Terms and Conditions: Rentals

Online Bookings

All online quotes / bookings require a minimum of 10 days - for less days (min. 5 days) please contact us directly or fill out one of our rental enquiry forms. Please be aware over X-mas, New Years Eve & Easter different minimum rental days apply.

IMPORTANT CREDIT CARD BOND INFORMATION

When the bond is pre-authorised, no money is physically deducted from your credit card, the funds are frozen for a period of approximately 14 days and then automatically released back to you.  For the zero bond option, we will only take an imprint of the credit card.

rental enquiry form

Part B - Rental Terms and Conditions

Valid from the 11^th December 2012 and supersedes all other provisions, warranties, terms and conditions

This document contains a summary of our rental conditions. The full details of our rental contract (Part A) do apply. You are obliged to read this document thoroughly and ask for clarification of any points you do not understand.

Definitions

“This Agreement” means the Rental Agreement (Part A) and these Terms and Conditions (Part B).  “Hirer” means the person or persons nominated as the hirer and any person whose credit card is presented for payment or is otherwise responsible for payment of the rental or the security bond.  “Vehicle” means the initial vehicle and any replacement vehicle hired by the hirer and includes all equipment, accessories, tyres, tools or any additional hire items.

Vehicle Pick-ups and Drop-offs

Vehicle pick ups are available anytime between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday to Friday, and between 9 am to 12 pm on Saturdays. Vehicle drop offs must be before 3:00 pm Monday to Friday and before 12:30 pm Saturday. No pick ups or drop offs are allowed on Sundays and public holidays.   

Branch Trading Hours (not pickup and drop-off times)

CLOSED Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and Good Friday

*Please note that Melbourne and Darwin branches are subject to shortened low season opening hours. These hours are 1000 to 1600 weekdays and closed Saturday and Sunday. Low season in Melbourne is from June 16 to September 16 and in Darwin is from December 15 to March 15.

Freecall 1800 674 374 customer assistance line

Please note when calling from Western Australia that we operate on Eastern Standard Time and Summer Eastern Standard Time.                                                                      

Rental Period

For all vehicles except compact cars, day one of the rental period is the day of pick up, regardless of the time, and the day the vehicle is returned is counted as the final day also regardless of the time. For compact car rentals only, rental days are calculated in 24 hour periods, starting at the time of pick up.

Rental Duration and Kilometres 

The minimum rental period is 3 days for compact cars, 5 days for all other campervans and stationwagons.

All vehicles have unlimited kilometres included in the price. Rates are in Australian Dollars.

One Way Rentals

Vehicles may be rented one way between any of our branches. A one way fee may apply; this fee may vary according to location, seasonality and length of booking. East Coast rentals longer than 28 days will not incur any one way fee.

One way rentals are subject to minimum rental periods. Please refer to the table below. These periods are the recommended minimum length of time required to take these trips enjoyably. Minimum rental periods are subject to change during peak periods

Multiple Rentals

Consecutive rentals can be combined to qualify for a long term discount rate provided travel is within a three month period. If drop off of a vehicle and pick up of a new vehicle occurs on the same day then each will be charged separately per respective rental. Multiple rentals are treated as separate rentals under the one way fee and minimum rental period conditions.

Late Pick up or Early Return

There is no refund for late pick up or early return of a vehicle. Hirers are charged for the length of time booked, not the actual time used. We strongly recommend that all hirers take out their own premium travel insurance, in the event a hirer, for reasons of their own, needs to return a vehicle earlier than expected.

Late Returns

A 59 minute grace period applies to all rentals. Additional hours charged at 1/3 daily rate to a maximum of three hours, beyond which another full day will be charged. Vehicles overdue may incur a $250 per day fee and be reported to the police as stolen.   

Rental Period Extensions

If, you, the hirer wish to extend the rental whilst on hire, you must first obtain authorisation from Travellers Autobarn. Please note, a casual conversation on the topic with a Travellers Autobarn staff branch member does not constitute authorisation. Your requested extension is not authorised until expressly approved by Travellers Autobarn CENTRAL RESERVATIONS, and you have nominated a specific date and the extension is paid in full. Calling a day or two before you are due to drop off and requesting an extension may be rejected due to future bookings on your vehicle. Please communicate all extension requests by calling central reservations on 1800 674 374 at the earliest possible opportunity as all requests are subject to availability.

Change of Drop off Location

Any change of return location can only be authorised by Travellers Autobarn Reservations and depends solely on future bookings and availability. The change of drop off location is only approved when the applicable fee is charged of a maximum of $500. An unauthorised change of location drop off will see the hirer responsible for the entire cost of relocating the vehicle to its intended location plus a $500 fee.

Booking Amendments

No refunds will be given for any booking amendments to the rental dates within 14 days of collection (if the length of hire is shortened) and the rental will be charged at the number of days originally booked. A relocation fee may apply if the collection or return location is amended within 14 days of vehicle pick up.

Driver’s Licence

A valid full driver’s licence (state, national or international) is required. If the driver’s licence is not written in English (e.g. German, French, Chinese, etc) then an international driver’s licence will also be required. An accredited English translation will be accepted in lieu of an international driving licence. The original driver’s licence must be shown at time of pick-up when the driver is present. Only those individuals who are named and are signatories to the rental agreement are authorised to drive the vehicle.

Minimum/Maximum Age

The minimum age for all drivers is 18 years old

The maximum age for all drivers is 75 years old

Maximum Number of Passengers

Rental vehicles may only be driven with the legal number of occupants. Driving the vehicle with more than the maximum allowed number of persons voids all liability limitations and coverages and could result in a $250 breach of duty charge or loss of the bond.

Extra Drivers

A fee of $3 per day per extra driver is applicable and payable on pick up. Fees are payable up to a maximum of 25 days, thereafter no fees apply. Up to 5 additional drivers are allowed. All additional drivers must be noted and must sign the Rental Agreement at a Travellers Autobarn branch.

GPS Units

A fee of $7 per day applies for the hire of a GPS unit. Fees are payable up to a maximum of 20 days, thereafter no fees apply (maximum $140).

The hirer will be liable up to a maximum charge of $250 should the GPS unit, mount, charger or carry case be lost, missing or damaged during the rental.  The hirer must also ensure due care is taken with the GPS unit ensuring that it is kept protected and out of sight while the vehicle is unattended.  The hirer must also follow all usage and safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer of the GPS unit and Travellers Autobarn.

Travellers Autobarn is not responsible for any harm, damage, loss or misadventure that occurs as a result of use of the GPS unit.

Living & Camping Kits

All campervans will be supplied with living equipment (such as bedding, cooking equipment, eating utensils, bath and tea towels), 2 and 3 berth campervans for a fee of $45, 4 berth campervans for $75.  4 berth campervans can have equipment for a 5th person added for an additional cost of $25. Stationwagons will be supplied with camping equipment (including tent, cooker, esky, and table and chairs), suitable for 2 persons for a fee of $45.  Extra kits for stationwagons are available on request for a further fee of $45. Camping equipment can only be removed from stationwagons on request.

Maps and Campground Guides

Some maps and tourist guides are available free of charge from pick up branches.  A comprehensive Handy Australian Atlas or ‘Camps’ (free camping guide Australia wide), which also includes an atlas, can be found in every vehicle      

Baby / Booster Seats

Baby seats can be supplied for a fee of $45 for use in compact cars, stationwagons and “Hi5 campervans” ONLY but cannot be fitted into ANY other campervan class. For children aged 4-7 years inclusive, a booster seat can be supplied for a fee of $45 which is suitable for use in all vehicles.

The supply of all child restraints is subject to availability and fitting of the restraints remains the responsibility of the hirer.

Vehicle Consultation

On pick up of the vehicle our staff will provide a complimentary vehicle consultation. This includes an explanation of all the interior and exterior features of the vehicle as well as driving and travelling tips.    

Cleaning Fee

All vehicles must be returned washed, vacuumed and tidy. A minimum fee of $100 will apply if the vehicle is returned in an unsatisfactory condition.

There is no refund for late pick up or early return of vehicle.   

Reservation Deposit

For direct bookings, a minimum deposit of $500 of the total rental charge is required when making a reservation to secure your booking. Bookings are not confirmed until the deposit is received.  If you supply an overseas credit card for payment, transactions will be charged in your home currency if eligible.  If you require the transaction to be charged in AUD please notify us prior to the transaction being processed.

Rental Payment

The full balance due for the rental period is payable upon pick up of the vehicle. Payment can be made by cash, traveller’s cheque, bank cheque, debit or credit card.  If you supply an overseas credit card for payment, transactions will be charged in your home currency if eligible.  If you require the transaction to be charged in AUD please notify us prior to the transaction being processed.

Debit, Credit  and Charge Cards

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club. Visa and Mastercard will incur an additional 2.2% surcharge on any transaction. American Express and Diners Club will incur an additional 5% surcharge on any transaction.

Exchange Rate / Currency Variations

If your overseas debit or credit card has been charged in your home currency, the foreign exchange conversion rate applied is the exchange rate applied by our merchant supplier at the time the transaction is processed. Due to exchange rate fluctuations there could be some variance in the amounts charged or refunded compared to the amount initially charged. We do not accept any liability for variances up or down.

Refunds by debit or credit card can take up to 15 working days depending on the cardholder’s financial institution.

Taxes

10% GST is included in the rental rates.

Traffic Infringements

A non-refundable $75 infringement processing fee will be charged per infringement or toll notice to cover processing costs in relation to any speeding, parking fine, traffic infringement or toll notice.  You agree that we may pass your credit card and any other relevant personal details in relation to the rental of the Vehicle to a third party who is responsible for contacting you directly for all infringements and notices.  All enquires in relation infringements and notices should be forwarded to emailaddress The renter remains liable for the payment of the original fine or toll.                 

Road Restrictions

Unsealed Roads

ALL vehicles may only be driven on sealed roads/bitumen roads or well maintained access roads less than 500 metres long to recognised campgrounds and parking areas. Travel on unsealed roads voids all liability limitations and coverages. The renter is liable for the total cost of any damage to all parties involved whilst travelling, or having travelled, on unsealed roads.

If Travellers Autobarn has reason to believe that these vehicles may have been driven on unsealed roads the vehicle bond will be retained until a complete inspection of the vehicle determines if any damage has occurred. The renter will be liable for any damage found. If it is determined that the vehicle has been off-road but no damage is evident you will still be charged $250 for breach of duty.

Outback Road Restrictions

Travellers Autobarn reserves the right at its sole discretion to restrict vehicle movements in certain areas due to adverse road or weather conditions.

*Note that the same restrictions as above also apply to compact cars.

Island Trips

All Travellers Autobarn vehicles are restricted to mainland Australia (except for Magnetic Island, which is permitted). Trips to islands, including Tasmania and Kangaroo Island are allowed only with prior permission from Travellers Autobarn. All recovery costs from any island are the renters’ responsibility, regardless of cause. (Unauthorised travel will void all liability limitations and coverages. Hirers will also be responsible for all costs associated with the rental, including servicing, breakdown and recovery as well as loss of bond).

24 Hour Road Side Assistance

If the vehicle requires Roadside Assistance (NRMA/RACQ/RACV etc) please call 1300 369 349, select Option 1 and quote the Travellers Autobarn Membership Number 0029071B. If you are driving a CHUBBY call 1800 645 672 & quote the vehicles license plate. Only after Roadside Assistance has assessed the vehicle should you call Travellers Autobarn. Please note that call outs from Roadside Assistance resulting from driver error or non-mechanical issues such as running out of petrol, flat battery resulting from leaving lights/engine on, keys locked in vehicle will result in a charge of $80 to the hirer.

Customer Care On-Road Assistance

Freecall 1800 customer assistance line

Travellers Autobarn provides a FREECALL1800 customer assistance line if you have any questions at all during your rental. The number can be found on the front of your orange wallet and your key ring.

This service operates 0900 to 1800 Monday to Saturday and 1030 to 1500 on Sundays and Public Holidays (Eastern Standard Time and Eastern Daylight Savings Time). Callers from Western Australia need to adjust for a 2-3 hour time difference

Weekend Limited Service

The Weekend FREECALL 1800 customer assistance line is offered as a courtesy to customers who may find themselves in desperate need of our support. On weekends, most support services such as mechanical garages, etc are closed and therefore limited help is available, in any case.

Please restrict weekend calls to the Freecall 1800 customer assistance line to emergency calls only.

If your call relates to servicing, administration, extensions, accounts enquiries, etc or minor mechanical issues please call Monday to Friday 0900 to 1700.

Repairs

Travellers Autobarn vehicles are maintained and serviced to a high standard, however this does not prevent the occasional mechanical malfunction. Minor repairs of a mechanical nature costing less than $50 may be effected without our authorisation and will be reimbursed upon completion of the rental if tax invoices are produced.

If you experience any problems, even minor, we recommend you ring our Sydney office on 1800 674 374 for further assistance and advice. For amounts over $50, Travellers Autobarn must be informed and approve repairs.  We will approve repairs provided the renter was not directly responsible for the damage.  Tax invoices must be submitted or the claim will not be paid. 

In all cases the responsibility of Travellers Autobarn is limited to refunding the time that the vehicle was actually in repair. This can be in the form of a rental extension or refund (the cost of the protection package is not included)   No alternate accommodation, travel costs, or food items will be paid during downtime.  Replacement vehicles will not be supplied. 

Any problems associated with the vehicle, including equipment failure, must be reported to Travellers Autobarn as soon as possible and within 24hrs in order to give Travellers Autobarn the opportunity to rectify the problem.  Failure to do so will compromise any claims as we can not accept liability for any claims submitted after this period

Malfunctions of stereo systems, cabin lights, air-conditioning, fridges, microwaves, sink water pumps etc., are not considered mechanical breakdowns and downtime will not be paid. Towing and retrieval of damaged vehicles is not covered.

Fuel/Fluids

For your convenience the fuel tank is full on pick up and should be returned full by the hirer. The charge for re-filling is $3 per litre (this also includes the additional labour time taken to refill the vehicle).

5,000km Service & Safety Check

A service may be required during your rental. The hirer must consult with Travellers Autobarn at every 5000 km interval from pick up for verification and location, if required. Travellers Autobarn will pay for these services either directly or by reimbursement. If the 5000 km services are not done the hirer may be held responsible for any subsequent breakdown or engine damage.

IMPORTANT – OIL & WATER LEVELS

The hirer/driver is responsible to check, at least daily and maintain all fluid levels and must immediately rectify and report to Travellers Autobarn by calling 1800 674 374 any defect of which you become aware of, however slight.  Topping up a vehicle that is losing water somehow is not rectifying the problem. Rectification means a fit and proper diagnosis and repair. Travellers Autobarn cannot stress enough your responsibility in this regard. Continued operation of the vehicle after a defect has occurred may lead to serious consequential damage to the engine for which you will be held responsible.

IMPORTANT – AVOIDANCE of OVERHEATING

We cannot stress enough the risks of continued driving if your car begins to overheat, or if it has a known cooling system problem of any kind. If your temperature gauge moves in a direction that is a departure from normal, stop immediately, investigate and call Travellers Autobarn on 1800 674 374 . Do NOT wait for it to cool and drive again as you may cause further catastrophic damage to your engine, for which you WILL be held liable. Driving with an inoperative temperature gauge voids all liability limitations and coverages and may result in the hirer being held liable if overheating occurs.

IMPORTANT – WATER CROSSING & CHARGES

If for ANY reason you cross or drive through WATER of any kind, you will be breaching the terms & conditions of this rental agreement. As such, if this results in damage to the vehicle in ANY WAY, you will be fully responsible for the costs. You also give permission for these costs to be taken from the credit card used on the rental to pre authorize the liability level you have selected. If no damage is detected immediately, we reserve the right to have the vehicle inspected at completion of the rental.                                                               

Animals, Pets, Smoking, Candles & Mosquito Coils

Smoking, the carriage of pets or other animals, and/or use of candles or mosquito coils are expressly prohibited. Guide dogs excepted. In the event of a breach of these conditions the rental bond will be retained and used against the cost of having the vehicle professionally cleaned and fumigated. 

Change of Vehicle

We reserve the right to substitute a comparable or superior vehicle at no extra cost where unforeseen circumstances dictate. This shall not constitute a breach of contract and does not entitle renter to any refund. 

Voluntary Downgrade

Should the renter decide to take a lower cost vehicle than booked they will not be entitled to any refund.

Limit of Liability

In the event of no alternative vehicle being available to the renter our liability is limited to a refund of the hire charge or in the case of mechanical failure (unless caused by the renter) the remainder of the hire period.          

The Hirer shall keep Travellers Autobarn indemnified in full against all losses, damages, injury, costs, claims, and expenses (including legal and other professional fees and expenses) suffered or incurred by Travellers Autobarn which are caused or contributed to by:

a) a breach of this Rental Terms and Conditions and Part A by the Hirer;

b) any negligent, reckless, or wilful act or omission of the Hirer (its officers, employees, contractors, agents or any other person for whom the Hirer is vicariously liable).                                                                              

Rental Refusal

Travellers Autobarn reserves the right to refuse any rental at our discretion.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that hirers ensure they take out the highest level of Travel Insurance.

PROTECTION PACKAGE

Personal Injury

The vehicle has compulsory third party personal insurance cover. It is likely that any other vehicle involved in an accident also has third party insurance cover. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the renter may be entitled to claim for their personal injury against the third party insurance of the party responsible for the accident. The extent of such third party insurance varies in different states and territories and Travellers Autobarn strongly recommends that all passengers take out their own Personal Injury Travel Insurance.

If the renter is responsible for the accident, the vehicle’s third party insurance should cover the renter for the liability except where the renter has committed a breach of the vehicle’s third party insurance, e.g. drink driving.

Property Damage

The vehicle is covered for damage to it or damage to the property of a third party. However the renter is responsible up to the amount of the applicable liability for the cost of such damage to third party property, or to the rented vehicle. The renter is also responsible for administration costs and the cost of demurrage for the period the vehicle is unavailable due to repairs. The liability applies in respect of each claim (accident), not per rental. In addition to the liability an administration fee of $190 will be charged per claim (accident)

The liability is applicable regardless of who is at fault and must be paid at the time the accident is reported to Travellers Autobarn, not at the completion of the rental period. In the event of a no-fault accident, Travellers Autobarn will make every attempt to refund to the hirer any costs recovered from the party at fault less a minimum $190 administration fee.

Damage Protection - Security Bond

A VALID VISA OR MASTERCARD CREDIT CARD IS REQUIRED FOR THE SECUIRTY BOND. If you do not have a valid Visa Card or Mastercard please contact us so that we can email you a credit card authorisation form which allows you to use the credit card of a family member.

A security bond is required upon pick-up of the vehicle. The amount of the security bond is determined by the applicable damage protection option you have chosen. Payment of the bond is only accepted by a signed credit card pre-authorisation (sufficient funds must be available), the amount of the bond will not be debited from your account at this time.

If a debit or EFTPOS card is submitted the funds may be debited immediately (this depends on your bank).  Any fees or charges incurred as a result of a debit card transaction remain the responsibility of the card holder.  This will be refunded back to the debit or EFTPOS card, less a $50 administration fee, within 30 days of the vehicle being returned on-time and undamaged.

If there is damage to the vehicle on its return, the bond will be used to cover the cost of such damage up to the amount of the relevant liability. However, if the terms of the rental contract are breached and the bond is insufficient to cover the damage then any extra cost will be charged.

Reminder: It is one bond per accident/damage and not per rental, therefore once you report the accident to Travellers Autobarn, another bond will need to be pre authorised, otherwise you cannot continue with the rental.

Accidents and any other damages must be reported to Travellers Autobarn within 24 hours of the occurrence or all liability limitations and coverages are void.

All liability limitations and coverages are void if the Terms & Conditions or the Rental Agreement are breached. 

Security Bond / Liability

Protection Plus & Midway Protection is payable to a maximum of 50 days for all vehicles.

Protection Plus includes one front windscreen and either one side (excludes roof glass) or rear glass and two tyres.

If the Protection Plus excess reduction option has been chosen ($0 liability) a credit card imprint of the hirer’s credit card will be taken as security in case of any breach of the Terms & Conditions. No amounts will be taken using the credit card imprint unless there is a breach of the Terms & Conditions or Rental Agreement.

*Additional Coverages

Windscreen Waiver: With the purchase of the windscreen waiver, the hirer is not responsible to pay in the event that the windscreen needs to be replaced (first windscreen only and side & rear windows are excluded). All vehicles = $2/day up to maximum $50

(Note: If no additional coverage, windscreen chips are charged at $60 each, any more than 3 chips will result in a windscreen replacement charge of $300)

Tyre Waiver: With purchase of the tyre waiver, the renter is not responsible to pay in the event that tyres need to be replaced (up to max of two tyres per rental). All vehicles = $2/day up to maximum of $50 payable

Please note: Personal items are not covered under vehicle damage protection cover. We recommend you do not leave your valuables in your vehicle because of possible theft. We strongly recommend that all hirers take out their own premium travel insurance.

Full Responsibility

At all times the renter is responsible for:

• Damage caused where the terms of Rental Contract have been breached.
• Damage caused by negligence.
• Damage caused to the vehicle in any way by part or total water submersion including flood water, river water, salt water, or any other source of water.
• Damage caused due to a single vehicle write off or rollover.
• Damage caused to the vehicle by the renter’s wilful conduct.
• Damage caused to the vehicle when using the vehicle in contravention of any legislation or regulation controlling vehicular traffic.
• Damage caused due to use of incorrect or contaminated fuel.
• Damage or loss caused to any personal belongings.
• Damage to the awning, overhead (roof) or under-body of the vehicle. 
• Damage caused as result of an accident from striking an animal whilst driving before dawn or after dusk outside of any city limits.

Relocation Conditions

A ‘relocation’ is a necessary vehicle movement between branches to satisfy the needs of full fee paying reservations. As such, Travellers Autobarn will offer a ‘relocation’ vehicle at a heavily discounted rate, but will do so over the strictest of short periods such as to cover the transport needs of the vehicle movement. Should you wish to travel for longer periods or would like more freedom with your vehicle, we highly recommend you inquire about Travellers Autobarn’s very competitive rental rates.

• The rental of relocation vehicles are subject to the standard Terms & Conditions of Travellers Autobarn.
• Relocations must be delivered in the set days we outline and may be offered from as little as $1.00 per day.
• A set number of kilometres will be given free - any extras will be charged at 45 cents per extra kilometre.
• Any late deliveries will incur penalties of $500 per day. There is a reason for the relocation, usually it is being moved to fulfill a full fare paying reservation and as such wayward relocations will be dealt with harshly.
• Any request to extend relocations will be considered subject to availability, and if approved will be charged at the standard daily vehicle rate from day one. Minimum rental periods may also apply.

Rates, Terms and Conditions

The rates and terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. For details on our privacy policy, please visit www.travellers-autobarn.com.au

For details on our privacy policy, please visit www.travellers-autobarn.com.au