Driving with wildlife in Australia: what visitors should know

Is hitting a kangaroo covered in a rental car in Australia?

Yes, on a sealed road, before sunrise or after dark too. With zero deductible you pay nothing; with standard cover you pay up to your deductible. The usual exclusions still apply, like damage on an unsealed road or underside damage you cause. Outside towns in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, the rental terms don't allow driving between sunset and sunrise. The rental company's own advice: avoid driving at night where you can, because a lot of Australian wildlife is out after dark.

The practical details

• If you do hit an animal on a sealed road, it's covered like any other damage (nothing with zero deductible, up to your deductible with standard cover). Stop only where it's safe, and call the rental company on the number on the key ring.
• Animals are most active from dusk to dawn. On country and outback roads, plan your driving for daylight hours.
• Yellow wildlife signs mark known crossing areas. Slow down there, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Kangaroos often travel in groups. If one crosses, expect others to follow.
• If an animal is on the road, brake firmly in a straight line and don't swerve. Swerving at speed causes more serious accidents than the animal itself.

Common pitfalls

• Driving country roads at dusk to “make up time” at the end of the day.
• Swerving to avoid an animal and leaving the road.
• Assuming highways are safe at night. Wildlife crosses highways too, well outside the cities.

Our recommendation

• Plan each day so you arrive before sunset on country and outback legs.
• Slow down near wildlife signs and in the hour around sunrise and sunset.
• If you hit an animal: pull over safely, turn on your hazard lights, check yourself and the car, and contact us. We'll help with the rental company from there. If the animal is injured, call the local wildlife rescue service.

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