Hassle-free Melbourne car hire for when your insurer leaves the rental choice to you.
Our Melbourne not-at-fault hired cars are perfect for:
- Drivers who want to choose an alternative to their insurer’s recommended car rental company.
- Drivers approved to arrange their own Melbourne car hire and claim a reimbursement from their insurer.
At Redspot, we make hiring a car after an accident as easy and hassle-free as we can. With three car hire locations in Melbourne, a selection of 5-star ANCAP-rated vehicles and 24/7 roadside assistance, you can get back in the driver’s seat fast.
When your confidence has taken a hit and you’re having a stressful time, Redspot can help you steer away from your worries.
What is Not at Fault Car Hire for Melbourne?
After an accident, an insurer may provide a replacement vehicle on a temporary basis if the damage is bad enough. Many insurers have partner contracts with Melbourne car rental companies. So, you will be provided with a rental car while you wait for your vehicle to be repaired, or claim a settlement if the car is written off.
Some car insurance providers will allow you to pick your preferred rental car after an accident and claim the reimbursement from them as an alternative. That means you can choose a Melbourne car rental branch that is more convenient for you to reach and find the replacement car that works for you.
Comforting Customer Service in Melbourne after an incident
We have over 35 years of experience in understanding car rental customers. Our local, friendly team makes the accident replacement car pick-up process quick and easy.
How to Hire with Redspot After a Melbourne Not-at-Fault Accident
1. Check insurance coverage
First, check your hire car insurance cover and the limits, including hire period and vehicle type. You may be able to claim a hire car under your own insurance or from the at-fault driver’s insurer.
2. File your claim
Let your or the other driver’s insurer know you will be claiming for an accident replacement vehicle. Confirm you can choose Redspot as the hire car company.
3. Book your car hire
Choose the vehicle type and hire period you’re covered for, add your damage and liability cover and any extras needed. Pay for the car hire with a credit card and keep the receipt.
4. Claim your reimbursement
We provide you with a detailed invoice and car rental agreement to make your reimbursement process smooth. Upload these documents to your open claim and wait for settlement from the insurer.
Driver Facts to Steer You Right After an Accident
Credit Card Condition
All rental cars after an accident will require a credit card at pick-up for a pre-authorisation.
Bring your paperwork to pick up
If you are a first-time renter, all we need is one (1) document with your address on it. Returning customers, all you need to bring for collection is your valid driver’s licence and credit card. If it’s your first time renting locally, you’ll also need to bring a third form of identification, like a current utility bill. We will take care of the rest!
Maximum age is no barrier
With Redspot, age is just a number! There is no maximum age for our not at fault car hire.
Fuel Flexibility
Pre-pay, post-pay, or refuel your rental car yourself. Redspot makes it easy to keep a full tank for a not-at-fault hired car. Always check if fuel will be covered by your insurance claim.
Look after your paperwork
We provide you with a detailed invoice and hire car agreement. Keep this safe and send it to your insurer for a claim reimbursement.
Rev-Up for Young Drivers
We are one of the few car rental companies to have a minimum driver age of 21! Mine spec and commercial vehicles included.
Note that drivers under 25 will pay a daily surcharge on their car rental fee – make sure your insurer will cover this. Car hire is limited to small to medium-sized sedans and hatchbacks (does not apply to mine spec and commercial vehicle hire).
Local P-Platers and Full Licences
Redspot Car Rentals gives P-platers the green light – one of the few Aussie companies that do! Our safety rules include:
- You must hold a Provisional P2 driver’s licence (green Ps).
- Your full driver’s licence must be valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of rental collection.
Share the ride with additional drivers
We can easily add additional drivers to your car rental booking. The driver will need to show their full, valid driver’s licence in any branch and provide a credit card for a daily surcharge. Note, this may not be covered by your insurance reimbursement, so it is best to check with the insurer before adding an additional driver.
Toll Road Tricks
Buy peace of mind with a Redspot toll road waiver whilst you have a not at fault hired car. Always check if this extra will be covered by your insurance claim.
Find an accident replacement vehicle in Melbourne
As one of Australia’s largest family-owned and operated car rental companies, we believe everyone should be able to experience the freedom of the open road, especially drivers involved in a not-at-fault accident.
Over 35 years, we have expanded from just a single branch in Sydney to over 40 airport and CBD locations across Australia. With convenient opening hours and many branches offering out-of-hours pick-up and drop-off, you’re never too far away from picking up a stress-free accident replacement vehicle.
Melbourne Airport
For those close to the airport, we have a branch located right by the airport with extended opening hours and after-hours pick up and drop off available.
Opening Times: 6:00 am to 1:00 am Monday to Friday. 7:00 am to 11:30 pm on Saturday to Sunday.
After Hours Pick Up: We know you don’t always have time to pick up a replacement car during the day. That’s why we offer pick up after working hours. Just call us on 03 9330 2314 or email us at melbourneairport@redspot.com.au, and we’ll help get you sorted. After Hours Drop-Off: Simply park in the designated area and leave the keys at our Melbourne Airport branch’s secure drop box for after-hours drop off.
Melbourne City
Our Melbourne City branch is located right in the heart of the city’s CBD, so you don’t have to head all the way to the airport for your not-at-fault car hire.
Opening Times: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday. 8:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday to Sunday.
After Hours Pick Up: Are you a night owl who needs a late night pick up? Just call us on 03 9087 6942 or email us at melbournecbd@redspot.com.au, and we’ll help get you sorted. After Hours Drop-Off: Unfortunately, we do not offer after-hours drop-off at our Melbourne City branch. Please return your vehicle the next business day, or arrange a drop off at our Melbourne Airport branch. (Please note, there may a fee for this)
Coburg
Redspots Coburg branch is only 8km north of the Melbourne CBD, perfect for a quick pickup if you’re nearby.
Opening Times: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Thursday. 7:30 to 6:00 pm Friday. 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday to Sunday.
After Hours Pick Up: We know how stressful organising a replacement car can be during office hours. That’s why we offer out-of-hours pick-up. Just call us on 03 9087 5889 or email us at coburg@redspot.com.au, and we’ll help get you sorted. After Hours Drop-Off: Unfortunately, we do not offer after-hours drop-off at our Coburg branch. Please return your vehicle the next business day, or arrange a drop off at our Melbourne Airport branch. (Please note, there may a fee for this)
Get your confidence back on the road with a reliable car hire
Whether you’re required to choose a ‘like-for-like vehicle’ similar to your damaged car, or you’re free to pick any hire car you want, we have a full range of modern rental cars suitable for any situation. From energy-efficient hybrids and electric cars, to family-sized SUVs and minivans, you’ll be able to find the right replacement vehicle with Redspot.
Our vehicles are well-maintained and have a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, as well as 24/7 roadside assistance to ensure you are safe for your entire journey. Just pick the right vehicle within your insurer’s coverage and we’ll have it checked, cleaned and ready to roll.
Small Car Hire
Redspot’s Small Car Hire range offers compact, fuel-efficient cars perfect for city trips and budget-conscious travellers.
Sedan Car Hire
Explore Redspot’s Sedan Car Hire range — comfortable, stylish sedans for every trip and every budget.
SUV Hire
Need extra space and comfort for your next trip? Choose from our SUV fleet and enjoy a smooth ride with a great deal to match.
Hybrid Vehicle Hire
Looking for a greener ride? Redspot has you covered! Choose from our hybrid vehicle fleet and enjoy eco-friendly driving with unbeatable deals.
4WD Hire
Looking for a powerful, spacious and reliable ride? Redspot has you covered! Choose from our 4WD fleet for a strong performance and great deal, perfect for any journey.
Minivan and Bus Hire
Need to transport a group in comfort? Choose from our minivans and 12-seat buses, and drive away with a great deal today.
Van Hire
Searching for a van to rent? Redspot has got you covered. Our Aussie-run business has locations across the country. Get on the road today with Redspot!
Ute Hire
Hire a reliable ute for all your transport needs. From our quality fleet to friendly Aussie expertise, Redpost will get you from Point A to B in no time!
Mine Spec Vehicle Hire
Need rugged, reliable vehicles for your mining operations? Choose from our tough, mine-specific fleet to keep your work moving smoothly from start to finish.
Add a Cover Package for Peace of Mind
For an even smoother car rental experience, we have designed three packages for damage and liability coverage and extra services.
We recommend the executive package to reduce your rental car excess in the unfortunate event of a car accident. Check with the insurer if a more comprehensive damage and liability package is covered under your rental car claim.
Package prices will be calculated based on the rental period and the vehicle you select.
Standard Package
Need something a little more simple but with all the expert local support? Redspot’s Standard Package might be for you. This includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- $5,200 to $6,200 damage liability excess*
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Additional drivers fee
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee **
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Super Package
More cover, less cost. Redspot’s Super Package gives you reduced damage liability and extra perks—perfect if you want more peace of mind without going all-out. This includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- $1,950 to $2,750 damage liability excess*
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Free additional drivers
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee **
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Executive Package
This iconic Redspot package stands strong as the first all-inclusive car rental product in Australia! Designed with peace-of-mind built-in, our good value car rental package includes:
- No hidden costs, we are upfront about the inclusions in this package!
- $0 standard liability excess*
- Additional windshield and headlight cover
- GST-inclusive
- Unlimited km allowance
- Free additional drivers
- No cancellation fees
- No amendment fees
- Contract fee **
- Premium location fee***
- Registration recovery fee****
- Book now, pay later
Terminology Key.
Let us break down our package terms so you know exactly what may appear on your invoice:
*Damage liability excess: ‘Amount reduced by’ is dependent on the vehicle type and hire itinerary selected. See our Car Rental Cover page for more information.
**Contract fee: We have a small surcharge to cover our costs to draw up our rental agreement with you.
***Premium location fee: Sometimes a premium airport or downtown location will charge us an additional surcharge for each rental and we are upfront about this cost in your package! The price will depend on the location selected.
****Registration recovery fee: We pay a surcharge to cover our vehicle registration and compulsory third-party insurance costs and we highlight this clearly in your package breakdown.
At Redspot, we believe in straight-up honesty! Just so you’re in the loop, all the nitty-gritty on damage liability and extra charges can be found in our terms and conditions.
How to Check If You’re Covered for a Car Hire?
After an accident, you may be covered for rental car costs under your own insurance or the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Redspot does not have any partner deals with insurance companies. Therefore, it is completely in your control to check your hire car insurance coverage and to claim your reimbursement. Here’s a helpful checklist to ensure the process is smooth:
- Check your insurance policy: Not all insurers provide hire car coverage. Check your policy for terms like “rental car cover” or “accident replacement vehicle”.
- Check with the at-fault driver’s insurer: It may be the case that the at-fault party covers the rental car. Call the insurer to clarify what your claim can cover.
- Be clear on the limits and restrictions: Check if there’s a rental cost or a hire period limit so you’re not surprised when you claim your reimbursement. Some will have restrictions on the car class or have a “like-for-like vehicle” term (in short, you may not be able to claim for a premium 4WD hybrid SUV after a car accident in a 3-door compact car).
- Note down all the documents you need: For a reimbursement, you may need to provide the proof of accident, invoices and car hire agreement.
- Cover yourself: If the insurer does not cover your hire car excess, consider opting for a damage and liability package to reduce your excess.
- Map out the claims timeline: Make sure you know how long it will take for the insurer to reimburse you for the hire car cost, and what happens if they refuse your reimbursement claim.
Please note, Redspot is not a car insurance company, and this checklist is provided as a helpful guide only.
Who Pays for a Rental Car After an Accident?
Who pays for your hire car after a car accident will depend on your insurance coverage and who is at fault.
- Not at fault: The at-fault driver’s insurer should cover your hire car costs, usually for the period your car is in for repairs or is being assessed.
- Your own policy: If you have hire car or rental reimbursement cover (either included or as an added extra), your insurer will pay according to the policy limits. Some terms state you are only covered if not at fault, so always check the terms.
- At fault with no cover: You will need to pay for the hire car.
- Delays or disputes: Be prepared for any delays or disputes in the car rental claim, which would delay your reimbursement from an insurer.
With Redspot, you are responsible for paying for the hire car upfront and claiming the reimbursement costs from the insurer.
You Can Rely on Redspot for your Melbourne Not at Fault Car Hire
With over 35 years of experience as a family car rental company, our personalised customer service can help you get back on the road after a car accident. Our team provides you with detailed documents so you can easily upload them to your reimbursement claim, without delays or detours.
Our 24/7 roadside assistance will bring you peace of mind as you build up your confidence in a rental car. With over 40 locations across Australia and many offering out-of-hours pick-up and drop-off, you can easily get back into the driver’s seat of your schedule.
Take control of your temporary hire car and choose the rental car company for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for the not at fault hired car if I wasn’t responsible?
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.
Do I have to use the insurer’s rental car company, or can I choose my own?
Insurers have their own individual terms and conditions. Some will have a partnership with a rental car company and require you to use their recommendation, but others may allow you to choose and arrange your own.
Redspot does not have any partnerships with car insurance companies. Our customers are the drivers.
Am I eligible for a replacement vehicle under Victorian law?
The law in Victoria typically states that the at-fault insurance company must keep you on the road with a like-for-like replacement vehicle. This is so you are not inconvenienced whilst your car is getting repaired or assessed. You may have to meet certain conditions to access a car hire after an accident:
- Not at fault: You will need to establish that you were not at fault for the incident to receive specific coverage.
- Your car is off the road: The car may need to be deemed undrivable to benefit from a replacement vehicle, ranging from minor repairs to being written off.
- The at-fault driver is identified and insured: To claim your reimbursement, you will need to know the at-fault driver’s details and insurance policy.
- The rental car must be reasonable: In general, insurance companies will have a “like-for-like” clause. So, you wouldn’t be able to hire a luxury sports car while your sedan is being repaired.
Does Redspot claim reimbursement from the insurance company?
No, you will be responsible for paying for the full car rental cost and then claiming a reimbursement from the insurer.
How long will insurance pay for a rental car after an accident?
Usually, an insurer will pay for a rental car until your damaged car is repaired, or until the total loss settlement amount is agreed. However, policies can vary. Be sure to check the policy wording for restrictions and limits.
What kind of car can I get?
In general, car insurance policies in Melbourne 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.
Does the insurance company organise the hire car after an accident?
In specific cases, the insurer will organise a hire car for you after an accident where you are not at fault. Depending on the insurer, you may also be allowed to organise the hire car yourself.
Am I responsible for Melbourne tolls or parking fees during my hire period?
Yes, just like if you owned the car, you will need to pay any tolls or parking fees in your replacement vehicle.
If you’re worried about toll roads, 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.
What paperwork does Redspot provide for my insurance claim?
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.
Do I need to return my Melbourne rental car with a full tank of petrol?
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.
What extras should I include in my accident replacement vehicle hire?
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.
What happens if I need to extend my replacement vehicle?
If your car repairs are taking longer than you expected, just contact whichever branch in Melbourne you picked up your vehicle from. We can help you arrange a booking extension from there.
Are there any special rules for overseas licence holders claiming a replacement vehicle?
If you are an overseas licence holder involved in an accident in Melbourne, the at-fault insurer may give you the choice of provider for a replacement vehicle. To hire from Redspot, you will need:
- A valid drivers licence and passport
- Your licence must have photo identification
- If the licence is not in English, please obtain an officially translated document from your embassy or road traffic authority in your home country
- Depending on your country, you may need to apply for an international driver’s permit