Before you book
What are the most common mistakes when renting a car in Australia?
Short answer
The costly ones are comparing only the daily rate (the deductible can be A$5,500 (est. US$3,850) or more), assuming your US credit card covers everything, and planning more driving than Australia's distances allow. Each has a simple fix, below.
Last checked October 21, 2026By Brett Gould3 sources ↓
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Do I need an IDP?What's the deductible?How do I contact you?Sydney, Jan 4 – Jan 12, automatic, I'm 24Cairns, Dec 20 – Jan 3, an SUV, zero deductible
12 mistakes, and the fix for each
- Comparing only the daily rate. Standard cover carries a A$5,500 (est. US$3,850) or A$6,600 (est. US$4,650) deductible. Compare standard and zero-deductible side by side. Do I need extra insurance?
- Assuming your card covers it all. Card cover usually means you pay the rental company first and claim later. Does my credit card cover it?
- Driving into the city center straight off a long flight. Pick up at the airport depot (a short free shuttle ride) and start on day two if you can.
- Planning too much driving. Sydney to Melbourne is about 9 hours before stops. Keep days to 4-5 hours. Driving distances
- Driving after dark in the outback. In the NT and WA the rental terms don't allow driving outside towns between sunset and sunrise, and wildlife is out at dusk. Driving with wildlife
- Taking a gravel shortcut. Rental cars stay on sealed roads; damage on unsealed roads isn't covered. Unsealed roads
- Forgetting tolls. Tolls around Sydney, Melbourne and South-East Queensland are billed after the trip, plus A$1.10 (est. US$0.77) per toll. Tolls
- Not photographing the car. Take photos or a video of every side, the wheels and the windshield and tires before you drive off.
- Returning it less than full. The refuel charge is A$5.50 (est. US$4) a liter; fill up nearby. Fuel policy
- Expecting one-ways everywhere. Only some routes are offered, and none into or out of Darwin or to or from Perth today. One-way rentals
- Booking a car you're too young for. 21 is the minimum. Some electric cars need 25 (Tesla Model 3, Kia EV6); the MG ZS EV is open from 21. Under 25
- Letting an unlisted friend drive. Every driver must be named on the booking; otherwise there's no cover.
Related questions
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Quick answers
What should I check before renting a car in Australia?
The deductible, the bond (A$1,000 with standard cover), who's driving, tolls and whether your route is on sealed roads.
What documents do I need?
Your full license, passport and a credit card in the main driver's name.
Can I add a driver at the counter?
Yes, if they're 21+ with a full license; the additional-driver fee is A$11 (est. US$8) a day, capped at A$50 (est. US$35) per driver for the rental.
Sources
1Rental company termsCover, sealed roads, night driving in the NT and WA, drivers (cl. 5.1, 7.3, 7.10).rental terms · checked Oct 21, 2026
2Rental company fees guideToll admin fee, refuel charge, additional-driver fee and cap (V11).fees guide V11
3niftirent fact checkEvery line checked against the rental terms.niftirent team · checked Oct 21, 2026
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