Common questions

Return the car with a full tank. Fill up within 2 km of your return location. If we refuel it, the charge is $5–7 a litre.

Check the label inside the fuel flap or the key tag. Most cars take unleaded; 4WDs, vans, buses and trucks take diesel.

Yes. Hybrids run on petrol and electricity – they just use less fuel. Please return the tank full. The fuel gauge is on the right-hand side of the speedometer.

No, we don't offer pre-paid fuel. Please return the car with a full tank.

Call your pickup location as soon as you know. Late returns may add an extra day's charge, but we always try to avoid that.

Yes. You'll only be charged for the days you've used – just make sure the tank is full. If you booked through a third party (such as a travel website), the refund may need to come from them.

It depends on the location – some have a key drop box or lock box, others don't. Check your location page for its options.

Sometimes, depending on where we need the car, and a fee may apply. Contact us before you change plans and we'll do our best to help.

No, as long as it's in a reasonably clean condition. If it comes back very dirty and needs extra cleaning, a cleaning fee may apply.

Opening hours on public holidays vary by location – check your location page. Our reservations team is open every day except Christmas Day.

We hold a bond on your card for the length of your rental. It's released 7–10 business days after you return the car, though some banks take longer to show it. If it's been more than 10 business days, contact us and we'll send your bank a letter asking them to release it.

Yes. We'll still need to hold an authorisation on a card when you collect the car. When you return it, you can pay in cash and we'll release the authorisation on your card.

Yes – please tell your rental location when you book or collect, as you'll need to sign a form about travel conditions. If you've already booked the ferry, let us know so we can give you a suitable vehicle. Ferries have limited spots for hybrids, so ask us if your car is a hybrid.

Under our Terms and Conditions, vehicles collected in another state can't be taken into the Northern Territory or Western Australia. Travel to Victoria, New South Wales or Queensland needs approval from your renting location – please ask before you set off.

No. Please stick to sealed and government-maintained roads.

Our cars don't have tow bars. Some commercial vehicles do, but with limits on what they can tow – please call us to check before you book.

There are no toll roads in South Australia or the Northern Territory. If your renting location has approved travel to Victoria, New South Wales or Queensland, any tolls you go through will be billed to you after your rental.

Call your pickup location first. After hours, call 24/7 Roadside Assistance: Budget 1800 656 550, Avis 1800 063 973.

It depends. If no other vehicle was involved and the repair costs less than your excess, you'll only be charged the cost of the repair.

Speeding fines: when we receive the fine, we'll post it to you. Parking fines: please pay these yourself. If one is sent to us, we'll post it on to you.

We'll call you if we find anything in the car after you return it, and we do our best to return lost property. Please check the car carefully before you hand it back, as we can't take responsibility for items left behind.