Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a car to get around Newcastle?
While you can explore Newcastle without a car, having one gives you the ability to get around and travel to neighbouring areas with ease. For example, you can jump in your car and be in the Hunter Valley in just over an hour from the city centre.
Can you hire a car from Newcastle Airport?
Yes! Hiring a car from Newcastle Airport couldn’t be easier. Redspot has a counter right in the Arrivals terminal so that you can shift straight into holiday mode. Choose from our range of rentals for one that suits you!
What is the most popular car rental type?
Among our Redspot fleet in Australia, the Toyota Camry is the reigning champion of car rentals. Next popular car rentals are the MG MG3 and MG ZS Excite.
Can P Platers hire cars in Newcastle?
You sure can! Redspot is one of the few Aussie companies that give the green light for local P-platers over 21 to rent a car in NSW.
Keeping you safe is our top priority, so we have a few safety rules that are designed to make sure you get from Point A to Point B without a hitch.
If you’re a P-plater, you must:
- Have held your driver’s licence for a minimum of 1 year
- Have a driver’s licence that is valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of rental collection
When you rent a car, remember to factor in the daily surcharge. This surcharge applies to all drivers holding an Australian provisional driver’s licence. Keep in mind that P-platers can also reduce damage cover to a maximum of $330.
Aged between 21 and 25? You have access to our range of small to medium-sized sedans and hatchbacks. Provisional drivers over the age of 25 can enjoy renting any vehicle available from our entire fleet. Check out our Provisional Drivers page for all the details to get you geared up for the road.
What is the maximum age to rent a car in Australia?
There’s technically no age cap, but we do ask for medical certificates for drivers over 75. This way, you can gear up for a stress-free ride!
Can I get a specific colour for my car rental?
Want to hit town in a specific car colour? Contact our friendly Newcastle team to check whether your ideal shade is up for grabs. While we can’t guarantee availability, we’ll do our best to get your ride looking fresh for the road!
What do I need to present when hiring a car?
We’ll always try to see you off as quickly as we can, but we do need to review some documents before sending you on your way.
Here’s what you’ll need to bring when picking up your Redspot hire car:
- Credit/charge card and/or purchase order or prepaid voucher
- Valid driver’s licence/s for yourself and any additional drivers. If your licence is not in English, please include a translation provided by your embassy or home country traffic authority.
- Driver’s licence doesn’t display your current home address? (Don’t worry, we’ve all been there!) In this case, you’ll also need to supply ID with this information, like a utility bill.
- Your passport (if you’re an overseas visitor)
Do Redspot rental cars in Australia have GPS systems?
Unfortunately, Redspot cars do not come with GPS systems. If you need navigational help though, never fear!
Most Redspot cars are equipped with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, which allows hands-free navigation. This helps keep you safe while driving – we don’t recommend using your mobile phone for navigation otherwise.
Bring along a USB or USB-C connector to use the location services available in-car facilities. We do not provide mobile phone connectors, so it’s best to come prepared in case you’d like to make full use of these services.
How can I avoid rental car cancellation fees?
Life happens, plans change! There are no cancellation fees when you book with Redspot because we know how important flexibility is on the road.
Note that this may differ if your booking is prepaid. Check in with your local Redspot branch to make sure you’re set to go.
Can I return my hire car early?
Yes, you can return your vehicle early if your itinerary changes. Bear in mind that there’s no refund for early returns – unless you’ve booked through our All-Inclusive rate!
Can I extend my rental period?
Enjoying yourself too much and don’t want to leave? No worries! Simply call the branch you got your rental from or 1300 668 810. If there is availability, we’re more than happy to extend your period. Keep in mind that this will influence your rate though.
How much does it cost to hire a car in Newcastle?
The cost of hiring a car rental in Newcastle will vary depending on different factors. It all boils down to the vehicle you pick, what’s available and how long you need it.To help you figure this out, chuck your travel dates and times into our Newcastle branch page.
What if I break down in my rental car?
We offer 24/7 premium roadside assistance free of charge so that you’re never left stranded.
Can I get damage cover with my Redspot rental?
You sure can! All car rentals come with our Standard Cover included! For ultimate peace of mind, we also have 2 options for liability reductions: Collision Damage Waiver and Super Collision Damage Waiver.For a complete rundown, see our Damage Cover page.
Are there any toll roads in Newcastle?
Major freeways in Sydney will be toll roads. To help you get around it, you can get a toll-pass waiver from us for $50 excluding GST.
What happens if I get a fine when I’m driving?
If you’re in the driver’s seat and get a little accelerator-happy, we’ll need to send you the fine at the address you provided. We know it sucks but there’ll also be a $55 admin fee for this service charged to the card provided at time of rental. Unfortunately, we can’t accept the fee for the fine itself, just the admin fee.
What is a mystery car rental?
A mystery car rental is for all our surprise-loving, deal-chasing friends! At Redspot, we offer a vehicle determined upon pick-up for you at a discounted rate. You’ll know the basics like how many people it seats, if it’s automatic or manual and the lot. But the rest is up to us! Because we all need more adventure in our lives.
Is there a mileage limit on rental cars?
It depends on the state! In Newey, you’re in the clear. With places such as Darwin, there’ll be a 100 km/day restriction. For ultimate peace of mind, reach out to your local Redspot branch for clarification. We’ll get you on your way!
Do I need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Australia?
Temporary visitors can show their overseas driver’s licence and passport to rent vehicles from Redspot. If you’re loving your time here and stay in Australia for longer than 3 months, you’ll need to transition to a local driver’s licence. This depends on the state or territory you’re travelling in, so check in with our friendly team for local advice.
If your licence is not in English, we’ll need a translated version from your embassy or traffic authority in your home country. For more information, see our complete guide to renting a vehicle with an overseas licence.
Is it better to pre-book your car rental?
Yes. We recommend booking your car hire in advance so that you not only take advantage of deals available at the time and make sure that the car you’re after is available but to help shift you into holiday gear as quickly as possible!