BRITZ Rental Cars
Rental Rates
Rental Conditions
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BRITZ New Zealand
Car, Minibus and 4WD Rental
Rental Terms and Conditions
Valid until 31 Mar 2008
- BRITZ 24 Hour Standard Car Rental Rates
- BRITZ 24 Hour Inclusive Car Rental Rates
- Depot Hours for Pick-up and Drop-off
- Airport Concession Fee / Transfer / Ferry Crossings
- Rental Duration / Multiple Rentals / One-Way Rental
- Driver's License and Age Restrictions
- Insurance / Standard Excess / Excess Reduction Option 2 / Premium Cover Option / Exclusions / Vehicle Security Deposit
- Infringements / Exchange Rates / Currency Variations
- Credit Cards / Calculation Errors
- Road Restrictions / Change of Drop-off Destination
- Customer Care On-Road Assistance
- Change of Vehicle / Voluntary Downgrade
- Additional Products & Services / Animals / Important / Disclaimer
This document contains a summary of some of the Rental Conditions. For full detailed Conditions refer to the Rental Agreement on pick-up. Please note all prices quoted in this document are in New Zealand dollars. Rates and Conditions quoted in in our brochures and/or websites are subject to change without notice.
BRITZ 24 Hour Standard Car Rental Rates
Britz 24 Hour Standard Rental Rates include:
- Unlimited kilometers
- Vehicle insurance (Standard Excess - deductible of NZD 1,800 applies)
- 12.5% GST
- Extra driver fees
- One way rental fees
- Airport transfer on pick-up and drop off
- Customer Care 24 hour road service helpline (toll free)
- Travel Wallet including road maps and travel information
BRITZ 24 Hour Inclusive Car Rental Rates
Britz 24 Hour Inclusive Rental Rates include:
- Unlimited kilometers
- Vehicle insurance (Excess Reduction Option 2 - deductible of NZD 220 applies)
- 12.5% GST
- Extra driver fees
- One way rental fees
- Airport transfer on pick-up and drop off
- Customer Care 24 hour road service helpline (toll free)
- Travel Wallet including road maps and travel information
TopDepot Hours for Pick-up and Drop-off
Branches in:
Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown.
Business Hours:
Auckland and Christchurch: Daily from 0800 to 1730 hours, closed Christmas Day (25 Dec).
Queenstown: Daily from 0800 to 1730 hours in the summer months, daily from 0800 to 1700 hours in the winter months, closed Christmas Day.
Britz Cars are available for pick up and drop off 24 hours per day from Auckland and Christchurch – times must be pre-booked.
Auckland
Pick up and Drop offs: CENTRA HOTEL, Richard Pearse Drive Mangere – clients can take the Maui and Britz Courtesy Transfer Bus to the Centra.
Christchurch
Pick ups: COMMODORE HOTEL, 447 Memorial Ave, Christchurch – call the Commodore Courtesy Transfer Bus from the Free Telephone Light box Service in the domestic or International terminal
Drop offs: Drop at the Britz branch. Leave the keys in the box.
Airport Concession Fee
An airport concession fee may be charged for hires with pick-up or drop-off from airport locations. An airport pick-up fee of NZD 20 per hire will apply for hires with pick-up at Queenstown airport. This fee is subject to change and new airport charges may arise as required. This surcharge is payable to Britz directly upon collection of the vehicle.
Transfer
Britz provides free airport to Branch and Branch to airport transfer on day of arrival and departure for our Auckland and Christchurch Branch. Queenstown Branch is located at the airport.
Ferry Crossings
If traveling between the North and South Islands of New Zealand, you must take your vehicle across on the Interisland Ferry. Bookings for this crossing can be made for you when you reserve your vehicle. It is essential to pre-book the ferry between the months of October to March. You find all the details at The Interislander.
Rental Duration
- Rental days are calculated on a 24 hour basis
- Minimum rental period is 3 days
- Minimum one way hire 7 days for all southbound hires
- Minimum rental period is subject to change during peak periods
- When a rental moves from one rate season into the next, the calculation is based on both rates
- If a customer wishes to extend the rental whilst on hire, they must first obtain authorization from reservations or any of the Britz branches. The rental extension is subject to vehicle availability. The cost of an extended rental must be paid by credit card over the telephone on confirmation of the rental extension. The rate charged will not reflect the original rate booked. Failure to obtain authorization will result in a daily fee of NZD 150 in addition to the daily rate.
Early return of vehicle does not entitle the hirer to any refund of the unused portion of the rental. Britz allows a grace period of 59 minutes before the hirer is liable for late return charges. Late return fees are applicable as follows:
- 1 hour late, one third of daily rate will apply
- 2 hours late, two thirds of daily rate will apply
- 3 hours late, one full day rate will apply
Multiple Rentals
Should a customer have more than one consecutive rental they can be combined to qualify for longer-term hire discounts. Consecutive campervan hire in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and/or consecutive car hire in New Zealand for both Britz and Maui can be combined to qualify if the vehicle collection date/s are within a 3-month period. For all rentals to qualify each booking needs to be made at the same time. If a customer makes another booking at a later time, the new booking can be combined to qualify if the vehicle collection date/s are within a 3-month period however, the original booking/s will not qualify for a discount (if applicable) once on hire and/or bookings already travelled.
Note that 2wd car hire in Australia cannot be combined with any campervan or New Zealand car hire to qualify for longer-term discounts.
Longer-term discounts must be requested at the time of booking.
If multiple hires total more than 100 days these rates and terms do not apply. Requests for quotes/bookings of more than 100 days should be directed first to reservations.
One-Way Rental
One-way rentals are available between all branch locations. No additional one-way fees apply.
Driver's License and Age Restrictions
A current and full motor vehicle driver’s license is required and must be produced upon vehicle collection. Should a foreign license be in a language other then English it must be accompanied by a current international driving permit issued in the same country as the driver’s license was issued. An accredited English translation will be accepted in lieu of an international driving permit.
Drivers must be 21 years of age or over. For drivers 75 years or over, a medical certificate stating that the customer is fit to drive for the duration of the hire is required.
Insurance
New Zealand legislation provides limited coverage for personal injury. We strongly recommend that all people traveling in New Zealand take out Personal Travel Insurance.
Britz New Zealand offers 2 different, very competitive excess reduction options for your peace of mind during your holiday:
Standard Excess
All vehicles are insured for the damage to the vehicle or to the property of a third party. The hirer is responsible for the first NZD 1,800 ("the excess") of the cost of damage to third party property or to the rented vehicle, including single vehicle accident, windscreen and tire damage, towing and recovery costs, theft, fire, break-in or vandalism with the exception of the 'exclusions'. This also includes the cost of the daily rental for the period the vehicle is off fleet for accident repairs.
The excess is applicable regardless of who is at fault and must be paid at the time the accident report is completed, not at the completion of the rental. The excess will be refunded if Britz is successful in recovering the cost of the damages from the third party. Please note that third party claims can take months to resolve. The excess applies in respect of each claim, not rental.
Please see the Exclusions section below, whereby all Excess Reduction cover will be made void.
This NZD 1800 excess can be reduced, in most circumstances, by the purchase of the Excess Reduction Option 2.
Excess Reduction Option 2
Cost per day: NZD 19 (max charge NZD 570) excess reduced to NZD 220.
With the Excess Reduction Option 2 the hirer the hirer is responsible for the first NZD 220 of ANY ACCIDENT COST of damage to Third Party property or to the rented vehicle, including single vehicle accident, towing and recovery costs, theft, fire, break in or vandalism. This also includes the cost of the daily rental rate for the period the vehicle is off fleet for accident repairs. The excess applies in respect of each claim, not rental.
Note: The Excess Reduction Option 2 is included in the Britz Inclusive Car Rental Rates.
Please see the Exclusions section below, whereby all Excess Reduction cover will be made void.
Premium Cover Option (PCO)
Where PCO is taken out at a flat rate of NZD 40 per rental in addition to the Excess Reduction Option 2, the hirer will not have to pay any excess at all for any damage to the vehicle or property of a third party.
BRITZ STRONGLY RECOMMENDS OUR CUSTOMERS TAKE PREMIUM COVER OPTION FOR TRAVEL WITH COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND
Exclusions
All insurance cover will be made void if any of the following 'Exclusions' are breached:
- Overhead and underbody damage to the vehicle.
- Any water related damage, which includes but is not limited to:
- any vehicle submersion
- creek or river crossing
- driving through low plain flooded areas
- beach driving
- Personal belongings. Britz recommends the hirer does not leave valuables in the vehicle and that they have insurance to cover for the loss/damage of personal belongings.
- Any damage caused by willful misconduct (e.g. sitting or standing on the bonnet or roof of the vehicle).
- Any damage caused while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The incorrect use of fuel (fuel being diesel or petrol) or contaminated fuel. The hirer will be responsible for any associated cost.
- The cost to retrieve or recover a vehicle, which may include, but is not limited to a vehicle that has become bogged, submerged or has been abandoned.
- The cost to replace keys, which have been lost or retrieval of keys, which have been locked in a vehicle.
- The vehicle rented may only be used to carry the maximum number of passengers as dictated by the vehicle type. If more passengers are carried than what is allowed Britz does not accept any liability.
- Drivers not identified on the rental agreement and/or drivers that have a license that has been cancelled or suspended and/or drivers who have a license that is classified as a learners or probationary license.
Vehicle Security Deposit
Upon vehicle collection, a security deposit is required. The amount is determined by the excess reduction option selected.
For security purposes, only a credit card can be used to provide a vehicle security deposit. The credit card holder must be present and able to sign for the vehicle security deposit upon vehicle collection. The credit card holder is jointly and severally liable for any damage to the rental vehicle.
In the USA a vehicle security deposit is referred to as the "deductible".
- If the Excess Reduction Option 2 is not selected, the security deposit is NZD 1,800 to be supplied by credit card. The NZD 1,800 is taken as an imprint to the hirer's credit card when the vehicle is collected.
- If the Excess Reduction Option 2 is selected the security deposit is NZD 220. The NZD 220 is taken as an imprint to the hirer's credit card when the vehicle is collected.
The security deposit is not debited provided the vehicle is returned on time, to the correct location, undamaged, with a clean interior and with a full fuel tank. Except where the customer has purchased Pre Purchase Fuel (PPF), failure to return the vehicle with a full tank of fuel will result in refill charges, which will be advised upon return of the vehicle.
Britz reserves the right to retain an NZD 125 cleaning fee if the vehicle is not returned with the interior in a clean condition.
Cheques and cash are not an acceptable method in which to supply a vehicle security deposit and will not be accepted.
In the instance where the hirer does not hold a credit card for the purpose of the vehicle security deposit or the credit card holder will not be present upon vehicle collection Britz does provide the option to leave the security deposit via travelers cheques or can arrange for a credit card to be debited prior to the rental commencing. It must be advised to Britz at least 17 working days in advance of vehicle collection that a travelers cheque vehicle security bond or a prior credit card debit is required. This cannot be arranged upon vehicle collection. Please note strict guidelines and criteria must be met for travelers cheques vehicle security deposits and prior credit card debits. Please contact reservations for more information if required.
FOR SECURITY PURPOSES BRITZ STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THE USE OF CREDIT CARDS FOR VEHICLE SECURITY DEPOSITS.
Infringements
Britz reserves the right to charge the hirer for any speeding or parking fines, associated administration costs and/or accidents including third party property damage not reported on return of the vehicle. The administration fee per fine, in addition to the fine, will be NZD 60.
Exchange Rates / Currency Variations
All credit card transactions are conducted in New Zealand dollars. Due to exchange rate fluctuations and/or bank transaction fees there could be some variance in the amount refunded compared to the amount initially charged. Britz does not accept any liability for variances up or down.
Credit Cards
The credit card holder will be jointly and severally liable as a customer. Accepted credit cards are Visa Card, MasterCard and American Express.
Calculation Errors
Britz and Blue Travel will not honor calculation errors. Should a calculation error occur Britz will charge for the shortfall.
Road Restrictions
Rental cars can only be driven on sealed/bitumen or well-maintained roads. No vehicle shall be driven on Skippers Road (Queenstown), Ninety Mile Beach (Northland), Ball Hut Road (Mt. Cook), North of Colville Township (Coromandel Peninsula) and Tapu - Coroglen Road (Coromandel Peninsula). Britz reserves the right at its sole discretion to restrict vehicle movements in certain areas due to adverse road or weather conditions.
Change of Drop-off Destination
If the customer wishes to change the drop-off destination, they must first obtain authorization from the reservations or scheduling departments. Subject to the change being approved, an additional charge of up to NZD 500 may apply.
Customer Care On-Road Assistance
Any problems associated with the vehicle, including equipment failure, must be reported to Britz as soon as possible, and within 24 hours in order to give Britz the opportunity to rectify the problem during the rental. Failure to do so will compromise any claims for compensation. We do not accept liability for any claims submitted after this period.
Change of Vehicle
Should the vehicle booked be unavailable through unforeseen circumstances, Britz reserve the right to substitute an alternative vehicle without prior notification and at no extra cost. This shall not constitute a breach of contract and does not entitle the hirer to a refund.
Vehicles cannot be requested by make, model, or color, only by vehicle category.
Voluntary Downgrade
Should the hirer decide to take a lesser vehicle than booked they will not be entitled to any refunds.
Additional Products & Services
To be requested at time of reservation and paid by customer on the day of vehicle collection:
- Picnic Table - NZD 22 per rental
- Picnic Chair - NZD 12 each per rental
- Child / Booster Seat - NZD 25 per rental
- Tent - NZD 75 per rental, suitable for 2 - 4 people.
- Camping Pack - NZD 20 per day, maximum charge NZD 200 for 2 persons
- Snow Chains - Details on request
- PFO - Pre-Purchase Fuel Option - Details on request
Animals
No animals are permitted in our vehicles, excluding guide dogs.
Important
Britz reserves the right to refuse any rental at its discretion.
Disclaimer
Illustrations and text in any of our documentation, brochures or website are subject to change. Images are a representation only of the vehicle depicted. Variances in the vehicles offered for rental may occur due to substitutions made by Britz or modifications and/or upgrades to the vehicle design made by the manufacturer.
Blue Travel and Britz are not responsible for misrepresentation of facts, rates and rental conditions described in this website. Prices, policies, conditions and vehicle makes, models and sizes are subject to change without notice.