Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to drive a rental car in Australia?

To start driving Down Under (including our Port Lincoln Airport branch), you will need:

  • A valid credit card or debit card* or purchase order/prepaid voucher**.
  • A valid driver’s licence and the licence of any other drivers using the car. Licence not in English? Please present an official translation from your embassy or home nation’s traffic authority. 
  • Does your licence show your current address? If not, please provide documented proof of address, such as a utility bill. 
  • If you are not an Australian citizen, you must provide your passport

*Debit cards: Must have the customer’s name displayed, and the ability to make online payments e.g. Visa or Mastercard debit cards.

**Purchase order or prepaid vouchers: Customers must also supply a valid credit card or Visa/Mastercard debit card for any incidental expenses (extensions, fuel charges, etc.).

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Can a tourist rent a car in Australia?

Yes, tourists are more than welcome to rent a car anywhere in Australia! Temporary visitors can show their valid overseas driver’s licence and passport to rent vehicles from Redspot.

If you’re loving your time here and stay in Australia for longer than 3 months, that’s when you’ll need to transition to a local driver’s licence. This depends on the state or territory you’re travelling in, so check in with our friendly Port Lincoln Airport team for local advice. 

Note: Make sure to bring a physical driver’s licence to the car rental branch. Certain digital licences or passports are not accepted as valid documents.* If your licence is not in English, we’ll need a translated version from your embassy or traffic authority in your home country. 

For more information, see our complete guide to renting a vehicle with an overseas licence.

*Digital licences or passports are accepted from the USA, Singapore, New Zealand and the United Kingdom when hiring with Redspot.

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Can you take a hire car on a ferry?

With Redspot, you absolutely can! For Port Lincoln, this means you can easily take your hire car and travel between Wallaroo and Lucky Bay on a relaxed 2.5-hour ferry ride each way. 

Please note that there are a few special considerations that apply:

  • The elected damage liability does not apply while on the ferry, i.e. in the event of the ferry sinking or the hire car being damaged while on the ferry, the customer is up for car replacement/repair costs.
  • There must be a gazetted road (a sealed or unsealed road regularly maintained by the Australian government) on the other end of the ferry. 

Questions? Contact our friendly Port Lincoln Airport team at 1300 668 810 or [email protected] to discuss details.

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How close to full does rental car need to be?

For rental car pick-up, your vehicle comes with a full tank of fuel so you can get rolling ASAP. For returns, you have a few refuelling choices on hand. Fuel options include: 

  1. Prepay for a full tank at a discounted rate at the start of your rental period. This will save you the hassle of filling it up later, just note that there’s no refund for unused fuel.  
  2. Refuel your rental vehicle before returning it. You can refuel the car yourself right before returning it (fuel tank must show as full).

Only get charged for the fuel you use through our refuelling station on your return. This is available at a higher rate than the pre-paid fuel option.

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Can you hire a car and drop it off somewhere else?

Unfortunately, one-way car hire is not available from our Port Lincoln Airport branch due to its remote location. Please contact our friendly team at (08) 7634 4400 (branch direct) or [email protected] to discuss alternative options. We do offer one-way rentals from many of our 45+ branches across Australia, which might suit other parts of your journey!

How can I avoid rental car cancellation fees?

Booking directly with Redspot? You don’t have to worry about cancellation fees, because we don’t charge any! We know that life happens when you least expect it and how important flexibility is on the road. 

Please keep in mind that this may change if your booking is prepaid. Additionally, if you’ve booked with a third-party agency (broker, GPS, OTA), then you will need to seek a refund from them directly, as Redpot cannot refund third-party rentals. 

Questions? Contact our friendly Redspot staff at 1300 668 810 (toll-free) for all the details.

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How to calculate car rental rate?

Your car rental rate will depend on factors such as:

  • Type of car
  • Rental duration
  • Insurance options
  • Any additional fees (moving equipment hire, one-way rental fees, etc.)

Plug your trip details into our handy Redspot booking tool to get an idea of your rental rates and budget accordingly. 

Remember to read the fine print, ask questions and compare local prices to make sure you’re getting the best value out of your car rental deal.

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Do I need a credit card to rent a car with Redspot?

No credit card, no problem. We’re one of the rare Aussie rental car companies that don’t require credit card payment to book with us! 

Instead, you can pay using a valid debit card* and/or purchase order or prepaid voucher**. We understand that flexibility is key, so we offer alternative payment options to get you rolling ASAP. 

*Debit cards: Must have the customer’s name displayed, and the ability to make online payments e.g. Visa or Mastercard debit cards.

**Purchase order or prepaid vouchers: Customers must also supply a valid credit card or Visa/Mastercard debit card for any incidental expenses (extensions, fuel charges, etc.).

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What is a mystery car rental?

Redspot’s mystery car rental is simple: If you don’t mind what vehicle you travel with, you can book a mystery car for a reduced price. You could drive away in anything from a compact hatchback to a luxurious SUV – it’s all part of the fun! Includes $0 Damage Liability and all taxes.

Can my friend and I split-pay for the rental?

Yes, you can absolutely split-pay your car rental with a friend. Please note that there must be a designated hirer, and the primary debit/credit card must be in their name. This will cover any extra charges, like fuel or rental extensions.   

Do hire cars come with insurance?

When you hire with Redspot, all our vehicles come with Standard Cover insurance for your safety. Interested in a little more protection? Check out our Collision Damage Waiver or Super Collision Damage Waiver options for greater peace of mind.

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Do I have to pay a bond to rent a car with Redspot?

Yes, you will need to pay a bond to rent with Redspot, as you would with any other Aussie car rental company. The exact bond amount will depend on your booking plan and vehicle criteria. With Redspot, this typically ranges between $100 to $1000. 

Provided there are no additional charges at the end of your rental, this bond will be returned to the same card you paid with. If there are any additional charges (damages, late returns, etc.), these may be deducted from the bond before it is refunded.

After your rental car is returned safe and sound, the bond is usually released within 3-5 business days. This may vary depending on your bank or debit/credit card provider.

Want more info? Contact your local Redspot branch or 1300 668 810 (toll-free number), and our friendly team is more than happy to discuss.

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Can P Platers hire cars?

You sure can! We’re one of the few Aussie companies that give the green light for local P-platers over 21 to rent a car, with mine-spec and commercial vehicles included. 

Keeping you safe is our top priority, so we have a few safety rules designed to make sure you get from Point A to Point B without a hitch. 

If you are a P-plater, you must:

  • Hold a Provisional P2 licence (green Ps).
  • Hold a driver’s licence that is valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of rental collection.

When you rent a car, remember to factor in the daily surcharge. This surcharge applies to all drivers holding an Australian provisional driver’s licence. Keep in mind that P-platers can also reduce damage cover to a maximum of $330. 

Aged between 21 and 25? You have access to our range of small to medium-sized sedans and hatchbacks. Provisional drivers over the age of 25 can enjoy renting any vehicle available from our entire fleet. 

Check out our Provisional Drivers guide for all the details to get you geared up for the road.

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Do rental cars have GPS in Australia?

Unfortunately, Redspot cars do not come with GPS or satellite navigation systems. If you still need navigational help, never fear! 

Most Redspot cars are equipped with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, which allows hands-free navigation. This helps keep you safer while driving.

Bring along a USB or USB-C connector to use the location services available in-car facilities. We do not provide mobile phone connectors, so it’s best to come prepared in case you’d like to make full use of these services.

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Do you install baby seats for us?

No, unfortunately, for liability reasons we are not able to install baby seats in your hire car. 

Safety is our Number 1 priority at Redspot. We voluntarily comply with Australian state laws and safety policies and therefore cannot install child seats for customers. However, we do offer detailed instructions on how to install a baby seat as safely and securely as possible during vehicle pick-up.

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What happens if the car rental place is closed at the airport?

If the Redspot car rental branch is closed at Port Lincoln Airport, no worries! You have a few after-hours pick-up options to get you rolling, even if your flight gets delayed. Choose to:

  1. Provide your flight number to us during the booking process or by calling our Port Lincoln Airport team on (08) 7634 4400 (branch direct). We will track your flight until it arrives, well past operating hours. We will also wait for you up to 60 minutes after your flight has officially landed.

    Select this option to ensure your peace of mind, no matter how your flight lands. This is especially helpful if you are booking through a third party, travelling to Port Lincoln via an international flight or arriving on a late-night flight.  
  2. Fly without providing a flight number with your booking. We will wait up to 60 minutes past your booked arrival time.  
  3. If you haven’t provided a flight number and your flight arrives past the booked arrival time, please make alternative travel arrangements. Your rental vehicle will be available for collection the next business day. 

For after-hours drop-off, head to the Port Lincoln Airport car park and park in the designated Redspot bay. Visit the Redspot kiosk inside the airport terminal building to leave your keys in our 24/7 secure drop box, then you’re done!

Questions? Contact our Port Lincoln Airport team by phone or email to discuss your options.

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Can you extend a rental car booking?

To keep the good times rolling, contact the Redspot branch where you hired your vehicle or call our toll-free number at 1300 668 810. 

We’ll be happy to extend your rental period, subject to vehicle availability! However, please note that this will influence your total rental rates. Our friendly team can confirm your final rental fees for peace of mind before you continue your journey.

Do rental cars have a km limit?

For maximum freedom, there are no kilometre (km) limitations for standard passenger and leisure Redspot vehicles around Australia! However, if you rent a van, truck or ute for commercial purposes, please note that your contract may have kilometre restrictions involved. 

Particularly remote Redspot locations such as Alice Springs or Darwin have kilometre restrictions on all vehicles. For more info, please contact our Port Lincoln Airport team at (08) 7634 4400 (branch direct) or 1300 668 810 (toll-free) to find the best fit for your adventures.

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Do rental cars track your speed?

No, Redspot rental cars do not track your speed or monitor general activity in our vehicles to respect your privacy. That said, take it easy on the pedal! 

If you get a speeding ticket or a fine in one of our vehicles, we won’t be able to pay the fee ourselves. In this case, we will email the bill to you and charge a $55 admin fee. 

Ultimately, it’s easier to drive within the speed limit and adhere to local road rules to make your journey as hassle-free as possible.

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What if my car breaks down?

Unfortunately, breakdowns can occur in vehicles of all types and get in the way of your driving plans. That’s why we offer 24-hour roadside assistance for all our vehicles.

Prefer to be fully covered for everything from lost keys to punctured tyres to running out of fuel? You can prepay for our Premium Roadside Assistance.

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I just got a punctured tyre, will it cost me to call out the roadside assistance to change the tyre?

With Redspot’s Premium Roadside Assistance (PRA) OR Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW), changing a punctured tyre will be included in your package at no extra cost! Your rental car also comes with a tool kit to change the tyre yourself if you want to get up and running ASAP. 

PRA covers the cost of call-out requests with Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) insurance or similar. Alternatively, one of our friendly Redspot staff members will come to assist you. This is also covered by PRA. 

If you are stuck in a particularly remote location, Redspot also offers a $150 reimbursement credit. This helps cover any local accommodation and transport you might need during a worst-case scenario. 

Note: If your vehicle breaks down due to no fault of your own (engine faults, etc.), you are not liable for any call-out fees or similar. This applies even if you did not take Premium Roadside Assistance.

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Can I vape or smoke in a rental car?

Most Aussie rental cars run a smoke-free fleet, including Redspot. Vaping and smoking are best done outside and away from your rental car. This helps you avoid any extra cleaning fees you may be charged if your car rental smells like vape/smoke upon returning it.