Frequently Asked Questions
Check Alpha Car Hire Terms & Conditions
Fines, Tolls and Other Fees and Charges
How do I pay for toll roads?
Paying for toll roads with Alpha Car Hire is straightforward. Our vehicles are equipped with electronic tolling systems. When you drive on a toll road, the toll amount is automatically recorded against the vehicle’s registration. These charges, along with an administrative fee per toll fee, will then be debited directly from the credit card you used for your rental payment.
Am I responsible for toll charges incurred during my car rental?
Yes, as the hirer, you are fully responsible for any toll charges incurred while you are renting an Alpha Car Hire vehicle. This includes tolls from all electronic toll roads across Australia. The vehicle’s registration plate is used to identify toll road usage, and these charges will be debited from the credit card used for your rental payment as soon as they are processed. An additional administrative fee per toll fee, including any video matching fee, will also apply as stipulated in the Fees and Charges Schedule.
What happens if I don't pay a toll or if there's a payment problem?
If a toll charge is incurred and there’s a problem processing the payment (e.g., insufficient funds, expired card), a dishonour fee may be applied. Additionally, your own financial institution may charge you further fees for payment issues. It’s always best to ensure your payment details are current to avoid these extra charges.
Can I add the rental car's registration to my personal toll account or tag?
No, we strongly advise against adding the Alpha Car Hire vehicle’s registration to your personal toll account or tag. Doing so can lead to double charging for tolls, as our system will also process the tolls through our own account. Alpha Car Hire will not be responsible for refunding any double-charged tolls if you link the vehicle to your personal account. We manage all toll charges directly through the vehicle’s registration to ensure accurate billing.
What happens if I receive a traffic infringement (fine) during my rental period?
If the Alpha Car Hire vehicle receives a traffic infringement (fine) during your rental period, you as the hirer will be held responsible. This includes fines or charges imposed for parking, speeding, other driving offences, and fines for the release of the Vehicle if it has been seized by a regulatory authority. We will receive notification of the infringement and, as per our terms and conditions, we are required to nominate your details as the responsible driver to the relevant issuing authority. Each individual infringement will incur an administrative fee charged by Alpha Car Hire to cover the cost of processing and handling the nomination. You will then be responsible for paying the infringement directly to the issuing authority.
Are there other common fees or charges I should be aware of?
Yes, beyond rental fees, tolls, and fines, other potential fees and charges you should be aware of include:
Cleaning Fees: If the Vehicle is not returned in a suitable state of cleanliness, a cleaning, disinfection, and deodorising fee will be charged as specified in the Fees and Charges Schedule.
Refuelling Charges: If the Vehicle is returned with less than a full tank of fuel, we will charge you the difference at the rate specified in the Fees and Charges Schedule. Using incorrect fuel type (e.g., bio-diesel, ethanol, organic hybrid fuel) will result in all associated costs being at your sole expense.
Late Return Fees: If you return the Vehicle 2 hours beyond the return date and time, an additional full day’s rental fee will be levied for that day and any day beyond. If not returned by the agreed time without extension, charges of $25 per hour up to one full day’s rental, and further full day’s rental for each 24-hour period apply. Late fees are associated with the return of the Vehicle outside of the normal.
Additional Driver Fees: A fee applies for each extra driver added to the rental agreement.
Young Driver Surcharge: An additional Damage Fee applies to you or any Authorised Driver who is 21 to 24 years of age.
Roadside Assistance Call-out Fees: A roadside assistance fee applies where you are at fault and roadside assistance is required (i.e., where you lock the keys in the Vehicle). This applies to non-mechanical issues not covered by standard assistance.
One-Way Rental Fees: Applicable if you arrange to pick up the vehicle at one location and return it to another, associated with costs for relocating the Vehicle.
Cancellation Fee: An applicable cancellation fee as specified in the Fees and Charges Schedule.
Early Return Fees: All costs associated with the early return or termination of the Alpha Hire Rental Contract until the end of the period specified.
Repossession Costs: All costs associated with the repossession of the Vehicle.
Breach of Special Conditions: All costs associated with the breaking of any special conditions set out in the Alpha Hire Alpha Hire Rental Agreement.
Credit Card / Debit Card Surcharge: A surcharge will apply as specified in the Fees and Charges Schedule.
Damage Liability Costs: Charges related to loss or damage to the Vehicle including for Major Breach, Single Vehicle Incidents, interior damage, tyre damage (not fair wear and tear), and loading/unloading damage.
Always refer to your Alpha Hire Rental Contract and the full Terms & Conditions for a comprehensive list of all potential fees and charges.