Renting a car should be a straightforward way to get around during your travels — whether for a weekend getaway, business trip, or an extended road adventure. But despite how common car hire is, many travellers make avoidable mistakes that lead to wasted money, stress, or inconvenient surprises.
At Trend Rentals, we’ve helped thousands of customers find affordable, reliable vehicles across Australia. Here, we’ll guide you through the most common car rental mistakes to avoid — helping you secure the best deals and enjoy a smooth rental experience every time.
1. Failing to Compare Rental Options Before Booking
One of the biggest errors people make is not comparing different rental companies and vehicle options before booking. Rental rates can vary widely depending on the company, vehicle type, pick-up location, and rental duration.
Why Comparison Matters
For example, renting a 4WD hire Brisbane through one company might be much pricier than a competitor offering similar vehicles with better terms. Even within the same rental company, rates fluctuate between city branches and suburbs.
Tip: Use online comparison tools and check providers like Trend Rentals’ 4WD hire and van rental options to find vehicles that fit your needs and budget. Don’t forget to factor in inclusions like unlimited kilometres and insurance coverage.
2. Overlooking Online Tools and Reviews
In today’s digital world, online tools are invaluable when booking car rentals. Many rental companies, including Trend Rentals, offer online booking portals with real-time availability, price calculators, and filter options to customise your search.
Additionally, customer reviews on platforms like Google and TripAdvisor provide insight into vehicle conditions and customer service quality.
Mistake: Relying solely on verbal recommendations or booking offline without checking online resources can lead to missed deals or subpar experiences.
Pro Tip: Use Trend Rentals’ online booking system for quick quotes, and read verified reviews to make informed decisions.
3. Ignoring Seasonal and Location-Based Price Variations
Rental prices fluctuate significantly based on the season and local demand. Peak holiday seasons, festivals, and major events can drive prices up, while off-peak periods often feature discounts.
For instance, renting a car in Brisbane during a major sporting event or the Christmas holidays can cost considerably more than a quiet mid-week in autumn.
How to Save: Plan your trip outside peak seasons if possible, or book well in advance to lock in better rates. Trend Rentals offers competitive long-term rental deals ideal for extended stays and off-peak travel.
Learn more about our long-term vehicle hire options for better pricing.
4. Not Reading the Rental Agreement Thoroughly
Rental agreements contain important details about mileage limits, fuel policies, cancellation fees, and usage restrictions. Not reading or understanding these terms can result in unexpected charges and frustrations.
For example, some rentals have a daily kilometre limit, after which extra fees apply. Others restrict driving on certain roads or outside specific regions.
Always: Take the time to carefully read the full rental contract before signing. If you’re unsure about any clause, ask your rental agent or contact the company’s customer service.
At Trend Rentals, we pride ourselves on transparent terms — you can view our rental terms and conditions online before booking.
5. Overlooking Insurance Options and Coverage Types
Car rental insurance can be confusing, but it’s essential to have adequate coverage during your hire period. Many customers either skip insurance to save money or assume their personal car insurance or credit card covers rental vehicles — but this is often not the case.
Common Coverage Types:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)/Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): Covers damage to the rental vehicle.
- Liability Insurance: Covers damage to other vehicles or property.
- Personal Accident Insurance: Covers injuries to you or passengers.
Before declining insurance, verify with your personal insurer or credit card company what coverage applies to rental cars. If you’re unsure or it doesn’t cover your trip, purchasing insurance through the rental company is a safer choice.
Trend Rentals offers optional insurance add-ons tailored to your needs — check our insurance options page for details.
6. Booking Last Minute — Limited Vehicles and Higher Prices
Waiting until the last minute to book your rental often leads to:
- Limited vehicle selection
- Higher prices
- Added stress
Early booking allows you to choose from a wider fleet, including specialty vehicles like mine spec vehicles or 12-seater vans, and often secures early bird discounts.
For large groups or corporate needs, consider booking your passenger van hire well in advance to guarantee availability.
7. Choosing the Wrong Vehicle for Your Trip
Selecting an unsuitable vehicle can lead to discomfort, inconvenience, and extra expenses.
Consider These Factors:
- Number of passengers: Ensure there’s enough seating and seat belts for everyone.
- Luggage space: Account for all bags and equipment.
- Terrain: Plan to drive on highways, city streets, or rugged off-road? Choose accordingly.
- Fuel efficiency: Longer trips benefit from more fuel-efficient vehicles.
For example, if you plan to explore rural Queensland with rough roads, a 4WD hire is ideal, while city trips might only require a smaller sedan or hatchback.
Explore Trend Rentals’ full fleet, including 4WDs, sedans, vans, and utes.
8. Returning the Car Late — Avoid Costly Penalties
Most rental agreements work on a 24-hour clock from the time you pick up the vehicle. Returning your car even minutes late can trigger an extra day’s rental fee.
To avoid this:
- Note your exact pick-up and return times.
- Set reminders.
- Contact the rental company ASAP if delays are unavoidable — some providers offer grace periods or extensions for a fee.
Trend Rentals’ return policies are customer-friendly, but it’s best to plan ahead and avoid surprises.
9. Not Factoring in One-Way Rental Fees
If you plan to drop off your rental car at a different location than pick-up, be aware that many companies charge additional one-way fees. These fees vary depending on distance and locations involved.
Sometimes, the convenience outweighs the cost, especially on cross-city or interstate trips. Other times, alternative transport like trains or buses might be more cost-effective.
Before booking, compare the costs and benefits carefully. Trend Rentals offers flexible drop-off options — see details on our one-way rental services.
10. Forgetting Additional Costs: Tolls, Parking, and Extra Drivers
The base rental fee isn’t the only cost to budget for. Other charges may include:
- Toll roads: If your route uses toll highways, check if the rental includes an electronic toll pass or if you need to pay tolls separately.
- Parking fees: Especially in city centres or popular tourist areas.
- Additional drivers: Most companies charge extra to register more than one driver on the contract.
These expenses add up quickly if unplanned. Factor them into your budget and check what extras Trend Rentals includes — such as free additional driver options on select rentals.
Summary: How to Avoid Common Car Rental Mistakes
Renting a car doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. By following these tips and avoiding the mistakes listed, you’ll get better value and a hassle-free rental:
- Always compare multiple rental providers and vehicle types.
- Use online booking tools and read customer reviews.
- Book early to secure your preferred vehicle and lower prices.
- Read the rental agreement and understand the terms.
- Confirm insurance coverage and buy extra if needed.
- Choose a vehicle suited to your group size, luggage, and driving terrain.
- Return your vehicle on time to avoid late fees.
- Plan for additional costs like tolls and extra drivers.
- Consider one-way rentals carefully and factor in fees.
At Trend Rentals, we’re here to help you every step of the way with clear pricing, a wide selection of vehicles including mine spec vehicles, and flexible rental options tailored for you.
Explore our full range of vehicles and book your next rental online today: https://www.trendrentals.com.au.