Frequently asked questions has been compiled to help with your vehicle hire. If you have any further queries, please don't hesitate to contact us.

General

Does Abel hire baby seats?

Baby seats are coming soon to Abel Rent a Car Brisbane locations... 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 GO VIA (1 3000 46 842).

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?

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 and Mitsubishi Triton utes.

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. Please be aware that there will be an additional charges for additional drivers to be listed on the Rental Agreement, regardless of whether or not the main hirer will be driving. These can be purchased for the following:

  • $5.50 plus fees for Passenger Vehicles per driver, per day.
  • $5.50 plus fees for Commercial vehicles per driver, per day.

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 on the day of extension either by credit card over the phone, or in cash at the location you hired from. Any extensions made on a Friday or Saturday will incur a premium extension fee of $6.05 plus fees - 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 may 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, it is the responsibility of the renter to ensure all existing damage is noted down on the 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 employee for a joint examination immediately.

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.

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

No, you are not able to use another person's credit card for payment or for the rental deposit.

Does Abel hire portable GPS units?

Yes, we do hire GPS units for the small fee of $11.00 a day - be sure to book yours with your Online Reservation. Click here to book.

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.

Can I carry pets in an Abel vehicle?

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?

No, unfortunately Abel Rent A Car is unable to provide parking for customers personal vehicles while they have Abel vehicles on rent.

Reservations

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

Yes, 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 to enquire as to whether your rate will change.

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.

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. 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.

Do we charge cancellation fees?

Abel Rent A Car does not charge any cancellation fee for vehicles that are pre-booked

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.

Optional Coverage

Renter Standard Resposibility/Liability

Collision Damage Liability Waiver
All of our rental vehicles are comprehensively insured.
The renter/hirer credit card holder is given the benefit of this coverage subject to the conditions of the rental agreement.

There is a Standard Multi Vehicle Damage Liability of:

  • Cars - $3300 inc GST + administration charge
  • Trucks - $6600 inc GST + administration charge

This is included with all standard daily rates in the event of an accident with another vehicle.

All Renter liability amounts are payable at the time when returning the vehicle otherwise insurance/claims is voided.

Options to reduce your liability (MVA)
We are able to offer you the option to reduce your Multi Vehicle Damage Liability to the following:

  • Passenger Vehicles - $440 inc GST + administration charge
  • Commercial Vehicles - $660 inc GST + administration charge

by paying a small additional amount a the time of your vehicle rental pickup:

  • Passenger Vehicles - $27.50 a day (1-6 days), $20.00 a day (7-30 days), $16.50 a day (30 days+)
  • Commercial Vehicles - $44.50 a day (Single Vehicle Accidents (SVA) not applicable).

This Collision Damage Liability Waiver ("LDW-MVA") is optional.

Single Vehicle Damage
Abel Rent A Car does not cover any Single Vehicle Accident/Incident Damage.

Renters/Hirers/Credit Card Holders are advised that all rollovers, overhead, undercarriage, water, hail damage, abuse, negligence, offroad/beach driving, windscreen and tyre damage - however caused - is at the hirers risk and is not covered by Any Liability Damage Waivers or insurance - LDW -MVA. Please note that insurance is void if the rental car or vehicle is driven on unsealed roads.

Note: Abel Rent A Car does not sell insurance it simply offers the customer the option to reduce your damage liability in the event of an accident. Only available at the time of rental vehicle pickup.

Administration Charges
The following administration charges will apply to your vehicle rental:

  • $275 inc GST + administration charges is charged for all Single Vehicle & Multi Vehicle Accidents
  • $97.50 inc GST + administration charges is charged for all traffic infringements
  • $47.50 inc GST + administration charges is charged for toll infringements

Can I purchase the excess reduction after I have rented the vehicle? (LDW-MVA)

No, If you declined the liability options at the time of rental, but change your mind, you are able to purchase them during the rental period. If you choose to do this, you need to return to the branch you picked up from so they can complete an inspection on the vehicle. Once inspected and providing no new damage has occurred, the reductions can be added to your rental agreement. Please note that the charges will be backdated to the original pickup date through to the agreed return date. Once purchased, the reduction options cannot be removed from the rental agreement.

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 a age surcharge of $19.50 a day.

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?

No, unfortunately 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 methods of payment does Abel Rent A Car accept?
Abel Rent A Car accepts:
  • Cash
  • Visa card, Mastercard & Eftpos (2.5% fee)

Abel Rent A Car also requires that the main hirer of the vehicle holds a current Visa Card or Mastercard for the security bond.

What is the cost of additional kilometres?

Additional kilometres are charged at 33 cents per km for passenger vehicles and 55 cents per km for trucks/commercial vehicles. + 5.5% administration fees + 2.2% credit card surcharge(s)

Are there an charges for extra drivers?
Please note there will be additional charges for extra drivers to be listed on the rental agreement, regardless of whether or not the main hirer will be driving. These can be purchased for the following:

  • $5.50 plus fees for Passenger Vehicles per driver, per day
  • $5.50 plus fees for Commercial Vehicles per driver, per day

These fees do not apply to rentals of 7 days or more.

What is a security bond?

A security bond is an amount "reserved" on your credit card as security for the vehicle Abel Rent A Car is providing.

How does a security bond work?

When you collect your vehicle, Abel asks the financial institution managing your credit card to "reserve" a certain amount for the bond as a security measure. Provided the vehicle is returned undamaged and no additional charges apply (e.g. fuel, km), this amount is released by the financial institution (not Abel Rent A Car) depending on their release cycle - normally around 7 to 14 business days.

How much is the security bond?

When you pick up your rental vehicle, Abel Rent A Car will "reserve" a certain amount on your credit card as a security bond. For all vehicles, a $100 pre-authorisation applies. Promotional deals security bond may differ depending on the vehicle. Please note that the amount that is "reserved" is never taken from your account and deposited into Abel's account.

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 Vehicle Registration Recovery Fee?

The Vehicle Registration Recovery Fee (VRRF) is $5.50 a day plus fees
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?

No, 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 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.

What credit card can I use?

Abel Rent A Car accepts MasterCard and Visa credit cards.

Can I use a debit card?

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

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.

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.

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?

No. After hours returns are not available.

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. 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 $3.30 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?

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?

Yes, 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.