Top 7 Car Rental Companies in Australia
Getting around a big country like Australia can be challenging especially as a tourist looking to explore different locations or even as a local seeking to escape the normal daily routine.
That’s where car rentals come in!
Car rentals provide the freedom and flexibility you need whether you are a tourist, business traveler or a local. With a lot of options to choose from, we’ve made a list of the top 7 car rental companies in Australia that suit your needs. From budget friendly cars and luxury rides to the rules and restrictions for car rentals in Australia and car ratings, we’ve got you covered.
So buckle up and let’s dive in!
Why Rent a Car?
If you’ve been thinking of renting a car in Australia but still sitting on the fence about it, well, let me tell you that it is a game changer. As a student, having a car takes the burden of rushing to get a bus or train off of you.
As a worker, car rentals can also be helpful. You no longer have to rely on public transportation to get to your job sites or meetings. With a rental car, you can get to where you need to go and arrive when you need to. If you are self employed or running your own business, having a rental car can be a great way to get around without breaking the bank.
For those who have big families, a rental car can be a life saver. The stress of squishing yourselves in buses or trains with strollers and snacks and the discomfort that comes with it can be a thing of the past using a car rental. You get all the space you need to keep everyone happy and comfortable.
Car rentals give you the freedom to come and go wherever you please, the sheer convenience of having a car at your disposal and not having to worry about road closures or walking from bus stops to your location. How amazing does it get?
Whether you’re a student, worker or have a big family, having a car makes a lot of difference.
Also Read: 7 Benefits of Managing Your Finances as a Student in Australia
What to Look Out for Before Renting a Car
When thinking about renting a car in Australia, it is essential to take note of certain things before signing on the dotted lines as you don’t want to end up with a raw deal. Below are the points to take into consideration before renting that car.
1. Insurance
Always check the fine print. Don’t assume the rental company’s insurance policy has you covered for everything, so ensure you understand what is covered and what’s not. Check if you are protected against theft, damage, and third-party liability. You don’t want to be left high and dry if something goes wrong.
2. Vehicle Condition
Carry out a proper assessment of the car before renting it. Check for dents, scratches or signs of wear and tear. If possible take pictures before renting to avoid being blamed for damages that were there prior.
3. Fuel Policy
It is important to ascertain the fuel policy of the rental company before renting. Some rental companies might charge you for a full tank upfront, while others may have a ‘return it empty’ policy. Whichever one it is, don’t get caught up with a huge fuel bill at the end.
4. Additional Fees
Be careful of those sneaky additional fees as some rental companies might charge extra for things like GPS, child seats, or even additional drivers. Factor in these extra costs in your budget.
5. Driver Requirements
Before you book, ascertain the rental company’s driver requirements? Some rental companies have age restrictions, some have license requirements, or even specific driving experience requirements. You don’t want to show up and find out you’re not eligible to drive the car after you’re done booking.
6. Return Policy
What’s the return policy like if you need to return the car early or late? Check the car rental return policy to avoid any surprise fees so you don’t end up paying for extra days you don’t need.
7. Customer Support
How is the customer support like, in a case where you are in need of urgent help can you rely on their customer service to come in handy? The last thing you want is to be stranded with a broken-down car and no one to help.
8. Reviews and Reputation
Check for reviews from other customers before booking. If a rental company has lots of bad reviews from customers then don’t take the risk. Opt for a reputable car rental company with positive feedback from customers.
With that said, it’s time to find out the top 7 car rental companies in Australia.
Also Read: Certificate of Deposit: Definition, Advantages & How to Invest in CD
Top 7 Car Rental Companies
Choosing a car rental company in Australia can be quite confusing owing to the number of reputable car rental companies that exist. So here are the top 7 car rental companies based on their customer reviews and ratings.
1. Hertz
Hertz is a globally recognized car rental company with a wide selection of vehicles from economy to luxury and over 220 locations across Australia. They are convenient and reliable and their price range is moderate to high depending on the type of car.
- Opening Hours are between 7.00am to 12.00am
- Location: Arrival Dr, Tullamarine VIC 3043, Australia
2. Avis
Avis is another reputable car rental company in Australia with a different fleet of vehicles including SUVs, Sedans and other luxury cars.
They have the offer of pick-up and drop-off locations at major airports and cities throughout Australia. Their price rate is moderate and their booking process is user-friendly.
- Opening Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm
- Location: 638-644 High St, Preston VIC 3072, Australia
3. Budget
As the name implies, Budget is a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers. They offer reasonable prices and do not compromise on quality. Their vehicle options range from compact cars to family sedans and SUVs. Price ranges from low to moderate.
- Opening Hours: 7:00am to 4:30pm
- Location: 8 Franklin St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
4. Europcar
Europcar offers a diverse selection of vehicles including eco-friendly options and vehicles like trucks and vans. They have locations in major cities in Australia and popular tourist locations. Their price rate is moderate.
- Opening Hours: 65 Queens Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
- Location: 8:am to 4:00pm
5. Thrifty
Thrifty offers a variety of rental options like 4WDs, standard cars, trucks and people movers. With their widespread network of rental locations in more than 170 locations across Australia, travelers can pick up vehicles and drop them off conveniently.
6. Enterprise
Enterprise has an extensive network of neighborhood and airport locations, they offer different ranges of vehicles like economy cars to SUVs and luxury vehicles suitable for various travel needs. Their customer service is top notch.
7. Sixt
Sixt is a premium car rental company known for its fleet of high-quality vehicles and personalized service. They have an array of luxury and exotic cars ideal for travelers seeking a unique upscale experience. They operate in major cities in Australia providing convenient access to luxury vehicles. Their pricing is quite high owing to the types of vehicles they offer.
- Opening Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm
- Location: 423-425 Malvern Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia
Requirements for Renting a Car in Australia
When renting a car in Australia, there are certain requirements that you need to be aware of, which include;
1. Age
In order to qualify to rent a car inAustralia, you must be at least 21 years old. Some rental companies may charge extra fees if you are under 25. Also, a few rental companies have a maximum age limit of 75 years.
2. Driver’s License
One of the requirements you need to have before renting a car is a valid driver’s license, it can either be a domestic license (Australian) or an international driving permit (IDP).
3. Auto Insurance
To rent a car in Australia, you are required to have Auto insurance. Comprehensive insurance is recommended to cover any unforeseen incident.
4. Ferry Restrictions
Rental cars cannot be taken on Ferries, always have this in mind before booking for one.
Get familiar with the local roads, rules and speed limits before renting a car. Acquaint yourself with the driving regulations and routes in Australia to avoid any mishap.
FAQs about Car Rental Companies in Australia
1. What are the basic road rules when driving in Australia?
Here are some basic road rules to keep in mind when driving in Australia.
- You are required to drive on the left-hand side of the road in Australia.
- Always carry your valid driver’s license while driving.
- Keep abreast of the speed limit which varies depending on the type of road.
- Obey the traffic lights, stop signs and other road signs.
- Ensure your seat belts are properly fastened when driving.
- Distance is measured in kilometers not miles
- Avoid the use of mobile phones when driving
- Adhere to parking regulations to avoid fines
2. Can I pick up my car in one location and drop it at another?
Yes, many car rental companies offer one-way rentals, meaning you can pick up your car in one location and return it to another. For example, Budget car rentals provide one-way car hire deals. Hertz also offers neighborhood delivery and pick-up services within 15 miles of their location.
3. Can I rent a car in Australia with a Non Australian Driving License?
Yes you can, but there are certain requirements you need to consider before hand which include;
- English Language requirement: Your driver’s language must be in English. If your license is in another language, you will need to provide an international driving permit(IDP) along with your license from your country of residence.
- Valid License: Ensure you have a valid driver’s license.
Conclusion
Renting a car in Australia gives you the freedom and luxury to go wherever, whenever you want. In Australia, the car rental companies listed above offer a diverse range of cars, both premium and affordable to suit your budget. Whether you are looking for a globally recognized car rental company like Hertz or an affordable choice like Budget, there’s something for everyone.
Remember to consider the ratings, locations, pricing and customer reviews before making your decision.
