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To help you make the most of your rental with Budget New Zealand, we've compiled a list of some of the most common questions renters need answered. Please review the questions below and click on the links to find the answer to any that interest you.
General
Age Restrictions/Additional Drivers
Returning the Car
Payment and Pricing
Services for the Disabled
Travellers Requiring a Vehicle with Hand Controls
General
Q: How can I guarantee the make and model of the car I prefer?
A: Our make and model are based upon availability. Upon arrival advise the counter representative
of your preference. If available we will be happy to accommodate your preference.
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Q: How can I guarantee a specific colour?
A: The colour of the vehicle is based upon availability. Upon arrival advise the counter representative
of your preference. If available we will be happy to accommodate your preference.
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Q: How can I change or cancel my reservation?
A: You can use this web site to change or cancel a reservation. Simply choose the required
option via the 'Reservations' section of our website.
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Q: What do I need to bring with me to the counter to rent a car?
A: All drivers of the vehicle will need to be present and provide a valid drivers licence and
credit card in their own name. Also, if you have any discounts, coupons, or corporate/government
identification they must be presented upon arrival.
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Q: What services are available to disabled renters?
A: For renters with a specials needs please refer to Services for the Disabled or Travellers requiring a Vehicle with Hand Controls FAQs.
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Q: I have an upgrade certificate, what car do I reserve?
A: All upgrades are subject to availability at the time of rental. Please advise us at the time of booking.
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Q: Is there a charge if I cancel my reservation?
A: There is no charge if reservations are cancelled one day prior to your pickup date.
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Q: Can I use someone else's credit card?
A: For security purposes of the credit card holder all renters and additional drivers must have
a credit card in their own name.
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Q: How do I extend my rental and will it change my rate?
A: To extend your rental, you must contact the location where the car was rented. Any changes in
your rental may change the rate.
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Q: What is the difference between daily, weekly, and weekend rates?
A: Weekly rentals are 7 consecutive days. Weekend leisure rates at most locations start after 12 noon Thursday with a return by 11:59pm Monday. Daily rates apply if the weekly or weekend parameters are not met.
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Q. What should I do if I have an accident or the vehicle breaks down?
A: In the event that a customer has an accident eg damaging the vehicle in any way, they should call the police (dial 111) and get in contact with the closest Budget branch. Obtain the details of all parties involved in the accident.
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Q. What kind of driver license should I have?
A: All drivers must hold a current, non-probationary license. The license may either be New Zealand, or from a renter's country of residence with an English driver license or an international drivers permit.
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Q. Can I take the vehicle across the Cook Strait?
A: Vehicles cannot be taken on the ferry, but may be left at the ferry terminal. Another vehicle can then be collected upon arrival at the opposing ferry terminal.
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Age Restrictions/Additional Drivers
Q: How old do you have to be to rent a car?
A: In New Zealand, most car rental companies require drivers to be over the age of 25. At Budget, drivers must be over the age of 21 and hold a full driver's license when renting a car, minibus or 4WD. If you are aged between 21 -25 years, an under-age surcharge may apply.
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Q: Is there an additional charge if there will be more than one driver?
A: No.
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Q: Will Budget check my driving record?
A: To help control liability and insurance costs, several major car rental companies, including Budget,
screen for high-risk drivers. Budget may ask potential renters a variety of questions regarding their personal driving records.
Whenever a prospective renter's driving history fails to meet a company's established criteria, the company can deny rental service.
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Returning The Car
Q: What refuelling options do I have?
A: Several:
Option One: If you aren't sure how far you'll be driving, but plan to stop for petrol, don't pay Budget in advance for petrol and bring the car back full to avoid any refuelling service charge.
Option Two: If you won't be using a full tank, and don't have time to stop for petrol, pay us only for the petrol you use, based on the renting location's per-litre refuelling service charge. Budget customer service representatives can tell you what the renting location's refuelling service charge is when you pick up the car.
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Q: Why do I have to return my car at a set time?
A: 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-upon time also helps
ensure that all other customers will have their reserved car available upon their arrival.
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Q: If I pick up a car on Tuesday at noon and return it Wednesday at 4 p.m., will I be charged for one day or two?
A: Most car rental rates are based on a 24-hour clock. Extra hours are charged at one third of the daily rate, up until 3 hours, when the rate becomes a full days charge. So in this case, you would be charged for two days. In addition, the charges for optional insurance and surcharges will be applied for either part or full day hires.
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Q: If I want to pick up a car at one location and drop it off at another, does it cost more?
A: 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 such rental car returns.
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Payment and Pricing
Q: Why do rental car companies ask for a credit card?
A: Rental companies need to know that 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 renters.
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Q: Can I use a credit card up front and then pay for the rental with cash when I return the car?
A: Although you present a major credit card at the time of rental, when you return the vehicle, you will be asked if you'd like to keep the rental charges on that
credit card or pay cash.
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Q: What credit card can I use?
A: Most major credit cards including VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Diners and JCB are accepted.
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Q: Can I use a debit card?
A: No, this procedure is not yet effective in Thailand.
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Q: Why do rates differ?
A: Costs of vehicles, real estate prices, labor costs and special taxes vary from one
area to another. Rental rates vary between competitors and may also vary
depending on when and where you rent.
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Q: How can I get the best deal?
A: Car rental pricing is like airline pricing -- if you travel at off-peak times or make a reservation seven or more days in advance, you often
get a better deal. Also, watch the Hot Specials section on the Budget web site.
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