Question 1

How can we arrange an airport pickup once we have arrived?

Accepted Answer

You can request a shuttle by calling +64800736825 on any phone for airport pick up during normal business hours.

Question 2

If I pick up outside office hours what is the process?

Accepted Answer

Please complete the online checkin sent atleast 24 hour prior to pickup time. If you are arriving after hours please contact us prior to the day of pick up so we can arrange your after hours rental car for you. We need to get all your information before we can hire you a car.  All our afterhours pickup & drop off are handled by 3rd party and have a $50 fees in Auckland & Christchurch and $60 in Queenstown.

Question 3

What do Scotties rates include?

Accepted Answer

Our online rates on our website include basic insurance with a excess of $3500 , taxes and fees, unlimited kilometres, airport pick up and drop off during office hours, 24 hour mechanical breakdown assistance with the AA and Scotties special customer discounts.

Question 4

What level of insurance is included in the rental?

Accepted Answer

Basic insurance is included in all rentals. You have an excess of up to $3000NZD and can reduce this with our insurance options starting at $35.00NZD per day. Bond of NZD350 are only authorised at the time of pickup and released on return of rental vehicles. Our bonds are only held and not charged to your card.​

Question 5

If I have an insurance policy with another party do I need to take Scotties insurance.

Accepted Answer

If you have an insurance policy with a third party, you are not required to take out insurance through Scotties. However, please note that in this case, we will place a hold on your card for $5000NZD. If an accident occurs, you will need to pay us immediately for any damages, and you can then claim the amount back from your third-party insurance provider.

For your convenience, we recommend taking insurance directly with Scotties. This option is typically quicker and easier, ensuring that you have immediate coverage without the hassle of dealing with claims later on.

Question 6

Do I have to pay a bond?

Accepted Answer

If you do not take our insurance you need to pay a $5000NZD bond. This is released when you return the car with no damage to it. It takes the bank 5 to 7 working days to return the money to your account. A valid credit card is required.

Question 7

What documents I need to bring when I collect my car?

Accepted Answer

When arriving to collect your hire car at the office or airport you will need to bring your drivers licence and a credit card.
 
Your card needs to have your name embossed onto the front of it and if you are not taking extra insurance at the desk you need to have enough to cover a  hold.

Question 8

What happens if i get a parking ticket or a police Infringement like a speed camera ticket?

Accepted Answer

The law is very strict on tickets and we have to get a signed witnessed Statutory Declaration completed. This is not free and can cost up to $75 which the driver is liable for.
 
We highly recommend you pay your fines quickly before they escalate.

Question 9

Can I inspect the Rental Agreement or contract

Accepted Answer

Scotties use the standard New Zealand Government  /  Ministry of Transport supplied Rental Agreement you can view the agreemnt  here

Question 10

Can I take the car on the ferry between the North and South Island?

Accepted Answer

Yes - Scotties have a discounted ferry deal available exclusively to our clients through Bluebridge.
 
The Cook Strait ferry crossing is not to be underestimated! A very beautiful trip that can be a highlight of any New Zealand tour. Whales and dolphins are often seen along the way. It is therefore worth the extra to secure a day time sailing.  
From a convenience point, Scotties recommends customers take their rental car across the Cook Strait rather than dropping your rental car off on one side and picking up another rental car on the other side. The time wasted picking up and dropping off far outweighs the extra cost of taking the rental car aboard. Also carrying all your luggage and having to watch it aboard can take the shine off this magical experience.

By the time one way fees and shorter hire periods are factored in often you are saving money by taking the rental vehicle with you.
 
Scotties offers an exclusive  discount on the Bluebridge Ferry between Wellington and Picton on the car ferry.

This discount is seasonal and subject to availability by Bluebridge, so contact us directly for availability.
​
The 2 ferry crossing companies are:
Interislander: https://www.interislander.co.nz/
Bluebridge: http://www.bluebridge.co.nz/

Question 11

Do Scotties have baby seats and child seats available?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do have baby seats available. Best to let our staff know you will be needing one ahead of time. We need to now the age of your child and seat required.
 
New Zealand has strict laws regarding child restraints.
​

Question 12

Do cars include unlimited kilometres and mileage?

Accepted Answer

Yes cars do unless otherwise stated.
Commercial vehicles have daily limits

Question 13

Do cars have bluetooth?

Accepted Answer

Some do -  some dont! Depending on vehicle.

Question 14

Do Scotties rental cars have GPS in the car?

Accepted Answer

There is no GPS in our cars. Should you need a plug in GPS, please enquire with our friendly team beforehand on reservations@scotties.co.nz.

Question 15

Can I hire snow chains and ski racks?

Accepted Answer

Yes, these are available at our South Island offices only.

Question 16

Can I smoke in the car?

Accepted Answer

No, smoking is strictly prohibited in all of our rental vehicles. We want to ensure a clean and healthy environment for all of our customers. If evidence of smoking is found in the vehicle upon return, a cleaning fee will be charged to the renter.

Question 17

Do you allow pets in Scotties cars?

Accepted Answer

In special circumstances we allow pets. They must be contained and the vehicle must be returned clean to avoid additiunal fees.

Question 18

Do Scotties offer one way hires?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do and if your drop off location is not on our list of offices and it is a reasonable length of hire talk to us as we may be able to help. We have contacts all over the country.Please email our team at reservations@scotties.co.nz to findout on our one way transfer cost. This is a good option if you're only wanting to drive one way from either Auckland to Queenstown or Queenstown to Christchurch.

Question 19

What do I do if I have an accident?

Accepted Answer

Firstly make sure everyone is okay and call emergency services if someone is hurt on 111. This is a legal requirement
 
We ask you do not admit liability and if unsure obtain a police report to help our insurance company gauge who was at fault.
 
Take lots of photos of the scene and both cars getting the number plate and make of the other car.
 
Get the other drivers phone number and take a photo of their drivers license and any other contact details plus their insurance company.
 
If there were witnesses get their details also.

Question 20

What happens if I break down?

Accepted Answer

Our free 24 x 7 roadside assistance is provided via Vero and the service is still with AA roadside, please call on 0800 837 627 , press option 1 and give them the vero policy no:   CMF5708657 , no callouts will be charged if our policy number is give to the operator.Policy name Vero Accro coverPolicy no: CMF5708657

Question 21

What if I am running late and can not fill the petrol tank to the right level?

Accepted Answer

We can refuel on your behalf and charge your card for the refuel amount plus our processing fees of $50.

Question 22

What if I am running late and can not drop my car off on time?

Accepted Answer

Don’t worry we will give you one hours grace and then will charge an hourly rate up to 2 hours and then  it will go to another day.

Question 23

I have forgotten to pay my toll road - what happens now?

Accepted Answer

The good news is you have 5 days to pay . Go to www.tollroad.govt.nz. After 5 days you are subject to a penalty so best to pay.If you want us to pay, there is a small fees of NZD10 that we charge to pay the tolls on your behalf.

Frequently asked questions