Compare and Save on Car Rental
DriveNow delivers the widest choice of rental providers and vehicles to guarantee the lowest prices on car rental in Australia and elsewhere around the world.
At DriveNow we have been comparing the cost of car hire since 2003 and today you'll find the best deals in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, the US and the UK to name but a few.
Our partners include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Europcar, Firefly, Hertz, Keddy, SIXT and other local providers, with access to thousands of rental vehicles and locations worldwide at your finger tips to compare and select from.
When it comes to renting a car at an Australian airport all the bases are covered with rates and vehicles for all Australia's major airports from every onsite rental provider. If you're looking for an easy way to book an airport transfer to or from the airport check out our Airport Transfer booking service for a comprehensive list of transport options from a shared shuttle bus through to luxury private meet and greet car services.
Rental prices and vehicles are laid out in an easy to read grid allowing you to instantly compare the best deals, daily rates and review vehicle features before you book. Making a booking is quick and easy with instant confirmation and with most of our suppliers there's no need to enter credit card details when booking, simply present your card when you collect your vehicle.
We understand that it's not just about finding the best online deal available. Providing great customer service, being able to talk to someone and exceeding your expectations are all of paramount importance to us. Our Reservations team are there to help and answer your questions via the phone, online chat or email.
At DriveNow we guarantee the lowest available price with absolutely No Booking fees and no hidden costs.
Advantages of hiring a car through DriveNow
- Instant rental rate comparison
- Independent - Free and objective comparison and booking service
- Choice - No one offers more choice of rental brands
- Airport car hire specialists - last minute car hire deals at airports right around the world
- One Way Rental Deals - from as little as a $5 day
- Instant booking confirmation
- Drive-away prices including all taxes and levies (excludes young driver surcharge)
- Lowest price guarantee
- Over 1600 Australian locations
- We are local - 100% Australian owned and operated
Frequently asked Questions
Who are DriveNow and What do they do?
DriveNow is a comparison and booking website that allows travellers to compare pricing on Car, 4 Wheel Drive, Campervan, Motorhome and RV rental around the world then book the vehicle of choice. Founded in 2002 and based in Melbourne, Australia, DriveNow has partnered with the world's leading rental organisations.
How old do I have to be to rent a car in Australia?
21 with a full driving license. Renters aged between 21 and 25 inclusive may be charged a young driver surcharge fee and may be restricted on vehicle choice.
What Driving License do I need to hire a car in Australia?
A current full and valid driver’s licence held for at least 12 months, without restrictions. Your licence must be shown when picking up your vehicle along with the licenses of any additional drivers. Probationary licences are not accepted. All licences must be in English or supported by a certified translation or International Driving Permit. For non-English driving licenses should be acompanied with an International Driving Permit.
Can I use a Digital License to hire a car?
No. You must present the hard copy version of your license when hiring a car. NSW digital driving licenses and those from overseas are not accepted on their own.
Can I use someone else's credit card to pay for my car?
No. For security purposes all renters must use a credit card in their name when collecting and paying for the rental vehicle.
Why is car hire more expensive today?
Since early 2020 the Covid Pandemic has reduced the demand for rental cars around with world with less travel and country or state lockdowns. As a result rental companys have reduced their inventories. The restocking of these rental fleets has been further hit by the global computer chip shortage causing delays in the supply of new vehicles. Less supply and greater demand has pushed rental rates up. Over time as rental fleets build up again and travel resumes pricing will return to or get closer to pre-pandemic levels.
When should I book my rental car?
Generally, the earlier you book the better the rate and wider the choice of vehicles and the impact of the Pandemic makes this more important. Rental fleets are smaller and supply can be an issue in certain locations. Booking early for Christmas, Easter and other holiday periods is strongly recommended. Specialised vehicles such as Passenger Vans or People-Movers will be fully booked out by October for Christmas.
How to reduce car hire insurance liability?
All rental cars come fully insured, however the hirer is liable for an initial amount in the event of an accident or damage. This excess amount varies between suppliers but can be upwards of $4000. You can reduce your liability to a few hundred dollars or less by paying the rental company a daily fee, which generally adds around $30 per day to your rental costs.
Many travel insurance policies will include car excess reduction options, alternatively there are specific insurance policies written to cover car rental. Learn more about Australian car rental insurance options. Whichever option you elect to take remember that in the event of an accident secure copies of all documentation, police reports and if possible take photos.
What if I need a car seat for my children?
Rental companies offer both child and booster seats. When making your booking through DriveNow, you can hire Infant and Child seats and use the comments section to provide any further details. Child seating can be a bit trickier with campervans, as some of them are not equipped to handle such pieces, we recommend speaking with our reservations team.
Car rental companies have different charges for child seats and booster seats, and these charges can also change depending on if you’re hiring from an airport or another location.
Do I have to return my hire car to the same branch?
No. One way rentals are a common occurrence. In some countries and locations there may be an one way fee, this is especially common when picking up or dropping off at remote rental branches in Australia.
For those who have a flexible travel schedule One Way Relocation rentals can offer amuch cheaper alternative. These deals occur where rental companies need to move vehicles, both cars and campervans, between locations. Rather than paying a staff member to drive they will offer the vehicle for rent from as low as $5 a day and in some instances include a fuel allowance. There are additional Terms and Conditions and some restrictions (mainly around the number of days allowed for the journey), however if you do have a flexible schedule and can travel last minute this is a very cost effective way to travel.
Do rental cars come with GPS?
No, not as standard yet. However when booking you can opt to also hire a GPS unit that can help you keep your trip on track.
Exploring areas in which you’re not familiar is one of the fun things you can do on your trip. On the other hand, getting lost in remote areas is not. A GPS unit might be the tool you need to enjoy the former and avoid the latter.
How do I pay for Road Tolls when renting a car?
Most rental providers will automatically charge your account with any road tolls incurred whilst renting their vehicles. Speak with your chosen car rental suuplier about options to pay when you collect your hire car.
Can I take my rental car to the Ski Fields in Australia?
No. Not unless you have purchased a specific snow package from the car hire company. Driving a rental car above the snow line in Australia without a snow package voids your insurance cover and you are liable for all and any damage to a vehicle. The Snow package includes things such as Snow Chains which are mandated in Australia above the snow line.
How many Drivers can I nominate for my rental?
Some rental companies will allow you to nominate a second (and more) driver for free whilst others charge a small daily fee per additional driver. All must have full and valid licenses covering the vehicle being hired.
Is it more expensive to hire a car with manual or automatic transmission?
Unlike some countries, the cost to rent a car in Australia with automatic transmission is generally the same if not cheaper than a manual. The majority of rental cars in Australia are automatic. This makes renting a car that much easier for those who hold driving licenses covering only automatic vehicles.
Find more frequently asked questions.
Top tips before you leave the rental branch
- Give the vehicle a check: Checking the vehicle you’re going to rent for damage is standard practice, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Make sure you look for any damage on the hire car and have a staffer at the rental branch take note of dings and dents you see (they normally have a form and vehicle diagram to mark this on). Also take photos of these blemishes with your smartphone.
- Learn about the fuel policy: Some car rental agencies will charge an arm and a leg to refill their vehicles with fuel. Avoid such stinging fees by making sure you fill up before your return. Learn about flat fuel charge options if you don’t want to mess with refilling the tank yourself, or ask the branch staff where a nearby petrol station is so you’re not wasting time cruising around a city you might not be familiar with. This is especially key if you’re under the pump trying to make a flight!
- Know the rules: While cruising off road through majestic mountain scenery or hopping on a car ferry for destinations unknown sounds like a great idea, it could get you into hot water with car rental agencies. Make sure to inquire if you’re going to be driving anywhere out of the ordinary or taking a car ferry. For example, some Hobart car rental companies are not fond of you taking their vehicles from mainland Hobart over to Bruny Island. Many also frown upon you gliding over the Cook Strait in New Zealand on a car ferry. And don’t plan on towing anything or carting around your pets, either, car rental companies do not permit this.
Car Hire Affiliate program
If you own a travel or accommodation website and are looking to effortlessly earn extra revenue, consider joining our Affiliate Car Hire Program to offer your visitors great deals in car and Campervan rental.
