Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General

• What is Abel’s $29 deal?

  The famous Abel $29 deal is a simple no frills deal capped with 100km free per day (accumulative). Bookings must be made online with a credit card for security bond and payments for the rental paid in cash. It may be hard to believe buts it’s real. When our competition advertises a $29 deal quite often it doesn’t include fees like premium location fees, rego recovery fees etc. At Abel we keep it simple.

  Please Note: $29 deals do not apply on public holidays, School Holidays and peak periods.

• What is involved in renting a car?

  The Abel rental experience is something that we’re particularly proud of, we even have a quick 2min video that you can watch by clicking here. You simply place your booking via our website, phone the reservations centre or visit one of our locations. Once your booking is made all the main driver needs is a credit card in their name with enough funds for the pre authorisation and an open driving licence.

  The Abel customer service officer will walk you through the rental agreement and options available. Once the rental agreement is signed we will walk around and check the vehicle for damage and you’re on the road! Once you return we check the vehicle is the same condition as it went out and we’re done. Easy.

• Can I use a Debit Card?

  Debit Cards can be now used for both Rental Payments and Security Bond payments – Credit card or Debit card … It’s all the same at Abel!

  Please note: Abel does not accept pre-paid Visa or Master cards or Load and Go debit cards.

• How does the toll system work?

  Your Abel rental vehicle is not fitted with a toll tag and you will be responsible for the payment of any tolls. Full information is available from the toll web site – www.govia.com.au – or by calling them on (13 33 31). Please Note: You have three days from the date of going through any toll to pay, either on-line at the above link or by phone. Renters / credit card holder is responsible for any and all toll and infringement fines and the related charges. Click here to see a list of Abel’s Fee Schedule.

• Does Abel Rent a Car offer one-way rentals?

  Unfortunately we do not. You must return your rental vehicle to the same location you collected it from.

• Does Abel hire baby seats?

  Yes, Abel has a great relationship with a company that assists in hiring and fitting a huge range of baby capsules/seats and booster seats. For further details click here.

• Can I carry pets in an Abel vehicle?

  Yes, if you are travelling with your pets, it is best to contact the location you are renting from to inform them. Please be mindful that if the vehicle is not returned to the Abel depot in the same, clean condition an additional cleaning fee may apply. Click here to see a list of Abel’s Fee Schedule.

• Can I park my own car at an Abel location?

  Unfortunately no, Abel Rent A Car is unable to provide parking for customers vehicles for legal reasons and the safety of your own vehicle.

• How can I guarantee the make and model of the car I prefer?

  The make and model of our hire vehicles are based upon availability. Upon arrival, please advise the counter representative of your preference. If available, we will be happy to accommodate you. Abel is unable to guarantee the make and model of the vehicle at the time of booking.

• Can I guarantee a specific colour?

  Upon arrival, please advise the counter representative of your preference. If available, we will be happy to accommodate you. Abel is unable to guarantee the colour at the time of booking.

• Do all the trucks have a tailgate lifter?

  Every truck in the Abel fleet has a tailgate lifter. This make moving heavy items a breeze, just lower the lifter, load it up, press the raise button and BAM, your goods are raised to the container level. Combine this lift with an Abel Trolley and your gear practically moves itself. Check out Abel’s helpful video about its range of moving trucks by clicking here.

• Can I tow using an Abel Rent a Car vehicle?

  Abel Rent a Car’s vehicles can be used to tow up to their legal limits. Presently, the vehicles that can be used for towing are our fleet of Mitsubishi Triton utilities. Check out Abel’s helpful video about its range of utilities by clicking here.

• Can I drive an Abel vehicle off road?

  Unfortunately no, Abel vehicles are not covered to drive on unsealed roads. If any damage is caused while on an unsealed road, the renter will be responsible for all costs involved in the accident process.

• Where can I drive the rental vehicle?

  You may drive an Abel Rent A Car vehicle in Queensland (no further north than Cairns), the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Victoria. Presently, Abel Rent A Car vehicles cannot be driven in the Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia or Tasmania if an accident or incident occurs in outside of the authorised regions the renter / credit card holder will be responsible for all costs. Commercial vehicles however cannot travel more than a 250km radius from the renting location.

Renting the Vehicle

• What are Abel Rent a Car’s Terms and Conditions?

  A copy of the Abel Rent A Car Terms & Conditions can be found here. You can also view the Abel Rental Agreement for full details.

• What is the bond / pre authorisation and how long is held for?

  The bond (which is $500 for all vehicles) is required for every rental, it is not held by Abel. It’s simply verification to us that there are funds available and the credit card is legitimate. The amount is held by your bank and is released depending on their release schedule. Abel is never in control of the location or the release of these funds. The release time is within 7 business days if you bank with NAB, CBA, Westpac or ANZ; within 14 business days if you bank with BOQ, Suncorp, St George, Citibank, Heritage, BankWest or Bendigo. All credit unions or international banks can take up to 21 business days.

• Can I use another person’s credit card to pay for my rental car?

  Another person’s credit card may be used provided they are present at the branch at the time of rental with a valid driving licence. If they will not be driving they will still need to present a valid form of photo identification.

• Do I need to have an International Drivers Licence?

  If you will be driving for a period that is less than three (3) months and you have an International Drivers Licence, it will be honoured by Australian law, however a current copy of your passport is required. If you plan to stay in Australia for more than three months and intend to drive for that period, you are required to obtain an International Drivers Permit.

• Will Abel Rent A Car check my driving record?

  To help control liability and insurance costs, several major car rental companies, including Abel Rent A Car, screen for high-risk drivers. Abel Rent A Car reserves the right to ask potential renters a variety of questions regarding their personal driving records. Whenever a prospective renter’s driving history fails to meet the Abel criteria, the car hire company can deny rental service.

• Can anyone other than myself drive the vehicle?

  You can drive an Abel vehicle if your name appears on the rental agreement. Additional drivers can be added, a one off surcharge may apply. Click here to see a list of Abel’s Fee Schedule.

• Do I need to check the condition of the vehicle before I leave Abel?

  Yes you should, it is the responsibility of the renter to ensure all existing damage is noted down on the Vehicle Quality Control Sheet before you take the vehicle. Abel also encourages its clients to take photographs of the vehicle before leaving the location, this protects us all in the event there is a dispute over damage. If you find new damage that is not listed on the vehicle Quality Control Sheet given to you at the time of pick-up, you must inform the Abel Rent a Car location that you picked up from within 30 minutes.

• Can I extend the rental duration?

  Extending the rental duration is possible at time of check out or during the rental itself. You will need to contact or come in person to the nearest location. The extension is subject to vehicle availability and additional payment. Any extension request may incur a premium extension fee, depending on the class of vehicle and the availability. Payment must be made and signed on the day of extension either by credit card, or in cash at the location that you hired from.

• What should I do if I have an accident or the vehicle breaks down?

  Firstly in the event of an accident, be sure to see to any injured (if any) and notify the police (if required).

  Secondly contact the location the car was rented from, you can find the locations number by clicking here or it is be located on the top right hand corner of your Abel Rental Agreement (given to you at the time of rental)

  All Abel’s vehicles are covered by 24hr Roadside Assistance. Please contact the location BEFORE arranging any Roadside Assistance. If the call out is found to be due to renter error, you may be charged a Roadside Callout Fee. Click here to see a list of Abel’s Fee Schedule.

Reservations

• How can I get the best deal?

  That’s easy! Book online at www.abel.com.au.

  Car rental pricing is like airline pricing – if you travel at off-peak times or make or make a reservation seven or more days in advance, you often get a better deal. Also, check the Abel Facebook page or sign up to the Abel newsletter for the very latest VIP deals.

• Why do rates differ?

  The costs of vehicles, real estate prices, labour costs and special taxes vary from one area to another. Car hire rates, similar to airline and hotel prices vary between competitors and may also vary depending on when and where you rent. The company’s rates may be higher at an airport location and lower at a downtown or suburban location. Rates can also be subject to availability and time of year.

• Can I check rates without making a reservation?

  Yes, you may request a quote for car hire and check availability of specific vehicles without making a reservation. Complete only the first page of the reservations process. If you wish to proceed with the booking, simply continue to complete your name, phone number and credit card details via our secure online booking system.

• Am I able to cancel or modify my reservation once it is confirmed?

  Yes, you can. To modify or cancel your booking please call our reservations team on 1300 131 429. Please note: Cancellation fees may apply. Click here to see a list of Abel’s Fee Schedule.

• What are the requirements to rent and drive a moving truck?

  All of Abel’s trucks can be driven on a normal open licence. Anyone renting or driving a truck must be at least 25 years of age.

• Can I drive a truck with a normal car licence?

  The beauty of Abel truck hire is that anyone can use our vehicles. All you need is a regular open drivers licence, credit card and be at least 25 years of age. All of our trucks are Automatic so anyone, including Grandma can drive.

• What age do I have to be to rent a vehicle?

  The minimum age for all drivers is 25. We do not rent to drivers under the age of 25 or over the age of 75.

• Do I need a Credit Card?

  Yes, a credit/debit card is required to rent a vehicle from Abel for the security bond. The credit/debit card holder MUST be present in the office to complete the rental agreement and also present a valid driving licence.

• What credit cards can I use?

  Abel Rent A Car accepts Visa and MasterCard.

• How does Abel Rent a Car protect my personal and credit card info online?

  The online reservation service is located on a secure server that guarantees the safety of the transaction. The system uses SSL encrypting technology. SSL works by encrypting all communications between your computer and our server so the information cannot be intercepted. For more about our privacy policy, click here.

• If I change my booking details, will the price change?

  It may. Abel will offer you the best rate based on the information provided at the time of reservation. In some cases the price may change because you are changing the conditions of your original reservation. If you are unsure or need assistance, you can contact Abel Reservations on 1300 131 429, 7am til 6pm, Monday-Friday and 7am-12pm Saturday & Sunday to enquire as to whether your rate will change.

• How will I know my reservation is confirmed?

  At the end of the reservation process, you will see a Reservation Confirmation page with the reservation number highlighted. You will also receive a confirmation email containing the details of your car hire reservation and collection procedure. Please present a copy of this at the time of pick-up.

• Does Abel charge a cancellation fee?

  Abel prefers not to charge its customers a cancellation fee, however if the reservation is cancelled or you fail to collect your rental vehicle a cancellation fee is charged to the credit card. Cancellation fees are part of the Travel, Airline, Hotel and Rental Industries and Abel, in line with its major competitors, reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee. Click here to see a list of Abel’s Fee Schedule.

• I have a free upgrade voucher, what car do I reserve?

  Abel Rent A Car will honour all free upgrades / other promotions as long as the voucher is valid and handed to the Rental Representative at time of hire and is subject to availability of vehicles. Abel Rent A Car reserves the right to upgrade up to two hire levels if a vehicle is available. Please note, free upgrade and promotional offers not available during school holidays or festive seasons. Standard Rental Terms and Conditions apply.

Returning the Vehicle

• Why do I have to return my car at a set time?

  Many rates, like weekend specials, are only available during certain time periods. Returning the car after or even before the designated time might affect the rate quoted. Returning the car by the agreed time also helps ensure that all other customers will have their reserved car available upon their arrival.

• What happens if I return the vehicle late?

  If the vehicle is returned between one and two hours late, one-third of the rental rate will be charged. If it is returned between two and three hours late, two-thirds of the rental will be charged. If the vehicle is returned three hours late (or more), then a full day’s rental is charged. Any and all options are charged at the daily rate.

• Do I have to clean the vehicle before returning it?

  You are not required to clean the vehicle before returning, however we do expect the vehicle be returned in good clean condition as it was given to you. Sand, pet hair, excessive dirt or mud can incur a cleaning charge. Click here to see a list of Abel’s Fee Schedule.

• Can I return the vehicle outside the location operating hours?

  Unfortunately No. After hours returns are not available at any Abel location.

• What refuelling options do I have?

  Your vehicle will be supplied with a full tank of fuel in most cases. We ask that you return your rental vehicle full of fuel, or the renter / credit card holder will be charged a refuelling fee. Click here to see a list of Abel’s Fee Schedule.

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