Car Hire in Brighton, Melbourne, Australia

Ensure that you have a valid driving licence with at least one year of driving experience. If you are a foreign driver travelling to Melbourne, an international driving permit may be required. Remember, hire rates can be higher for drivers under 25 or over 70

When renting a car, understand the fuel policy. A 'Full-to-Full' policy means you return the car with a full tank, while 'Same-to-Same' means you return it with the same level of fuel. Full-to-Full is often more cost-effective.

Car rental companies usually require a credit card deposit that is temporarily held. Inquire about the deposit amount and its release after returning the vehicle.

Inquire whether the rental agency provides additional items such as GPS devices or child safety seats. These can enhance your trip but may incur extra costs, so plan ahead.

Take time to carefully read the rental agreement. Being informed about the terms will help you avoid hidden fees and ensure a smooth rental process.

If you have a specific vehicle model in mind, opt for rentals that assure the car type. This prevents surprises at pickup if a different vehicle is provided.

When looking at insurance, consider options with zero excess coverage, meaning you won’t need to pay a deductible for damages, providing extra peace of mind.

When renting a car, especially after travelling by train, allocate extra time for pickup to account for possible delays. Most car hire companies offer a 30-60 minute grace period. Sharing your train number can be helpful, but if you're running late, be sure to contact the car hire provider to let them know.