Hiring a car for your holiday or business trip can be one of the smartest choices you make. Instead of relying on taxis, rideshares, or the limitations of public transport, a rental car gives you complete freedom — you decide where to go, when to leave, and how long to stay.
But before you hit the road, it’s important to know what to look for when booking. Car hire comes with its own rules and potential pitfalls, and understanding them upfront can save you time, stress, and money.
Here are the key things to consider when renting a car in Australia:
1. Age Limits & Driver Restrictions
Most car hire companies in Australia require drivers to be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, you may face additional restrictions:
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Most companies charge a “young driver surcharge” for those aged 21–24.
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Certain vehicle types (such as luxury cars, SUVs, or vans) may be off-limits to younger drivers.
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Drivers under 21 are generally not accepted at all.
💡 Tip: If you’re travelling as a group, nominate a driver who meets the age requirements to avoid extra costs or limitations.
2. Watch Out for Hidden Fees
The headline price on a rental may look cheap — but what’s included? Many companies advertise a low base rate and then add on costs for things you assumed were standard.
Common hidden fees to look out for include:
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Extra charges for additional drivers.
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Premium fees child seats, or toll tags.
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High liability fees tucked into the fine print.
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Extra kilometre charges (more on this below).
💡 Tip: Always read the terms and conditions carefully. If something seems too cheap to be true, it probably is.
3. Liability & Insurance Options
Accidents can happen, and when they do, you don’t want to be left with a huge bill. This is where liability and insurance options matter.
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Standard Liability: The amount you’ll be required to pay if the car is damaged, even if it’s not your fault.
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Liability Reduction Options: Often called “excess reduction” or “collision damage waiver,” this reduces the amount you’d need to pay in the event of damage.
💡 Tip: Don’t automatically go for the cheapest rental price. Compare the liability costs and reduction options. Paying a little more upfront can save you thousands later.
4. Kilometre Limits
How far are you planning to drive? Some rental agreements include unlimited kilometres, meaning you can explore freely without worrying about extra costs.
However, in regional or remote areas, rentals may come with limited kilometres per day. Go over that allowance, and you could face hefty per-kilometre charges.
💡 Tip: Always check if your booking is unlimited or capped. If you’re planning a road trip, unlimited kilometres usually offers the best value.
5. Fuel Policies
Not all fuel policies are the same:
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Full-to-Full: You pick up the car full and return it full (the fairest option).
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Prepaid Fuel: Pay for a tank upfront — convenient but often more expensive.
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Return as Is: You’ll be charged premium rates if the tank isn’t full.
💡 Tip: Unless you know you won’t have time to refuel before returning, full-to-full is usually the most cost-effective.
6. Vehicle Choice
Think carefully about what vehicle best suits your trip:
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Compact cars are perfect for city driving.
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SUVs or larger vehicles are ideal for families, long drives, or regional areas.
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Premium models might be tempting, but weigh up whether you really need them.
💡 Tip: Book early during peak travel times like Easter, Christmas, or school holidays — popular vehicles sell out fast.
Need a Rental Car?
At Redspot Car Rentals, we make car hire simple and stress-free:
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✅ A modern, reliable fleet with options for every traveller.
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✅ Convenient locations at all major Australian airports and city centres.
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✅ Transparent pricing — no nasty surprises, no hidden fees.
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✅ Options for unlimited kilometres, liability reduction, and extras to suit your trip.
Whether you’re travelling for work or heading off on a road trip, we’ve got you covered.