Frequently Asked Questions
How close to full does rental car need to be?
When it comes to refuelling your Redspot rental car, we’re here to offer options:
- Prepay for the full tank your vehicle contains at the start of your rental. You’ll pay a discounted rate, and you won’t need to worry about refilling the vehicle before returning it. Please note that there is no refund for unused fuel.
- We can refill the vehicle for you and charge you for the fuel you’ve used. If you choose this option, you’ll pay a higher rate.
- You can refuel your rental vehicle before returning it. Please fill up the vehicle right before returning to avoid extra charges!
What do I need to drive a rental car in Australia?
Here’s what you’ll need to drive a Redspot rental car in Australia, including the Sunshine Coast:
- A valid debit or credit card in the renter’s name and/or purchase order or prepaid voucher.
- A 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).
Can tourist rent a car in Australia?
Yes, tourists are more than welcome to rent a car in Australia! Temporary visitors can show their valid 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, that’s when 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 Sunshine Coast team for local advice.
Note: Make sure to bring a physical driver’s licence to the kiosk. E-licenses or passports are not accepted as valid documents.
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 Maroochydore Airport the same as Sunshine Coast Airport?
Yes, Maroochydore Airport is the same as Sunshine Coast Airport. Officially, it is known as Sunshine Coast Airport (updated in 2010) but many use these names interchangeably.
How far is Maroochydore Airport from Sunshine Coast Airport?
0km away! Maroochydore Airport and Sunshine Coast Airport refer to the same airport, so no need for fussy transfers on your way through the Sunny Coast.
What is an example of one-way rental?
A one-way car rental (also known as vehicle relocation) means that your car drop-off location differs from your pick-up location. This makes trip planning so much more flexible and heaps more convenient.
For example, you pick up your trusty Redspot car rental from our Sunshine Coast branch. You hit the highway for an epic road trip through Queensland, ending your journey in Cairns. You drop your rental car off at our Cairns International Airport branch and hop on a flight back home. Too easy!
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 with your local Redspot branch to make sure you’re all set to go!
Do you need a car in the Sunshine Coast?
Getting around the Sunshine Coast is much more convenient and flexible with a car. Public transport may be an option, depending on where you are based and where you want to go. Staying within Maroochydore or Mooloolaba? You can get around by bus. Trains are another option but are often infrequent. You also have to factor in timing and how far you are willing to walk between transfer stops, tourist attractions etc.
Beyond that, it’s much easier to hop in a car to explore where you want, when you want. From the Glasshouse Mountains to Noosa, the Sunshine Coast is your oyster with a rental car!
Do hire cars come with insurance?
Yes, all hire cars come with insurance as part of your hire fee in Australia! This typically includes protection for your rental vehicle against theft and collision damage, like in Redspot’s Standard Package car rental deal.
For total peace of mind, we recommend the coverage offered by our All-Inclusive package. It features $0 standard liability excess, free additional drivers and more benefits for flexibility and added protection to your journey.
Looking to beef up your car rental cover? You also have the option to purchase the following liability reductions: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW). This reduces your financial liability for an additional daily fee.
What are the Redspot Sunshine Coast branch hours?
Drop by our spot on the Sunny Coast and pick up your dream rental car from Redspot today! We’re open Mondays to Fridays, 7am to 6pm.
On Saturdays, come by anytime between 7:30am to 2:30pm.
Visiting on Sundays or Public Holidays? We’re here from 10:30am to 5:30pm!
Is the Redspot car rental desk located inside the Sunshine Coast Airport?
No, you can find the Redspot car rental desk just outside the Sunshine Coast Airport. All the on-airport car rental companies have a dedicated office a short walk from the terminal building.
To pick up your Redspot rental, exit the terminal and follow the signs to the car rental precinct. This is located about 50 metres south of the terminal. Our team is stationed here and ready to help you get rolling!
What is the Redspot Sunshine Coast branch after hours process?
Dropping off your rental car after hours? Simply park at our Sunshine Coast office’s dedicated parking bay and leave the keys in our secure drop box, available 24/7. All car rental company key drop boxes are located between the two main car rental office buildings, right next to the car rental car park.
Need a late-night pickup or other services? Call us on 1300 668 810 (toll-free) and we’ll do our best to help you on your way!
Can P Platers hire cars?
You sure can! We’re one of the few Aussie companies that give the green light for local green P-platers over 21 to rent a car.
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 are 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 minimum age to rent a car in the Sunshine Coast?
Once you turn 21 years old, you can rent a car on the Sunshine Coast with Redspot! We’re one of the few Aussie car rental companies that welcome young drivers to gear up with us.
Please note that drivers under the age of 25 are required to pay a surcharge. Additionally, young drivers can only rent from our range of small to medium-sized sedans and hatchbacks. Once you hit 25, you’ll have full access to our entire fleet range.
If you’re between the ages of 21 and 24, you can reduce your damage cover up to $330.
Want more info? Check out our Young Drivers guide to get you revved up for your adventures.
What is the oldest age to drive a rental car?
With us, age is just a number! Having said that, we do require you to be over 21 to rent a car from us for safety reasons. Over 75? We kindly ask that you provide a medical certificate that gives you the all-clear (and peace of mind!) to hit the road.
Can more than one person drive a hire car?
Yes, 100%! You’ll just need to include any additional driver’s details in the rental car agreement before hitting the road. Any additional drivers will also need to present their valid driver’s licence to us at pick-up.
Do rental cars have a km limit?
No, there are no kilometre (km) restrictions on Redspot rental vehicles. Wander to your heart’s content!
Do you install baby seats for us?
We do not currently offer car seat fittings for liability reasons. However, our staff will supply detailed instructions on how to install child seats and baby seats to make sure your little ones stay safe and secure on your travels.
Can I return my hire car early?
Yes, absolutely. Keep in mind that there are no refunds for early returns or voucher payments – unless you’ve booked through our All-Inclusive rate!
Do you have to clean a hire car before returning?
At Redspot, we clean your hire car after every rental so you don’t have to! Simply return your rental car to the way you found it – remember to throw any rubbish and take your belongings with you.
We vacuum and clean all Redspot car interiors including seats, floors, dashboard, steering wheel and internal windows. Car exteriors aren’t forgotten either – we wash and dry them so your rental car sparkles like a million bucks.
On the off-chance your rental car requires intensive cleaning or steam cleaning, we may need to charge a cleaning fee. Speak to our staff for more info!
I just got a punctured tyre, will it cost me to call out the roadside assistance to change the tyre?
With our Premium Roadside Assistance, changing a punctured tyre will be included in your package at no extra cost!