Buzzy Rentals

Frequently asked questions

We try and make things simple.

Here’s a quick summary of the main things you need to know:

What do the rates include with Buzzy Rentals?
The rates include insurance (excess  $2,000 for vans & trucks).  All prices quoted include GST

Please make sure you give us all the required information so we can accurately quote your requested hire.

Does the insurance cover windscreen damage?
Windscreen damage is indeed covered in the insurance.

Does the insurance cover wheel and tyre damage?
It is not possible to insure against tyre or wheel damage.

Does Buzzy offer excess reduction options for the vehicle?
Yes – for an additional $25 per day you can halve your Insurance excess (excess for vans or trucks reduces to $1,000). 

Can I take my Buzzy vehicle anywhere?
Yes – except for those few places where you can’t take it!

Those places include any beach including Ninety Mile Beach, any road north of Colville (Coromandel Peninsula), Skippers Road (in Central Otago), Ball Hut Road (Mt Cook), Crown Range Road (Queenstown), Highway 89  and any unformed road or off road.

Can I take my Buzzy vehicle across Cook Strait?
Yes – so long as you’re using the car ferry!

Are Buzzy Rental vehicles manuals or automatics?
All our vans are automatic transmission vehicles, while our trucks are available as either manual or automatic.  

What do I need to show you when I collect my Buzzy vehicle?
All hirers must have a valid and current FULL driver’s licence, and be between 21 and 70 years of age.

I have an overseas licence – is that ok?
Yes, almost certainly. New Zealand has reciprocal license acceptance arrangements with most other countries. If your licence is not written in English, you will also need an authentic English translation of it – if you are stopped on the roads by the Police for whatever reason, they will require that translation. If you are in any doubt, an International Driving Permit completed in the English language is universal.

How many drivers can we have for our Buzzy rental vehicle?
Within reason, we don’t put a limit on the number of drivers. Please keep in mind that rental staff are required to sight each drivers’ licence, so adding drivers later may not be so easy.  There is no extra charge for any additional driver(s).  

What is the minimum driver age?
21 years of age.

How and when do I pay for the hire?
Payment is made prior to the commencement of the hire. We accept cash, EFTPOS and credit cards (Visa and Mastercard).

Do I have to pay a bond or deposit?
Yes, a bond is required at the time of booking. This is used as security and confirmation of your booking. This is fully refunded at the end of the booking (unless required for additional fuel, additional kms travelled or damage).
The bond amount varies between vehicle category and the hirer will be advised at the time of booking.

I don’t have a credit card – can I still rent a Buzzy vehicle?
Yes, but we’ll need a security deposit.

I don’t have a credit card – can I use someone else’s card?
We know that Buzzy customers are honest folk! What you’ll need to do is have the owner of the card you’re using sign a credit card authorisation form for us to use that card – and we’ll also need another form of that persons ID, so as we’re all protected.

May I have a receipt?
Of course! All Buzzy customers will have a rental contract, which is numbered and doubles as a tax receipt. We will also give you a copy of any transaction that is processed through the EFTPOS terminal.

Can I smoke in the vehicle?
NO! NO! NO! If you smoke (or vape) in the vehicle, it will need treatment before we can hire it again.  Our cleaning fee is $200.

Do I bring the vehicle back full of petrol/diesel?
Yes, you’ll usually receive a Buzzy rental with a full tank of gas, and we’ll expect you back with a full tank, ready for the next Buzzy customer.

Changes to Bookings

Can I return my Buzzy vehicle early? Will there be a refund?
If the vehicle is returned early for any reason we may be able to refund the unused portion.

May I extend the hire?
We cannot guarantee that this will be possible but we will, of course, do our best to make it happen.

If you are late returning the vehicle to us, please stay in touch with us – the vehicle may be needed by the next Buzzy renter. Charges may occur for late drop offs.

 

Cancellations!

I need to cancel my booking – what do I do? Will there be any charges?
Let’s be clear on this! We don’t want to charge Buzzy customers any money that they receive nothing in return for! The following are guidelines that are in place to protect our business.

  • Cancelled 7+ days prior to pickup date:  A full refund of all money paid.
  • Cancelled 1-6 days prior to pickup date:  No refund for the bond paid, but all hire fees already paid will be returned.
  • Cancelled on the day of pickup:  No refund of either the bond or any hire fees sorry.