Planning to rent a car in Auckland? Look no further, this blog is dedicated to providing a comprehensive guide for renting a car. But before we jump straight into it, let's quickly discuss why you should rent a car in Auckland. This metropolitan city is a lively and adventurous place with tons of attractions to visit. Whether you are cruising through the city center visiting Maori museums and art galleries or planning a relaxing getaway in the exquisite outskirts, road-tripping is probably the best way to explore this city.
First things first, choosing a reputable company is a primary step in ensuring a trouble-free car rental experience. Renting a car can easily turn into a bad experience, for instance, you can get scammed in the name of amenities and insurance coverage if you don't know exactly what they are and what's their purpose . Carry out detailed research of all the available car rental options and shortlist them depending on their reviews and reputation. Some of the best car hire services in Auckland include companies like Speedy Car Rentals, which you can check out after reading this guide.
After finding a reliable car rental company, don't make your reservation straightaway. Review all the driving and documentation requirements to see if they are convenient for you. While the legal driving age in New Zealand starts from 16, most rental agencies require drivers to be over 25 years old. However, if you are unable to fit into this category, you can still book a car but with a surcharge. Additionally, check out all the required documents so you can bring them when picking up your vehicle.
One more thing you need to review before making a reservation is the insurance policy of your selected service. Most car rental agencies make it compulsory for customers to choose an insurance plan, so they can compensate for the damage if something happens to the vehicle. And while we do recommend getting insurance coverage, we understand that it can surge your travel expenses. Companies like Speedy Rentals, have flexible car insurance plans that you can pay for without breaking your bank.
Once you have done your research and reassured yourself, we suggest that you reserve your rental car either by filling out an online form or through a phone call. Pre-booking vehicles can be favorable for a few reasons. Firstly, you can secure the best rental deal that matches your itinerary and budget. In other words, you can select the most ideal and cost-effective car without worrying about it being unavailable by the time you reach the depot.
Secondly, you can save your traveling time by booking online. Unlike in-person car rental, where you have to spend a long time selecting the car and negotiating the contract, pre-booking allows you to pick your vehicle right away.
When making your car rental reservation, choose your pick-and-drop location wisely. If you are planning to explore Auckland right after your arrival, select a branch that is situated close to the airport. However, keep in mind that airport rental branches may cost more than other locations because of the ease and convenience they provide. So if you are looking for ways to lower your travel expenses, it's better to go with the unusual depot locations.
This is by far the most important step in ensuring a smooth and pleasant car rental experience. No matter what, always go through the agreement contract, even if you have read the rules online. Not all but some car rental companies try to rip off their customers by being vague about their terms and conditions. By attentively reviewing the rental contract, you can ensure that you agree with all the policies and if not you can negotiate with the staff. This way you can potentially avoid any violation leading to penalties.
Last but not least, always scrutinize your rented car before departing from the company. Carefully check the condition of the car and see if it has any minor scratches or dents, as they can result in hefty fines. If you find any damage, bring it to the staff's notice and to be even more responsible take some pictures of the car. Moreover, check the interior of the car too, and inspect whether the seats and accessories are free from any flaws so you aren't held accountable for any pre-made damage.
Here are some bonus tips for renting a car in Auckland City:
Auckland has a lot to offer to its visitors. From memorial museums to art galleries to botanic parks, this city is full of attractions and adventures. Thus, we recommend you to book a car that is fuel-efficient and has good mileage, so you can move through the city seamlessly.
Driving in Auckland is a pretty easy task. You don't need any specific add-ons to make your ride smoother or better. So if you prefer, you can readily skip extras such as GPS system, additional cameras, radio, etc.
When you rent a car, try to follow all the rules and conditions, otherwise penalties can easily fluctuate your bill. Make sure to maintain the vehicle's condition and avoid violating regulations such as letting any unauthorized person drive the rented car.
Most agencies require renters to return the vehicle with a full tank as they offer it with a full fuel. Always make sure to refill the fuel when dropping the car back to the company, or else you’ll have to pay a refueling fee. Also, always keep the refuel receipts with you in case you are asked to provide proof.
Finally, to make your Auckland trip free from any stress or hassle, choose Speedy Rentals as your go-to car hire service. From its widespread locations throughout Auckland to its diverse fleet of vehicles, it provides unmatched flexibility and convenience. Not only this, when partnering with Speedy Rentals you can rest assured that you won't have to pay any uninformed fees and you are covered if any accident happens.
