The best car rentals in Canberra

Where are the best car rentals in Canberra? Photo: File.

At some point in our lives many of us will need some temporary wheels. It may be for long term use while working in another city or perhaps intermittently for a weekend short break. Either way, when the need arises many of us head straight to our local rental car company.

Rental cars provide the best of both worlds. They offer use of the latest vehicles on the market minus the hefty price tag that comes with ownership. No registration, yearlong comprehensive insurance, servicing, or even washing! And you can simply drop it off once you are done!

But in an ocean of car rental providers how do you go about selecting the right one? And do so without falling for any regrettable – and costly – mistakes? Thankfully, we have rounded up the best of the bunch right here in Canberra. So, without further ado read on below.

What makes a great car rental provider?

Great car rental providers are there to make your life easier. They have the car you need when you need it and are fully transparent with all associated costs. Here are a few aspects to consider while hunting down your next rental car:

• Range & availability. Cars come in many shapes and sizes, each catering to varied passenger needs and style. Whether you need a longer-term rental, some wheels for the weekend, or just a day, range and availability is important. The best car rental services will stock a full fleet of options from small to medium and large vehicles. Should the desire for something more seasoned be required they will offer luxury options as well. And, for the eco conscious a green fleet will also be at the ready.
• Clear costs & contracts. As with any car rental service, it pays to be diligent with costs, contracts, clauses, and insurances. Rates tend to differ based on peak and off-peak days along with hire periods. Generally, the long the tenure of hire the lower the daily rate. And, when it comes to rate the best are often sought ahead of time by booking well in advance. Operators with online booking portals may offer deals from time to time, so invest in some research early. When it comes to contracts, look for operators who allow for booking modifications and pain-free cancellations. And, as for insurance always seek the best coverage and protection. Many hire car operators will include an element of standard cover, however optional extra coverage is most certainly recommended.
• Vehicle condition & cleanliness. It is reasonable to expect nothing less than tip top quality for your rental car. This means a sparkling clean interior and an exterior that looks as though it has slid off the factory floor. Appearances aside, what is equally as important is the condition of all mechanical components. While this will be difficult to gauge, check for new tyres and that all electric features work as they should. Importantly, be sure to complete a joint vehicle inspection with your rental provider prior to leaving. This will pick up and denote any signs of fair wear and tear that already exist on the vehicle. Finally, enquire about cleaning procedures and ensure you elect a provider that opts for antibacterial products.
• Flexible collection & drop off points. Investing extra travel time to simply pick up or drop off your hire car can be a huge inconvenience. While there are plenty of hire car providers, their location – and flexibility with collection and drop off is quite important. Indeed, the ability to return your rental at a different location may be the biggest factor in determining your decision. Operator terms do vary quite a bit. Some of the larger hire services will cater to this easily, while boutique services may not. So, while shopping around consider your needs, start, and end locations, and match hire services accordingly.
• Flawless customer experience. Booking a rental car should need not be rocket science. The process should be simple and seamless from the first click or call through to handing the keys back over. Whether booking online, via phone, or in person the best car rental services put their customers first. This translates to convenient locations, decent opening hours, easy collections and returns, and even bottled water for clients. Indeed, the best car rental operators make light work of all customer requests, and even handle feedback with a smile.

The best car rentals in Canberra

Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.

To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.

Should you require something larger than a car be sure to check out articles on the best van hire and the best truck hire in Canberra. For something special check out our article on the best bus, limousine and hummer hire companies.

And, if you’re considering making a car purchase see our articles on the the best car dealerships and the ultimate guide to buying a used car in Canberra.

Your experience with car rental in Canberra

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Have you had experience with any of the car rental providers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.