When you hire a car, peace of mind matters. At Redspot Car Rentals, we want you to feel confident knowing what you’re covered for – and what your options are to reduce or remove liability. This page explains how our standard liability works, the additional cover options available, and introduces our Tyre and Windscreen Cover products.
What is Damage Liability?
When you rent a car, you’re responsible for the vehicle while it’s in your care. Damage liability is the maximum amount you could be charged if the car is damaged, stolen, or lost during your rental period – regardless of who was at fault.
That means even if another driver hits you, or you get unlucky with falling debris or hail, you may still be charged up to the liability amount.
Why Having Cover Matters
Without cover, you’ll be responsible for paying the full liability amount out of pocket. Depending on the vehicle type, this can be thousands of dollars.
Having additional cover:
- Reduces or removes your financial risk – You’re protected from a big bill if the unexpected happens.
- Covers common incidents – Things like cracked windscreens, flat tyres, or car park scrapes can happen to anyone.
- Gives peace of mind – Instead of worrying about “what ifs,” you can focus on enjoying your trip.
Damage Liability Tiers
Every Redspot rental comes with liability included. You choose the tier that suits your budget and risk comfort:
Standard Package
Highest damage liability, meaning if you have an accident (regardless of fault) the most you will pay is the below:
- $5,200.00 liability
- Small Hatchback Vehicles
- Sedan Size Vehicles
- Hybrid Vehicles
- SUV Vehicles
- 8 Seat Minibuses
- Electric Vehicles
- $6,200.00 liability
- 12 Seat Minibuses
- Utility Vehicles
- Commercial Vans
- Trucks
- Mine Spec Vehicles
Super Package
Medium damage liability,
meaning if you have an accident (regardless of fault) the most you will pay is the below:
- $1,950.00 liability
- Small Hatchback Vehicles
- Sedan Size Vehicles
- Hybrid Vehicles
- SUV Vehicles
- 8 Seat Minibuses
- Electric Vehicles
- $3,750.00 liability
- 12 Seat Minibuses
- Utility Vehicles
- Commercial Vans
- Trucks
- Mine Spec Vehicles
Executive Package
Zero damage liability
meaning if you have an accident you’ll pay nothing.
Can I Drive Drive Recklessly If I have Full Cover?
No. Our Terms and Conditions outline specific behaviours that are considered a breach of the rental agreement. If you breach the agreement, your chosen capped liability will no longer apply, and you may be responsible for the full cost of vehicle repairs – and in some cases, any third-party damage as well.
Here are examples of what is not permitted:
- Driving into areas outside the permitted use zones.
- Using the vehicle to carry paying passengers (e.g. taxi, rideshare, Uber).
- Carrying more passengers than there are seatbelts, or using the vehicle for purposes it wasn’t designed for.
- Transporting inflammable, explosive, or corrosive materials.
- Carrying goods without the required permits or exceeding the vehicle’s recommended capacity.
- Towing vehicles, trailers, or boats unless Redspot has given written consent at the time of booking.
- Driving off-road (unless you’ve hired a 4WD and have written approval).
- Taking part in racing, motorsports, or any speed/reliability trials.
- Driving on beaches, through rivers, floodwaters, bushfire areas, or closed roads.
- Using the vehicle in snow or ice without Snow Cover noted on your rental contract.
- Breaking road rules, laws, or traffic regulations.
- Carrying animals in the vehicle.
- Driving dangerously, illegally, or when unsafe.
- Smoking or allowing others to smoke inside the vehicle.
- Driving a 2WD vehicle from a remote location at night outside lit or speed-restricted areas.
- Driving a 2WD vehicle on unsealed roads at more than 50km/h (or the posted speed limit, if lower).
- Sub-letting or hiring out the vehicle to anyone else.
- Taking the vehicle on a ferry or across water without Redspot’s written consent (exceptions may apply to registered commercial ferries with prior approval).
Don’t Want The Full Cover?
If you want to cover yourself for the most common damaged areas of the vehicle, we offer an additional coverage for Tyres and Windscreens.
Tyre Cover
Flat tyres are one of the most common incidents on the road, and repair or replacement costs can quickly add up. With Redspot’s Tyre Cover, you’re protected against the cost of punctures, blowouts, and tyre replacements that occur during your rental. Whether it’s a stray nail in the city or a sharp rock on a country road, Tyre Cover gives you the peace of mind that you won’t be left footing the bill.
Windscreen Cover
Cracked, chipped, or shattered windscreens are another frequent cause of unexpected expenses. Our Windscreen Cover takes the worry out of your drive by covering the cost of windscreen repairs or replacements for the duration of your rental. Please note that Windscreen Cover is not available for mine spec or commercial vehicles, and exclusions may apply if damage occurs through misuse or negligence.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is damage liability the same as insurance?
Not exactly. Insurance covers the car overall, but your liability is the portion you’re responsible for. With cover upgrades, you reduce or remove that liability.
Q: Do I have to buy additional cover?
A: No. It’s optional. Every rental includes a standard liability limit. Extra cover is for peace of mind.
Q: Does Executive Tier mean I won’t pay anything at all?
Correct – for eligible damage incidents, Executive means $0 liability. However, exclusions may apply (like damage from unauthorised use).
Q: Can I add cover after I pick up my car?
It’s best to add cover at booking. In some cases, it can be added at the counter on pickup. But once you drive off, you would need to return to the branch for a vehicle inspection before we can add cover.
Q: What’s excluded from Tyre and Windscreen Cover?
Mine spec and commercial vehicles are not covered. Misuse or negligent driving may also void coverage.
Drive Smarter with Redspot Car Rentals
We believe transparency makes for better journeys. With clear options and tailored protection, you can hit the road knowing you’re backed by one of Australia’s most trusted independent rental brands.