FAQ's
- Frequently
Asked Questions
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Who
We Are - About Us
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Copyright
© - Page is Copy Software Protected - Do Not Copy
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| Who Own's
this Web Site? |
This
website is owned by Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals an Australian
registered business.
Australian Businesss Number. No: 54 561 356 425
Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals is ABN G.S.T. Registered.
Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals is registered as a Northern
Territory Travel Agent License: NT094
Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals is registered as a full member
of Tourism Top End |
| Who
Are We? |
We here at www.australia4wheeldriverental.com
are part of the Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals group of sites
a Licensed Australian Travel Agent based in Darwin
Northern Territory.
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Who Are
You Actually
Booking a Vehicle With? |
Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals
will assist with your booking of a rental vehicle for your
holiday or trip. We have strigent measures and double checks
in place to assure that each booking goes smoothly. Though
even though we will book the vehicle on your behalf you will
be entering into a rental agreement at the pickup of the vehicle
on your nominated date with the vehicle supplier.
We go to great lenghts to check
our suppliers for their standard of vehicles, their backup
policy and terms. Whilst all suppliers have different terms
there is much common ground.
So in summary we will be booking
you a vehicle rental with such suppliers as Britz, Maui, Backpacker
Campervans, Apollo, Kea, Cheapa Campervans, Territory Thrifty,
South Perth 4 Wheel Drive Hire, Meteor, Australian 4WD Hire
and others from a list of over 36 suppliers we have.
Read here for the extensive
review on about us and comments
by our clients about us.
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| What
is a vehicle supplier |
It is
the business (Company) you will enter into a rental agreement
with. it is also the same business that supplies the rental
vehicle. |
Why
Book With Us Instead
Of Going Direct To The
Vehicle Supplier? |
We here at www.australia4wheeldriverental.com
are part of the Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals group of sites
a Licensed Australian Travel Agent believe in true
old fashioned service, experience and value. To us you are
not a number but our client whom we wish to help in securing
your selfdrive rental.
We are committed to offer you
our best rates, advice, service for your selfdrive vacationing
holiday vehicle desires and needs throughout Australia.
Our staff are very experienced
professionals and have the key knowledge to recommend the
most suitable self-drive vehicle hire and rental for your
desires, needs and budget.
Why come to us and not go to
a supplier- We can offer a reasonable discount packages
off most of the recommended supplier rates because of
our reputation, experience and volume.
Don't don't just quote a vehicle
based on price, we tend to look at how much support you will
receive on that particular route, obviously if it is available,
the terms in detail as we often read terms more closely than
our clients, the fees attached, if their are any relevent
specials.
As we are experienced in each
suppliers terms we will be able to compare the terms easily
for you.
As we are members of relevent
associations we become accutely aware of road conditions of
our major routes most commonly booked and if we are not up
to speed on a route we will investigate.
So instead of going to each
supplier, even if you could find them all we will do that
for you.
Important: We do not charge
any extra or booking fee with a quote for any supplier,
(Except one minor supplier whom we charge a small booking
fee and state that very clearly)
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| How To
Book - Can I make Secure Internet Payments? |
Yes. When submitting your booking
request you enter your credit card details. This is a secure
site.
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| How To
Book - What are my other payment options. |
Yes. For alternative payment
options please email us directly and we can outline the best
option for your situation.
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| A4WDR
Opening Times |
Our phone
lines are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
+61 8 89453338 (within Australia - (0) 8 89453338
If the line is busy or unattended you can also telephone
+61 400 278 958 (within Australia - 0400 278 958)
Alternatively please leave
a clear message with you name and phone number first followed
by your message and quote or ticket number if you have one.
For examples: Tickets are A12276
and Quotes A4WDR/217128
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| Driving
in Australia |
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| Driving
in Australia |
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The most important thing to
remember is that in Australia, driving is on the LEFT HAND
SIDE of the road. This is the same as in the United Kingdom
and Japan.
Note that there are some roads
which are not suitable for campervans and on which KEA places
restrictions. Please refer to our terms and conditions for
more information.
Seat Belts It is compulsory
in Australia that the driver and all passengers wear their
seatbelts. This is an important safety requirement.
The most important thing to
remember is that in Australia, driving is on the LEFT HAND
SIDE of the road. This is the same as in the United Kingdom
and Japan. Note that there are some roads which are not suitable
for campervans and on which supplier's places restrictions.
Please refer to our terms and conditions for more information.
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| We
Can We Camp At Night -
Can I pull up and camp on the side of the road? |
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Australia has an extensive
network of Holiday Parks in all major tourist centres and
in most towns. We suggest Tourist Parks and Caravan Parks
: Top Tourist Parks and Big 4 Holiday Parks chain's, which
offer excellent recreational facilities, as well as resources
to dispose of waste water. They also have provision for you
to plug the vehicle into 240Volt (15amp) electricity.
There is usually no need to
book ahead, however it may be wise to book ahead in peak periods
(Easter, Christmas etc). Though noticably lately we find it
is important to book spots during school holdiays and also
peak season like during July-September for Kakadu, Litchfield
and The Kimberley regions.
The approximate cost of a powered
site is AU$25 per night in non-remote regions, in other rgions
during peak season prices will vary accordingly. The approximate
cost for a non powered site is approximately AU$15 to AU$20
a night.
Many Australian National Parks
have areas set aside for camping. There are often absolution
blocks (shower and toilets), washing areas, barbeques and
picnic areas and of course national parks provide a scenic
and peaceful place to stay at overnight. However these areas
generally do not have facility for you to plug the vehicle
into 240Volt 15amp electricity required for your vehicle.
Because of local council by-laws
you are not permitted to camp on the side of the road in the
vicinity of towns. However outside the towns and in country
areas it is generally allowed. If you are not sure please
enwuire at the Visitor's Information Centre, Council Office
or Police Station in the nearest town.
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| What
is the Cost of Fuel? |
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Petrol (Gasoline) in Australia
comes in unleaded and leaded grades, and is sold by the litre.
Petrol and diesel fuel costs between $1.35 AUD and $1.60 AUD
per litre and can be higher especially in country and remote
outback areas.
The fuel (Diesel or Petrol)
tanks are to be refilled by the hirer as and when required.
The supplier or Australia 4 Wheel drive Rentals will not be
held responsible for any representation as to fuel economy
for individual vehicles. Fuel economy is dependent upon a
number of varying factors, including how the vehicle is driven,
weather conditions and the maintenance of correct tyre pressures.
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| Are
there free airport transfers in Australia? |
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No, there are no shuttle services
or free transfers in Australia, you need to take a taxi from
the airport to the branch.
Except however one supplier
- Your Taxi fare from the airport to the supplier 'Maui' Branch,
on pick-up only, will be reimbursed upon presentation of receipt.
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| About
The Vehicles I Can Chose |
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| Locations |
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Uluru (Also known as Ayers
Rock)
Yulara resort (Also known as
Ayers Rock Resort)
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The nearest supplier we are
aware off is in Alice Springs for 4WD campers, 2WD Campervans
and 2WD Motorhomes.
The Uluru (Also known as Ayers
Rock) is 452klm on a very straight highway from Alice Springs
– actually leave Alice Springs head south drive 200klm turn
right drive 250klm and Uluru and Yulara resort (Also known
as Ayers Rock Resort) is in front of roughly speaking.
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| Kununurra |
We have
very limited suppliers offering a vehicle pickup or dropoff
in Kununurra. The suppliers willing to assist us require a special
relocation fee additional to any oneway fee to move the vehicles
to or from to from Kununurra. |
| Broome |
We have
a number suppliers offering a vehicle pickup or dropoff in Broome.
The suppliers willing to assist us require a 'remote relocation
fee/surcharge' additional to any oneway fee to move the vehicles
to or from Broome. |
| Main
Offices |
The main pickup and dropoff
depots are as follows:
Adelaide, *Alice Springs, Brisbane,
*Broome, Cairns, Darwin, *Hobart,
*Kununurra, Launceston, Melbourne,
Perth, Sydney.
* Denotes only limited suppliers
have a depot there.
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One depot
in particular we mention is AAM in Melbourne as it's about an
hour from Tullamarine Airport: Please note the Melbourne depot
is currently at Berwick on the other side of Melbourne from
the airport. Which is about a $100 cab fare or catch a train
from FlindersStreet in Melbourne city straight to Berwick and
ring the AAM depot to ask Amy to pick you up.The depot is close
to the train station in Berick. |
| Driver's
Requirement |
| Do I need a special
licence? |
Your standard drivers
licence is enough, as long as you’ve had it for at least a year.
If it’s not in English we’ll need to see a valid International
Drivers licence as well. |
| Driver's Licence
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General Rule - (Please
read the suppliers actual Summary of Terms for the actual
clause for that supplier)
A valid, non-provisional, state
or overseas driver's licence is required. If the driver's
licence is not in the English language (e.g. German, French,
Chinese, etc) then an international driver's licence is also
required. The driver's licence must have been held for at
least two years and be valid for the whole length of the rental.
The original driver's licence must be shown at time of pick-up
when the driver is present.
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| Driver's
Minimum Age |
General Rule - (Please
read the suppliers actual Summary of Terms for the actual
clause for that supplier)
The minimum age to drive the
vehicle is 21 years and the maximum age is 75 years.
(Some suppliers the rule is 21-unlimited, 18-75 or 25-75 Some
suppliers with request a doctor's certificate if you are over
75.)
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| Using
Electrical Appliances That Come With Your Rental Vehicle
- Using 240Volt 15amp power |
Where
Can The Rental Vehicle (if it has 240V)
Be Plugged Into To? |
When you plug
into electricity in a recognised Tourist Park or Caravan park,
all accessories automatically run off 240V (15amp) electricity
rather then the batteries.
IMPORTANT:
Vehicles can only be connected to 240Volts (15amps) mains
at recognized camp grounds that have applicable 240Volt (15amps)
mains connections suitable Motorhome and Campers. Our campervans,
4WD campers and motorhomes vehicles are NOT allowed to be
connected to house mains or generators.
Appliances
such as the television, microwave and rear air conditioning
only run off 240Volts (15amps) mains at recognized camp grounds
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| Describe
a 240 Volt 15amp Power lead |
A vehicle
will often have a male socket protruding from the outside skin
of the vehicle. Then the same vehicle will have a approximate
20m 240Volt (15amp) lead included. This male socket on the outside
skin of the vehicle and the lead are 15amps. A easy way to know
one is to look at the bottom of the 3 pins and you will notice
it is much thicker than a normal 240Volt 10amp house lead. |
| Charging An Engel
Fridge. |
The 12v batteries are only
charged by driving the vehicle and we advise clients that
they need 5-6 hrs driving a day to have enough charge in the
aux battery run the fridge at normal running temp overnight
or otherwise whilst driving have the fridge turned up to the
coldest setting and then at night turn the fridge down to
the lowest setting to save the battery power.
A reputable Fleet Manager –
recently said if you ran the car in idle for 1 hour each day
it will minimally charge the battery but not fully really
not enough to maintain the food properly. He also said it
would take 350klm-400klm continuous driving to bring a low
battery back to around 75% of maximum charge.
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| How
long does the 12V battery dual system last? |
Most vehicles
have two batteries (Known as a dual battery system). The batteries
can only be recharged when you drive the vehicle.
One to run
the engine and the other to operate the living equipment,
like the lights, certain water pumps and fridge. That battery
will last approximately 12 to 14 hours when fully charged.
As the engine battery is separate to the auxilary battery,
if you flatten auxilary battery you will still be able to
start the engine and drive to charge the battery.
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| Baby
and Booster Seats |
| Baby Seat |
It is required
by Australian law that all children are properly restrained.
Young children who weigh 8kgs to 18kgs* (approximately 6 months
to 4 years*) must be seated in a baby seat (or child seat) which
is anchored to the chassis of the vehicle. |
| Child Booster Seat |
It is required
by Australian law that all children are properly restrained.
It is recommended that older children who weigh 14kgs to 26kgs*
(approximately 3½ to 8 years*) are seated in a child booster
seat. This booster seat gives the child extra height allowing
them to fit more safely into a lap/sash seat belt. Child booster
seats must be seated in a forward facing position. |
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| How
We Quote - How To Book |
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| Rates
- Seasons - Specials |
| Quote
Format |
| Standard
Quote: |
There are 3 general quote pricing
formats we will study and then select one for you depending
on the supplier we use, the track your taking, the lenght
of rental and other criteria.
Standard Quote: This is the
basic quote where there are 4 sections.
- Daily Basic rental of the
Vehicle.
- The Standard Liability (The
Vehicle is insured for damage to it or damage to the property
of a third party. However the renter is responsible up to
the amount of the applicable Liability for the cost of such
damage to third party property, or to the rented Vehicle.)
- Oneway fees or Remote Location
Fees (if not waived or included)
- Optional Extra's
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| Standard + Reduced
Insurance Quote: |
Standard Quote: This is the
basic quote where there are 4 sections.
- Daily Basic rental of the
Vehicle.
- The Standard Liability has
been reduced
- Oneway fees or Remote Location
Fees (if not waived or included)
- Optional Extra's
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| Standard
+ Bous Pack or All Inclusive Quote: |
Standard Quote: This is the
basic quote where there are 4 sections.
- Daily Basic Rental and
the 'Bonus Pack or All Inclusive' component of the vehicle
built in as one price
- The reduced Security Deposit
or Excess (see your quote)
- Oneway fees or Remote Location
Fees (if not waived or included)
- Optional Extra's (if not
included)
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| Supplier's
All Inclusive Pack (Also known as Bonus Pack and VIP Pack) |
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There are supplier's such as
Backpacker, Britz, Maui, Kea, Apollo and Cheapa Campa who
offer a All Inclusive Pack (Also
known as Bonus Pack)
for their rentals which
is in addition to the daily vehicle rate.
Each supplier has different
inclusions so you must see quote quote for details. One inclusion
mainly seen is the Excess Insurance Bond is dramatically reduced
to zero or as low as Aud $250 from Aud$5000 or even Aud$7500
unless you breach the terms and conditions of the rental contract.
We strongly recommend the All
Inclusive Pack (Also known as Bonus Pack)
as it's the maximum cover we have available to offer.
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| Why
should I choose the VIP Protection Package? |
Unless you take the VIP Protection
Package you run the risk of being responsible for considerable
costs associated with damage to, or theft of, the vehicle.
This applies even if the damage was not your fault!
For example, you are liable
if someone runs into you or if a rock from a passing car hits
your windscreen and causes damage. Also, you are responsible
for the subsequent costs if you are unlucky enough to puncture
a tyre. Bonus Pack, Al Inclusive or VIP Protection gives you
peace of mind in such circumstances as you will only be liable
for up to reduced amount unless you breach the terms and conditions
of the rental contract.
There are supplier's such as
Backpacker, Britz, Maui, Kea, Apollo and Cheapa Campa who
offer a All Inclusive Pack (Also
known as Bonus Pack)
for their rentals which
is in addition to the daily vehicle rate.
Each supplier has different
inclusions so you must see quote quote for details. One inclusion
mainly seen is the Excess Insurance Bond is dramatically reduced
to zero or as low as Aud $250 from Aud$5000 or even Aud$7500.
We strongly recommend the All
Inclusive Pack (Also known as Bonus Pack)
as it's the maximum cover we have available to offer.
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| Supplier's
Optional Extras |
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An optional Extra is a item
offers to help make your trip complete! Choose from baby and
booster seats for 2WD cars and satellite phones and an Outback
Safety Kit for 4WDs.
Each supplier has different
Optional Extra's.
Note in a All
Inclusive Pack (Also known as Bonus Pack)
there are often many extra's included such as the Britz Bonus
Pack.
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| Supplier's
Excess Reduction Policies |
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All Suppliers do take a Security
Bond at the beginning of the rental, the amount of this bond
is dependent on if you take out Excess Reduction and which
option you take. Please be aware that the new trend is a credit
card surcharge of between 1.75% and 4.5% on the amount paid
on pickup, including the refundable bond.
The Vehicle has third party
insurance cover. It is likely that any other vehicle involved
in an accident also has third party insurance cover. Depending
on the circumstances of the accident, the renter may be entitled
to claim for their personal injury against the third party
insurance of the party responsible for the accident. The extent
of such third party insurance varies in different States and
Territories and A4WDR strongly recommends that all passengers
take out their own Personal Injury Travel Insurance.
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| How
To Get A Quote For A Particular Vehicle |
| I want
a free
quote? |
If you want a free
quote on a rental vehicle then just click
here and the quote is free. If you supply your contact
details it realy helps us
as sometimes we
need to ask questions to help get you the best quote.
As a Licensed Travel Agent
we will send you a clear quote (though it is a lenghty quote
but that's great because you get clear and informative details
to base your decision on for a vehicle for your next holiday
lets say to Uluru, Kakadu or even the Bungle Bungles.)
We do not generally quote or
book rentals under 36 hours from pickup as it doesn't give
us the time to research and quote the best option. Every quote
request therefor is based on case by case as some quotes will
be very easy to assist with and some much harder.
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| How
To Book A Vehicle |
| How Can
I book A Vehicle and What Happens To My Money Once I pay? |
Now for the good news to actually
book one of these business or holiday rentals you only need
to place a $250 deposit and then your pay the balance of the
daily rental just 35 days from pickup - so when you arrive
f to pick up your rental 4WD camper you will assured and confident
in knowing we have streamlined the pickup for you.
If a vehicle request is 36
days away from the requested date then we request full price
at pickup.
Please note: We do not sit
on funds we pay our suppliers immediatley. The suppliers required
payment will be banked directly into the suppliers main account
usually by 31 days away from pickup. We are regarded as one
of the best payer's in the rental industry system.
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| The
Vehicles - Support |
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| What
If I Have A Breakdown |
| Breakdowns
and Accident Assistance |
All vehicles are fully maintained,
serviced at scheduled kilometer or time frames to supplier's
standard and detailed between rentals by experienced staff.
However, minor problems can
occur. If advice or assistance for breakdown is required,
support is available to every renter throughout Australia
by telephoning the telephone number displayed on the vehicle
or calling into any of the supplier's head office or branches.
Accidents must be reported immediately and within 24 hours.
The renter must not admit liability to other parties or make
any offer of settlement.
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| What
If I Have Problems During My Rental |
| Problems
with the vehicle - what do I do? |
Any problems associated with
the vehicle, including equipment failure, minor accidents
or loss of vehicle property must be reported to supplier (rental
agreement as soon as possible and within twenty four hours
in order to give the supplier the opportunity to rectify the
problem during the rental.
Repairs can be made with only
the authorisation from supplier. Repairs will be approved
provided the hirer was not directly responsible for the damage.
Formal receipts must be collected and submitted for any repair
or the claim may not be paid.
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| What
if we have an accident in our campervan? |
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Any
accident must be reported within immediatley and within 24 hours.
An accident report has to be completed as soon as possible.
It is important to note that you are liable for all damage costs
as a result of any accident, up to the applicable excess. The
applicable excess will be processed at the time of an accident.
Remember, if you have an accident, regardless of who is at fault,
you have to pay the applicable excess. In Australia, an accident
must be reported to the supplier's Motor Claims Department |
| What
If We Drop Off the Vehicle Early |
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There
will be no refund for early termination of a rental or Hire
Agreement. |
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| Cancellations,
Ammendments and
Terms |
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| Cancellations
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All suppliers have different
cancellation fees: Therefore we use that suppliers cancellation
policy when quoting the same suppliers rental vehicles. The
security deposit is now refundable though it can be credited
to another security deposit that A4WDR books for you in 6
months.w
An example
only of an Suppliers Cancellation Fees that apply as
is as follows:
If cancelled before 21 days
- Deposit paid forfeited
If cancelled from 20 to 7 days prior to pick up - Deposit
forfeited plus an additional 20% of Gross Rental (minimum
$250)
If cancelled less than 7 days prior to pick up - Deposit forfeited
plus an additional 50% of Gross Rental
If cancelled on day of pick up or No Show - Deposit forfeited
including 100% of Gross Rental
If vehicle is returned early for any reason whatsoever - No
refund available
Please note some companies
such as Apollo and AAM have $100 cancellations fees no matter
what and amendment fees. This is clearly stated on your quote.
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| Ammendments |
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We at Australia 4 Wheel Drive
Rentals do have an amendment fee for changes. Though simply
put if it's easy and your patient we don't charge.
Please note though some supplier
companies such as Apollo and AAM do have amendment fees which
is out of our control and we must collect payment for them.
This is clearly stated on your quote.
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| Australia
4 Wheel Drive Rental Terms |
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http://www.australia4wheeldriverentals.com/A4WDRVehiclesTerms.pdf |
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| Travel
insurance |
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| Please
Tell Me About Travel insurance |
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Travel Insurance
|
We strongly
recommend that you take out your own Personal Injury Travel
Insurance (Including cancellation insurance for all r easons).
The insurance options to reduce the Excess/Liability on the
rental vehicle do not include cover for personal injury or
loss of personal belongings. Therefore we strongly recommend
that clients ensure they take out the highest level of Travel
Insurance, regardless of if they take out Excess Rreduction.
The security
bond required for the standard insurance will be debited in
full to a credit card account at the time of collection of
the vehicle with most suppliers unless specified in your quote.
Some clients
may wish to use their own travel insurance (for example, through
their credit card company) to cover the Excess/Liability on
the rental vehicle. In regards to using insurance from another
source, the rental companies will still require you to cover
their $5000, $6000 or $7,500 Excess/Liability up front.
This is because
the insurance cover is between you and the independent source,
not the rental company and the insurer. Also, you may not
be able to "double-up" on insurance (i.e. you may not be able
to take any optional insurance with the rental company as
well as use the cover of your insurance broker).
So this means
your Excess/Liability will be could be $5000, $6000 or $7,500
(the exact amount is stated in your quote if you chose a standard
quote), which in turns means you will have to leave a Bond
of $5000, $6000 or $7,500 with
the rental company. The rental comany the supplier will only
accept payment of the Bond with a credit card (and your card
will be debited immediately).
If the vehicle
is returned safely, this money will be refunded back to you.
If the vehicle
is damaged in any way (regardless of whom is at fault), you
will be liable for the first $5000, $6000 or $7,500 worth
of damage.
If this occured
you as the 'hirer' would then have to claim these said expenses
back from your credit card (insurance broker independently).
Please check the finer details with your creedit card company
and insurance broker to ensure that they cover which vehicle
is applicable to your rental such as 4WD campers, 4WD Cars,
2WD Cars, 4WD Camper Trailers, Campervans and Motorhomes.
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| Page
Disclaimer |
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Disclaimer: This is purely
a hobby website and has no affiliation with any state or national
road authority. All opinions represented on this site are
those of the webmaster only, unless otherwise explicitly stated.
While all effort is take to ensure the information on this
site is correct, no responsibility is taken for errors.
The inclusion of these properties
in this site does not indicate, expressly or impliedly, that
this site or its staff endorse the products or services offered
there. Use of any products or services described in this page
is at your own risk.
Any maps featured in this website
and distances suggested are or may not be to scale and should
be used as a guide only. Please note these links are supplied
only as a link for information our company has no affliation
some of these links. Please note Our company is not responsible
for the contents of any link sites and is offered in goodfaith
only. If there is a photo that you appear in and you wish
to be edited out of that photo please email us with your contact
number to verify it's authorized correctly and we will edit
that photo/photo's at our earliest possible convienance (which
is usually 24 hours notice).
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