Terms and Conditions: Rentals

Valid 1st August 2007 and supersedes all previous terms and conditions

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

Vehicle Pick-ups and Drop-offs

In order to prevent unnecessary delays & to maximise your holiday experience please make contact with the pick-up branch (see below) 24 hours before collecting your vehicle. This will allow us to confirm with you the pick-up time for your vehicle. Drop-offs must be before 3 pm Monday - Friday & 1 pm on a Saturday.

Sydney: 02 9360 1225 Brisbane: 07 3252 2638

Melbourne: 03 9326 3988 Cairns: 07 4041 3722

Darwin: 08 8941 7700 Perth: 08 9228 9500

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

WE ARE CLOSED ON: 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 June 1 to August 31 and in Darwin is December 15 to March 15.

Freecall 1800 customer assistance line

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

Rental Period

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. Note that compact cars rental days are charged in 24 hour periods.

Rental Duration and Kilometers

The minimum rental period is 3 days for compact cars (ruffys), 5 days for HiTop campervans, Chubby campers and 10 days for stationwagons.
All vehicles are unlimited kilometers. Rates are in Australian Dollars.

One Way Rentals

Vehicles may be rented one way between any of our branches. A $200 One-Way fee may apply however; this fee is usually waived on rentals over 28 days on the East Coast. The East Coast one-way fee is waived for preferred agents (e.g. STA, Kilroy). All Perth & Darwin pick ups or drop offs incur a $200 one way fee. Please note that all one way stationwagon pick ups and drop off in Perth or Darwin will also incur an outback waiver (please refer to Outback Waiver fee).

One way rentals are subject to minimum rental periods please refer to the table below. These periods are really the minimum length of time required to do 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 3 month period. If drop off of a vehicle and pick up of a new vehicle occurs on the same day then a day each will be charged per respective rental. Multiple rentals are treated as separate rentals under the one way fee and minimum rental period conditions.

Early Returns

There is no refund for early returns. 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 by 24 hours may incur a $250 per day fee and be reported to the police as stolen.

Rental Period Extensions

If the customer wishes to extend the rental whilst on hire, they must first obtain authorisation from Travellers Auto Barn. This is subject to availability. The extra cost of an extended rental must be paid immediately.

Change of Drop off Location

Any change of return location can only be authorized by Travellers Auto Barn and depends solely on future bookings and availability. Subject to the change being approved, an additional charge of $200 will apply and is payable immediately. An unauthorized change of location drop off will see the hirer responsible for the entire cost of relocating the vehicle to its intended location or a $500 fee whichever is the greater.

Booking Amendments

If an amendment is made to the rental dates within 14 days of collection, no refund will be made if the length of hire is shortened (that is; 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.

Driving Licenses

A valid full driving license (state, national or international) is required. If the driver’s licence is not in the English language (e.g. German, French, Chinese, etc) then an international driver’s licence is also required. 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 authorized 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 vehicle may only be driven with the legal number of occupants. Driving the vehicle with more than the maximum allowed number of persons voids all insurance and coverage 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 Auto Barn branch.

Carbon Neutral Option

Customers who care for the environment can offset the carbon emissions produced during their hire by choosing our Carbon Neutral option for a small fee of only $0.60 per day. The money goes toward the Action for Climate Change program run by Australian Conservation Volunteers. For more information please refer to http://www.travellers-autobarn.com.au/carbon-neutral-option.

Living & Camping Kits

HiTop campervans and Chubbys can be supplied with living equipment (such as bedding, cooking equipment, eating utensils, bath and tea towels) for a fee of $45.

Stationwagons can 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.
One kit per vehicle is supplied free of charge to Travellers Auto Barn preferred agent bookings.

Maps and Campground Guides

Some maps and tourist guides are available free of charge from pick up branches. A comprehensive Handy Australian Atlas can be found in every vehicle.

Baby / Booster Seats

Baby seats can be supplied for a fee of $45 for use in the stationwagons but cannot be fitted into the HiTop campervans or Chubbys. For children over approx 16kgs 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.

Cancellation Fees

If cancelled within 28 days of pick-up: $200.
If cancelled within 7 days of pick-up: 50% of the total cost of rental.
If cancelled on the day of pick-up or non-appearance: No refund on total cost of rental.
There is no refund for late pick up or early return of vehicle.

Reservation Deposit

For direct bookings - A minimum deposit of $500, or 10% of the total rental, or the total rental charge, whichever is higher, is required when making a reservation to secure your booking. Bookings are not be confirmed until the deposit is received

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, or credit card. All forms of payment must be made in Australian dollars.

Credit Cards

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club. Visa and MasterCard will incur an additional 2% surcharge on any transaction. American Express and Diners Club will incur an additional 5% surcharge on any transaction.

Exchange Rate / Currency Variations

All credit card transactions are conducted in Australian dollars. Due to exchange rate fluctuations there could be some variance in the amount refunded compared to the amount initially charged. We do not accept any liability for variances up or down. Refunds by 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.
A charge of 2.5% of the total cost will be levied to cover state government taxes, duties and associated costs. This charge is included in rates quoted to preferred agents.

Traffic Infringements

We reserve the right to charge the renter for any speeding or parking fines, traffic infringements or road toll fines. An additional administration fee of $50 per fine will apply to cover the costs of processing. You authorize Travellers Auto Barn to debit your credit card bond with these charges.

Road Restrictions

Unsealed Roads
HiTop campervans, Chubbys and stationwagons can only be driven on sealed roads/bitumen roads or well maintained access roads less than 500 metres long to recognized campgrounds and parking areas. Travel on unsealed roads voids all insurance and coverages. The renter is liable for the total cost of any damage to all parties involved whilst traveling on unsealed roads.

If Travellers Auto Barn 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

East Coast stationwagon restrictions: Stationwagon rentals on the East Coast are restricted to the area between Adelaide in South Australia and Cooktown (north of Cairns) in Queensland that is within 500kms of the coast. Western Australia, Northern Territory, Mt Isa, Bourke and Broken Hill are expressly prohibited.

Perth stationwagon restrictions: Rentals from Perth are restricted to the area west of a line from Carnarvon in the north to Kalgoorlie then down to Esperence in the south.

Darwin stationwagon restrictions: Rentals from Darwin are restricted to the area of the Northern Territory.

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

Island Trips

All Travellers Auto Barn 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 Auto Barn. All recovery costs from any island are the renters’ responsibility, regardless of cause. Unauthorised travel will void all insurance 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.

Outback Waiver Fee

Customers can apply at the time of booking or before pick up to have the above Outback Road Restrictions amended to suit your specific needs; however the lifting of the restrictions is at the sole discretion of Travellers Auto Barn. You must have written permission, printed on your rental agreement, from Travellers Auto Barn to travel outside the restricted area. An outback waiver fee of $400 will apply to all stationwagon rentals traveling into restricted outback zones. The restriction cannot be lifted once the rental has commenced.
Unauthorised travel outside the restricted areas above will void all insurance 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.

Call Roadside Assistance (NRMA/RACQ/RACV etc) on 1300 369 349, select Option 1 and quote the Travellers Auto Barn Memebership Number 00290071B. Only after Roadside Assistance has assessed the vehicle should you call Travellers Auto Barn. 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 Auto Barn provides a FREECALL 1800 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.

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

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

Repairs

Travellers Auto Barn 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 affected without authorization 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 Auto Barn 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 Auto Barn is limited to refunding the time that the vehicle was actually in repair. No alternate accommodation, 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 Auto Barn as soon as possible and within 24hrs in order to give Travellers Auto Barn 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 radio-cassettes, cabin lights, air-conditioning, fridges, 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 the normal pump rate plus $25 per hour or part thereof.

5,000km Service & Safety Check

A service (oil change) must be arranged by the hirer through consultation with Travellers Auto Barn every 5000 kms from pick-up. Travellers Auto Barn 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 the Sydney office on 1800 674 374 any defect of which you become aware 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 Auto Barn 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 Auto Barn 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 insurance coverage and may result in the hirer being held liable if overheating occurs.

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.

Rental Refusal

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

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that renters 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 Auto Barn 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, not per rental.

The liability is applicable regardless of who is at fault and must be paid at the time the accident is reported to Travellers Auto Barn, not at the completion of the rental period. In the event of a no-fault accident, Travellers Auto Barn will make every attempt to refund to the hirer any costs recovered from the party at fault less a minimum $150 administration fee.

Damage Protection

Security Bond
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 an open signed credit card with an authorization obtained (sufficient funds must be available). A debit card is NOT acceptable. The amount of the bond will not be debited from your account at this time. Plese note AMEX and Diners Club cards are charge cards, not credit cards and not acceptable as payment of the security bond.

If a debit card or EFTPOS card is inadvertently submitted then the funds will be debited immediately from the card. Any fees or charges incurred as a result of a debit card transaction remain the responsibility of the card holder. You may still need to submit the required credit card details for the funds to be released.

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.

Accidents and any other damages must be reported to Travellers Auto Barn within 24 hours of the occurrence or all insurance cover and damage protection cover is void.

All insurance cover is void if the Terms & Conditions or the Rental Agreement is breached.

Security Bond / Liability

^Protection Plus is payable to a maximum of 50 days for HiTop campervans, Chubby vans and stationwagons.

#Single vehicle accidents include collisions with trees, fauna etc. where no other vehicle is involved. This also refers to collisions with other vehicles where the other vehicle and driver remains unidentified.

All liability amounts are assessed according to the age of the youngest driver.

*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). Stationwagons, Chubbys & HiTop campervans = $2/day up to maximum $50..

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). stationwagons, Chubbys & HiTop campervans = $2/day up to maximum of $50 payable.

Protection Plus includes all additional coverages, i.e. Windscreen Waiver & Tyre Waiver free of charge.

Please note: Personal items are not covered under vehicle insurance. 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 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 or salt water.
• 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 or loss caused to any personal belongings.
• Damage to the awning, overhead or under-body of the vehicle.

Relocation Conditions

A ‘relocation’ is a necessary vehicle movement between branches to satisfy the needs of full fee paying reservations. As such, Travellers Auto Barn 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 for longer periods or more freedom with your vehicle, we highly recommend you inquire about Travellers Auto Barn’s very competitive rental rates.

• Are subject to the standard Terms & Conditions of Travellers Auto Barn.
• 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/Conditions

Are subject to change without notice. For details on our privacy policy, please click here.