Campervan Hire

Unexpected Additional Charges

When Returning Your Campervan

This guide explains what charges may be added to your final invoice on or after you return your campervan at the end of your rental, and what steps to follow to resolve any disputes

Possible Charges

When returning your vehicle additional charges may be processed to your card by the vehicle provider in accordance with their terms and conditions. The exact amount for these charges will depend on the vehicle provider you have booked with and will be outlined on the rental agreement signed on the collection day and on the Australia Terms and Conditions available prior to booking.

Some examples of these additional charges:

  • returning your vehicle in a dirty condition
  • fuel tank not refilled
  • toilet cassette isn’t empty
  • damage sustained during travel
  • lost vehicle equipment
  • used first aid kit
  • gas bottle not refilled/swapped
  • late return
  • return to the wrong location
  • exceeding the kilometre allowance
  • fines

The branch staff will generally point these out to you during the drop off process however, on some occasions, additional charges may only be found/charged after the drop off process once the vehicle is checked by the mechanic or if a fine is received.

What To Do

If you know damage was sustained during travel, notice scratches you weren’t sure were there before or know that you have received a fine its important to speak to the branch staff at the time of return so that you can review any possible charges. The branch will have the rental agreement signed at pick up which will show any minor damage already on the vehicle at the time of pick up. They will also have local knowledge of how to pay or dispute fines accumulated during your travel.

Why Have I Been Charged After The Drop Off Date?

Whenever your card is charged for a fee after the drop off date, you should receive an accompanying invoice from the vehicle provider explaining the charge. If you believe a mistake has been made, there will be a relevant customer care email or phone number to contact for your vehicle provider. If in doubt, contact DriveNow via +61 3 9095 7460 and we can point you in the right direction.

Expert Tip

The best way to avoid any unexpected charges is to return the vehicle as you received it, in a clean and tidy condition with the fuel and gas refilled. As easy as that sounds, everyone has a different definition of “clean and tidy” and so it can be a good idea to speak to the branch staff whilst collecting the vehicle for advice about what needs cleaning the most and where you can go near the branch to give the vehicle a onceover before your drop off.

If travelling in a vehicle with a toilet then we highly recommend booking a campground that has a dump station available for the last night so that you can empty the cassette before travelling to the branch.

Before leaving the branch on the pick up day, make sure you check the vehicle for any prior damage and make sure you have it noted on the signed rental agreement before leaving. Keeping the name of the branch staff that assisted you helps with following up anything discussed on the collection day but having the information written on the rental agreement is better.

Other Things to Consider

When Returning Your Campervan

When Hiring a Campervan Hire