nz rental cars faq's
Here’s a list of the most commonly asked questions about car rental in New Zealand. Have a look as these may help with some of your own questions. If your question is not answered please email us - info@allwaysrental.co.nz.
When should I book my vehicle?
Do you guarantee vehicle type?
Are there any hidden charges in your rates?
What time do you open and close your offices?
What is the minimum number of days that I need to hire a vehicle?
What happens if I cancel my booking, or return the rental car early?
Are my credit card details safe?
Is there a charge for additional drivers?
Is the vehicle insured?
Can I reduce the insurance excess?
Are there any roads I am not insured to drive on?
Do I need snow chains in winter?
Do you hire extra items?
What side of the road do you drive on in New Zealand?
When should I book my vehicle?
For the high season months, it is advisable to book a couple of months ahead and in the low season at least a couple of weeks. If you are not that organised, try us anyway as we often have things change at the last minute.
Do you guarantee vehicle type?
When you make your reservation, please let us know any additional requests you have. All of our cars are automatic. We do not guarantee a specific model within a vehicle category.
Campers are either automatic or manual. If you have a preference please let us know. We cannot guarantee we will be able to meet your request, but we will do our best.
Are there any hidden charges in your rates?
There are NO hidden charges. Tax (GST), standard insurance and unlimited kilometers are included in your daily rate along with extra driver fees, road user charges, all equipment, roadside support service, credit card fees etc.
What time do you open and close your offices?
Open 7 Days.
Monday to Friday 8.00am – 6.00pm
Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm
Pickups outside these times can be arranged for an extra fee.
(Closed Christmas day)
What is the minimum number of days that I need to hire a vehicle?
For one way rentals there is a minimum of 14 days hire, though we are able to offer shorter one-way hires but a relocation fee will apply.
What happens if I cancel my booking, or return the rental car early?
Cars
No charge if a reservation is cancelled up to 20 days in advance.
If cancelled 8-19 days prior then forfeit 25% of gross rental
If cancelled 1- 7 days prior then forfeit 50% of gross rental
If cancelled on day of pick up or no show then forfeit 100% of gross rental
Campers
20% non-refundable deposit is required when making the reservation.
If cancelled 20 – 29 days prior then forfeit 25% of gross rental
If cancelled 8-19 days prior then forfeit 30% of gross rental
If cancelled 1- 7 days prior then forfeit 50% of gross rental
If cancelled on day or pick up or no show then forfeit 100% of gross rental
If the vehicle (car or campervan) is returned early for any reason whatsoever after travel has commenced then no refund is available.
Are my credit card details safe?
Yes. A secure server is used when you are entering your credit card details.
Is there a charge for additional drivers?
No. Our costs include everything.
Is the vehicle insured?
All vehicles come with a standard insurance policy that covers you for any damage to the vehicle and third party and liability cover. There is an excess that applies and in most cases this is NZ$1,500 (depending on your age). Unlike many companies, AllWays Rental do not take the excess from your credit card. We simply require a credit card imprint.
Can I reduce the insurance excess?
Yes, there are vehicle reduction options available which will reduce the excess you are liable for in the case of an accident or other vehicle damage. Please refer to our Insurance page for details.
Are there any roads I am not insured to drive on?
Yes - roads north or Colville Township, roads to Ball Hut Mt Cook, Skippers Canyon in Queenstown and on 90 mile beach.
Do I need snow chains in winter?
Generally you only need snow chains if you are going to be skiing in New Zealand. However, if you are travelling in the middle of winter and bad weather is forecast for an alpine pass that you may be traveling, then it may be handy to have chains. Chains are required by law to travel on the Milford Rd between July and October. We hire snow chains for a one off fee of NZ$30.
Do you hire extra items?
Yes, we do have additional items for hire, such as GPS navigation systems and child seats. Check our Accessories page for details.
What side of the road do you drive on in New Zealand?
In New Zealand we drive on the left hand side of the road. The Land Transport New Zealand website has a page dedicated to informing overseas drivers about New Zealand driving laws. For more information, click on the following link. http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/overseasdrivers/driving-in-nz.html or have a look at our Driving in NZ page.
Get a quick rental quote
With AllWays Car Rental the longer you hire, the lower the daily rate. Please use our 'Quick Quote' panel to get a NZ rental cars online quote now.
