KiasuParents - Parenting in Singapore

Gilfa wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 12, 2019 8:54 pm

Hi all,
We plan to hire a car in Perth on the 3rd week of Dec.
Any reason why not to take a car at the airport? We can take a bus downtown and rent a car in the city.
Any recommendation which rental company to use?
Is it advisable at this time of the year to pre-book before arrival to Perth or book on the spot upon arrival?
We have rental excess coverage from www.carinsurent.com. This is a worldwide policy, I used it in Europe and should cover Australia as well. The policy covers me for US$2,500. Do you think that it is sufficient when hiring a car in Australia?
Thanks in advance

If booking a car at the airport serves your needs, there's no reason why you shouldn't do it. Notwithstanding, I can think of a reason not to - surcharges (or a premium) for car bookings made at the airport. Usually, you can get similar vehicles at a lower price if you choose one of the non-airport pick up locations.

Recommendation on rental company for Perth - only one: Bayswater Car Rental - outstanding value! Their 'normal' rates already include damage excess (AUD $2,000) and if you include their Top Cover (AUD14 a day, capped at $98) your damage excess is reduced to AUD 0. No horse run. Top Cover price is more reasonable than the 'normal' price from the major car rental companies. The only complain (if there's one) is that if you want to book from the airport, they will pick you up from the airport and send you to Kewdale (< 10min drive away) where they are based to pick up the vehicle. It's a minor inconvenience but not a deal breaker. Personally, I prefer to pick up / return their car in the city centre.

The issue with using a third party insurance is that you will have to fork out and settle all the bills first. It could be a couple of hundreds to tens of thousands. After that, you will have to settle the claims with your insurance company - some insurers may be more generous than the others. Unless you are familiar with every single line of the policy wording, there could be one or two items that the insurance company will object to pay. By taking an insurance package from the rental company, all bills will be settled by them with the insurer directly. No out-of-pocket settlement and no fuss.

alternateshift wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 25, 2019 10:08 am

Thanks again floppy

Have sat in one of these before and there are some space behind the last row for some luggage. Seats can also be folded down to accommodate hence the reason why I am considering.

We are probably driving down and up Margret River with stops every 2/3 days before heading back to city and flying back.

In Class 4 license is required, then may have no choice but hire 2 cars instead.

Hi All .. just to update in case anyone interested in the future

Had managed to rent and drive the 12 seater communter

Seems there are 2 types of license in Aust .. namely for cars and for trucks

Since the 12 seater is considered under the 'car' category, we are deemed as able to rent and drive

At least this was what I was told when I rented the car .. but best to check again in case things change

alternateshift wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 25, 2019 2:52 pm

alternateshift wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 25, 2019 10:08 am

Thanks again floppy

Have sat in one of these before and there are some space behind the last row for some luggage. Seats can also be folded down to accommodate hence the reason why I am considering.

We are probably driving down and up Margret River with stops every 2/3 days before heading back to city and flying back.

In Class 4 license is required, then may have no choice but hire 2 cars instead.

Hi All .. just to update in case anyone interested in the future

Had managed to rent and drive the 12 seater communter

Seems there are 2 types of license in Aust .. namely for cars and for trucks

Since the 12 seater is considered under the 'car' category, we are deemed as able to rent and drive

At least this was what I was told when I rented the car .. but best to check again in case things change

Thanks for the update

Danera wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 13, 2020 11:07 pm

I always wanted to go on travel by car but I didn't have driving license that's why I decided to act. Last week I passed the exam at the first attempt, I am so happy! Hope I will visit some countries in Autumn.

in 2022 perhaps

MummyY wrote: ↑

Fri Aug 14, 2020 1:15 pm

I travelled to Melbourne in my younger days

Actually for self drive holidays New Zealand and Perth also most parts of Australia are pretty easy to get about. Children love chocolate factories, strawberry farms and the beautiful beaches. I feel the plus point of Australia is really the short flight time we have to "endure" with kids whom cannot sit still ... Lol - Overall it makes for a picturesque holiday and generally safe to get around