How To Save on Car Rental in Australia
                     How To Save on Car Rental in 
Australia
1
Dealing with car rentals can be quite stressful and it’s 
usually the last thing you want to do after getting off the 
plane. On top of reading all the paperwork involved, 
you can’t help but worry about hidden fees and a 
surprisingly higher-than-booked total cost.
Let’s avoid crashing your budget on car rentals with 
these quick tips!
2
Book Early
Some companies offer early bird discounts when you book ahead. 
You also get more options and alternatives when you search months 
before your trip. When you secure your car rental early, you avoid 
renting at the airport, which is usually frowned upon due to higher 
fees in exchange for quick convenience. Plus, who wants to deal with 
car rental contracts right after a plane ride, right?
However, vacation plans can suddenly change, so it’s best to ask the 
rental company regarding their cancellation rules and fees 
beforehand.
3
Check for Rewards and Discounts
Big car rental companies often have memberships and member rewards 
programs that can offer considerably good discounts on your next rental. Make 
sure you are logged in to your account when booking. Check for the latest 
offers like SUV upgrades, complimentary days, weekend discounts, etc. from 
AVIS, Budget.
It’s also a good idea to check any social media channels of the company to see 
if they have seasonal or limited-time promos for their online followers. Signing 
up for newsletters can also give you updates and news on their offers. Some 
agencies have also implemented app discounts to urge their clientele to use 
their official mobile apps. 
Checking car rental offers and insurances from your credit card company is 
also a good idea. They often have vacation promos that cover airfare, car 
rentals, and even car rental insurance as well.
4
Find Smaller or Local Car Rental Companies
If you find the rates of big and chain car rental companies to be ridiculous, 
and want to help smaller and local car rentals instead, check Google 
Maps for nearby car-for-hire businesses. 
It’s often as easy as using keyword searches like “car rental (name of the 
city)” on Google.
5
Read the Fine Print
No one wants to get hit by surprise charges at the end of your trip. Always be 
thorough when checking the contract handed to you during booking or at the start of 
your rental. 
Things you should check are insurance coverage, cancellation fees, what to do for toll 
fees, accident fees, damage waivers, and fueling rules, to name a few.
6
 Consider Car Rental Alternatives
Have an in-depth view of your itinerary and think about whether renting a car on your 
own is necessary for your trip. 
This highly depends on your destination, but if it turns out your trip doesn’t need you 
to drive solo, some alternatives can help you save on car rentals like car sharing and 
ridesharing. 
Even big car rental companies in Australia, like Hertz, are joining this trend.
7