Hiring a car or moped

Thinking about hiring a car or moped to get around at Schoolies?

Here's a few tips that could save you both trouble and $$$$.

Read the contract and inspect the vehicle carefully

• Check the vehicle closely and make sure any dings, scratches or other damage are noted on the contract or inspection report.
• Read the hire agreement's terms and conditions carefully (a good idea is to read these on the web before you leave) and make sure you understand your obligations before you sign. The terms should be legible and clear. Don't sign if there is anything you don't understand or agree with.
• Shop around! You might find a cheaper and fairer deal elsewhere.

If you have an accident in a rental car

• Rental car operators usually offer policies that allow you to limit what you have to pay if you have an accident in a rental car. These policies are not like insurance policies you buy for a private car.
• Check how much you would have to pay for a damage reduction policy.
• Beware that there are some types of damage, for example under-carriage damage, for which you will always have to pay even if you are not at fault and even if you have purchased a damage reduction policy.
• If you are in any doubt about what sort of damage you will be responsible for and how much you may have to pay, ask the operator to explain the contract to you.
• Driving while intoxicated or in breach of the terms of your licence or learner's permit could render the damage reduction policy void.

Repairs

• Check who is responsible for mechanical repairs. Contracts shouldn't require you to acknowledge the mechanical condition of a vehicle.
• Keep an eye on the temperature gauge and oil light. If a mechanical problem arises, stop using the vehicle as soon as possible and contact the hire agency. If you ignore the problem and continue using the vehicle, you could be held responsible for later problems.

Fees, limitations, and other things to watch out for

• Know what fees and charges apply. Is an extra fee payable if you return it late?
• Find out where you can and cannot drive. With mopeds, sometimes the area where you're allowed to go can be fixed, or the number of kilometres limited.
• Check who is eligible to drive the vehicle - it could be restricted.
• If you pay a deposit on a vehicle rental contract that does not go ahead, you may be entitled to a refund. In some cases this applies even if the contract was terminated by you.
• In Queensland, if you and a few friends hire a number of mopeds together, make sure each of you enters a separate hire agreement with the hirer. Don't sign one agreement as a group, you don't want all your deposits to be kept on account of damage to only one moped.