How Car Rental Bonds Work
The security bond is a refundable amount held while you have the car. We refund it within 30 days of return, sooner if nothing is outstanding, and itemise any deduction in writing with evidence.
A security bond is a refundable amount we hold while you have the car, as security for anything you may properly owe at the end of the rental. Under our Rental Agreement v2.0, we refund the balance within 30 days of the car being returned, and sooner if nothing is outstanding. We can deduct only costs we have actually and reasonably incurred, or that you actually owe, and any deduction is itemised in writing with evidence such as a repair invoice or infringement notice. The bond varies by vehicle: about $350 to $800 for cars on current listings, and up to $1,500 for vans and minibuses, and is shown on each listing before you enquire.
What is a security bond?
The agreement puts it simply: the bond is held as security for amounts you may properly owe, and it is not a fee and not our money. It is separate from:
- Weekly rent, which is charged weekly in advance. The bond is not a prepayment of rent; only rent still unpaid at the end of the rental can be deducted from it.
The bond is payable at pickup. Nothing is charged when you send a request.
Why does the bond vary by vehicle?
It reflects the value and type of the car. Smaller, older cars carry bonds toward the lower end of the range, while late-model hybrids, 7 and 8 seaters and vans sit toward the upper end. The exact amount is on the listing and confirmed when we call you, so check the specific car rather than assuming a figure from another one.
What can be deducted from the bond?
Only actual, reasonable amounts for:
- rent that is unpaid at the end of the rental
- damage beyond fair wear and tear, limited to the reasonable cost of repair
- cleaning that is needed beyond ordinary use
- fuel not replaced to the level at pickup
- tolls, parking fees and infringements incurred during the rental
Fair wear and tear is not deducted, and neither is damage we caused or that comes from a pre-existing fault. Scheduled servicing and wear-and-tear repairs are our cost, not yours.
How and when is the bond refunded?
We refund the balance within 30 days of the car being returned and any amount owing being worked out. The 30 days exists because a toll notice or a fine can take weeks to reach us after a rental ends. Where nothing is outstanding, we refund the bond sooner. If we deduct anything, you get a written, itemised statement showing each amount and the evidence behind it.
An example of how a refund works
Say you return a car on time, with the same fuel level, and the return inspection matches the condition report from pickup. If no tolls or fines are outstanding, there is nothing to determine and we refund the bond sooner than the 30-day limit. Now say a toll notice from your last week arrives two weeks after you hand the car back. We pay or process it, send you an itemised statement with a copy of the notice, deduct that amount and refund the balance, all within 30 days of return.
What if I disagree with a deduction?
Tell us first, on 0432 639 096. While a dispute is ongoing, we do not treat the matter as closed. If it is not resolved, either side can refer it to Consumer Affairs Victoria or the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). Consumer Affairs Victoria's general advice on car hire is that damage charges should only be made after the hire company gives an itemised bill and a reasonable opportunity to dispute it, which is how our agreement works.
Is the bond the same as the insurance excess?
No. The vehicle is insured, and the cover, excess and exclusions are set out in the insurance documents provided with your booking. If the car is damaged during your rental, you are responsible for damage that insurance does not meet, up to the applicable excess, unless we caused it or it came from a pre-existing fault. The bond is a separate amount we hold, and the excess can be more or less than it. If the car was used in breach of the agreement, for example by an unapproved driver or while overloaded, the insurer may refuse cover and you may be responsible for the full cost of the damage. Read the insurance documents before you drive.
How do I get my full bond back?
- At pickup, insist on a condition report and note every existing mark. Consumer Affairs Victoria recommends this for any car hire.
- Take photos of the car at pickup and again before you return it.
- Pay tolls, parking fees and fines as they arise.
- Report any accident, damage or fault as soon as it is safe.
- Return the car on time, with the same fuel level, clean enough for ordinary use.
- Be there when the car is inspected on return.
When can I hand the car back?
Every rental has a minimum term of one month. After that, either side can end the rental with two weeks' notice, and the 30-day refund clock starts when the car comes back. Our weekly vs long-term guide explains how notice works, and the pickup guide covers the condition check on day one.
Where do I see the bond for a car?
On every listing, next to the weekly rent. Browse the full fleet or a category such as rideshare cars, hybrids, 7 and 8 seaters or vans. The cost guide shows how the bond fits into what you pay upfront.
Questions people ask
When do I get my rental bond back?
Within 30 days of returning the car, and sooner if there are no tolls, fines or damage outstanding. The 30 days allows for toll and fine notices that can take weeks to arrive.
What can be deducted from my bond?
Only actual, reasonable amounts for unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear, cleaning beyond ordinary use, fuel not replaced, and tolls, parking fees and infringements during the rental. Each deduction is itemised in writing with evidence.
What can I do if I disagree with a bond deduction?
Raise it with us first on 0432 639 096. If it is not resolved, either side can refer the dispute to Consumer Affairs Victoria or VCAT.
Sources
We checked the rules and figures in this guide against these official sources on 3 October 2026. Rules change, so confirm anything critical with the source before you rely on it.