Renting a car is quite common a metropolitan city like Melbourne. It is super convenient, flexible and accessible for travelling, exploring new places, airport transfers, etc. Visitors can hire a spacious car from a reliable company to discover the beauty of the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island and Yarra Valley without relying much on public transport and other expensive options. There is no denying that car rentals offer cost-effective options for tourists and travellers seeking privacy and comfort. You can even hire luxury car to make a grand entry in your wedding. Isn’t it amazing?
However, many renters end up paying more than the expected price due to hidden fees. From unwanted surcharges to useless add-ons, shady companies can lure customers, leading to financial fraud and scams.
Today, we are sharing best hacks to understand common hidden fees and prevent them to save money when renting a car in Melbourne.
1. Read the Agreement Carefully
Most people don’t read the rent agreement when hiring a luxury car. An agreement is a legal document, consisting of key responsibilities, terms and conditions and pricing policy. Here a few things to consider:
- Look for additional charges like late return fees, etc
- Review mileage restrictions
- Penalties related to insurance, fuel policies, etc.
It is always good to ask the car rental company about potential issues before signing the agreement.
2. Avoid Airport Rent Locations
Of course renting a car directly from an airport is convenient, but it often leads to higher fees and surcharges. Many even charge extra taxes and local fees in the middle of your journey. To avoid hidden fees, you can book a rental car in advance for an affordable airport transfers. Compare three written quotes and check customer reviews before making the final decision.
3. Refer to the Fuel Policy
Fuel charges can be one of the most expensive hidden fees if you’re not careful. Rental companies often have different fuel policies, including:
- Full-to-Full – You pick up the car with a full tank and must return it full to avoid refueling charges.
- Full-to-Empty – You pay for a full tank upfront but don’t get refunded for unused fuel.
- Prepaid Fuel – The company refuels the car, but at a much higher price than local gas stations.
It is good to opt for Full-to-Full, as long as you remember to refuel before returning the car. This is the best option when hiring a wedding car to make your special occasion memorable.
4. Watch Out for Add-ons
Did you know many car rental companies upsell extra like child seats, GPS navigation and Wi-Fi hotspots to inflate the final pricing? These add-ons may cost you more than buying your own car. It is good to clear all your doubts related to add-ons. If they charge extra, then use your phone for GPS navigation, bring your own child seat and use your mobile data instead of Wi-Fi services.
5. Early Booking to Avoid Late Fees
Returning the car late, even by an hour, can result in a full extra day’s charge. Many rental companies have strict return policies, and fees for late returns can be surprisingly high. So, check the return time and plan accordingly. Also, return during business hours to avoid after-hours drop-off fees.
Wrapping Up
These are some of the best hacks to help you avoid hidden fees or additional charges when renting a luxury car in Melbourne. A thorough research early and choosing the right company can save you time and money.
