Help &
Assistance

We are here to help no matter what your concerns
are so you can enjoy the freedom of travelling New Zealand

FAQ

What do I need to book a vehicle?

You'll need to know:

  • The pick-up location, date and time.
  • The return location, date and time.
  • The type of vehicle you want to hire.
  • Your personal contact details.
  • A valid credit card to be used for the rental (Visa or Mastercard)
  • A valid drivers license in English.

Do I need a credit card when making a reservation?

Yes, when you book through this website you will need to enter either a valid Visa or Mastercard. If you do not have an accepted credit card (Visa or Mastercard) you will not be able to rent from Rental Cars 247.

Rental Cars 247 reserves the right to refuse any card. If you are not sure if your credit/debit card is valid for payment, please contact Rental Cars 247 for assistance.

Can I pay for the rental with a debit card?

Yes, you can pay for the rental using a bank issued Visa or Mastercard debit card, an eftpos debit card, or a non-bank issued Visa or Mastercard debit card. Please note we do not accept cash for payment of your rental.

However, all rental agreements must be secured using a Visa or Mastercard. If you do not have an accepted credit card (Visa, Mastercard) you will not be able to rent from Rental Cars 247.

Does Rental Cars 247 accept cash payments as security holds or bond on rentals?

No. Rental Cars 247 does not accept cash payments as security holds on rentals. You need a valid credit card to hire our cars.

Can I get a quote without making a booking?

Sure can just go online www.rentalcars247.co.nz and enter the dates.

What do I need to rent a vehicle from Rental Cars 247?

You need a current driver license (and English translation if applicable) and a valid credit card (Visa or Mastercard )

Please note: If your overseas driver license is not in English, you must carry your original driver license plus an English translation

For rentals in New Zealand:

You can use a translation service approved by the NZ Transport Agency.

Chinese Driver License translations supplied by "Ctrip" are acceptable in New Zealand; however, the translation must be certified (stamped) by a NZTA approved translator.

Rental Cars 247 recommends the Trans National Ltd translation service.

You can also use a certified translation issued by a diplomatic representative at a high commission, embassy or consulate, or the authority that issued your overseas license.

Can I modify or cancel an upcoming reservation?

To modify or cancel an upcoming reservation, please email us at [email protected].

Can I take the rental car to South Island on the ferry?

Yes, you can take your rental car across Cook Strait using either the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry services.

Does Rental Cars 247 charge for additional drivers?

No. Rental Cars 247 does not charge for additional drivers. All drivers must present their valid driver license at the time of pick up.

Why do you have different rates?

Rates depend on the length of rental and vehicle you select.

Do you offer one-way car rentals?

Yes, you can rent a car and drive one-way subject to availability and location. Please email to [email protected]

Does Rental Cars 247 charge booking fees or vehicle registration recovery fees?

No. Rental Cars 247 does not charge booking fees or vehicle registration recovery fees.

Does Rental Cars 247 charge extra for drivers aged between 18 and 21?

Rental Cars 247 does not impose a surcharge for drivers 18 to 21 years of age. Provided you are 18 years of age or older the same rates apply. Excess will be different for under 21. You can check this when getting a quote. Standard Rentalcars247 driver license restrictions and Renatlcars247Terms & Conditions apply.

Does Rental Cars 247 charge more for drivers 60 years of age or more?

No. Rental Cars 247 does not impose a surcharge for senior drivers.

Does Rental Cars 247 offer after-hours car rental pickups and drop-offs?

Yes. Rental Cars 247 is open 24 hours 7 days at Auckland Airport location only. We do not charge for after hours drop off and pick up.

Important note: Some Rental Cars 247 locations do not accept after-hours pick-ups or returns. For more details, please contact Rental Cars 247.

How do toll roads work with Rental Cars 247?

Toll Roads for New Zealand rentals:

In the event that Rental Cars 247 receives any unpaid toll notice relating to the period the vehicle was on hire, Rental Cars 247 will process a statutory declaration stating that the vehicle was on hire and provide name, address, and driver license details of the hirer. The third party who issues the toll road charge will then forward the infringement notice to the hirer requesting payment. Rental Cars 247 charges the hirer a $40 administration fee for the time taken to process the statutory declaration and transfer of liability notice. Rental Cars 247 offers a Tolls package at time of booking. You can purchase this package or pay the toll as you go.

Important note: If you do not choose out Tolls Package, Rental Cars 247 does not pay any toll charges and it is the sole responsibility of the hirer to pay all toll charges incurred during the rental period.

Tip: Save yourself money by paying the toll online the day before travelling on the toll road. This avoids costly administration fees that are levied for unpaid tolls. Please review the NZTA website for payment options.

Can I rent a car from Rental Cars 247 if I have a provisional driver licence issued in Australia?

No, you are not able to rent from Rental Cars 247 if you hold a current Australian P class license.

What types of UK Driving Licence can be used to rent at Rental Cars 247?

Rental Cars 247 accepts the new plastic photo ID Driving License, as well as the older paper licenses. We do not accept the ‘Counterpart Driving License’ by itself. You must present a full and valid driver license when renting a Rental Cars 247 vehicle. You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles that you have a license to drive in the UK.

What happens if I only have an International Driving Permit?

You cannot drive in New Zealand if you only have an International Driving Permit. You must carry a current and valid overseas license as well as the International Driving Permit if you wish to drive in New Zealand.

What happens if my license is suspended or I am disqualified from driving while renting an Rental Cars 247 in New Zealand?

You must advise Rental Cars 247 immediately of any suspension or disqualification from driving. They will discuss the circumstances and determine the course of action. Any costs incurred in the recovery of vehicle is solely the heirs responsibility.

Does Rental Cars 247 conduct driving assessments prior to rental in New Zealand?

If there is doubt around the drivers ability, but not enough to cancel the hire, we may ask the customer to complete a practical driving assessment with one of our staff around local roads near the branch. At this point, the customer will be asked to sign the rental agreement and pay for the hire. On completion of the driving assessment, if the Customer Service Representative determines that the driver is not fit to hire a vehicle, they will terminate the rental agreement and make a full refund (less any excess liability if the driver has an accident or causes damage to the vehicle).If the driving assessment is satisfactory, the rental agreement may be modified and excess reduction can be applied and the hire commence as planned.

Does Rental Cars 247 accept digital driver licenses when renting a car?

Rental Cars 247 will NOT be accepting digital driver licenses or photocopied license. We will need to sight the original. We may take a copy. If you have a digital driver license, you must also carry your physical driver license document and present this at the time of rental.

Can I reserve a specific make, model, or color of car?

Unfortunately due to the size of our vehicle fleet and the distances between rental locations it isn't possible to guarantee a specific make or model of car.

Are there any restrictions on where I can drive while renting from Rental Cars 247?

Rental Cars 247 vehicles must not be operated off-road, on any beach (including Ninety Mile Beach and Te Paki streambed), or driven on farm paddocks. ALL vehicles (including 4WD vehicles) are prohibited from driving on ALL 4WD tracks.

Rental Cars 247 vehicles are not permitted to travel on the following roads: Skippers Canyon Road, The road to Macetown, Matukituki Road beyond the Treble Cone access road turn off, Glenorchy-Paradise Road beyond Priory Road turn off , on the beach and any other road that does not have public access. Rental Cars 247 vehicles must only be driven on a road that is properly formed and constructed as a sealed, metaled, or gravel road.

What if I am delayed picking up my vehicle?

Please contact Rental Cars 247 as soon as possible if you are going to be late to pick up your car.

Outside NZ: +64 9 2637311

New Zealand Free Phone: 0800 786 785

Are there additional charges for returning a car late?

Any unauthorised late return will attract a surcharge of $20 per hour (up to 4 hours) and $80 per day thereafter in addition to the daily rate. Please contact the Rental Cars 247 rental location if you wish to extend your rental.

Can I smoke in the vehicle?

No. Smoking is not permitted in the vehicle. If the vehicle is returned smelling of cigarette / cigar smoke you will be liable for the full cost of cleaning.

What happens if I return my car rental earlier than the due date and time?

There is no refund for early returns.

What should I do if the car has a breakdown?

All our vehicles are covered by the Automobile Association (AA) 24 hour roadside assistance service for any vehicle related breakdowns. In the event that you need roadside assistance, please call the AA free phone number 0800 500222. Please give them your car registration plate number and provide and directions to help them locate you.

If the AA are unable to assist you, please contact Rentalcars247 on 0800 786 785.

Important note: For non-mechanical (driver error) call outs, you will need to pay the applicable fee directly to the AA prior to their attendance. Mechanical breakdowns covered by the AA Roadside Assistance service include the following:

  • Engine faults.
  • Electrical faults.
  • Cooling system.
  • Vehicle recovery.

For all Non-Mechanical breakdowns, the Automobile Association will charge you the relevant call out fees. Non-mechanical breakdowns include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Running out of fuel.
  • Refilling the vehicle with the incorrect fuel (i.e. putting diesel in instead of petrol).
  • Damage to wheels and/or tyres.
  • Losing the keys or locking them inside the vehicle.
  • Having a flat battery due to the ignition or lights being left on.
  • A breakdown as a result of damage caused in an accident, including salvage.

What do I do if I have an accident?

Call 111 if someone is injured.

Inform Rental Cars 247 as soon as possible using one of the following phone numbers:

If possible, prepare a written statement of the facts signed by all parties. If agreement cannot be reached, report the matter to police and get a copy of the police report or police reference number.

Do not accept liability, as this may prejudice your insurance coverage. Record full details of all parties and vehicles involved in the accident (drivers name, address, telephone number, mobile phone number, email address, vehicle registration number, vehicle make/model/year, insurance company, and apparent damage).

Record full details of all parties and vehicles involved in the accident (drivers name, address, telephone number, mobile phone number, email address, vehicle registration number, vehicle make/model/year, insurance company, and apparent damage).

When you return the vehicle, you will need to allow at least 30/40 minutes to complete a full accident report form.

Please note: Unless you have purchased Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) cover, you will be required to pay all vehicle damage up to a maximum of the insurance excess. If you have a camera, please take photographs of all damaged vehicles and the accident site to verify the damage and circumstances to assist us with our claim. Record date, time and place the accident happened.

Can I pick-up or return a rental car outside normal business hours?

Yes, you can. Rental Cars 247 is open 24 hours 7 days a week including public holidays.

How do I get from the airport terminal to the Rental Cars 247 location?

We provides free airport shuttle transfers to our rental locations. Details of the collection points for airport transfers are included in the email confirmation.

Do I need to present a credit card at the time of rental?

Yes, you must present a valid and accepted credit card or bank issued Visa or Mastercard debit card.

Rental Cars 247 agreements must be secured using a Visa or Mastercard.

If you do not have Visa or Mastercard you will not be able to rent from Rental Cars 247.

We reserve the right to refuse any card. If you are not sure if your credit/debit card is accepted for payment, please contact Rental Cars 247.

Do I have to return full tank of fuel?

You have to return the rental vehicle with the same level of fuel as you were given at the time of hire. If vehicle is returned without the same fuel level, Rental Cars 247 charges $50 refueling fee plus fuel costs.

Do I have to Pay Parking and Traffic Infringements?

In the event that Rental Cars 247 receives an infringement notice for a speeding, parking, or other traffic infringement relating to the period the vehicle was on hire, We will process a statutory declaration stating that the vehicle was on hire and provide name, address, and driver license details of the hirer. The authority who issues the infringement notice will then forward the infringement notice to the hirer requesting payment. Rental Cars 247 charges the hirer a $50 administration fee for the time taken to process the statutory declaration and transfer of liability notice.

Please note: Rental Cars 247 does not pay any infringement notices and it is the sole responsibility of the hirer to pay all fines in relation to infringement notices issued during the rental period.

When will I be charged for my rental?

All charges are paid at the start of the rental. You will need to present a valid and accepted Debit or Credit card (Visa, Mastercard or AMEX).

Any additional costs or post rental charges related to the rental (e.g. unpaid tolls or traffic infringements, refueling, excess liability etc.) will be charged separately.

Can I request Roof Racks

Yes! We offer Ski racks from our Queenstown branch for $50 per hire.

Please note: Ski Radcks are currently only available on the following vehicles

  • Nissan X-Trail
  • Subaru XV
  • Mitsubishi Outlander
  • Toyota Highlander

Insurance

We offer insurance cover for an additional cost with your car rental. You can find out more details about what the costs and exclusions of coverage are below:

What motor vehicle insurance do I receive with Rental Cars 247?

Our vehicles are covered by standard motor vehicle insurance; however, an excess may be charged for any loss or damage incurred during the hire period. Our standard insurance excess varies depending on the age & size of the vehicle, but you can purchase Excess Reduction / Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage, which reduces your excess liability . Different categories have different excess level for different age levels. You can just get a quote online and check all options .

We offer:

Free Basic 247 Cover with all vehicle categories. The excess varies depending on categories

Standard 247 Cover – You have the option of paying an additional day rate to reduce the different excess levels. You can choose this options at the time of booking. 

Full 247 Cover – You have the option of paying an additional daily rate to reduce the different levels of excess. Excess level is dependent on hirer age and category of vehicle.

We strongly recommend all renters take out Maximum Cover Excess Reduction / Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage for peace of mind driving in New Zealand.

Can I reduce the excess?

You can purchase Excess Reduction / Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage, which reduces your excess liability to either $500 or zero depending on the vehicle booked and the level of cover selected. If you purchase Premium Plus 247 Excess Reduction, it reduces your excess liability to zero. Again Vehicle Categories have different excess levels and you may not be able to reduce the excess to different levels. It all depends what option you choose.

When do I choose what option I take?

You can choose at the time of booking or when picking up the car. If you need to change the Excess Reduction coverage you selected on a reservation, please contact Rental Cars 247 and we will be happy to help you select the appropriate insurance option.

What is my excess or what I am liable for if I have an accident?

Your insurance excess liability depends on the vehicle rented and the option you have taken at the time of hire. Please review the excess amounts prior to booking. We strongly recommend you purchase Excess Reduction / Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage, which reduces your excess n the vehicle booked and the level of cover selected. Vehicle groups may have different excess levels and you may not be able to reduce the excess to zero. Operating the vehicle outside of the law invalidates any insurance coverage.

What is the cost of Excess Reduction / Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance coverage?

You can get full pricing options when you go online www.rentalcars247.co.nz and get a quote. You have a choice of 4 options. We strongly recommend all renters take out Maximum Cover Excess Reduction / Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage for peace of mind motoring. Each vehicle category has different excess levels and you may not be able to reduce the excess to zero.

What should I do if I have an accident ?

Free Phone: 0800 786 785

Or +64 9 2637311

Does Rental Cars 247 hire child safety seats?

Yes, you can book your child safety seats when booking online. If you have forgotten to book a child safety seat, please contact Rental Cars 247 by email to amend your booking. We do not supply rear facing child seats. Tt is the responsibility of the renter to check and ensure any child safety seats are fitted correctly prior to commencing the rental. Under no circumstances should customers attempt to reconfigure child safety seats. You can use your own child seat at your own risk.

Do your cars have tow bar?

No. We do not allow our vehicles to be used for towing.

Pick-up & Return Process

For specific instructions on our pick-up and return process, please contact us.

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