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 is completely straightforward since all of our vehicles are fully equipped with seamless electronic tolling systems. Whenever you drive on a toll road, the exact toll amount is automatically recorded against the vehicle’s registration so you never have to worry about stopping or setting up your own passes. These toll charges along with a standard processing fee per toll will then be debited directly from the credit card you used for your rental payment. This fully automated process ensures you can focus entirely on enjoying the drive without any stressful interruptions along the way.
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 driving our vehicle. This includes all fees from electronic toll roads across Australia to ensure you can easily travel completely uninterrupted. Our vehicle’s registration plate is used to seamlessly identify toll road usage and these charges will be debited directly from the credit card used for the rental payment as soon as they are processed. Please keep in mind that an additional processing fee per toll including any video matching fee will also apply as clearly stipulated in our 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 we run into a problem processing the payment due to things like insufficient funds or an expired card, a dishonour fee may unfortunately be applied to the account. Please keep in mind that your own financial institution might also charge you further fees for any unexpected payment issues on their end. To easily avoid these extra charges and ensure a completely smooth experience, it is always best to ensure the payment details linked to our rental agreement remain completely current and active.
Can I add the rental car's registration to my personal toll account or tag?
We strongly advise against adding our vehicle’s registration to your personal toll account or tag to avoid any unexpected billing headaches. Doing so can easily lead to double charging for tolls since our automated system will simultaneously process the fees through our own account. We manage all toll charges directly through the vehicle’s registration to guarantee perfectly accurate billing and keep the entire process completely hassle-free. Please keep in mind that we will not be responsible for refunding any double-charged tolls if you decide to link our vehicle to a personal tag.
What happens if I receive a traffic infringement (fine) during my rental period?
If our vehicle receives a traffic infringement during the rental period, you will be held fully responsible for any fines or charges imposed for things like parking, speeding or other driving offences. Once we receive the official notification, we are required to nominate your details as the responsible driver directly to the relevant issuing authority. To cover the administrative costs of handling this required process, a standard $99 infringement fee will be charged by our team per incident. You will then receive the fine directly and be responsible for paying the issuing authority to get everything completely cleared up.
Are there other common fees or charges I should be aware of?
Yes, beyond standard rental rates, tolls and fines, there are a few other potential charges you should keep in mind before hitting the road. We always want to keep our pricing completely transparent, so please review this quick breakdown of common fees that may apply to our rental agreement:
- Cleaning Fees: Applied if our vehicle requires extra detailing, disinfection or deodorising upon return.
- Refuelling Charges: Applied if the tank is not completely full or if the incorrect fuel type is used.
- Late Return Fees: Hourly or full-day charges if you happen to miss the agreed drop-off time.
- Driver Surcharges: Additional daily fees for extra drivers or authorised drivers aged between 21 and 24.
- Roadside Assistance: Call-out fees for non-mechanical driver errors like locking the keys inside the car.
- Booking Adjustments: Applicable fees for one-way rentals, cancellations or returning the keys early.
- Damage Liability: Costs related to single-vehicle incidents, interior damage or tyre damage.
- Administrative Costs: General credit card surcharges, repossession costs or fees for breaching special conditions.
For a completely comprehensive look at all potential out-of-pocket costs alongside our standard Security Deposit requirements, please refer directly to our full Terms and Conditions online.