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The Positives of Car Hire

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Cheap car rental

There are many good reasons for car hire. The most common would be for someone from out of town who doesn’t have their own vehicle and doesn’t want the restrictions and inconvenience of using public transport. There are some other positives as well and we’ll take a look at some.

Why Buy When You Can Hire?

Maybe you need a specific type of vehicle for a few days or the week or two. There is little point buying a car in a temporary scenario like this. Car hire is the obvious solution. No need to go shopping for a vehicle, paying registration fees and ongoing insurance policies. For one off occasions and circumstances, it really is the simplest solution.

That Special Occasion

Some people hire special cars just for the wedding day. These cars are used to transport the bridal party and other dignitaries. Not everyone getting married has access to modern and nice looking vehicles, so car hire is the tailor made solution.

When friends visit town and you want to drive them around to see the sights, but you only have a small car, then hiring a much bigger car solves this problem. This can also be applied to other special occasions like a milestone birthday party or wedding anniversary. There are many occasions when car hire makes perfect sense.

Impress Your Date

For the guys out there. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you finally landed a date with your dream girl, agreed to pick her up, but are embarrassed about your rambling old car with the engine running rough and flaking paint?

Impress her and make a good first impression by hiring a nice shiny new and modern car. Even if she knows the car is not yours, she’ll be impressed that you went to so much trouble for her and your date with her.

Car Hire can be a Tax Deduction

When it comes to business, car hire is a legitimate tax deduction. You might be travelling for business and need transport when you get on the ground. Even in your home town, perhaps you have a high end client coming to visit and you need a better car to drive them around in to make that all important positive first impression. Car hire solves the problem and can be claimed against tax as well when used for business purposes.

Car Hire Sydney

For good quality but cheap car rental Sydney, come in and see us at Low Cost Car Rentals. We have a good range and great deals for rentals cars Sydney has to offer.

Choose between Toyota Corolla or Camry for rent

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Often people enquiry Toyota Corolla, not Toyota Camry for rent. They think about saving a few bucks on the rentals. A lot of people know that the Camry is bigger in size that they see as a disadvantage. And not all people understand the compromises they make choosing a smaller car.

Both of these vehicles are popular Toyota models, but it can be difficult to tell their differences just by glancing at them.

Lets compare the two side by side and see if it is true. Hope this guide will help you choosing a better car for your next rental.

Why rent a Hatchback?

Corolla Hatchback for rent

Lets assume you already know that Toyota Corolla comes in two shapes – hatchback and sedan. The major difference between the two is the size of the boot. But it does not mean renting Camry will automatically allow you to carry more.

Hatchbacks are often referred to as 5 doors cars, meaning the access to the boot is through the fifth door and it is slightly bigger and more convenient than a boot access in the sedan. Why would it matter if the boot is small? Lets look at the real life examples that would help you to choose the cars for rent.

Scenario 1. Julie and Adam have bought a brand new TV 70″. They wish a car for rent to deliver their TV from the shop to their house. The best choice for Julie and Adam is the Toyota Corolla hatchback. Folding the back seats down will give them enough boot space and comfortable access to it.

Scenario 2. Matthew and Susan visiting Susan’s parents in Sydney. They travel with their newborn baby boy Ayden and carry a lot of baby stuff and a large bag of their own clothes and gifts for the relatives. The best option for Matthew and Susan is to rent a sedan, either Camry or Corolla. The bigger boot can fit all the luggage without folding the seats. The rear of the car will have enough space to install the special child seat for the newborn.

Why choose a Camry Sedan for rent over Corolla Sedan?

Toyota Camry - medium size car on rent

These models might look similar, but they actually fall under two difference classes of vehicles. The Corolla is considered a small size sedan and the Camry is a midsize sedan. Since Corolla is a smaller car, it might give you a slightly better mileage. However, the difference will not cost you an arm and a leg unless you intend to travel around Australia.

Lets modify Matthew’s and Susan’s situation described in the previous chapter and add another condition to the equation.

Now, the couple wants to visit a few relatives in the country and will need some space for Matthew’s in-laws Brendan and Bridgit. There would be only minimum of baby clothes and nappies in the boot. So some people might even think a Toyota Corolla Hatchback would will fit it all. Which is partially true. Any 5-seats car can fit 4 adults and a child seat. However, if you ever travelled in that car for more than 20km, you would understand our concern.

Conclusion.

A few things to remember, Toyota Camry is a more powerful car. Looking at the Toyota Corolla 2016 model Sedan and Toyota Camry 2016 model Sedan. Corolla is 132 horsepower versus Camry’s 178. It is a huge difference for our hilly and curly highways in NSW.

Toyota Camry will comfortably pick up the speed after slowing down on the turns, and will better handle up- and down- hills. Even having very big load on the car, you should be able to comfortably use the Camry’s cruise control allowing the car adjust the speed and get to your destination faster.

Surprisingly, not all the hatchbacks fitted with the aircon vents at the back.

So travelling in the overloaded Toyota Corolla most probably would add some time to get to your destination. You would also need to allow extra stops for the fresh air and limbs stretching. Give the driver extra support as they would need to handle most of the trip without using the cruise control.

To conclude.

  • If you have a large piece of luggage and/or only a couple people travelling, Corolla would suit your needs. See the detailed review of Toyota Corolla 2015 model Hatchback for better envisioning of the car interior and exterior.
  • If you have 4-5 adults travelling with or without luggage, renting a more powerful Toyota Camry would be a wiser option.
  • Corolla is a better choice for city use if you travel on your own and occasionally have 2-3 people in the car besides you. It is an easier car to park and it provides a better economy on fuel. You might even look into cheaper car rental options like Hyunday Getz for rent.
  • From safety perspective, lap-sash seatbelts offer better protection to passengers than lap-only seatbelts. All 5 seatbelts in Toyota Camry are lap-sash, so it would be a safer choice for 4+ travellers. Please check with your car rentals company first, as different year models might have different configurations. See Seatbelts Rules in NSW for more information on the setabelts safety.

Car Hire Comparison

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Cars for rent - prices compared

It is easier to select the car for rent rather than compare the car hire deals.

When you get a quote from a hire company for Sydney car hire, you just assume that the price on the quote is the price you will pay.

Don’t be fooled by the numbers! Read blow to know what are some of the gotchas with the car rentals prices.

What often happens is that when you picking up or returning the hire car you may be slugged with all manner of extra fees such as:

  • Administration fees
  • Airport levies
  • Registration recovery tax
  • Insurance excess / liability reduction waiver
  • Surcharge for drivers under 25
  • Visa and Mastercard surcharges

Unfortunately, those fees are not uncommon in the car rental industry. When you face these extra hidden costs you have no option but sign the contract and pay it.

Low Cost Car Rentals live up to our reputation and words

But not at Low Cost Car Rentals! When we provide a quote for cheap car rentals, we guarantee there will be absolutely, no hidden costs. All our prices include the default insurance cover and once the full amount paid you can drive away. And you get your credit card bond back as soon as you return the car when meet the simple conditions:

  • the fuel tank is full;
  • the mileage allowance is not exceeded
  • and the car is in the same condition as at the time you had picked it up.

The price per day we tell you in your quote is the total price you will pay for your rental car!

Additional charges may apply for things like:

  • additional drivers;
  • child seats, GPS, handsfree sets or other extras;
  • after hours airport pick up or drop off.

But we let you know this upfront, because we pride ourselves on transparent and honest pricing.

The safety and comfort of our customers is paramount to us, so you can have peace of mind knowing our cars are always safe and reliable. If you have rented our car for long term and noticed it is due for a service or something is worrying you, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us and we will organise a day when you can bring the car for a quick check up or service.

Low Cost Car Rentals Sydney are not the same as other hire car companies. We are a family owned Sydney car rental business with a focus on customer service.

Lastly, we have include a free 24/7 road side assistance to every single car hire. As we want you to be safe on the road and enjoy the trip as much as possible.

We will go the extra mile to make sure your car hire experience is as stress free and economical as possible.

If you need something special, our staff will go out of their way to make sure you get it!

Conclusion

So, no, not all hire car companies are the same. And that is why our customers keep coming back to us at Low Cost Car Rentals Sydney time and time again.

Our fleet includes small, economy cars, sedans, SUV’s and vans.

We will happily organise a quote for you and stay true to our motto. We guarantee that the price we say is the only price you will pay!

Cheaper Holidays without compromising on Car Rentals

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They are plenty of tips to save on car rentals. However saving on each item in your itinerary will not make your holidays better, it will only make it cheaper. The best way to save on holidays is to not be caught in stereotyping.

Obviously the best time to visit Sydney is in summer. It comes with Christmas on the Beach, Santa Clauses in shorts and plenty of Boat Parties and Dinner cruises in the Harbour. This also comes with the price.

Guess what, the Sydney icons such Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Anzac Bridge will not run away as the temperature drops. Did you know that you can save up to 44% on your hotel rentals and up to 61% on the flights by simply visiting Sydney in the less busy time?

Sydney’s beautiful beaches remain just as popular as ever, for coastal walks, whale watching, dining and even swimming — with many outdoor pools heated through the winter months.

And of course, there are boundless activities to be found indoors too, in pubs, wineries and cultural institutions.

Here’s our top 5 best activities to enjoy in Sydney this winter holidays.

1. Climb to the top of the world

A quintessential Sydney experience for tourists and locals alike, the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb is open for winter ascents on Sundays. The air may be crisp but it’s also particularly clear, making those sunsets spectacular. BridgeClimb provides winter woollies to warm those muscles as you climb to one of the best views in the world.

Harbour Bridge view from Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens in Winter

2. Swim outdoors

There’s no need to avoid Sydney’s crystal blue waters and stunning coastal views just because it’s winter. Some of the best swimming pools in Sydney heat their lanes throughout the colder months. Enjoy that stunning view of the Harbour Bridge while swimming laps at North Sydney Pool, next door to the iconic Luna Park. The pool at Prince Alfred Park, next to Central Station, is also heated and has water temperatures set to a comfortable 26C.

3. Take a coastal walk

Get those legs moving and heat back in the body doing the Manly to Spit walk or the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. Whether you’re a history buff, beach lover, or simply love nature, there’s something for everyone along the way. From Manly Wharf, the coastal trail winds past Dobroyd Head, one of the walk’s most scenic locations, and onto the military barracks at Bradleys Head.

Manly to Taronga Zoo coastal walk

Manly Beach in Winter

4. Watch some whales

May to November is whale-watching season when thousands of humpback whales migrate along the coast of NSW to give birth in the warm waters off Queensland. The best places to spot them are from North Head Lookout at Manly and Cape Solander in the Kurnell section of Kamay Botany Bay National Park. For a view from the water, plenty of cruise companies offer whale watching tours. So grab your binoculars, sit back, relax and enjoy nature’s best show.

Whale watching in Sydney Harbour

Whale watching in Sydney Waters

5. Warm up with winter reds

When it’s very cold outside, sometimes there’s nothing better to do than sit indoors with a warming glass of wine. Take a tour with a winemaker to Hunter Valley or Mudgee, sample a cheese plate at the cellar door, or impress your friends after taking a food and wine pairing class.

What is next?

If you saved too much on your holidays and had enough of relaxing Sydney, may be it is time to go skiing or snowboarding in the busy Sydney areas. Kosciuszko National Park is only 500 km drive from Sydney. You will be transferred from low +20 Celsius to minus something in Perisher or Thredbo. A day of the winter fun can cost as little as $80 pp.

The list of things to do goes on. It is perfect season for hiking. It is not too cold to go camping. Have I mentioned the amount of food and drink festivals? Here it goes and it is not complete:

  • Parramatta Winterlight.
  • Bondi Winter Magic.
  • Bathurst Winter Festival.
  • Snow Time in the Garden, Hunter Valley.
  • Winter Magic Festival, Blue Mountains.
  • Skating At Cathedral Square.
  • Winterfest Sydney Medieval Fair.
The Grounds, Alexandria NSW

The Grounds in Alexandria

Be aware, you might fell in love with Winter Sydney and will want to visit it again… in winter 🙂

To get the best Car Rentals Deal while you are in Sydney please call Low Cost Car Rentals.

What to do after a crash

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Rental cars are no different to the rest of the vehicles. The accidents happen.

First, make sure you have the most suitable insurance cover for your rental vehicle. However If you do not follow simple instructions in case of the crash, the insurance company may reject the claim and you will end paying the repairs out of your own pocket.

What to do in case of a crash

A step by step guide

Here is the procedure to follow in the case of a crash. Please note, this information is valid as of today 4 August 2017 and can be used for indicative purposes only. Please seek for a legal advice in case of disputes or further assistance.

Step 1

Stop! Don’t keep driving. If possible, use your indicator lights, hazard lights or headlights to warn other drivers and light up the scene if it is dark.

Help anyone who has been hurt. Call an ambulance if there are serious injuries.

Do not move anyone who’s been injured unless they are in immediate danger or need first aid. If someone has to be moved (if they are in danger), support broken limbs and be careful not to twist their back or neck.

For someone wearing a helmet, lift the visor but don’t remove it unless the person is vomiting or has stopped breathing. When removing a helmet, have one person support the head and neck, while another gently lifts the helmet off from the back.

Step 2

Call the police if anyone is killed or hurt, or if the other driver fails to stop or swap details. If the other driver seems like they might be drunk or high, or there is considerable damage to things other than cars, you also have to call the police. If nobody is injured and everyone involved has exchanged their details, you can arrange your own tow and leave the area, then report the crash later to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

Step 3

Once you have made sure everyone is okay, it is time to swap details. Both drivers will need:

  1. Date, time and location of the crash
  2. The other driver’s details, including: full name and address
  3. The other car’s rego number, make and model
  4. The car owner’s full name, address and contact numbers (if the driver is not the owner).

If possible:

  1. Contact details and the name of a willing witness
  2. The name of the police officer, their police station and contact details (if the police attend the crash)
  3. The name of the car owner’s insurance company, type of policy and policy number.

Being in a crash is always stressful, even if it is minor. To make sure you remember what details to get from the other driver, it is a good idea to leave a copy of the above list in your glovebox.

Step 4

If your car needs to be towed, take all of your personal belongings out of the car and wave goodbye. Always keep the contact details of the rental company handy so you can quickly contact them and organise a replacement vehicle. The rental company would help you to tow the vehicle away or get it delivered to the mechanic. It all depends whether the vehicle is still drivable or not.

Step 5

Call your rental company as soon as you can. They need to make a claim with the insurance company. Then keep in touch with the rental agency to organise the car replacement or repairs.

Important: Crashes are very stressful for everyone. The people involved will be pretty shaken up, so it is important that you keep calm and try not to get emotional. Even if the other driver is aggressive – do not rev them up or the situation could get out of hand very quickly.

Guide for people injured in a motor vehicle accident

A greenslip is a legal requirement for all motor vehicles registered in NSW, except trailers.

Greenslip is a generic term for Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance (also referred to as CTP Greenslips, green slips, greenslip insurance, CTP and CTP Insurance).

A greenslip contains of two schemes. The Third-party Insurance scheme, regulated by the Motor Accidents Compensation Act 1999 and the Lifetime Care and Support scheme, regulated by the Motor Accidents (Lifetime Care and Support) Act 2006.

If you are a person injured (but not at fault) in a motor vehicle accident, you can make a claim for a range of benefits including past and future medical treatment and rehabilitation costs, care costs and economic losses, as well as payments for pain and suffering (in some circumstances). Click here for more details.

SIRA is an organisation which is responsible for regulating workers compensation insurance, motor accidents compulsory third party (CTP) insurance and home building compensation insurance, in NSW.

If you are a person injured (and at fault), your Green Slip may provide limited cover, up to first $5000 of treatment costs and lost income incurred in the first six months after an accident. Check more on the official SIRA site.

References

The NSW Police brochure What to do after a car crash – available in ten different languages – provides a step-by-step guide for what to do in the event of a crash and specifies which details are necessary to record in the event of an accident. NSW Police recommend printing the brochure and keeping a copy in your carii. Along with the brochure, you can also download the Emergency+ app for iPhone and Android smartphones. The app uses your phone’s GPS to provide emergency service operators with your location details immediatelyiv,v.

Links

iNSW Police Force 2015, Crash Reporting FAQs, viewed 9 January 2015, 
http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_issues/road_safety/crash_reporting_faqs

iiNSW Police Force 2015, Road Safety, viewed 9 January 2015, 
http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_issues/road_safety

iiiInsurance Council of Australia 2014, NSW accident reporting rules change tomorrow – but insurers should still be notified, viewed 3 December 2014, 
http://www.insurancecouncil.com.au/assets/media_release/2014/october2014/141014%20NSW%20consumer%20alert%20-%20accident%20reporting%20rules%20are%20changing%20but%20insurers%20should%20be%20notified.pdf

ivFire & Rescue NSW 2014, Emergency+, Google Play Store, viewed 3 December 2014, 
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.threesixtyentertainment.nesn&hl=en

vFire Rescue New South Wales 2014, Emergency +, viewed 3 December 2014, 
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/emergency-+/id691814685?mt=8