Frequently Asked Questions

Top Car Hire Questions

• What is the $29 deal?

  The famous Abel $29 deal is a simple no frills deal capped with 100km free per day accumulative. Bookings must be made online with a credit card for security bond and payments for the rental paid in cash. It may be hard to believe buts it's real. When our competition advertises a $29 deal quite often it doesn't include fees like premium location fees, rego recovery fees etc etc. At Abel we keep it simple.
  Please Note: $29 deals do not apply on public holidays, School Holidays and Peak Periods.

• Do all the trucks have a tailgate lifter?

  Every Truck in the Abel fleet has a tailgate lifter. This make moving heavy items and breeze, just lower the lifter, load it up, press the raise button and BAM, your goods are raised to the container level. combine this lift with an Abel Trolley and your gear practically moves itself.

• Can I drive a truck with a normal car licence?

  The beauty of Abel truck hire is that anyone can use our vehicles. All you need is a regular open drivers licence, credit card and and be at least 25 years of age. All of our trucks are Automatic so anyone including Grandma can drive.

• What is involved in renting a car

  The Abel rental experience is something that we're particularly proud of. You simply place your booking via the website, phone the reservations centre or visit one of our locations. Once your booking is made all the main driver needs is a credit card in their name with enough funds for the pre authorisation and a drivers licence. The Abel customer service officer will walk you through the rental agreement and options available. Once the rental agreement is signed we will walk around and check the vehicle for damage and you're on the road! Once you return we check the vehicle is the same as it went out and we're done. Easy.

• Do I need a Credit Card?

  Yes, a credit card is required to rent a vehicle from Abel for the security bond. The main driver of the vehicle must also be the credit card holder. In circumstances where the credit card holder is not the licenced driver, a letter of authority must be filled prior to the rental being processed. Please contact your nearest branch for more information. Please Note: Special Conditions apply for Visa and Mastercard Debit cards, please see in store for more information.

• What is the bond / pre authorisation and how long is held for?

  The bond (which is $250 for all cars and utes and $350 for commercial trucks) is required for every rental is not held by Abel. It's simply verification to us that there are funds available and the credit card is legitimate. The amount is held by your bank and is released depending on their release schedule. Abel is never in control of the location or the release of these funds. The time frame is usually around the 7 days mark. Please Note: Special Conditions apply for Visa and Mastercard Debit cards, please see in store for more information.

General

• Does Abel hire baby seats?

  Yes, Abel Rent a Car does hire baby seats. See in store for details...

• How does the toll system work?

  Your Abel rental vehicle is not fitted with a toll tag and you will be responsible for the payment of any tolls. Full information is available from the toll web site - govia.com.au - or by calling them on (1 3000 46 842). Please Note: You have three days from the date of going through any toll to pay, either on-line at the above link or by phone. Renters / Credit Card holders are responsible for all fines, infringements, tolls.

• What are Abel Rent a Car's terms and conditions?

  A copy of the Abel Rent A Car Terms & Conditions can be found here.

• Can I tow using an Abel Rent a Car vehicle?

  Abel Rent a Car's vehicles can be used to tow up to their legal limits. Presently, the vehicles that can be used for towing are our fleet of Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi Triton utes.

• Can anyone other than myself drive the vehicle?

  You can drive an Abel vehicle if your name appears on the rental agreement. Additional drivers can be added, a one off surcharge may apply. See in store for more details...

• Can I extend the rental duration?

  Extending the rental duration is possible at time of check out or during the rental itself. You will need to contact or come in person to the nearest location. The extension is subject to vehicle availability and extra payment. Payment must be made and signed on the day of extension either by credit card, or in cash at the location that you hired from. All extensions made on a Friday or Saturday will incur a premium extension fee - any made outside of these days will not incur any additional fees.

• Does Abel Rent a Car offer one-way rentals?

  Yes, within the Brisbane metropolitan area. Drop off fees do apply, please be sure to ask.

• Do I need to check the condition of the vehicle before I leave the Abel Rent a Car location?

  Yes you should, it is the responsibility of the renter to ensure all existing damage is noted down on the Vehicle Quality Control Sheet before you take the vehicle. If you find new damage that is not listed on the vehicle Quality Control Sheet given to you at the time of pick-up, you must inform the Abel Rent a Car location that you picked up from within 30 minutes.

• Can I use another person's credit card to pay for my rental car?

  Other person's credit card may be used provided they are present at the branch at the time of booking.

• Does Abel hire portable GPS units?

  Yes, we do hire GPS units for a small fee. Please ask in store at the time of rental pick-up.

• What should I do if I have an accident or the vehicle breaks down?

  First contact the location the car was rented. Check the inside of your Ready To Go Guide for the required phone number.

• Can I carry pets in an Abel vehicle?

  Yes , If you are travelling with your pets, it is best to contact the location you are renting from to inform them. It is up to each individual location if they allow pets in the vehicles. If it is allowed, please be aware that additional cleaning costs may apply.

• Can I park my own car at an Abel location?

  Unfortunately no, Abel Rent A Car is unable to provide parking for customers vehicles for legal reasons.

Reservations

• If I change my booking details, will the price change?

  Yes it may, Abel will offer you the best rate based on the information provided at time of reservation. In some cases the price may change because you are changing the conditions of your original reservation. If you are unsure or need assistance, you can contact Abel Reservations on 1300 13 14 29, 7 til 7 , 7days a week to enquire as to whether your rate will change.

• Does Abel charge a cancellation fee?

  Yes it may. Cancellation fees are part of the Travel, Airline, Hotel and Rental Industries and Abel in line with its major competitors reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee as described in our terms and conditions.

• How does Abel Rent a Car protect my personal and credit card information online?

  The online reservation service is located on a secure server that guarantees the safety of the transaction. The system uses SSL encrypting technology. SSL works by encrypting all communications between your computer and our server so the information cannot be intercepted. For more about our privacy policy, click here.

• Can I check rates without making a reservation?

  Yes, You may request a quote for car hire and check availability of specific vehicles without making a reservation. Complete only the first page of the rates and reservations process. If you wish to make a reservation at this time and with these details, simply continue to Book Now.

• How will I know my reservation is confirmed?

  At the end of the reservation process, you will receive a Reservation Confirmation page with the reservation number highlighted. You will also receive a confirmation email containing the details of your car hire reservation and collection procedure. Please present a copy of this at the time of pick-up.

• How can I guarantee the make and model of the car I prefer?

  The make and model of our hire vehicles are based upon availability. Upon arrival, please advise the counter representative of your preference. If available, we will be happy to accommodate you. Abel is unable to guarantee the make and model of the vehicle at the time of booking.

• Can I guarantee a specific colour?

  Abel is unable to guarantee the colour at the time of booking.

• Am I able to cancel or modify my reservation once it is confirmed?

  Yes, it is. You will need to go back to the Reservation Page and enter in your Reservation Confirmation Number and email address. This will bring up your existing booking and you will have the option to edit or cancel your booking.

• I have an upgrade certificate: What car do I reserve?

  Abel Rent A Car will honour all free upgrade / other promotions as long as the voucher is handed to the rental Representative at time of hire and is subject to availability of vehicles. Abel Rent A Car reserves the right to upgrade up to two hire levels if a vehicle is available. Please note, free upgrade and promotional offers not available during school holidays or festive seasons. Terms and Conditions apply.

Restrictions / Requirements

• What age do I have to be to rent a vehicle?

  The minimum age for all drivers is 21. Drivers aged 21 to 24 are restricted to the types of vehicles they can hire but can purchase the liability waiver. All drivers under the age of 25 are subject to an age surcharge.

• Do I need to have an International Drivers Licence?

  If you will be driving for a period that is longer than three (3) months and you have an International Drivers Licence, it will be honoured by Australian law, however a current copy of your passport is required. If you plan to stay in Australia for more than three months and intend to drive for that period, you are required to obtain an International Drivers Permit.

• What do I need to bring with me to the counter to rent a car?

  All drivers of the vehicle will need to be present and provide a current valid open driver's licence and credit card in their own name Visa & Mastercard. Drivers with an overseas licence must provide their country licence and international licence. Also, if you have any discounts, coupons, or corporate/government identification, they must be presented upon arrival.

• Will Abel Rent A Car check my driving record?

  To help control liability and insurance costs, several major car rental companies, including Abel Rent A Car, screen for high-risk drivers. Abel Rent A Car reserves the right to ask potential renter's a variety of questions regarding their personal driving records. Whenever a prospective renter's driving history fails to meet the Abel criteria, the car hire company can deny rental service.

• Can I drive an Abel vehicle off road?

  Unfortunately no, Abel vehicles are not covered to drive off sealed roads. If any damage is caused while on an unsealed road, the renter will be responsible for all costs involved in the accident process.

• Where can I drive the rental vehicle?

  You may drive an Abel Rent A Car vehicle in Queensland (no further north than Cairns), the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Victoria. Presently, Abel Rent A Car vehicles cannot be driven in the Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia or Tasmania if an accident or incident occurs in outside of the authorised regions the renter/ credit card holder will be responsible for all costs.

• What are the requirements to rent and drive a moving truck?

  All of Abel's trucks can be driven on a normal open licence. Anyone renting or driving a truck must be at least 25 years of age.

Deposit, Payment and Pricing

• What credit card can I use?

  Abel Rent A Car accepts MasterCard and Visa credit cards.

• Can I use a Debit Card?

  Debit Cards can be now used for both Rental Payments and Security Bond payments.

• Why do rates differ?

  The costs of vehicles, real estate prices, labor costs and special taxes vary from one area to another. Car hire rates vary between competitors and may also vary depending on when and where you rent. The company's rates may be higher at an airport location and lower at a downtown or suburban location.

• How can I get the best deal?

  That's easy book online www.Abel.com.au Car rental pricing is like airline pricing - if you travel at off-peak times or make or make a reservation seven or more days in advance, you often get a better deal. Also, watch the Deals section on the Abel Rent A Car web site.

• What happens if I return the vehicle late?

  If the vehicle is returned up to an hour late, one-third of the rental rate will be charged. If it is returned greater than two hours late, two-thirds of the rental will be charged. If the vehicle is returned three hours late (or more), then a full day's rental is charged. All coverages and options are charged at the daily rate.

Returning the Vehicle

• What happens if I return the vehicle late?

  If the vehicle is returned up to an hour late, one-third of the rental rate will be charged. If it is returned greater than two hours late, two-thirds of the rental will be charged. If the vehicle is returned three hours late (or more), then a full day's rental is charged. All coverages and options are charged at the daily rate.

• Can I return the vehicle outside the location operating hours?

  Unfortunately No. After hours returns are not available in all Abel locations.

• Why do I have to return my car at a set time?

  Many rates, like weekend specials, are only available during certain time periods. Returning the car after or even before the designated time might affect the rate quoted. Returning the car by the agreed time also helps ensure that all other customers will have their reserved car available upon their arrival.

• What refuelling options do I have?

  Your vehicle will be supplied with a full tank of fuel in most case . We ask that you return your rental vehicle full of fuel, or the renter/hirer/credit card holder will be charged a refueling fee of $2.20 Per Litre inc GST.

• If I pick up a car on Tuesday at noon and return it Wednesday at 4pm, will I be charged for one day or two?

  In Most case car rental rates are based on a 24-hour clock. So in this case, you'd be charged for three extra hours or one additional day, whichever is less. In addition, the charges for optional waivers, optional insurance and surcharges are applied on a 24-hour basis.

• If I want to pick up a car at one location and drop it off at another, does it cost more?

  Unfortunately Yes, in most cases car rental companies may charge renters an extra drop-off fee for cars picked up at one location and returned to another, and sometimes impose a fee for additional mileage. Customers interested in a one-way rental should specifically ask if there are any drop-off fees or charges for additional mileage and what locations are authorised for these type of rental car returns. All charges are subject to final audit by the owner Abel Rent A Car.