FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

The minimum drivers age is 21 years of age. The driver must have a full licence and the correct class of licence for the vehicle you wish to hire.

Yes. We take either a signed credit card imprint (no amount processed), a $400 cash bond, or we can hold a currently warranted and registered vehicle plus $50 bond as security for each hire (provided no finance is owing on the vehicle).

Yes. We can arrange pickup and drop-off from Palmerston North airport or accommodation during normal business hours. If you would like to use this service we would appreciate it very much if some advance notice could be provided to prevent any delays in your travel plans.

Yes. Subject to prior agreement and arrangement. For after-hour pickups we require the Customer Rental Agreement to be signed and prepaid in full at least 24 hours prior to pick-up. UDrive Rentals do not charge an additional administration fee for after-hour arrangements, however, Palmerston North airport parking charges may apply for drop offs.

No. So long as all drivers are added to the Customer Rental Agreement form completed on pick up. You may add as many drivers as you wish without incurring any additional charges. We prefer to give our customers the option of sharing the driving.

 Yes. U-Drive Rentals accept both Visa and Mastercard. EFTPOS facilities are also available. Due to high commission charges, a 5% surcharge applies on American Express Cards. We accept cash but no longer accept payment by cheque.

 U-Drive phones switch to an after-hours number for emergency breakdowns. If there is no answer, leave a contact name and phone number. AA Roadside assistance is available between 7am – 9pm.

Yes. Vehicles can be taken on the ferry but they must be returned to Palmerston North because we have no other offices located around New Zealand. Furniture trucks must have ferry lashings so inform us when you make the booking to ensure you get the appropriate truck.

Subject to vehicle availability, you can call us on (06) 355-3312 to have an extension authorized.

Our car are all petrol engines but our furniture trucks are all diesel-powered engines.

We are closed on Sunday. However, as long as paper work and payment is completed by the Saturday at 1pm arrangements can be made for Sunday pick-up.

Yes. We have an after-hours key-drop facility. Please ask for more information if you wish to return your vehicle outside of normal business hours.

No. Our vehicles are not insured for driving or parking on any beaches whatsoever.

Yes. We will charge a fee if the vehicle is returned filthy and/or if rubbish is left behind.

Each vehicle goes out on hire with a full tank and must be returned with a full tank. If the vehicle is not refuelled, we will charge you for what you have used, plus a $10 refuelling fee.

Yes. U-Drive Car Rentals offers one-way rentals to Wellington and Auckland for rental cars. Unfortunately, we cannot offer this service for rental trucks. Relocation fees will also apply.

Unfortunately, there are no refunds for early vehicle returns. If you wish to cancel your booking we require at least 48 hours notice. If you do not advise us 48 hours prior to your booking a $50 cancellation fee will apply.

All rates are based on a 24 hour day charge, so the charge would be 2 days.

The driver and any additional drivers of the vehicle will need to provide their current full Drivers Licence relevant to the class of vehicle being hired. You will also need to provide a form of BOND.

This is usually in the form of:

  • A credit card (which will need to be signed for by the holder)
  • $400 cash, or
  • A vehicle with current Registration and WOF plus $50 cash. The vehicle must also be no older than 1999 and have no finance owing

Please contact us straight away, so we can advise how we can assist you. We are available by phone in an emergency 24 hours a day.

Daily rates are on a 24-hour basis. With trucks we usually have an 8.30am pick up or a 4.30 pm pick up time. Unlimited mileage rates are available on some vehicle types only, and we have a minimum of 3-days rental for these.

Our insurance excess is $2000 plus GST.

Yes. However if your Driver’s Licence is not printed in English you will need to arrange for an International Drivers Licence.  You must be over 21 years of age to hire a rental car in New Zealand.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any more questions or enquiries about our rental service. We will do our best to answer them.