Jucy Group is a car rental company with locations across New Zealand and Australia
Jucy Group operates rental car services primarily in New Zealand and Australia, with a focus on budget-friendly options and campervan rentals. The company runs several rental brands under one parent company, each aimed at different customer needs — from economy cars to larger vehicles for road trips. If you're planning to rent a vehicle in these countries, understanding what Jucy Group offers, how their rental process works, and what to expect can help you decide whether their services fit your travel plans.
Jucy Group is not a single rental brand but rather a collection of rental companies operating under common ownership. This structure means you may encounter different brand names depending on where you rent, but the underlying company is the same. Knowing this matters because policies, pricing, and vehicle conditions can vary between the different brands, even though they share corporate management.
Key Takeaways
- Jucy Group operates multiple rental brands in New Zealand and Australia, each with different vehicle types and price points, so checking which brand serves your location matters.
- The rental process typically requires a valid driver's license, a credit card for the security deposit, and proof of insurance or the option to purchase coverage through the rental company.
- Rental rates vary by season, vehicle type, and how far in advance you book, so comparing prices across different dates and brands can reveal significant savings.
- Damage waivers and insurance options are separate from the base rental price, and understanding what you're covered for before you sign helps avoid unexpected charges.
- Fuel policies differ between brands and rental locations, so confirming whether you return the vehicle full or empty, and what fuel charges explore, prevents billing surprises.
The different Jucy Group brands and what vehicles they rent
Jucy Group owns and operates several distinct rental brands, each serving a different market. The main brands include Jucy, Apex, and Omega, though the exact brands available depend on your location in New Zealand or Australia. Jucy itself focuses on budget rentals and campervans, Apex typically offers economy and mid-range cars, and Omega serves customers looking for premium or specialty vehicles. When you search for Jucy Group rentals, you may see results from any of these brands depending on your pickup location and travel dates.
Each brand maintains its own fleet, pricing structure, and customer service operations, even though they share corporate ownership. This means a Jucy campervan rental may have different terms than an Apex economy car rental, even if you book through the same parent company. Before committing to a reservation, confirm which specific brand you're renting from and review that brand's particular policies on fuel, damage, mileage, and insurance.
What you need to bring and provide to rent a vehicle
To rent a vehicle from any Jucy Group brand, you'll need to present a valid driver's license from your home country or an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English. The rental company will verify that your license is current and that you meet the minimum age requirement, which is typically 21 years old, though some vehicle categories may require you to be 25 or older. Bring the physical license itself — a digital copy usually won't be accepted.
You'll also need a credit card in your own name to place a security deposit. This deposit is not a charge but a hold on your card to cover potential damage or fuel costs. The amount varies depending on the vehicle type and rental duration, but it's typically released after you return the vehicle in good condition and settle any outstanding charges. Some rental locations may accept debit cards, but credit cards are strongly preferred because the hold process works differently with debit accounts.
Proof of insurance is the third major requirement. You can either provide proof that your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental vehicles, or you can purchase a damage waiver or insurance package directly from the rental company. Many travelers from outside New Zealand and Australia find that their home insurance doesn't cover rentals in these countries, so purchasing coverage through the rental company is common. Ask about this before you arrive at the rental counter so you can budget for the cost.
How pricing works and what affects your rental cost
Jucy Group rental rates are not fixed — they change based on demand, season, vehicle type, and how far in advance you book. Peak travel seasons (typically December through February in the Southern Hemisphere, and school holidays) see higher prices than shoulder seasons. A campervan in December will cost significantly more than the same vehicle in May. Booking further in advance often locks in lower rates, while last-minute bookings may be cheaper if the company has excess inventory, or more expensive if demand is high.
The base rental rate covers the vehicle itself and typically includes unlimited mileage, though you should confirm this when you book because some special vehicles or promotional rates may have mileage limits. The base rate does not include fuel, insurance, damage waivers, or additional driver fees. These are all separate line items added at checkout or at the rental counter. A vehicle that appears to cost $40 per day may actually cost $60 or more once you add a damage waiver, fuel surcharge, and an additional driver.
One-way rentals (picking up in one city and returning in another) typically cost more than round-trip rentals from the same location. The rental company charges a relocation fee to cover the cost of moving the vehicle back to its home base. If you're planning a one-way trip, factor this fee into your budget and compare it against the cost of a round-trip rental with a return drive.
Damage waivers, insurance, and what happens if you damage the vehicle
When you rent a vehicle, you are responsible for any damage that occurs during your rental period. The rental company will inspect the vehicle before you take it and document any existing damage. When you return it, they'll inspect again and compare the two inspections. If new damage appears, you'll be charged for repairs. This is where damage waivers and insurance come in — they protect you from paying these repair costs out of pocket.
A damage waiver (sometimes called a loss damage waiver or LDW) is an optional fee you pay to the rental company that reduces or eliminates your financial responsibility for damage. The cost is typically a percentage of the daily rental rate or a flat daily fee. A damage waiver does not cover everything — it usually has exclusions like damage from off-road driving, damage to the windshield or undercarriage, or damage from driving under the influence. Read the specific terms of any waiver before you purchase it.
Alternatively, you can provide proof of your own insurance coverage or purchase a rental car insurance policy from a third-party provider before your trip. Some credit cards offer rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit, though this coverage often has limits and exclusions. Contact your credit card issuer or insurance company before you travel to confirm whether rental vehicles in New Zealand or Australia are covered and what the limits are.
Fuel policies and what to expect at pickup and return
Jucy Group brands use different fuel policies, so confirm the specific policy for your rental before you book. The most common arrangement is "full to full" — you receive the vehicle with a full tank and return it with a full tank. If you return it less than full, you'll be charged for the missing fuel at a per-liter rate that is typically higher than the local pump price. Some rentals use a "full to empty" policy where you pay for a full tank upfront and return the vehicle empty, which can be economical if you don't use all the fuel but wasteful if you do.
Fuel costs are not included in the base rental rate and can add significantly to your total expense, especially for longer trips or larger vehicles like campervans. Before you pick up the vehicle, ask the rental agent to show you the current fuel level on the gauge and take a photo if possible. This protects you from being charged for fuel that was already missing when you took possession. When you return the vehicle, do the same — confirm the fuel level is recorded and take a photo before you leave the rental location.
Mileage, driving restrictions, and where you can take the vehicle
Most Jucy Group rentals include unlimited mileage within New Zealand or Australia, meaning you won't be charged extra for the distance you drive. However, some promotional rates or specialty vehicles may have mileage limits, so check your rental agreement. Unlimited mileage does not mean you can drive anywhere — rental vehicles are typically restricted to paved roads and certain regions. Driving off-road, on gravel roads in restricted areas, or outside the country (for example, taking a New Zealand rental into Australia) may void your insurance and damage waiver and result in additional charges.
Most Jucy Group rentals are restricted to New Zealand or Australia only — you cannot take a vehicle rented in one country into the other without explicit permission and additional fees. If you're planning a multi-country trip, discuss this with the rental company before you book. Some rental locations may allow cross-border travel with advance notice and a higher security deposit, but this is not standard.
How to book and what to do if you need to cancel or modify your reservation
You can book a Jucy Group rental through the company's website, through a travel booking platform, or by calling a rental location directly. Booking online often shows the lowest available rates and allows you to compare prices across different dates and vehicle types. When you book, you'll receive a confirmation email with your reservation details, vehicle type, pickup location, and rental terms. Save this confirmation — you'll need it when you arrive to pick up the vehicle.
Cancellation and modification policies vary by booking type and how far in advance you cancel. Reservations made directly through Jucy Group's website typically allow free cancellation up to a certain number of days before pickup (often 48 hours, but this varies). Bookings made through third-party travel sites may have different cancellation terms, so check the specific policy when you book. If you need to cancel or change your dates, do so as soon as possible — the closer to your pickup date, the less likely you are to receive a refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit if I'm renting from Jucy Group?
An International Driving Permit is not required if your driver's license is in English and current. If your license is in another language, an International Driving Permit is recommended and may be required by the rental company. Check with your specific rental location before you travel to confirm their requirements.
What's the difference between Jucy, Apex, and Omega?
Jucy focuses on budget rentals and campervans, Apex offers economy and mid-range cars, and Omega serves customers looking for premium or specialty vehicles. All three are owned by Jucy Group but operate as separate brands with different fleets and pricing. The brand available to you depends on your rental location.
Can I add a second driver to my rental?
Yes, most Jucy Group rentals allow additional drivers, though there is typically a fee per additional driver per day. The additional driver must also present a valid driver's license and meet the minimum age requirement. Inform the rental company about additional drivers when you book so they can include the fee in your quote.
What happens if I return the vehicle late?
Late returns are charged at a per-hour or per-day rate, depending on how late you are. A few hours late may be charged as a partial day, while returning the next day will be charged as a full additional day. Contact the rental location as soon as you realize you'll be late — some locations may waive small late fees if you call ahead.
Are pets allowed in Jucy Group rental vehicles?
Pet policies vary by brand and location. Some Jucy Group rentals allow pets with advance notice and a pet fee, while others do not. Contact your specific rental location before you book if you're traveling with an animal to confirm whether pets are permitted and what the additional cost is.