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Travel advice Information from Thrifty regarding Coronavirus.

RACQ members save with Thrifty car rental

We’ve teamed up with Thrifty to give RACQ members exclusive deals and discounts on rental cars and vans. Whether you’re enjoying a holiday, travelling for work or moving house Thrifty have a rental option to suit your needs. With more than 200 locations across Australia and New Zealand, a fleet of over 22,000 vehicles and award-winning service, you’ll be smiling all the way with Thrifty. Even better, they are 100% Australian owned… just like us.

RACQ members can access these exclusive car rental deals and discounts with Thrifty*:

  • 15% off Thrifty's daily car hire rates^
  • $5 per day off Ultimate Protection or Premium Protection~
  • No additional driver fee in Australia and New Zealand#

To take advantage of these offers simply enter your RACQ membership number when making a Thrifty car rental booking for Australia or New Zealand.


Get a quote with Thrifty Australia     Get a quote with Thrifty New Zealand

Thrifty car rental options

Thrifty have a range of different vehicles available for hire including:

  • Small, medium and large sized vehicles
  • Luxury models from Mercedes
  • A range of SUVs and 4WDs
  • People movers seating 6 – 8 passengers
  • Utes, vans and trucks

To view your car rental options before booking online you can download the vehicle options guide.

Download vehicle options guide

Mitsubishi ASX

Helpful car hire tips

  • Plan ahead – try to book your car hire as far ahead as you can, to beat the rising prices during the holiday periods and ensure availability.
  • Avoid airport fees – renting a car directly from the airport often comes with additional fees such as airport surcharges, drop off fees or taxes, so it’s a good idea to pick up your car up from a suburban location.
  • Read the terms and conditions – always read the car hire company’s terms and conditions carefully prior to making a booking.
  • Pick the right car size – make sure that your hire car is the right size for you and all of your luggage, so that you and your family have a comfortable experience during your trip.
  • Check for restrictions on where you can take the car – be aware of mileage limitations on certain vehicle types, locations and states where the vehicle is not permitted and off road driving limitations.
  • Car type not what you ordered? – Wherever possible, the car hire company will provide you with the advertised size and model of the car you wish to rent; if it’s not available, they should provide you with a similar sized product.
  • Petrol – Read the guidelines around pre-paid fuel offers, and always fill the tank before returning the vehicle (be aware that petrol stations near airports often charge higher rates. You can find cheap fuel prices at RACQ Fair Fuel Prices). You should check mileage before you leave the car hire company.
  • Excess – Have a clear understanding of the excess terms and conditions prior to driving away.
  • Insurance – Check exactly what the standard insurance covers. For example, rental car insurance often doesn’t cover damage to the wheels, tyres, overhead or undercarriage of the vehicle; and may not cover you for off-road driving. Check if RACQ's travel insurance provides any insurance for car hire. Many travel insurance policies will cover third party liability claims and theft so make sure you don’t pay for this twice.
  • Extras – Check your paperwork to make sure all the extras you need for your trip are covered.
  • In Australia, take your driver’s licence, insurance certificate (if purchased through an independent insurer) and the vehicle registration documents with you.
  • Plan your route in advance – the RACQ Trip Planner is a great tool for domestic trips.
  • Do the essential checks on oil, tyres, petrol, battery and water before you leave (these are the most common causes of breakdown).
  • Check you have a spare wheel, jack, first-aid kit etc.
  • If you are driving internationally, carry your Australian drivers licence and international driver’s permit (IDP) at all times. Research the road rules carefully. You can get your IDP here.
  • Be on time – Rental companies charge extra for late returns. Call if you are running late to explain your situation.
  • Get proof of the car condition – Take the time to double check for any marks or scratches along all panels, the wheels, the mileage counter and fuel gauge and make sure they are noted on the rental agreement. You could even take photos of the car.
  • Handing the keys back – Check the original agreement to ensure no additional charges have been added on accidentally and make sure you receive a copy of the paperwork stating the vehicle has been returned successfully.
  • Returning after business hours – Make sure the keys are securely placed in the locked key box.
  • Keep the paperwork – Lastly, keep a copy of the paperwork. The rental company will check the car over carefully for any damages after you return it. Check your credit card statement a few days later (and a few subsequent statements) to make sure promised fuel payments or excess charges are returned.

Travel Discounts

Find discounted accommodation and entertainment for your next trip.

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Get Travel Insurance

Get peace of mind that you're protected if something happens to you when you're on holidays.

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Fair Fuel Finder

Browse your local area for the lowest fuel prices in Queensland with the RACQ Fair Fuel Finder app.

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*Terms & Conditions of Thrifty Car Hire: Offers are subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, special offer or coupon. Must quote RACQ membership number at the time of booking and collection. All rentals are subject to the terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement. Offers valid until 31 October 2020. To view Thrifty Australia’s Terms and Conditions visit www.thrifty.com.au/terms. To view Thrifty New Zealand’s Terms and Conditions visit www.thrifty.co.nz/terms-and-conditions/.

^15% discount applies on the base rate (time and kilometre) only, available at Thrifty locations in Australia and New Zealand only.

~Damage Waiver Premium Protection available at a reduced price of $26.35/day or Ultimate Protection at $34.60/day, both options discounted by $5/day, available in Australia & New Zealand only. Ultimate Protection is capped at 10 days per 30 day rental. New Zealand Protection Options include Total Protection Package & Accident Excess Reduction, both options discounted by $5/day.

#Additional driver fee waived in Australia and New Zealand.

Travel Insurance:

The information in this article is general advice only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this, you should, before acting on the advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regards to your objectives, financial situation and needs. You should obtain the 'RACQ Travel Insurance - Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement' and consider it before making a decision about whether to acquire RACQ Travel Insurance.

Specific terms and conditions, limits (including sub-limits) and exclusions apply to each of our policies and the different benefits. Please read the 'RACQ Travel Insurance- Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement' for full details.

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