Tips for Hassle-Free Car Rental in New Zealand

1. Make a reservation at least one week in advance. In summer, rental cars are in high demand and you should book as early as possible.

While booking earlier doesn't always guarantee a price break (during peak travel seasons, for instance), you are more likely to come out ahead. Some rental car companies will offer a discount if you make your reservation online.  It can often be hard to get the car you are after if you leave it too late.

Find out about the rental car operators cancellation policy when you make your reservation. You want to know whether there is a cancellation charge and how much advance notice is required to avoid heavy penalties.  10% of the total hire is a standard amount you might pay if you cancel within 7 days of your hire.

2. Choose a rental car based on rates, vehicle availability and service.

If you're a frequent traveler, you know that the major rental car companies have special programs that qualify repeat customers for discounts, greater choice of cars and faster service. For those who travel only occasionally, however, it's a good idea to compare rates based on the type of car you want (compact, intermediate, people mover) and the location and dates of your trip.

3. Should you buy the rental operator's insurance policies?

Rental car companies have a menu of insurance policies that they would like to sell you. Standard insurance included in the quoted price usually covers damage to a minimal excess.

If you're renting for a couple of days as a business traveler or a few days to a week on holiday, it might be a good idea to reduce the insurance excess. 

4. Put all additional drivers in the rental contract.

Whenever you let someone not included in the rental contract drive the car, you risk voiding the contract.

5. Fuel

Rental companies treat fuel and refueling differently. Make sure you are aware of extra charges should you fail to comply with your contracts stipulation regarding refueling.

6. Inspect the car thoroughly before you leave the rental depot.

Since you could be held responsible for any damage to a rental car (beyond "normal wear-and-tear"), you should take a walk-around the rental car with the rental operator before driving off. Inspect the vehicle for existing dents, scratches and other damage, and make sure that anything you find is noted in the contract.

7. Stick to the contract.

If there are distance restrictions in your contract (and there often are), stay within them in order to avoid post-rental penalties. You should steer clear of any restricted activities, putting snow chains on the tires, towing a trailer, off-roading, transporting people or property for hire.

Some New Zealand roads are off limits for insurance cover.

8. What if the rental car breaks down?

Major companies usually provide roadside assistance or replacement. Look at your contract and ask the rental operator before you leave with the car. The rental operator should include instructions and a toll-free number.

9. What if the rental car gets damaged?

If your rental car is involved in an accident, most companies will require you to come to the rental depot to file an accident report. You are usually required to file a report within a certain amount of time. You will want to get a police report. Check your contract to see when this is required (if you are confident that you were not at fault, it is to your advantage to get a police report). All of this applies as well if your rental car gets vandalized or stolen.

10. Return your vehicle on time.

Since car rental rates run on a 24-hour clock, you will incur extra charges even if you are only an hour late in returning a rental car.  Often you will be charged an hourly rate for the first 5 hours, and then you pay another whole day.
Give the rental operator a call and let them know what has happend.  Your delay may also cause a delay for another customer.