This page aims to help answer your questions immediately as email replies may take up to 24hrs or longer over weekends. You are able to obtain an instant quote and booking opportunity from our website.
If the question you have is not answered by the FAQ then please send the reservations department an email from our contact us page.
What do you think I should know about car hire?
Find out more by downloading a free eBook, 21 Car Hire Pitfalls. This document will cover the questions you forgot to ask.
Is my credit card charged at the time of booking?
No, your credit card is not charged at the time of booking, however it is used as a guarantee that you will pickup the vehicle. You can cancel at any time prior to pickup with no fees.
Do I need a credit card to book a car?
Yes, you will need a credit card to pay the rental and provide a security bond with the name of the driver on it. If you personally do not have a credit card but can get someone to go to the depot to pickup the car that does have a credit card, they can be the main driver and you can sign as an additional driver.
How old do I need to be to hire a vehicle?
A minimum age of 21 years at the time of pickup applies to most companies, however the vehicle type is limited. Drivers under 25 will incur a daily surcharge and in some cases you will not be permitted to reduce your excess if you are under 23. Hertz for example do not allow anyone under 25 to hire any of their vehicles, but the system will display the available companies based on the age selected on the front screen and all will display their surcharge in the quote on step 3.
How do I add an additional driver?
Additional drivers must present their drivers licence to any of the respective branches prior to driving the vehicle.
Will I be charged for failing to show up?
Yes, you need to cancel any booking prior to pick up or you will be charged a cancellation fee. So even if it is on the day of pickup its ok to cancel.
What happens if I receive a speeding fine or parking fine?
The company you hire from will charge an administration fee on top of the fine or they may supply your information to law enforcement agencies, who will in turn issue a fine to your postal address, and they will still charge a service fee.
We advise if you live overseas that you pay any fines you receive before leaving the country. (If you are aware of them) Failure to pay fines received in New Zealand may result in refusal of a hire car, refusal of entry or cancellation of a visa on a return visit.
Can I get a baby seat for my newborn?
Budget cannot accomodate seats for newborns, only forward facing seats suitable for 6 months upwards. The other car companies can provide rear facing seats.
Can I get an instant quote and book now?
Yes, just enter your rental details on the home page . Rates are automatically and instantly calculated for all car hire companies and will include any applicable one way surcharges, age surcharges, airport taxes for that particular depot.
How do I view my voucher?
Your voucher can be viewed by clicking the retrieve voucher link in the left menu and entering either your confirmation number or your email address. If your email address is correct then a list of your bookings will be displayed and you may select the one that is relevant to you. If your confirmation number is correct your voucher will be displayed automatically.
Do you have images of the vehicles?
Yes, on the left hand menu bar you can click different categories to see full range of vehicles offered by all the car rental companies.
Do I get a discount for multiple bookings?
No, there is no further discount, the rates shown on this website are already discounted web rates.
Can I reduce my excess or collision damage payments?
Yes, you can reduce your excess or liability in case of an accident when you pickup your vehicle at the depot. There is no need to advise us at this stage.
What Drivers Licence requirements do you need?
The driver must carry a full drivers licence from their home country, if not in English a valid international drivers licence must accompany the original licence. This cannot be probationary or a photocopy, as long as the normal licence is valid and in English it will be accepted in New Zealand.
