Cars-FAQ

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why take a ‘driving holiday’?

  • A drive holiday gives you the freedom and flexibility to decide on where you travel and what you see and do.

  • A drive holiday is for independent travellers seeking a better holiday experience.
  • You are in charge of how much time you wish to spend at a particular attraction.
  • A drive holiday allows you to discover so much more as a car will allow you to drive through the little villages in out of the way places.

Q. Is it cheaper to pre-book my car rental or should I book when I arrive.
A. By pre-booking with Kilbirnie Travel, you receive the benefit of our purchasing power. Our prices with the major car rental operators are considerably lower than walking in off the street in a foreign country to rent a car. In addition you are pre-paying in New Zealand dollars so the risk of fluctuations in the currency is reduced.

Q. Are there any hidden extras?
A. Kilbirnie Travel in most cases include all mandatory charges, like Road taxes or Airport surcharges. Many optional charges are applicable such as Young or additional drivers, Insurance Excess Reduction or Child Seats and you will find on each page a full breakdown of any of these supplementary costs. Be sure to check out our list of inclusions, including our Bonus inclusions, as you will find our prices generally include more features than our competitors. Please note all Supplementary fees are correct at time of printing but are subject to change and should be used as a guide.

Q. Do I need to take out Travel Insurance?
A. Yes, this is strongly recommended and your travel agent is the best person to advise on the right policy.

Q. Why do I need Travel Insurance when the car is already insured?
A. In most countries an Excess will apply in the event of an accident or theft of vehicle. This is the Renters responsibility. However many Travel Insurance Policies now have provision to cover you for Car rental excess up to a specified amount. Therefore if the excess was applied you have the option to claim it back on your Travel Insurance policy.

Q. What if I did not take out Travel Insurance?
A. Then we recommend you consider taking the optional Insurance Excess Reduction at the time of collection or pre-pay the Excess Refund Cover rate through Kilbirnie Travel*. The Insurance Excess Reduction is a supplementary fee, which either removes your liability for the excess or reduces it to a nominal amount.

*Not available in all countries or on all vehicles.

Q. Where can I drive my vehicle? And, are there any restrictions?
A.

  • Britain- You may drive throughout mainland Britain and Northern Ireland. Most vehicles can be taken to Republic of Ireland or Europe. Some conditions and supplements apply.
  • Ireland - Vehicles rented in Ireland may be driven within Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. One way rentals are possible between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. Some conditions and supplements apply.
  • Europe - You may drive your car throughout mainland Western Europe. Vehicles should be returned to the renting country or a one way fee will apply. If the return location is changed once the vehicle is collected, a surcharge locally will apply. Generally cars are NOT permitted into Eastern European countries. Some exceptions apply on rentals from Austria, Germany and Italy with selected car rental companies. Contact DriveAway Holidays for full details.
  • USA/Canada- Vehicles collected in USA/Canada generally cannot be driven into Mexico. Conditions apply.
  • Australia - Travel restrictions apply in Australia, depending on car type and car rental operator. Contact DriveAway Holidays for full details.
  • New Zealand- Minimum hire is 3-5 days on each island, depending on the car type and car rental operator. Travel restrictions apply in New Zealand . Contact DriveAway Holidays for full details.

Q. What do I do if I return the vehicle early?
A. This is possible, however no refund of unused rental days is allowed by the car rental companies

Q. What do I do if I wish to extend my hire whilst overseas?
A. Please contact the car rental company for a quote on the cost of the additional rental days. Be sure to ask for the total cost inclusive if insurance and taxes and make a note of the person who has advised the information. In some instances the rental company will suggest you contact your Travel Agent or DriveAway Holidays to arrange for a new voucher to cover the extra days. Payment should then be made to DriveAway Holidays and a new voucher is issued and faxed overseas to cover the extension or new rental.

 

Safe Driving

Get to know your car before heading off. Familiarise yourself with all the controls. If you have any questions about the car seek advice from the Rental operator before commencing your journey.

Always lock your car and keep windows up when leaving the vehicle unattended. Get Directions. If you are not sure where you are travelling to be sure to ask for assistance from the Rental company.