DIY Car Hire FAQs

Is booking online safe?

Yes. All bookings made through the DIY Car Hire booking system are secured by 128bit SSL security for your safety and peace of mind.

Do I need to enter my credit card details to make a booking?

No you do not need to enter your credit card details when making a booking with www.cairnscarhire.com.au.

Do I need a credit card to hire a car?

Yes. A credit card imprint needs to be taken by the car hire company before you pick up the car. This is a security measure and is needed in case the car is damaged during your rental period. The card can belong to you or to someone else who has authorised the car rental to be paid for using their card.

In some locations you may be able to use a debit card provided the card was issued by VISA or MASTERCARD.

If you don't have your own credit or debit card, someone who is willing to provide one for you as security can go into any depot for the company, whose car you are renting, and have their details recorded against your reservation number. When you return the car in good condition and with a full tank of fuel, you can pay the cost of the hire using eftpos or cash. Cheques are only accepted by prior arrangement with the car hire company.

Does DIY Car Hire charge a booking fee?

No. We try to bring you the cheapest car hire in Australia so we charge no additional fees beyond the cost of your rental.

Does your quote include all fees and charges?

Generally Yes. All our quotes include Car rental charges, Airport Recovery Fees (where applicable), Taxes and charges, Goods and Services Tax (VAT), and 3rd party insurance. Our quotes do not include optional extras such as Underage surcharges (where applicable), additional insurance, child safety seats, excess mileage charges (where applicable), fuel (the car will have a full tank of fuel when you collect it and it is your responsibility to return the car with a full tank of fuel), etc.

Note that in Australia the standard insurance liability (the excess) ranges from $2,450 to $2,750. This can usually be reduced to between $300 to $700 (depending on the car type) for an additional fee of $20 to $26 per day (This is called the Optional Excess Reduction or the Loss Damage Waiver). You will be offered this optional excess reduction when you collect your vehicle (soon you will be able to select this option online).

Please note that some credit cards and travel insurance products will cover the cost of the additional insurance for your rental car. Be sure to check the conditions attached to your travel insurance or credit card after making your rental car booking.

What happens if I have an accident in my rental car?

If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident in a rental car it is important that you behave as you would if it were your own car. Remember to write down the details of the accident, the name, contact details and registration number of the other vehicle involved (if applicable) and report the accident to both the car rental company and the police (if necessary).

The car rental company will charge your credit card with the insurance excess and after having the car repaired, will refund you the difference between the cost of the repair and the insurance excess.

How do I add a child seat to my booking?

Child seats can be added once you have made a booking, and the cost of the seat will be additional to the quote we give you. Once you have your reservation number, either contact your supplier directly, or contact us to add child seats. We will need to know the type of seat you need.

Child seats usually cost from $5.50 to $8.80 per seat per day, so it may be cheaper for you to bring your seats with you rather than to rent them.

Will I be charged if I fail to show up to collect the car?

Yes, if you supply a credit card when booking, you need to cancel any booking prior to 24 hours to pick up or you will be charged a cancellation fee. If you do not provide these details when booking, you will not be charged a fee to cancel at the last minute.

How do I change my car hire booking?

You can click here and change your booking online. If you prefer, you can contact the car hire company direct using the telephone numbers shown on the email confirmation you received when making your reservation.

If you require further assistance, you can contact DIY Car Hire on +61 7 3333 1775.

How old do I need to be to hire a car?

In most cases you need to be a minimum of 25 years old BUT you can still rent a car if you are over 21 years old. In this case there will be additional charges such as a mandatory underage surcharge, and certain other restrictions may also apply. This varies from company to company. Some vehicle types may also be restricted.

No one under the age of 21, nor anyone on a restricted licence, may rent a car from any of our suppliers.

Can I use my overseas drivers' licence in Australia?

Yes. If you have held a valid, unrestricted drivers license, for a minimum of 12 months and it is in English you will not require an international permit. If you do not have these prerequisites then you will need an international permit. All documents must be original - photocopies will not be accepted.

Can I make a reservation for a One-Way car hire?

Yes. All of our suppliers allow one way rentals. Note that one-way rentals may incur a 'one-way' or vehicle relocation fee. This fee will be shown in our online quote when you make your booking.

What happens if I receive a Speeding Fine?

Your car hire company will take one of the following actions:

  • Charge your credit card for the amount detailed on the fine.
  • Supply your information to law enforcement agencies, who will in turn issue a fine to your postal address.

In any case is advisable that you pay any fines you receive before leaving the country. Failure to pay fines received in Australia may result in refusal of a hire car, refusal of entry or cancellation of a visa on a return visit.
Some car rental companies will also charge an administration fee for processing your speeding fine through their system.