Frequently Asked Questions
Driving in Australia
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 suppliers places restrictions.
Seat Belts
It is compulsory in Australia that the driver and
all passengers wear their seatbelts. This is an important
safety requirement. Child seat restraint laws are
strictly adhered too.
We Can We Camp At Night
Can I pull up and camp on the side of the road?
Australia has an extensive network of Holiday Parks
in all major tourist centre's 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 (School
Holidays, Easter, Christmas etc).
Though noticeably lately we find it is important
to book spots during school holidays and also peak
season like during June-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 regions during peak season prices will vary
accordingly. The approximate cost for a non powered
site is approximately AU$15 to AU$28 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
enquire at the Visitor's Information Centre, Council
Office or Police Station in the nearest town. Always
adhere to safety guidelines and common sense please.
What is the Cost of Fuel?
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 $1.99
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.
Are there free airport transfers in Australia?
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.
Uluru (Also known as Ayers Rock) Yulara resort (Also
known as Ayers Rock Resort)
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.
About The Vehicles I Can Chose
Kununurra
We currently have no suppliers offering a vehicle
pickup or dropoff in 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, Melbourne,
Perth, Sydney. * Denotes only limited suppliers have
a depot there.
Driver's Requirement
Do I need a special license?
Your full standard drivers license 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 license as well.
Driver's license
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 license is required. If the driver's
license is not in the English language (e.g. German,
French, Chinese, etc) then an international driver's
license is also required. The driver's license must
have been held for at least two years and be valid
for the whole length of the rental. The original driver's
license must be shown at time of pick-up when the
driver is present.
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.)
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
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.
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 auxiliary battery, if you flatten
auxiliary battery you will still be able to start
the engine and drive to charge the battery.
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.
How We Quote - How To Book
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 length
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
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
Standard + Bonus 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)
Supplier's All Inclusive Pack (Also known as Bonus
Pack, Premium and VIP Pack)
There are supplier's such as Mighty, 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 (Exclusions always apply) 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.
Why should I choose the Inclusive Package?
Unless you take the Inclusive 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, A 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. Note
Note Windscreen and tyre cover is not included in
budget brands generally speaking such as backpacker
and Cheapa Campa.
Please note supplier's summary of conditions and
rental agreements take precedence over our FAQ section.
There are supplier's such as Mighty, 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 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.
Exchange Rates and Bonds
If you're paying with a overseas credit card the
full bond of $7,500 for example and it's a long rental
of 60 days and the exchange rates changes dramatically
whilst your away then the amount reimbursement of
AUD $7.,500 will be reflected in the reimbursement
AUD $7.,500 back into your own currency.
Supplier's Optional Extras
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.
Supplier's Excess Reduction Policies
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 2.00% and 4.5% on
the amount paid on pickup, including the refundable
bond. The credit Card charge is not refundable. 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.
How To Get A Quote For A Particular Vehicle
I want a free
quote? - example of 2 reputable online sites.
http://www.goholi.com.au/ - Australian based
For rentals 40+ days before travel commences and
when booking Britz, Maui or Mighty $100 deposit,
then at 35 days they will take a 10%-20%-25% deposit
(see quote) of the daily basic rentals or premium
pack and pay the supplier. At pickup the rentor will
pay to the supplier's staff any balance (including
extras, oneway fee, Broome or location fee, bonds)
at the pickup depot.
For rentals 40-60+ days before travel commences and
when booking Star RV, Apollo, Cheapa $200
deposit, then at 35 days they will take a 10%-20%-25%
deposit (see quote) of the daily basic rentals or
premium pack and pay the supplier. At pickup the rentor
will pay to the supplier's staff any balance (including
extras, oneway fee, Broome or location fee, bonds)
at the pickup depot.
http://www.australia4wdrentals.com/
- Australian based
For rentals 40-60+ days before travel commences and
when booking Britz, Maui or Mighty $100 deposit,
then at 35 days they will take the balance of the
daily basic rental or Inclusive pack and pay the supplier
and you the rentor will pay the balance (including
extras, oneway fee, Broome or location fee, bonds)
at pickup to the supplier's staff at the pickup depot.
For rentals 40-60+ days before travel commences and
when booking Star RV, Apollo, Cheapa $200,
then at 35 days they will take the balance of the
daily basic rental or Inclusive pack and pay the supplier
and you the rentor will pay the balance (including
extras, oneway fee, Broome or location fee, bonds)
at pickup to the supplier's staff at the pickup depot.
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 really 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 a lengthy quote but that's great
because you get clear and informative details to base
your decision on for a vehicle for your next holiday
let's 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
therefore is based on case by case as some quotes
will be very easy to assist with and some much harder.
Example of a Britz Hitop - Breakdown at http://www.australia4wdrentals.com/
|
Standard |
Liability
Reduction Option 1 |
Liability
Reduction Option 2 |
Britz
Bonus Pack |
Basic
daily rental
AU$7,500 is debited to the hirers credit card
when the vehicle is collected. |
336.00 |
336.00 |
336.00 |
336.00 |
Britz
Bonus Pack
AU$220 is taken as an imprint to the hirers credit
card when the vehicle is collected. |
|
|
|
390.00 |
TOTAL
BASIC RENTAL
Amount to be paid to agent |
336.00 |
336.00 |
336.00 |
726.00 |
Liability
Reduction Option 1
AU$2,500 is debited to the hirers credit card
when the vehicle is collected. |
|
174.00 |
|
|
Liability
Reduction Option 2
AU$220 is taken as an imprint to the hirers credit
card when the vehicle is collected. |
|
|
270.00 |
|
TOTAL
PAY AT PICK-UP
Amount to be paid to supplier upon collection
of vehicle |
|
174.00 |
270.00 |
|
TOTAL
FULL RENTAL
Full rental amount including all applicable taxes,
surcharges and fees |
336.00 |
510.00 |
606.00 |
726.00 |
| AVERAGE
BASIC DAILY RENTAL |
56.00 |
56.00 |
56.00 |
121.00 |
| AVERAGE
FULL DAILY RENTAL |
56.00 |
85.00 |
101.00 |
121.00 |
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 small deposit for http://www.australia4wdrentals.com/
for rentals 40+ days out from travel.
Now for the good news to actually book one of these
business or holiday rentals you only need to place
a zero or small deposit for http://www.goholi.com.au/
for rentals 40+ days out from travel. (At goholi it's
zero for the THL group)
So when you arrive 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 36-45 days out from the requested
pickup and travel date then we may request full price
at booking. Please note: The above sites do not sit
on funds we pay our policy is to suppliers immediately.
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 with 18 years
of history.
The Vehicles - Support
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.
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.
What if we have an accident in our campervan?
Any accident must be reported within immediately
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
There will be no refund for early termination of
a rental or Hire Agreement.
Cancellations, Amendments and Terms
Cancellations
All suppliers have different cancellation fees:
Therefore we use that suppliers cancellation policy
when quoting the same suppliers rental vehicles. The
agents security deposit is not refundable though it
can be credited to another security deposit that Goholi
or A4WDR books for you in 6 months with the same supplier.
As it can take on average around 8-12 hours to quote,
book, ticket and supply constant feedback on a booking.
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 have $250 cancellations fees no matter
what and amendment fees. This is clearly stated on
your quote.
Amendments
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 may
have have amendment fees which is out of our control
and we must collect payment for them. This is clearly
stated on your quote.
Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rental Terms
http://www.australia4wheeldriverentals.com/A4WDRVehiclesTerms.pdf
Please Tell Me About Travel insurance
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that
you take out your own Personal Injury Travel Insurance
(Including cancellation insurance for all reasons).
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 Reduction.
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 to $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.
The
rental company 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 occurred
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 credit 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.
Please also note if your providinga bond of let's
say $7,500 on a overseas credit card and it's a long
rental and during this time the Australian dollars
fluctuates then this will be reflects when your bond
is returned and this clause is standard in terms.
