FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

We here at www.australia4wheeldriverentals.com are part of the Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals group of sites a Licensed Australian Travel Agent based in Darwin Northern Territory.

Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals will assist with your booking of a rental vehicle for your holiday or trip. We have stringent 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 and others from a list of over 20 suppliers we have. Please note supplier's summary of conditions and rental agreements take precedence over our FAQ section.

Read here for the extensive review on about us and comments by our clients about us.

We here at www.australia4wheeldriverentals.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. Though note we do cater more for newer vehicles than older vehicles.

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 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 relevant specials.

As we are experienced in each supplier's conditions we are able to judge the better choice for a vehicle to the match the route.

As we are members of our area relevant tourism association and local area discussion groups we become aware of road conditions of our major routes most commonly booked and if we are not up to speed on a route we will try to research for you.

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 a booking fee with a quote for any supplier, (Except one minor supplier whom we charge a small booking fee and state that very clearly)

Each Supplier is responsible for notifying inventory levels to Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals. Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals does not accept any liability for unavailability of vehicles caused by the Supplier over-selling its own vehicle inventory.

Yes. When submitting your booking request you enter your credit card details. This is a secure site.

Yes. For alternative payment options please email us directly and we can outline the best option for your situation.

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

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. 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. Child seat restraint laws are strictly ahered too.

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 (Schoold 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$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 enquire at the Visitor's Information Centre, Council Office or Police Station in the nearest town. Always ahere to safatye guidelines and common sense please.

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 $1.85 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.

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.

The main pickup and dropoff depots are as follows:
Adelaide, *Alice Springs, Brisbane, *Broome, Cairns, Darwin, *Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney.

* Denotes only limited suppliers have a depot there.

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.

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.)

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

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.

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.

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 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 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)

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 (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.

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 Windscreena dn 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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 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 therefore is based on case by case as some quotes will be very easy to assist with and some much harder.

Now for the good news to actually book one of these business or holiday rentals you only need to place a $200 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 36-45 days away from the requested pickup and travel date then we may request full price at booking.

Please note: We do not sit on funds we pay our 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, $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 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.

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 affiliation some of these links. Please note Our company is not responsible for the contents of any link sites and is offered in good faith 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 convenience (which is usually 24 hours notice).