Hire Car Rules by Company
Compare the actual rental agreement before paying, because driver rules, toll processing, ferry permission, unsealed roads and one-way returns are separate decisions. For example, Hertz requires prior permission for ferry travel and prohibits unsealed roads with narrow exceptions, while Avis and Budget set up Linkt toll accounts. Ask the pickup branch before taking a car onto a ferry.
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Key facts
- Avis authorised drivers
- Only people named on the rental agreement may drive
- Hertz ferry rule
- Prior permission from Hertz is required before a vehicle travels on a ferry
- Hertz unsealed roads
- Driving on unsealed roads is a prohibited use, except roads under repair and access roads to recognised camping or accommodation grounds
- Hertz different return location
- A one-way fee may apply, and you are told at reservation whether a different return is permitted
- Card at pickup
- Avis and Hertz both require a physical credit or debit card at pickup
- Avis and Budget tolls
- Linkt charges the tolls plus $3.30 for each day a toll road is used
Who may drive the vehicle?
Check the names on the agreement. Avis allows only people whose names are recorded on the rental agreement to drive, so a second person in the car is not automatically an additional driver. Hertz charges an additional driver fee and needs to see each additional driver's licence.
Do company rules allow ferries and unsealed roads?
The route and the contract both matter. Hertz permits vehicles on certain ferries but requires prior permission, and it treats driving on unsealed roads as a prohibited use, with exceptions for roads under repair and access roads to recognised camping or accommodation grounds. Another company may have different terms, so check the booked company.
How do Hertz, Avis and Budget handle tolls?
Hertz charges you for tolls plus a processing fee, unless you buy its Toll Service, which covers the tolls plus a toll service fee. Check the selection at the counter and the rate on your agreement.
Avis and Budget each set up a Linkt rental account automatically when you use a toll road. Linkt charges the tolls plus a $3.30 fee for each day you use a toll road, and takes payment from the card you gave at booking.
Can a Budget car go on the Kangaroo Island ferry?
Budget has a depot at the Kangaroo Island Ferry Terminal, open 8am to 7pm daily. If you are travelling from the mainland, ask the pickup branch for written approval for the vehicle and the crossing; otherwise consider collecting a separate car on the island.
What changes for one-way returns?
A different drop-off should be part of the reservation. Hertz says a one-way fee may apply if you return the car to a different location, and that you are told at reservation whether a different return is permitted and what the fee is.
What is in the price and bond?
Check the total cost, liability and extra costs before signing. Hertz typically reserves an amount on your card at least equal to the estimated charges plus a security bond, and Avis requires a physical card in the renter's name. Read the agreement for the amounts that apply.
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Prices are shown in Australian dollars. Check the pickup point and what the agreement allows on the roads in this guide before you book.
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Questions people ask
Are Australian hire car rules the same for every company?
No. Compare the terms for the company, location and vehicle you book.
Can anyone in my group drive the hire car?
Only drivers named on the agreement. Avis allows only people recorded on the rental agreement to drive.
Can a Hertz hire car go on a ferry?
Hertz permits vehicles on certain ferries, but you need its permission first.
Do one-way rentals always cost extra?
Not always. A one-way fee may apply, and Hertz advises the fee at reservation.
How are Hertz Australia toll charges handled?
Hertz charges tolls plus a processing fee, unless you buy Hertz Toll Service, which covers the tolls plus a toll service fee.
How do Avis and Budget toll charges work?
Both set up a Linkt rental account, and Linkt charges the tolls plus $3.30 for each day you use a toll road.
Can I put a mainland Budget car on the Kangaroo Island ferry?
Ask the pickup branch about the specific crossing before booking, and get approval in writing.