Not at Fault Car Hire Brisbane

If you are found to not be at fault, then the at-fault driver’s insurance company is legally responsible for the cost of your temporary car after the accident. 

In Queensland, you could be eligible for a replacement vehicle if the car has a ‘major failure’ under Australian Consumer Law. A major failure is defined as a car that is too difficult to repair or cannot be repaired in a reasonable time. 

Otherwise, Queensland law states that an at-fault insurer company may be required to keep you on the road with a like-for-like replacement vehicle. You may be eligible for a replacement vehicle in the following incidents:

• Not at fault accident: The at-fault insurance company may be required to provide a replacement vehicle for you if the accident wasn’t your fault. In this casen you will need the at-fault drivers details and insurance policy. The rental car you choose must also be reasonable. No hopping into a sports car while your sedan is being repaired!
• Insurance coverage: Your car insurance company may be able to provide you with a hired car if damage from an accident is covered by your own policy.

Each insurer has its own terms and conditions. Some will have a partnership with a rental car company and require you to use their recommendation, whereas some will allow you to choose and arrange your own.

Redspot does not have any partnerships with car insurance companies. Our customers are the drivers.

Yes, depending on your insurer, you may be eligible for a like-for-like car replacement from Redspots Brisbane branches. However, you must be seen as eligible for a replacement vehicle under Queensland law first. 

No, you will be responsible for paying for the full car rental cost and then claiming a reimbursement from the insurer.

If you are involved in a car accident while in Brisbane, please take care of yourself and your wellbeing first and foremost. If you are unharmed, we recommend the following steps to report a car accident in Brisbane:

1. Record: Be sure to note the date, the time of day, and the location of the accident. Take pictures of the incident if possible. Record any details of other people involved in the accident as well. You will need their registration number, name, address, and phone number. You will also need the contact details of any witnesses. 
2. Report: Submit a report of the accident to the Queensland Police. If you were injured in the incident, this may be legally required. Report the traffic crash online, by calling 131 444, or by visiting your local police station. The police will issue you a Traffic Incident Number (TIN) once the report has been filed. 
3. Review: Seek medical attention if you sustained minor injuries during the accident. It is important that you get the appropriate advice and treatment, so be sure to report all symptoms to your doctor for a thorough diagnosis. 
4. Register: Lodge a notice of accident claim form with your insurer within one month of the accident.

Usually, an insurer will pay for a hire car until your damaged car is repaired or the total loss settlement amount is agreed. However, each policy can vary, so you should check the restrictions and limits in the policy wording.

In general, car insurance polices in Brisbane follow a ‘like-for-like’ rental clause. So, the vehicle that you choose must be similar to the vehicle you owned, and your rental costs must be deemed reasonable for temporarily replacing your car.

At Redspot, you can choose from a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to large 4WDs, and even minivans and electric cars.

In some cases, the insurer will organise a hire car for you after an accident. Some insurers may also allow you to organise the hire car yourself.

Yes, just like if you owned the car, you will need to pay any tolls or parking fees in your replacement vehicle. 

Redspot offers a toll road package you can add to your rental booking. This means the fee will be paid for you, giving you the freedom to drive on any toll road. However, you will need to double-check with your insurer if this add-on can be reimbursed or if you will need to pay out-of-pocket.

Redspot provides the following detailed documents for your hire car reimbursement claim:

• The rental car agreement.
• An itemised invoice, including details of the vehicle type, hire period and any added extras, to make claim assessment easy.

Yes, just like other rental cars, you will need to return the vehicle with a full tank. 

Redspot offers a fuel package you can add during your initial booking. With this package, you can return your rental with an empty tank, and we’ll foot the bill for fuel costs. However, please check with your insurer before purchasing this add-on, as you may not be able to claim your benefits with your reimbursement.

You should always check the limits you are allowed to claim to ensure you are reimbursed for the full cost. We would recommend:

• An all-inclusive excess package to reduce the amount you would have to pay for the hire car in the unfortunate case of another car accident.
• A reliable baby or child seat if it was your family car in the accident.

If your car repairs are taking longer than you expected, just contact the Brisbane branch you picked up your vehicle from, and we can arrange a car rental booking extension.

If you are an overseas licence holder involved in an accident in Brisbane, the at-fault insurer may provide you with replacement car coverage. To hire from Redspot, you will need:

• A full, valid driver’s licence and passport
• Licences must have photo identification
• If the licence is not in English, then you will need an officially translated document from your embassy or road traffic authority in your home country
• Some countries may need to apply for an international driver’s permit