East Coast Car Rentals

East Coast Car Rentals: car rental at airports and cities across Australia

East Coast Car Rentals is an Australian vehicle rental company that presents itself as the country's largest independent car rental company, operating since 1979. Its network reaches 14 locations at airports and city centres across Australia, with a presence in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania.

Network of locations

The company operates at the airports of Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Darwin, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Perth, Sunshine Coast and Sydney. It also maintains locations in the central business districts (CBD) of Brisbane, Newcastle and Melbourne, on Collins Street. In total, 14 rental points distributed across the country.

Fleet and vehicle categories

The vehicle catalogue includes the economy, compact, intermediate, full size, intermediate SUV, family SUV, ute (pick-up), 8-seater minivan, 12-seater minibus and electric car categories.

Services and rental options

• Car rental at airports and cities.
• Free airport shuttle to the nearby location: customers call the number for their location upon arrival and are picked up at the terminal.
• One-way rental: allows picking up the vehicle at one location and returning it at another, even between states, subject to availability and a service fee. The only exception is Tasmania, which does not allow one-way trips from another state.
• Car subscription: a single payment that includes all running costs, with no contracts or credit checks.
• Corporate Business Saver: a flexible corporate rental solution for businesses.
• Instalment payments: eligible bookings can be split into four interest-free payments via PayPal Pay in 4.

Transparency in rates and additional charges

The company states that it does not apply hidden fees. However, the site details that extra costs may be generated for optional services such as child booster seats, additional insurance and roadside assistance. Tolls and traffic or parking fines are charged directly to the customer's credit card.

Requirements to rent

The minimum age to rent is 21. Drivers aged between 21 and 24 pay a young driver surcharge. It is mandatory to present a valid and current driving licence when collecting the vehicle. International drivers must carry their national licence in Roman alphabet; if it is not, they also need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Drivers from China must present their national licence and an IDP, although they may use a China National Certificate instead of an IDP.

Contact information

The company handles enquiries and bookings through the phone numbers 1800 028 881 (Australia), 0800 447 658 (New Zealand) and +61 7 5555 8900 (international).