FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Time Do You Open / Close?
Our Auckland Airport depot is open from 6:00am to 8:00pm, our Auckland City and Christchurch Airport depots are open from 8:00AM to 5:30PM.
Our Queenstown Airport depot is open from 8:00AM and 5:00PM.
Auckland Airport and Christchurch Airport depots also have after hours collection:
Auckland:
Aeroparks are our Auckland provider
Based at 36 Richard Pearse Drive, Māngere, Auckland 2022
Phone number 027 414 4712
They are open 24/7, with a shuttle running during opening hours in order to pick up and drop off customers to and from the airport
Christchurch:
Airpark Canterbury are our Christchurch provider
Based at 17/25 Logistics Drive, Harewood, Christchurch 8544
Phone number 03 360 3113
They are open 24/7, with a shuttle running during opening hours in order to pick up and drop off customers to and from the airport
There is a $50 charge for pick up or drop off their vehicle after hours. Our after hours providers charge us to use their services so we must on charge the customer for this.
Can I Have An Additional Driver? How Much Would This Cost?
Yes, you can always add as many additional drivers as you want to your reservations.
They must hold a full license and the license must be shown physically when collecting the car.
The cost of the additional driver is $3 per day.
I Have A Flat Tyre, What Should I Do?
Spare tyre: The spare tyre will either be a normal tyre, or a space saver. You need to use the jack to change the tyre. The jack will either be in the boot with the spare tyre, under one of the front seats, or in a side wall compartment in the boot. If the spare is a normal tyre, once the flat tyre is changed to this, you can continue to drive normally for the remainder of their hire. If the spare is a space saver, the space saver can only be driven at maximum 80kms/hour and generally only for 100kms distance, after which the tyre should be replaced to a new tyre.
Puncture Repair Kit: If the vehicle is equipped with a puncture repair kit, these are usually located either where the spare tyre is normally located, or in a side wall compartment in the boot. The puncture repair kits include instructions on how to use them. If instructions are missing, we can email you the instructions. The repair kit will inject a foam into the tyre which will block minor punctures that the tyre has. They cannot be used if there is a gaping hole in the tyre. If the tyre repair kit is successful, it is similar to a space saver and can only be driven at maximum 80kms/hour and generally only for 100kms distance, after which the tyre should be replaced to a new tyre.
If you cannot change a tyre or use the puncture repair kit please contact us to speak with one of out team members for further assistance.
Can I Drop Off My Vehicle Late?
There is a $50 charge for customers to either pick up or drop off their vehicle afterhours. Our afterhours providers charge us to use their services so we must on charge the customer for this.
You can call the after hours provider direct for a pickup, or you can call us at 0800 288 699 and our answer machine has the contact details of the respective after hours provider.
Can I Pick Up My Car Earlier?
We will do the best we can to accomodate your vehicle collection even if you are a couple hours beforehand.
Please call or email us if you need to amend your booking pick up time as this could also incur in extra charges.
What Is The Cancellation Policy?
- If cancelled at least 3 days prior to pick up: no charges will apply and customer can have any deposit they have paid refunded back to them
- If cancelled 1 to 3 days prior to pick up: 50% of the total cost is payable
- If cancelled on the day or a no show: 100% of the total cost is payable
- Cancellation during the hire or returning early: no refund is provided for unused days
Do I Need to Clean The Car Before Returning It?
If the vehicle is returned excessively dirty and cannot be cleaned in our normal grooming process, a cleaning fee of $200 can be charged.
Examples of when this would be charged include but are not limited to: excessive sand in the vehicle, excessive mud or dirt in the vehicle, food pressed into the seats or floor of the vehicle, animal or human waste in the vehicle or used nappies left in the vehicle.
Do I Need To Pay For The Vehicle's Fuel?
All hire vehicles are provided with a full tank of fuel and must be returned with a full tank. If for any reason the vehicle is not hired out with a full tank, the vehicle must be returned with the same level of fuel that it went out with. If this doesn’t occur, the customer will be liable for the fuel cost, as well as a $25 fuel filling fee.
How Do I Apply For A Refund?
If you have a refund request, please email us at info@snaprentals.co.nz with the booking number / reference number and the reason of the request.
How Do I Apply For A Refund?
If you have a refund request, please email us at info@snaprentals.co.nz with the booking number / reference number and the reason of the request.
Do You Accept Cash Bonds?
No, we don't accept cash bonds.
Why Do I Need A Credit Card?
We require a credit card to secure your booking. We hold this credit card on file – and will only charge it in the unlikely case of an accident or infringement. In case of an accident you will be charged up to NZ $2000 as an excess. If you have taken out additional insurance with us however, you will only be charged the amount agreed to under your selected insurance option.
Which Credit Card Types Do You Accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express (Amex). Please note that Visa and MasterCard, credit cards and debit cards, have an additional fee of 2.5% when used and Amex cards have an additional fee of 5% when used. There are no fees for paying in cash.
Where Are Your Offices Located?
Our New Zealand rental locations are located at Auckland Airport, Auckland City, Christchurch Airport, and Queenstown Airport.
What Is The Minimum Driver Age?
We don't have any age restrictions at Snap, however you do need to hold a valid driver's licence. Note that if the licence is a Restricted (or P Plate) licence, you will have to take our Restricted Driver's Insurance Cover.
What Is Included In The Rates?
Snap offers the best rates on New Zealand car rental. Our rates are inclusive of GST Tax, basic insurance (with $2000 excess), unlimited mileage, and 24 hour roadside assistance.
What Is A "Premium Location Fee"?"
Snap Rentals' airport rental locations are conveniently positioned either on Airport property with Airport shuttle services, or close by with shuttle services. Snap Rentals' city branches are centrally located in prime positions. A "Premium Location Fee" is charged to customers in order to recover some of the costs associated with operating at these locations.
What Happens If I Break Down Or Need Assistance During My Holiday?
Our cars are supported by a 7 day, 24-hour emergency breakdown service of nationwide reputable service agents. They will deal with any mechanical problems that may arise. We can also authorize you to spend up to NZ$100.00 in emergency repairs so that you can deal with minor matters speedily or when convenient to you however please produce the receipt when you return from your hire for a refund.
What Does The Rental Insurance Cover?
The rental insurance cover restricts the maximum you are liable for in the event of an accident (as long as you do not breach our Terms and Conditions). It does not cover you for any personal loss or injury.
What Does It Mean By 24 Hour Booking?
Our rates are set in 24 hour periods which means that you are charged a daily 24 hour block from the time you pick up the vehicle. That vehicle is due back within 24 hours of your pick up. For example if you pick up a vehicle at 1pm on a Tuesday, that vehicle will be due back before 1pm on the Wednesday to avoid being charged another day.
What Currency Will My Credit Card Be Charged?
All credit card transactions will be processed in New Zealand dollars (NZ$). This applies to all bookings made through our website.
Is There A Refund If I Shorten My Hire While On Holiday?
No, there are no refunds if you return your car earlier than the reserved period. However your travel insurance may in some circumstances cover the unused portion.
Is It Safe To Use My Credit Card?
Yes. Security of our customer’s credit card is taken very seriously. To ensure your security, all credit card transactions are secured by SSL that encrypts the credit card number to make it unavailable to any other party.
If I Have An Accident And I Am At Fault, Will I Lose My Entire Excess?
You will be liable for up to the amount of your excess towards the repair cost. If the damage is minor, you will only be charged the repair costs and not the entire excess. If your excess is zero ($0) you will not be charged at all (as long as you do not breach our Terms and Conditions).
I Cannot Afford $29 Per Day, Are There Any Other Excess Reduction Options?
Yes, we have insurance cover for an extra $24 per day which is called “Baseline Excess Reduction” and reduces your excess to only $500.00.
How And When Should I Make My Booking?
We always suggest that as soon as you know the dates you wish to travel you should go online and book. The best way to book is via our secure server booking page. Or if preferred, just give us a call! You will need a credit or debit card either way.
Do You Offer One Way Rentals?
We sure do! Feel free to collect your Snap from one of our depots (Auckland, or Christchurch) and return it to another. During periods of high demand there is often a “One Way Fee”, but this is outlined at the time of booking.
Do You Offer A Zero ($Nill) Excess?
Yes, if you take our Go Smarter Comprehensive Protection Cover at an extra $29 per day, you have a zero ($nil) excess. It is well worth it and we recommend you take the Go Smarter Comprehensive Protection Cover.
Do You Hire To Restricted Or P/P2 Plate Licence Holders?
Yes, Snap Rentals does hire to holders of Restricted or P/P2 Plate Licences. If you only have a restricted or P Plate Driver’s Licence you will be required to take out the “Restricted License (P Plates) Insurance”. This costs $34.00 per day, and includes all the benefits of Go Smarter Comprehensive Protection Cover, such as $0.00 excess and bond.
Please note that at present, this insurance option is not available to select through our online booking funnel. Simply give us a call or email to set up your restricted / P Plate booking with us
Do I Need To Get My Overseas Driver's Licence Translated Into English?
To legally drive a car in NZ under NZ Transport's law licence requirements, you will need to have your overseas driver's licence translated by an approved NZTA translation service. To avoid delays in collecting your rental car, we recommend getting your translation in advance, however this can be arranged on the day for a small fee. A full list of approved translation services can be found on NZTA's website https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/new-residents-and-visitors/approved-translators/
Do I Need Snow Chains In New Zealand?
This is dependent on where in the country you intend to travel and over which season. If you are traveling in the South Island over winter and want to take in some of our mountain scenery – then you probably will not get far without snow chains! You can add snow chains to a booking you make on our website, or pick up a set when you arrive at the depot – for only $60.00 per hire. Please note that these are subject to availability so we cannot guarantee a set on arrival
Do I Have To Pre-Book The Ferry Service Across Cook Strait?
During the peak summer season, from December to March, it is advisable to pre-book ferry services in advance. All of our vehicles are insured for the ferry crossing between the North & South Island
Do I Have To Pay A Deposit At The Time Of Booking?
No, we do not charge a deposit when you make a booking with Snap Rentals. A credit card or debit card is required at the time of booking. Full payment for the rental is charged on the day of pickup.
Do I Have To Pay A Bond?
This depends on the level of cover you take with Snap Rentals. If you opt for the Risky Business Insurance, the bond required is NZ$2000.00. This amount will be held on your credit card or debit card when you pick up your car. Please note: credit or debit cards can be used for payment and bond as long as it is embossed with the name of the main hirer. If you opt for our recommended, Go Smarter Comprehensive Protection Cover, the bond and excess is reduced to NZ$0.00 (Nil).
Can We Smoke In Your Vehicles?
We do not allow smoking in the vehicles.
Can I Use My Overseas Drivers Licence?
Yes, as long as it is in English. Otherwise you will have to apply for an “International Driver’s Licence” or get an official translation from an NZTA approved service before coming to New Zealand.
Can I Pick Up, Or Return After Hours At Auckland Airport And Christchurch Airport?
Yes you can, however there is a small convenience fee added to your booking for this. You can select this while you make your booking. Our afterhours pick up points are located close to the airports. All details are provided at time of booking.
Can I Drive As Much As I Want? Any Restrictions On Kilometres?
We have unlimited kilometres with all our vehicles.
Can I Drive As Much As I Want? Any Restrictions On Kilometres?
We have unlimited kilometres with all our vehicles.
Are All Snap Rental Cars Automatic Transmission?
Yes all of Snap Rentals’ cars are automatic. Don’t worry if you’ve never driven an automatic car before. As the name suggests it is easier than a manual or ‘stick’.
Am I Insured For Windscreens And Tyres?
Only if you opt for the Go Smarter Comprehensive Protection Cover at an extra $29 per day.
What are my insurance options for my NZ rental car?
We offer 3 types of insurance for your rental vehicle:
1) $0 per day - Risky Business: Included in your booking with a $2000 excess/bond
2) $24 per day - Baseline Cover: Basic cover insurance with a $500 excess/bond
3) $29 per day - Go Smarter: Maximum cover with $0 excess/bond
Please refer to our insurance exclusions in our terms and conditions.
FAQ - CAR RENTAL NZ
Got questions? We've got answers!
Check out our FAQ section to get the lowdown on all things Snap Rentals. Wondering about booking or insurance? It's all there. We've kept it simple – just straightforward info to make your Snap experience smooth.