Top Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Car
Top Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Car
Whether you’re planning a coastal drive around Sydney or heading into Tasmania’s countryside from Hobart, renting a car is a great way to explore at your own pace. But before you book, it’s worth asking a few important questions to avoid any surprises — and to make sure you’re getting the best deal for your trip.
Here are the top questions you should ask before you hire a car, especially if it’s your first time renting or you’re hiring in a new location.
Table of Contents
1. What’s Included in the Price?
Not all car hire quotes are created equal. Some companies advertise a low daily rate but sneak in extra fees later. With YesDrive, you’ll see everything upfront: the vehicle cost, included insurance, and standard features like 24/7 roadside assistance.
Tip: Ask if GPS, child seats, or additional drivers are included — or how much they cost to add.
2. What Type of Insurance Is Included?
Most rentals come with basic insurance, but it’s essential to know:
What’s covered
The excess you’ll pay if something goes wrong
Your options to reduce or remove that excess
At YesDrive, we include standard cover with every rental, and we offer affordable excess reduction packages for extra peace of mind.
3. Are There Any Additional Fees?
Ask about:
Young driver surcharges (usually under 25)
After-hours pickup/drop-off fees
Toll charges
Admin or credit card processing fees
With YesDrive, we keep fees clear and reasonable, and our team is happy to explain anything you’re unsure about.
4. What’s the Fuel Policy?
This one’s simple but easy to overlook. Does the car need to be returned full? Half full? Will you be charged a refuelling fee?
YesDrive uses a fair “like-for-like” fuel policy — whatever the fuel level is when you pick up the car, that’s what you return it with. No inflated petrol charges, ever.
5. Is There a Kilometre Limit?
Some rental companies limit how far you can drive each day — and the extra kilometre charges can add up quickly.
YesDrive offers generous kilometre allowances with most bookings, and if you need unlimited kilometres for a road trip around NSW or Tasmania, we’ll do our best to accommodate.
6. Can I Add an Extra Driver?
If you’re sharing driving duties, make sure you ask:
Is an additional driver allowed?
Is there an extra cost?
What details are required?
With YesDrive, adding a second driver is easy — and often free, depending on your booking.
7. What Are the Pickup and Return Procedures?
Will someone meet you at the airport? Are there after-hours return options? How early do you need to arrive?
YesDrive offers convenient pickup locations near Sydney and Hobart airports, and we’ll walk you through the return process when you book.
8. What Happens If the Car Breaks Down?
It’s rare — but things happen. You’ll want to know:
Is roadside assistance included?
Is there a direct number to call?
How quickly can help arrive?
YesDrive includes 24/7 roadside assistance with every hire, so you’re never stranded.
9. Can I Take the Car Interstate or on a Ferry?
Heading from Hobart to Bruny Island? Or planning to cross state lines from Sydney?
Always ask if:
Interstate travel is allowed
Ferry use is permitted
Any restrictions apply
Just let us know your travel plans — YesDrive is flexible, and we’ll help you choose a car that suits your route.
10. How Can YesDrive Help?
We know hiring a car can feel overwhelming — especially with so many options out there. At YesDrive, we:
Keep our pricing and policies transparent
Offer local advice and support
Have a variety of cars for all kinds of travellers
Make pickup and return easy in both Sydney and Hobart
Our goal is to make your trip smoother from the moment you land to the day you head home.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Whether you’re a tourist exploring Australia for the first time or a local planning your next getaway, knowing what to ask before you book your car hire makes a huge difference.
Book your next rental with YesDrive — and get the service, support, and transparency you deserve.
