Airport Car Hire Pick-up Checklist: Save Time at the Counter

1Before You Fly

• Check your licence. Bring your full, current driver licence. If it is not in English, bring an International Driving Permit or an accredited translation as well.
• Bring the right card. Most suppliers need a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit. Debit cards are accepted only by some suppliers and often with conditions.
• Add your flight number to the booking so the desk knows if you are delayed.
• Save the voucher offline. Download the booking confirmation in case there is no signal in the terminal.
• Read the rental terms, especially the fuel policy, excess amount and what is included.
• Note the desk location. Some suppliers are in the terminal, while others are a short shuttle ride away.

2Finding the Rental Desk

At major airports, the in-terminal rental desks are usually in or next to the arrivals hall, and cars are parked in a nearby multi-level car park. Off-airport suppliers meet customers at a signed shuttle point outside arrivals.

Each airport works a little differently. Sydney, for example, has separate desks at the international and domestic terminals, while Brisbane’s domestic desks are reached by the airport Skywalk. Our airport pages show where each supplier is located.

• Sydney
• Melbourne
• Brisbane
• Perth
• Adelaide
• Gold Coast
• Cairns
• Hobart

3At the Counter

• Have every driver present. Additional drivers usually need to show their licence at pick-up.
• Confirm the total price, including any one-way fee, premium location fee and young driver surcharge.
• Ask how the deposit works: how much is held and how long it takes to be released after return.
• Decide on excess cover before you arrive so you are not rushed into a decision at the desk.
• Only add the extras you need, such as child seats, GPS or snow chains.
• Ask about tolls. Most rental cars have an e-tag; check the admin fee and how tolls are billed.
• Confirm the return details: location, time, fuel level and after-hours key drop.

Also read: One-way car hire fees explained

4Inspecting Your Rental Car

Before you load your luggage, walk around the car with your phone and record its condition. Make sure any existing damage is noted on the rental agreement before you leave.

• Scratches, dents and scuffs on every panel, bumper and wheel.
• Chips or cracks in the windscreen and mirrors.
• Tyre condition and the spare tyre or repair kit.
• Interior stains, tears or damage.
• The fuel gauge and odometer reading, photographed together.
• Lights, wipers, air conditioning and the warning lights on the dashboard.

5Before You Drive Away

• Adjust the seat, mirrors and steering wheel before you leave the bay.
• Pair your phone and set up navigation while you are parked.
• Find the controls for the lights, wipers and hazard lights. In many cars they are on the opposite side to cars from left-hand-drive countries.
• Remember to drive on the left and give way to the right at roundabouts.
• Check whether the car takes petrol or diesel; it is usually written inside the fuel flap.

6Understanding Excess and Cover Options

Every rental in Australia includes basic insurance, but you are responsible for an excess if the car is damaged or stolen. The excess can be several thousand dollars, so it is worth deciding in advance how you want to reduce it.

• Supplier excess reduction: bought at the counter or when booking, it lowers the excess for a daily fee.
• Third-party rental car excess insurance: often cheaper, but you pay the supplier first and claim the money back afterwards.
• Travel insurance or credit card cover: some policies include rental car excess. Check the limits and conditions before you rely on them.

Whichever option you choose, read what is excluded. Common exclusions include windscreen and tyre damage, underbody damage, unsealed roads and single-vehicle accidents.

7Fuel Policies Explained

• Full to full: you collect the car full and return it full. This is usually the cheapest option.
• Pre-purchase: you pay for a full tank at pick-up and can return the car empty. It suits early flights, but there is no refund for unused fuel.
• Same to same: you return the car with the same fuel level as at pick-up. Photograph the fuel gauge at both ends.

8Returning the Car

• Refuel close to the airport if you are on a full-to-full policy, and keep the receipt.
• Allow extra time for the return. Airport car parks can be busy, especially in the morning.
• Remove all belongings and rubbish, and check the boot and glovebox.
• Photograph the car, fuel gauge and odometer again in the return bay.
• Ask for a closing receipt or check your email before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions