Late Returns

Returning Your Campervan

If you're running late on drop-off day, call the depot you're returning to. To extend your hire, call the rental company's reservations team. Here's what to expect with late return fees and the cost of extra days.

Are late returns available

Something may happen while you're travelling that delays returning the vehicle on drop-off day. Or you may be enjoying your holiday so much that you'd like to extend your hire. Either way, your next steps are important: you'll need to check whether a late return is possible and what the additional charges would be.

Delays on the drop off day

If you're running late, first call the depot you're returning to. The depot staff can give you local advice and assess whether you'll need to return after hours or the next day. They can also tell you about any additional charges that apply. You'll find contact numbers in the “Drop off Details” area of your booking confirmation.

Extending your holiday

If you're on hire and want to check whether you can extend your holiday, call the rental company's reservations team. This number is usually given to you at pick-up or shown on your DriveNow booking confirmation. If you need help, call DriveNow on 1300 547 214 or +61 3 9095 7460 and we can put you in touch with the right team.

Fees for late returns

Late return fees depend on the vehicle you've booked and the rental company's terms and conditions. To find your rental company's fees, go to our Australia terms and conditions page and select your rental company's logo.

You can expect fees to apply to any kind of unexpected late return, because it can severely disrupt depot operations. Some vehicles have quick turnarounds to get them back on the road. A late return may then affect the next traveller's hire by delaying the vehicle's mechanical checks and cleaning.

What’s the price for extra days?

The cost of extra days when you extend your rental depends on the rental company's applicable rates. The reservations staff will quote you a price when you call the rental company to request the extension. All rental extensions are subject to availability and can be refused because of fleet requirements. Check the availability and cost of an extension as soon as you start considering it. The earlier, the better. Charges for any changes made while you're on hire are made by the rental company, not DriveNow.

Expert Tip

Unexpected delays can happen, but make sure you're well prepared for returning your vehicle. Plan your trip to the depot before the day. We recommend checking Google Maps to see how much traffic to expect at the time of day you plan to travel. The earlier you find out about any potential delays, the more options and advice the depot staff can give you.

One way to limit the risk of a late return is to avoid any long-distance driving on return day. If you were planning to stay 6+ hours away the night before your return, you may want to change that night's campground to one closer to the depot. This can help you avoid stress about not making it to the depot in time on drop-off day.

Next steps

Making changes: changing your booking before you travel

Part of Returning Your Campervan in the Campervan Hire Handbook.