Hertz - Questions about renting in Australia...

Going to BNE in Jan 2006, had a few questions about renting with Hertz...

1. Any other makes/models of cars offered besides the website list? I'm looking specifically at the midsize (Camry) or fullsize (Falcon) classes, so was wondering what else I may get from those classes...

2. Is President's Circle recognized, and how is BNE usually with upgrades/etc.?

3. Do I need the excess reduction, or do credit cards/etc. usually take care of that? I'll likely be using my Amex corporate card (once I get the go-ahead to use it for this rental, even though it's personal).

Finally, does anyone have any PC or specials for Australian rentals? Couldn't find anything that's current through a search... :(

Thanks for your help! ^

In the fullsize, you might get a Nissan Maxima though in all likelihood you will get a Falcon. I am not aware of anything else in the Group C set other than the Camry

As a presidents circle member I have always received my upgrade with no issues at all major locaions in Australia. If you book a Full Size (Group D), you will receive a Fairlane (group F).

As far as excess reduction goes, it depends on whether you are happy to have an excess amount of AUD2500 when you rent.

Do phone customer service in advance and make sure that your #1 club gold account is set up to provide Gold Service in Australia

Dave

Thanks for the tips! ^

Any ideas of specials or promotions going on for BNE or the Australian market right now? My current rate for a Falcon with excess reduction included is about $400 AUD per week -- is that a pretty good rate?

Thanks for the tips! ^

Any ideas of specials or promotions going on for BNE or the Australian market right now? My current rate for a Falcon with excess reduction included is about $400 AUD per week -- is that a pretty good rate?

What is the excess liability amount remaining ?

The full excess reduction is around $23 per day , so that would mean that you are only paying around $34 a day for the rental. For a group D booking that is pretty decent I would say

If you have used no CDP number, then the QF frequent flyer CDP number ( 297302 ) will give a few percent off of the booking

Dave

Why is it that a Camry is mid-size in Oz but full-size in the US?

Slightly related to this; I have been told by 2 location managers now that Hertz AU is phasing out its prestige fleet and by around Jan, the Fairlane will be the highest category vehicle in Oz so no more BMWs and Jags to rent.

Dave

Check your credit card for insurance coverage. Australia is one of several countries routinely excluded from the standard excess coverage.

Slightly related to this; I have been told by 2 location managers now that Hertz AU is phasing out its prestige fleet and by around Jan, the Fairlane will be the highest category vehicle in Oz so no more BMWs and Jags to rent.

Too bad -- I was looking to refine my negotiating skills on another continent, and hopefully snag up a 525i at a cheaper rate in the process. :( :D

I'll probably have to give the BNE location a call, since the amount of excess reduction is not mentioned in my reservation (though the fee is $20/day), and it mentions an age surcharge (I'm under 25, but in the US, my corporate CDP waives any underage fees).

Too bad -- I was looking to refine my negotiating skills on another continent, and hopefully snag up a 525i at a cheaper rate in the process. :( :D

I'll probably have to give the BNE location a call, since the amount of excess reduction is not mentioned in my reservation (though the fee is $20/day), and it mentions an age surcharge (I'm under 25, but in the US, my corporate CDP waives any underage fees).

If you haven't taken excess reduction, then the excess is AUD2500;
if you take the Accident Excess Reduction then it reduces to AUD300
If you take AER Plus then it reduces to zero

The age surcharge for 21-24 is AUD16.50 and those in that age range are restricted to driving cars A,B,H,C,D and the wagon E.

The min age for driving the Fairlane is 25
The min age for driving a 525i is 30

I wouldn't bother phoning the location, they will just send you back to reservations; the locations do not handle reservations

If you are going to be staying in Brissie when you 1st arrive, I would suggest taking the train into the city (AUD10 ) and then renting from the city location when you need a car ... this does save paying a 10.7% surcharge on the rental

Dave

Cool, thanks for all of the info. ^

I completely forgot about possible restrictions -- I went to uni in Brisbane when I was 19, and the few rental car places that would even rent to me usually restricted to a compact or economy car...

Check your credit card for insurance coverage. Australia is one of several countries routinely excluded from the standard excess coverage.

My platinum MC provides the coverage. AmEx does not. Don't know about Visa. Discover obviously isn't an option as they're US-only.

Just to follow-up on the CDP discussion. If my credit card (NWA/US Bank Signature) offers "Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver Program", does this substitute for the AER Plus that Hertz wants about A$25/day?

Just to follow-up on the CDP discussion. If my credit card (NWA/US Bank Signature) offers "Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver Program", does this substitute for the AER Plus that Hertz wants about A$25/day?

Either read the fine print that came with your card or call the card issuer to check. It's not always valid internationally.

Quick question. Next year I will be a Hertz 5*. I will rent once a week domestically Jan-early May. Next summer (well...winter there) I will head to Australia, and need to rent a car in: Brisbane, Alice Springs and Cairns. I see that Hertz has airport locations at all three. How does Hertz compare to the other outlets in Australia (Budget, Avis, EuropCar?...). I will mainly be looking at price when booking as its just me tooling around. And I need an automatic transmission!

Also, it seems as if Australia offers different insurance options than the U.S. does. Would anyone be able to give me a very brief explanation of what they are?

Thanks!

duplicate post

Finally, does anyone have any PC or specials for Australian rentals? Couldn't find anything that's current through a search... :(



Ent books.

Quote PC# 980696 for $50 off a week rental

Quote PC# 980711 for 2 class upgrade.


Insurance you are screwed on I am afraid, the same way we get screwed renting ex USA.

Quick question. Next year I will be a Hertz 5*. I will rent once a week domestically Jan-early May. Next summer (well...winter there) I will head to Australia, and need to rent a car in: Brisbane, Alice Springs and Cairns. I see that Hertz has airport locations at all three. How does Hertz compare to the other outlets in Australia (Budget, Avis, EuropCar?...). I will mainly be looking at price when booking as its just me tooling around. And I need an automatic transmission!

Also, it seems as if Australia offers different insurance options than the U.S. does. Would anyone be able to give me a very brief explanation of what they are?

Thanks!

i've rented from hertz from BNE and CNS a few times and it was pretty simple
and excellent. Cars are right outside fo the terminal.

Rented from both domestic and international airport terminals at BNE.

I think for insurance, you are only liable for $3500AUD (if I recall correctly)
if anything happens.. and I believe that could be covered by your CC.
(AMEX does not offer coverage in AU, but Mastercard does - to the
best of my knowledge)

and I believe liability insurance is by default on the car.

Budget is equally good in Australia.. I've used them in
BNE/CNS/MEL too.

Just book from their australian site.. it might come out lot cheaper.