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Cheap Car Rental Strategies When Your Insurance Delays Approval

<p>It’s never a good feeling when you have been in a car accident and your insurance provider seems to make things worse. You were not at fault, but your approval still takes an eternity, and you’re left without a vehicle.&nbsp;</p><p>Going through the rigmarole of insurance claims and approvals is already tiring. From chasing agents for updates to completing comprehensive paperwork, the process takes a lot of your time and energy. Worrying about transportation simply piles on to the troubles, but there’s a way you can at least continue moving while your ride is tied up in insurance: a <strong>cheap car rental</strong>. In this blog, we’ll explore key strategies to help you find affordable and trustworthy <strong>car hire deals </strong>in no time.&nbsp;</p><h2>Introduction: Cheaper Rental Car&nbsp;</h2><p>There are different kinds of rentals that car hire companies offer, typically categorised under the following car types:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Small Cars:</strong> These are the smallest models for a few passengers and have limited luggage requirements. Common examples include the Fiat 500 and Kia Picanto.</p></li><li><p><strong>Economy Cars: </strong>These slightly bigger models balance affordability with comfort. Common examples include the Toyota Corolla, Skoda Fabia, and Volkswagen Polo.&nbsp;</p></li><li><p><strong>Compact Cars:</strong> This category includes larger models with adequate space for 4-5 passengers. Common examples include the Fiat Tipo, Ford Focus, and Peugeot 308.</p></li><li><p><strong>Family Cars</strong>: Crossover models for small groups or families. Common examples include the Kia Stonic and MG ZS.&nbsp;</p></li><li><p><strong>Luxury Cars: </strong>High-end rentals for luxurious transport fall under this type. Common examples include the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3.&nbsp;</p></li><li><p><strong>SUVs</strong>: Rentals offering the most space are SUVs, ideal for challenging driving conditions. Common examples include the MINI Countryman Automatic and Volkswagen Tiguan Automatic.&nbsp;</p></li></ul><p>Out of these, small and economy cars are the most common options for cheap car rental in Australia. Depending on your location, such as New South Wales or the Gold Coast, you may even find rentals in the compact car category. However, irrespective of the type of car you want, there are a few vital pointers to keep in mind to get a car hire hassle-free.&nbsp;</p><p>Yes, reliable rental cars in Australia can be tough to find, especially those that don’t break the bank. However, the right strategies can help you find a cheap <strong>car hire </strong>that is hassle-free. Let’s take a look.&nbsp;</p><h2>Never Buy Car Hire Insurance From Your Car Hire Provider</h2><p>One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to intermediate car hire is bundling it with new insurance—one that the car hire provider offers. Whether you are going for a small car hire or a luxurious one, stick to your primary insurance. It’ll likely cover you when you get a car hire, and more importantly, you’ll avoid excess costs. For millennials, you can add your parents as drivers to your insurance, and with a solid driving record, this will probably not cost extra.</p><h2>Choose Off-Airport Car Hire</h2><p>Opting for off-airport car hire often guarantees the best prices. Rental rates are usually lower when you get a car hire from places like the city centre instead of the Melbourne airport or other airport areas where car and van hire providers charge airport surcharges and extra fees. If you’re at the airport, consider an airport pickup and explore intermediate car hire options in downtown areas and neighbourhoods.&nbsp;</p><h2>Use Credit Card and Insurance Perks</h2><p>You can also get cheaper car rentals by just checking your credit card or insurance perks. If you are a member of credit card reward schemes or loyalty programs or your insurance provider has tie-ups with car hire services, you may be eligible for additional discounts.&nbsp;</p><h2>Choose No-Frills Providers for Low-Cost Rentals</h2><p>Getting cheaper car rentals means finding providers who are straight-up about their process. Look for providers without hidden charges like GPS rental fees, late return penalties, charges for the dropoff driver’s age if they are young, or toll transponder costs. They're also worth considering if they offer free or low cancellation fees.</p><p>Shifty providers will also make you jump through several hoops, from additional insurance to charging extra for pickups or drops during peak hours. To avoid these, go through all the provider's details: their rental periods, add-on costs, fuel charges, and rental agreements (especially for underage driver fees). This way, you don’t have to bargain for car rentals tediously. You can compare and choose a provider with an easy process for cheaper car rentals.&nbsp;</p><h2>Keep Documentation Handy for Insurance Reimbursement</h2><p>As per Australian regulations, verifying your insurance is crucial for car hire providers. It is also an indicator of a customer-friendly service, as this verification ensures legal compliance on both the provider's and customer’s end, especially safeguarding the latter and assuring them of adequate coverage in case of damage or accident to the rented car.&nbsp;</p><p>Plus, with all the proper documentation, you don’t have to worry about providers coaxing you into paying extra. So, if cheaper car rentals are what you need, always keep your insurance paperwork handy!</p><h2>Reject Unnecessary Extras at the Desk</h2><p>You can spot a notorious car hire provider by seeing how they bombard you with unnecessary add-ons, especially if you rent offline. These can be anything from accessory (car chargers or holders) charges to roadside assistance costs. They may even promote popular cars, saying they are more fuel-efficient, comfortable or offer better luggage space.&nbsp;</p><p>Unless these are your priority, steer clear of unnecessary add-ons that will pile up and create a hefty bill at the end of the day. Stick to your guns; try to opt for compact rental cars that are more affordable and just get the job done.</p><h2>Use Insurance for Not‑At‑Fault Accidents</h2><p>If you were <a href="https://www.right2drive.com.au/how-it-works" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">not at fault in an accident</a>, the best thing you can do is use your primary insurance and opt for cheaper car rentals. Your insurance coverage will likely extend to rental cars, especially if they aren’t over the top. Even if you want a van hire, choose an affordable rental that comes under your insurance coverage, and you can easily minimise your rental costs as much as possible.&nbsp;</p><p>Here is a pro tip: Opt for insurance providers who actually make your life easier during tough times, like an accident. Ensure that you get comprehensive insurance, along with features like easy pick-up and drop-off, the option to get a like-for-like vehicle, and cost recovery from the at-fault driver.</p><h2>Check the Car Rental Company’s Fuel Policy</h2><p>Being smart about the rental company’s fuel policy will also go a long way in ensuring a cheap car rental. Go through their fuel policy to understand their fueling options and add-on fuel charges, if any. For the best value, check for:</p><ul><li><p>Pre-paid fuel options (decline, if any)</p></li><li><p>Providing gas receipts (essential as proof)</p></li><li><p>Gas tank policies&nbsp;</p></li><li><p>Additional distance-based fuel charges, if any</p></li></ul><p>Make sure you review these before picking up the car hire. Additionally, refill the tank yourself before returning the vehicle to avoid any inflated costs from the provider.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Getting cheaper car rentals is all about making smart decisions through thorough due diligence. You must assess provider reliability, compare their offerings, and review the individual processing purposes, rental policies, fuel charges and other key details to understand if they are actually offering a cheap car rental.&nbsp;</p><p>If you are crunched for time or struggling to find a suitable option for an intermediate car hire, let us help. We can review your eligibility, help with cost recovery, and get you a replacement vehicle while yours is engaged in the post-accident insurance process.&nbsp;</p><h2>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h2><h3>How Can I Get a Cheap Rental While Waiting for Insurance?</h3><p>If you’re waiting for insurance, follow the strategies we’ve shared above to get a cheap rental quickly. To sum up, choose off-airport rentals, avoid additional charges, keep your insurance documentation ready and look for legitimate providers without hidden charges or rental malpractices. Try to look for compact or small cars to get the cheapest options possible.</p><h3>Does Travel Insurance Cover Rental Car Excess?</h3><p>Rental car excess refers to the amount you pay your rental company if the hired car is damaged. Travel insurance usually covers this, but depending on your coverage level, it can be an optional premium. Hence, it’s always advisable to thoroughly check your travel insurance before getting a rental.</p><h3>Can My Credit Card Insurance Be Used in Australia?</h3><p>Absolutely! If your credit card does offer any insurance benefits, you can use it in Australia. Most credit cards offer basic insurance coverage, provided you use the card to pay for the car hire.&nbsp;</p><h3>Is It Cheaper to Rent for a Week Than a Few Days?</h3><p>This will depend on the rental provider’s policies and charges. However, it’s typically cheaper to rent a car for a whole week instead of just a couple of days, as providers lower the per-day costs in such cases. This is similar to how renting an apartment is cheaper when it’s by the month instead of by the day.</p><div class="__editor_html"><script type="application/ld+json">{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"How Can I Get a Cheap Rental While Waiting for Insurance?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"If you’re waiting for insurance, follow the strategies we’ve shared above to get a cheap rental quickly. To sum up, choose off-airport rentals, avoid additional charges, keep your insurance documentation ready and look for legitimate providers without hidden charges or rental malpractices. Try to look for compact or small cars to get the cheapest options possible."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Does Travel Insurance Cover Rental Car Excess?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Rental car excess refers to the amount you pay your rental company if the hired car is damaged. 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