Glossary
Base rate vs all-inclusive rate
A base rate covers the car only. An all-inclusive rate bundles extras like reduced excess. How to compare them fairly, with a worked example.
A base rate is the price for the car alone, with standard cover and a full insurance excess. An all-inclusive rate bundles some extras into one price, often reduced or zero excess, an additional driver or a fuel option.
How to compare them
Add up what a typical customer actually pays at the counter.
Effective daily rate = (base total + extras the customer usually buys + fees) ÷ hire days
Compare effective rates, not headline ones.
Worked example
Hypothetical. Two operators at the same airport, 3-day compact hire:
| Operator A (base) | Operator B (all-inclusive) | |
|---|---|---|
| Headline per day | NZ$70 | NZ$105 |
| Excess reduction per day | NZ$30 | included |
| Airport fee (whole hire) | NZ$30 | included |
| Effective per day, if the customer reduces excess | NZ$110 | NZ$105 |
| Excess if they don't | NZ$4,000 | NZ$0 |
A looks 33% cheaper in a price-sorted list. For a customer who takes excess cover, B is cheaper.
Why it matters for a rental operator
Brokers sort by headline price. A low base rate wins the click, then the customer feels caught out at the counter. That shows up in value-for-money scores and reviews.
All-inclusive pricing looks dearer in search but can earn better ratings. Neither is right for everyone. Know which game you're playing, and price extras so the effective rate makes sense.
See it in Rate Pulse
Rate Pulse shows advertised prices from public search results. The method on each airport page notes that very low ones often carry a bigger deposit, excess or fuel policy. The brand ranking's value-for-money sub-score is a useful check. Start at Rate Pulse.
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