4.5% depending on the card used and will not be reflected on your confirmation or form part of the true quote promise.
Thrifty and Europcar both charge this fee to all rentals. This fee is included in Pre Pay and Max Cover options only. If you are using Deposit Only option it will be shown in your total and payable on pickup.
An administation fee is a percentage that the suppliers apply to everything, it is included in your online quotes so there are no surprises.
CREDIT CARD SURCHARGES
Rentnewcars.com.au
does not charge you any credit card fees for amounts
PRE PAID to us.
However, Europcar and Thrifty DO have in place a Credit Card Surcharge for any amounts paid to them, which is between 1.7% up to 5% depending on the type of card.
So why not take our
Pre Pay and Max Cover
Payment Options which will allow you to avoid most of the surcharge?? (You will still have to pay any One Way, baby seat and age surcharges directly which will incur the credit card fee)
AIRPORT & PREMIUM LOCATIONS
It is very important to give us the correct flight number and advise us immediately if this changes.
The fees (ARF- Europcar PLS- Thrifty) are charged to cover the fees the airport authority or premium city locations require and the car rental companies pass them on to the consumer.
The Good news is that Rentnewcars.com.au packages and reduces this fee if you PRE PAY or take out the MAX COVER.
PLEASE NOTE:
If you wish to avoid the Premium Location Fees you have the following option.
Arrange to collect the vehicle from the City suburb Depot or alternatively catch a taxi to a depot nearest the airport: Alexandria (Sydney), Tullamarine (Melbourne) etc depots are within 10 minutes by taxi of the airport terminals. (OR take out our PRE PAY or MAX COVER options)
Please note that additional fees which are payable at the depot i.e: GPS units, Baby Seats, Extra kms or One-Way fees will incurr additional premium location tax and will not be reflected on your confirmation.
HOTEL DELIVERY
Europcar Hotel Deliveries are on a case by case basis, they are not given to all rentals due to the limited staff on hand to physically deliver vehicles and service the depots.
Thrifty will deliver your vehicle to any hotel/motel/apartment within a 5km radius of a depot (except airport depots).
Please specify the accommodation name, address and PHONE CONTACT in the comments section of the reservation request.
Please note that occasionally hotel deliveries cannot be provided due to volume of deliveries on a particular day, however you will be advised of this at the time of confirmation and definately prior to pickup.
CONDITIONS
- Mondays to Fridays only 9am-4pm only
- NO DELIVERIES ON WEEKENDS OR PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
- Pre paid bookings only - not done on deposit only bookings
- Only standard vehicles delivered not Specialty or Luxury
- Europcar bookings only - a staff member from the depot will call you to confirm your credit card details for the bond, therefore a contact phone number is compulsory.
CHILD SEATS and GPS UNITS
On the first step of the quoting process there is a link which will open up a drop down to select these items and inlcude them in your quote.
Some approximate prices:
Forward facing child seats are able to be requested from most locations from $7.70 per day with a maximum of $77.00 per hire with Europcar and $6.00/day max $55.00 with Thrifty. (Additional PLS, admin fee and credit card fees will be apply)
Europcar and Thrifty do have
rear facing
seats and
Booster Seats
but not at all locations, our consultants will let you know if not available.
Australia has strict laws governing compulsory restraining of infants/toddlers whilst travelling in vehicles. From 9th of November 2009 laws regarding children up to seven years has become stricter, this is a great guide which was obtained from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau website:
Guide to Child Restraints and for more information services and advise in each different state go to :
The Bub Hub website and click on the state you are travelling to.
For another great website for hiring baby equipment visit
Hire for Babe
Europcar and Thrifty both hire out Portable GPS Units but not from all locations. Should you require a GPS again please use the drop down in Step 1 or you can email us to add it in anytime. Thrifty do not allow GPS units on a one way rental.
Currently Europcar and Thrifty charge $11.00 per day (Subject to change use as a guide only)
Europcar hire Street Directories at a charge of $3.30 per rental (GST Exclusive). Payable at pick up.
VEHICLES & BREAKDOWN SERVICE
Europcar reserve the right to substitute an alternative vehicle without prior notification and at no extra cost should the vehicle booked be unavailable through unforeseen circumstances. This shall not constitute a breach of contract and does not entitle the hirer to a refund.
Vehicles cannot be requested by make or model, only by vehicle category.
Both companies have a 24-hour breakdown service in every state and territory throughout Australia. Replacement vehicles are provided if the vehicle is unable to be repaired on the spot.
DRIVER MINIMUM AGE/ MAXIMUM AGE & LICENCE
You must be at least 21 years of age to rent a car from Europcar and Thrifty.
The Maximum Age for hiring a vehicle with Thrifty is 75 years. Europcar do not have a Maximum Age. However the driver must hold a full open drivers licence with no restrictions
To be eligible to hire you may not have been convicted of an offence relating to driving a vehicle, namely *under the influence of alcohol or drugs or * with a blood alcohol level over any legal limit in the last 3 years. Nor are you permitted to hire if you have had any motor vehicle insurance refused or cancelled for any reason within the three years prior to pickup.
The driver must carry a full driver's licence with a photo from their home country, if not in English or does not have a photo, a valid international driver's licence must accompany the original license. This cannot be probationary or a photocopy, as long as the normal license is valid and in English it will be accepted in Australia.
Europcar:
21-24 years and up can take the Economy up to the Intermediate as well as the compact 4WD. Standard Commercial Vehicles, the minimum age is 21+ years. Vehicles other than those listed require a 25 years.
Thrifty:
21 years - 24 years only permitted to hire the Economy up to the Full size and the 8 Seater minibus. (Corportate/Capital cities except Perth) Standard Commercial Vehicles, the minimum age is 21+ years, all other vehicles the minimum age is 25 years.
For all drivers 21-24 years there is a compulsory daily surcharge to cover you on the insurance policy.
ADDITIONAL DRIVERS
All bookings made through RentNewCars for Europcar up to 31 March 2010 include one additional driver free of charge on each rental agreement (Additional drivers will be charged at $3.50 per day approx).
Thrifty do not charge for any number of additional drivers, however if under 25 there is a daily age surcharge applicable.
Any driver not listed on the rental agreement is not covered by insurance. There is no need to advise RentNewCars of the drivers name at the time of booking, they simply need to show their license and sign rental agreement on vehicle pickup.
TOLL ROADS
Melbourne has a network of Toll Roads which require the purchase of day passes. This can be arranged upon vehicle pickup or visit
transurban
Sydney now has an electronic toll for the
Cross City Tunnel, for full details see: Cross City Tunnel.
Brisbane: From July 2009 all Toll Booths situated in SQLD will be removed and Tolls will be cashless. Tolls can be paid over the telephone using your credit card.Phone 13000 GO VIA. Use your own e-tag device. Call in and pay/prepay at a QLD Motorways authorised seller
govia
DRIVING RESTRICTIONS & DIRT TRACKS
Loss or damage cover is void if the vehicle is used or driven on any unsealed or unmade road or surface. Any surface made of dirt, gravel or sand falls into the category of unsealed road.
The only exception is the Europcar full size 4WD vehicle and the compact size 4WD (excludes Subaru Impreza and all Audi models) which may only be used on unsealed roads if the particular roads are gazetted or mapped. This means roads that are maintained by councils and includes unsealed roads.
These vehicles may not be used "off road" areas such as beaches, sand dunes, desert, dry riverbeds etc. Any damage sustained whilst the vehicle is incorrectly used will result in the renter being liable for all damage and recovery costs.
- Loss or damage cover is void if vehicle is taken off mainland Australia or whilst being transported across any waterway.
- Overhead and undercarriage damage, including tyre and rim damage, is not covered by loss or damage cover.
- All drivers of the vehicle must be nominated at the commencement of the rental.
- Tyre and windscreen cover is not included for Thrifty and Europcar 4WD's (large 4wd's).
General Conditions
YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO USE THE VEHICLE FOR THE FOLLOWING:
- To propel or tow any vehicle (not being a trailer), or to propel or tow any trailer with a load in excess of the capacity of the trailer, towing mechanism or Vehicle. Carry equipment on roof racks or the roof of the vehicle.
- To carry any animal or pet
- For racing, pacemaking, reliability trials or hill climbing, or being tested in preparation for those purposes
- To carry any greater load, number of persons or for use in a manner or for a purpose for which the Vehicle was not designed and constructed or to carry any greater number of persons than the Vehicle has seat belts.
- To carry persons for hire or reward or to carry any inflammable, explosive or corrosive materials. To carry any greater load, number of persons or for use in a manner or for a purpose for which the Vehicle was not designed and constructed or to carry any greater number of persons than the Vehicle has seat belts.
- Be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or have a blood alcohol content that exceeds the legal limit in the Country, State or Territory in which the Vehicle is driven; or refuse to take a breath or blood test in the Country, State or Territory in which the Vehicle is driven use the Vehicle to carry any inflammable substance which has a flash point under 23°C or any other explosive or corrosive substances.
- Operate or permit the Vehicle to be operated in breach of any legislation, regulations, rules or by laws relating to road traffic and use.
Please read the restriction below for each state:
- Western Australia - If vehicles are travelling interstate or into remote areas, prior written approval by Thrifty WA must be granted. Consideration must be given by the driver for their own safety and contactibility in the event of an accident or incident. Travelling into some areas of Western Australia require National Park Passes, these are available for sale from the Perth Tourist Centre.
- South Australia - Travelling into some areas of the South Australia outback may involve the need for a Desert Pass Permit.
All vehicles are permitted to Kangaroo Island if collected from a corporate location (eg Adelaide City or Adelaide Airport) only and must be advised at time of booking and collection.
Car classes Economy to Full Size sedans are only allowed on sealed roads, Full Size 4wd vehicles are allowed on government gazetted roads. Mechanical Failure on the island - there is one breakdown service and location on the island therefore response times are not guaranteed. Customers will be required to sign a disclaimer when they collect the car.
Important Note: Thrifty do not offer any cover whilst vehicles are being loaded on or off of ferries, or whilst on the ferry. Customers need to be aware of this. They take vehicles on ferries at their own risk.
- Far North Queensland - Travel is permitted as far as Cooktown only via the inland road (Peninsula Development Road / Cooktown Development Road). Travel to Cooktown via the coastal road (Cape Tribulation Road) is not permitted; customers can only travel as far as Cape Tribulation
- Fraser Island - Thrifty allows selected 4WDs to be driven on Fraser Island but only when hired from Thrifty Hervey Bay.
Important Note: Thrifty do not offer any cover whilst vehicles are being loaded on or off of ferries, or whilst on the ferry. Customers need to be aware of this. They take vehicles on ferries at their own risk.*Special liability charges may apply
- Tasmania - Vehicles cannot be taken onto the Spirit of Tasmania ferry and into Tasmania
- Northern Territory, Broome and Kununurra - Access is denied in the following areas:
Kakadu Region - Jim Jim and Twin Falls, all year round
Arnhem Land - Access to Arnhem Land including Gurig/Cobourg National Park is denied subject to Thrifty's approval and on presentation of permits obtained from the relevant authority for entry into/onto Aboriginal Land
Litchfield Region
Katherine Region - Central Arnhem Road to Gove beyond Bulman
Kimberley Region - Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles), Mitchell Plateau and Kalumburu. For Gibb River Road travel between November and April is subject to seasonal road conditions and access limited to manual full size 4WDs only.
Broome - Cable Beach or any other beach. The Gibb River Road is accessible to manual full size 4WDs. Absolutely, no standard passenger vehicles at any time as this is a rugged road. Vehicle access maybe restricted due to weather.
Central Australia - Tanami Track, Gunbarrell Highway, Plenty/Donahue Highway, Canning Stock Route, Oodnadatta Track, Strzlecki Track, Birdsville Tracky only when travelling with another vehicle and with Thriftys consent and knowledge. Manual full size 4WDs only.
Other Areas - The Gulf Track, Cape York Peninsular and Fraser Island (for a vehicle rental from Northern Territory)
Aboriginal Permit Land - any entry to Aboriginal Land with a permit is illegal. Access to any land requiring a permit for entry is denied without Thriftys approval and entry permit must be provided to Thrifty prior to entry to such lands. Collision Damage Cover is not valid in the event of an unauthorised entry into Aboriginal Land or Breach of permit regulations.
Larapinta and Namatjira Drive (Mereenie Loop Road) - only accessible with full size manual 4WDs. Any damage sustained to the vehicle whilst on these roads is subject to the standard damage liabilities of $5,500 for both a Multi Vehicle Accident and a Single Vehicle Accident. Any additional liability reduces purchased does not apply for travel on these roads.
- Dusk to Dawn - any damage sustained to a rented vehicle as a result of a collision with an animal between the hours of dusk to dawn will not be covered by Thrifty's damage liabilities. All damages and recovery costs will be the responsibility of the hirer.
- Driving in Snow - Above the snow line being either the entrance to national parks in which snow falls or areas in which snow chains are required to be fitted (by the relevant authority). All coverage is limited to sealed roads or designated car parks, which are within the National Park. Snow Season is approximately from June to October. Participating locations are: Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Cooma and Albury.
- All snow chain damage is excluded
- A compulsory surcharge is payable at the depot directly and is in addition to the standard excess reduction, age surcharges, local taxes etc. This covers vehicles travelling above the snow line as well as eliminating the snow damage liability. (approx $22 per day)
You are not permitted to take any vehicle to:
- Fraser Island
-
- Into or out of the Northern Territory or any points in Western Australia north of Carnarvon (unless approved)
- In the Northern Territory, south of Katherine to the South Australian border, outside local towns and city precincts between sunset and sunrise.
- In Queensland – Cape York. Beyond Chillagoe or Georgetown in a westerly direction. Beyond Cape Tribulation or Laura in Northerly (standard vehicles) or beyond Cooktown or Laura if a full size 4WD.
- On the road from Jim Jim Falls to Twin Falls
- North of Maggieville
- On unsealed roads north and west of Mt Isa
- On the Bloomfield track; on the Savannah Way; on the Tanamai Track; Strzelecki Track, Oodnadatta Track
- The Simpson Desert, n the Gynbarrel Highway
- On the Warburton Route, Tanami Track, On the Kalumbru Road, Cape Leveque
- On the Canning Stock Route
- On tracks to Lost City (Litchfield NP)
- Lennard Rover Gorge Road
- Above the snow line from 1 June until 30 October each year (unless snow cover is purchased at the commencement of rental)
- And in No Circumstances On beaches or through streams, dams, rivers or flood waters (or flood prone roads or where police have issued warning or any other Government authority or caution)
Travel on Ferries and Trains:
Travel on ferry services in Australia is permitted i.e. To Kangaroo Island and from mainland Australia to Tasmania and v.v. but you
WILL NOT BE COVERED
by Europcar Insurance on your vehicle whilst on the Ferry. You will need to check with the Ferry company regarding insurance coverage or take our personal travel insurance to cover these situations.
Travel on Train services is permitted and covered by insurance.
- A compulsory surcharge is payable at the depot directly and is in addition to the standard excess reduction insurance. (approx <$24.20/day
- If you travel to the snow fields without purchasing the Snow Coverage you will be liable for all costs associated with any accident or incident.
- Snow chains can be supplied and fitted independantly however chain damage is not covered by Europcar Insurance and the depots do not have a hiring service available.
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
- The information that we provide on our website is supplied to us by both car rental companies and is always subject to change without notice, therefore we cannot accept responsibility for any changes not reflected in this page.
- Upon collection of your vehicle you enter into a direct contract with the car rental company and in the event of any issues, problems, queries, concerns or complaints they should be directed to the individual car rental companies. However RentNewCars offers a very comprehensive back up and customer service facility and we will assist you in any way we possibly can to resolve any complaints or overcharges you should not incur.
