Early Returns Explained

At Long Term Car Rental, we aim to provide maximum flexibility for our clients’ transport needs. As such, all our rentals including short term car rental, long term car rental, ute rental, van rental and car subscriptions come with no lock-in contracts or minimum/maximum rental terms.

Maximum Flexibility

Whether you are waiting for a new vehicle, having maintenance done, travelling, changing jobs or relocating, we understand that circumstances can change and we tailor our rental packages to accommodate. However, our rates are tiered depending on how long you rent for, so while we do not charge any cancellation or modification fees, early returns can result in some changes to your original rental agreement.

Tiered Rental Rates

Our long term car rental and car subscription rates are tiered depending on your estimated rental term. We structure our rates this way to make accessing transport affordable for people who need to utilise our car rental or car subscription services for an extended period.

If you sign up on a discounted subscription rate, you can still cancel at any time with no penalty. However, you will be charged the rate applicable for the term you have had the vehicle.

Our rate tiers are split by 1-3 days, 4-7 days, 8-30 days, 31-60 days and 61+ days, with the daily rate getting progressively cheaper at each tier.

If, for example, you pay for a 62 day rental, then return the car after 28 days, your rate for the 28 days will be adjusted to the 8-30 day tier. The difference for the 34 unused rental days remaining will then be refunded on return along with your bond.

Planning Your Early Return

If you suspect there will be a rate change applicable for your early return, it is best to touch base with the Long Term Car Rental team to determine the most cost-effective option. We can advise you of the difference in the rate so there are no surprises on return and confirm how to best utilise the tiers to your benefit.

Early Returns with no Rate Change

If you are returning early but still within your original rate tier, you will be refunded the full amount of unused rental days on your car rental or car subscription. For example, if you signed up for a 55 day rental but returned at 31 days, you would be refunded the full 24 days rent with no adjustment to your rate.

We also will not adjust your rate tier if you swap vehicles but continue to rent with us. For example, if you signed up for 55 days on a hatchback but decided after 8 days you need something larger, we can swap you after 8 days with no adjustment to your rental rate, provided you continue your rental past the 31+ day period between the two vehicles.

Avoiding Additional Charges on Return

We request that all vehicles are returned full of fuel as they were on collection. However, we do not require our vehicles to be professionally detailed prior to return, provided they are in reasonable condition.

Examples of what we would consider ‘unreasonable condition’ would be if the vehicle is smoked in or very odorous, heavily soiled or stained, full of pet hair or sand or displaying damage such as rips or tears to the interior.

Our billing is based off a 24-hour period, so the vehicle is to be returned at the same time it was collected. If you are over an hour past this time, you will incur an additional day’s charge.

We will check in throughout your rental if you appear to be exceeding your KM allowance. You will have the opportunity to upgrade or downgrade your package at any time throughout your rental, however, if you choose not to do this, excess KM charges may be applicable in return.

If you have any further questions regarding our returns policy, we are always here to help! You can enquire through our contact page or get in touch with us on (07) 3205 1515 or info@longtermcarrental.com.au.