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Top questions about car hire
 
 
What age do I have to be to rent a vehicle?
Does Abel hire baby seats?
What methods of payment does Abel Rent a Car accept?
What are Abel Rent a Car's terms and conditions?
What is the cost of additional kilometres?
Can I tow using an Abel Rent a Car Vehicle?
What happens if I return the vehicle late?
Can anyone other then myself drive the vehicle?
Can I return the vehicle outside the location operating hours?
Can I extend the rental duration?
Does Abel Rent a Car offer one-way rentals?
Do I need to check the condition of the vehicle before I leave the Abel Rent a Car location?
If I lock my keys in the vehicle, am I covered by Roadside Assistance?
Do we charge cancellation Fees?
Do I need to have an International Drivers Licence?
Can I use another person's credit card to pay for my rental car?
Where can I drive the rental vehicle?
How does Abel Rent a Car protect my personal and credit card information online?
Can I check rates without making a reservation?
How will I know my reservation is confirmed?
How can I guarantee the make and model of the car I prefer?
What do I need to bring with me to the counter to rent a car?
How can I guarantee a specific colour?
Am I able to cancel or modify my reservation once it is confirmed?
I have an upgrade certificate: What car do I reserve?
Can I remove the seats from a minivan?
What should I do if I have an accident or the vehicle breaks down?
Will Abel Rent a Car check my driving record?
Is there an additional charge if there will be more than one driver?
What is a security bond?
How does a security bond work?
What is a Vehicle Registration Recovery Fee?
How much is the security bond?
How much is the Vehicle Registration Recovery Fee?
Why do I have to return my car at a set time?
What refuelling options do I have?
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?
If I want to pick up a car at one location and drop it off at another, does it cost more?
Why do rental car companies ask for a credit card?
Can I use a credit card up front and then pay for the rental with cash when I return the car?
Are there any other payment alternatives?
What credit card can I use?
Can I use a debit card?
Why do rates differ?
How can I get the best deal?
Our list of frequently asked questions has been compiled to help with your car hire. If you have any further queries, please don't hesitate to contact us.

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 and are not able to reduce the standard excess. All drivers under the age of 25 are subject to a daily age surcharge of $16.50 (GST included). 

Does Abel hire baby seats?

Yes, we do hire baby seats and booster seats for a small fee, be sure to book yours with your Online Reservation. Click here to book.

What methods of payment does Abel Rent a Car accept?

Abel Rent a Car accepts cash, EFTPOS and all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Bankcard, American Express and Diners Card. Abel Rent a Car also requires that the main hirer of the vehicle holds a current credit card for the security bond.

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

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

What is the cost of additional kilometres?

Additional kilometres are charged at 22 cents per km.

Can I tow using an Abel Rent a Car Vehicle?

Some of 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 utes.

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 anyone other then myself drive the vehicle?

Nobody can drive an Abel Rent a Car vehicle unless their name appears on the Rental Agreement under the Additional Drivers section. When collecting the vehicle, each driver must be listed on the Rental Agreement and they must present their current driver's licence at the time of collection.

Can I return the vehicle outside the location operating hours?

You may return your vehicle when the Abel Rent a Car location is closed if prior arrangements have been made. The vehicle will remain your responsibility until it has been checked by an Abel Rent a Car representative.

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.

Does Abel Rent a Car offer one-way rentals?

Yes, although we do not presently offer interstate relocations.

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

Yes. 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 employee for a joint examination.

If I lock my keys in the vehicle, am I covered by Roadside Assistance?

No, Roadside Assistance does not cover non-mechanical defects such as, lost keys, keys locked in the vehicle, flat battery due to lights being left on, etc. Costs charged to Abel Rent a Car will be on-charged to the renter.

Do we charge cancellation Fees?

Abel Rent A Car reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee.

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. 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.

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

Yes, you are able to use another person's credit card for payment and deposit providing they are present at time of rental collection and have photo identification.

Where can I drive the rental vehicle?

You may drive an Abel Rent a Car vehicle in Queensland (no further north than Cairns), Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Victoria.
We have offices throughout these states, as well as at the major airports and in the capital cities of Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
Presently, Abel Rent a Car vehicles cannot be driven in the Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania.

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?

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.

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.

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 driver's licence and credit card in their own name. 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.

How can I guarantee a specific colour?

The colour of the hire vehicle is based upon availability. Upon arrival, please advise the counter representative of your preference. If it is available, we will be happy to accommodate you.

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?

All upgrades are subject to availability at the time of rental. You should reserve the smaller vehicle and upgrade at the counter if available.

Can I remove the seats from a minivan?

Seats cannot be removed from a minivan or any other hire vehicle.

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

First, contact the police to complete an accident report, then immediately contact the location the car was rented from. For breakdown service, check the inside of your Ready To Go Guide for the required phone number. If a number is not available, contact the location where the car was rented.

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 may ask potential renters a variety of questions regarding their personal driving records. Whenever a prospective renter's driving history fails to meet a company's established criteria, the car hire company can deny rental service.

Is there an additional charge if there will be more than one driver?

With other car rental companies, there are usually surcharges for additional drivers. However at Abel Rent a Car, we offer this service free of charge for up to a maximum of four drivers.

What is a security bond?

A security bond is a pre-authorisation to your credit card that is used as a form of protection by Abel Rent a Car while you are renting a vehicle.

How does a security bond work?

When you collect your vehicle, Abel will make a pre-authorisation on your credit card for the bond amount as a security measure. Provided the vehicle is returned undamaged and no additional charges apply (e.g. fuel, km), the pre-authorisation is released within 5-7 working days by your financial institution.

What is a Vehicle Registration Recovery Fee?

The Vehicle Registration Recovery Fee (VRRF) is a surcharge to recover the cost of registering a rental vehicle. The VRRF applies to all vehicles and varies from state to state.

How much is the security bond?

When you pick up your hire vehicle, Abel Rent a Car will make a pre-authorisation to your credit card. For trucks, a $330 pre-authorisation applies. For all other vehicles - including our sedans, utes and vans - the amount is $275.
After the vehicle is returned - provided that it is undamaged and no additional charges apply - the security bond will be released within 5-7 working days by your financial institution.

How much is the Vehicle Registration Recovery Fee?

The Vehicle Registration Recovery Fee (VRRF) varies on a state basis. The schedule of fees is as follows:

Cars:
  • Queensland - $3 plus GST per day until a maximum of $21 plus GST is reached.
  • New South Wales - $3 plus GST per day until a maximum of $21 plus GST is reached.
  • Victoria -  $3 plus GST per day until a maximum of $21 plus GST is reached.
Commercial vehicles:
  • Queensland - $3 plus GST per day until a maximum of $21 plus GST is reached.
  • New South Wales - $3 plus GST per day until a maximum of $21 plus GST is reached.
  • Victoria -  $3 plus GST per day until a maximum of $21 plus GST is reached.

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?

  • Option One: Pay in advance for the fuel and bring the car back empty. Abel Rent a Car will fill the car at or sometimes below the current retail pump price. Regardless of how much fuel is left in the tank, credits will not be given for unused petrol.
  • Option Two: If you aren't sure how far you'll be driving but plan to stop for petrol, don't pay Abel Rent a Car in advance for petrol and bring the car back full to avoid any refuelling service charge.
  • Option Three: If you won't be using a full tank and don't have time to stop for petrol, pay us only for the petrol you use, based on the renting location's per-litre refuelling service charge. Abel Rent a Car customer service representatives can tell you what the renting location's refuelling service charge is when you pick up your hire car.

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?

Most 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?

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.

Why do rental car companies ask for a credit card?

Rental companies need to know their renters are credit-worthy to minimise vehicle damage and losses. Credit cards and valid drivers' licences usually provide the only information we have about our customers.

Can I use a credit card up front and then pay for the rental with cash when I return the car?

Although you present a major credit card at the time of rental, when you return the vehicle, you are unable to change the form of payment method in which you chose to use when you collected your hire car. However you may certainly pay for additions (e.g. rental extensions, fuel, km) by other forms of payment.

Are there any other payment alternatives?

Your travel agent can sell you a prepaid voucher that you can use to pay for rentals at various locations within Australia. In some cases vouchers do not cover taxes, surcharges, additional coverage, extra days, upgrades, etc. Therefore, you should carefully read the voucher information to understand exactly what is included. You may also be asked to show a credit card as well as a valid driver's licence even though you have a voucher.

What credit card can I use?

Most major credit cards are accepted.

Can I use a debit card?

Yes, if it has the MasterCard or Visa emblem/logo.

Why do rates differ?

The costs of vehicles, real estate prices, labour 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. We have offices throughout Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

How can I get the best deal?

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.