Frequently Asked Questions
Trailer Hire Bowral
car rental Southern Highlands
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about our car hire services in Bowral, Mittagong, and the Southern Highlands.
Whether you’re booking a rental car, van, ute, or trailer, this page covers everything you need to know for a smooth and stress-free hire experience.
We accept both Australian and international driver’s licenses, provided they comply with New South Wales (NSW) road rules. Your license must be valid and written in English. If not, you’ll need to provide a certified translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your license.
Drivers must be at least 21 years old to hire a vehicle. If you’re under 25, rental is at the discretion of Highlands Rent-A-Car, you will need to supply your driving record, and a young driver surcharge may apply. There’s no upper age limit as long as you hold a valid and unrestricted driver’s license. These policies align with our insurance provider’s requirements to ensure your safety and coverage.
If the car is damaged during your rental, you will be responsible for repair costs up to the damage liability fee outlined in your rental agreement. For full transparency, all terms and conditions regarding damage are covered in your agreement. If any damage occurs, please notify us immediately.
Yes, our vehicles can only be driven on bitumen-sealed roads. Driving on unsealed roads (gravel, dirt) or off-road is not allowed. This helps maintain the safety and quality of our vehicles. These restrictions are clearly stated in the rental agreement.
Our rentals include basic insurance, which covers third-party damage and loss. However, you will be responsible for a standard damage liability fee.
Yes, we ask that you return the car with a full tank of fuel. If it’s not returned full, we’ll refill it for you at a charge of $3.50 per litre, which aligns with industry standards. To avoid this cost, please refuel before returning the vehicle.
If you’re running late or need to extend your rental, please contact us as soon as possible. Extensions depend on vehicle availability and will incur additional rental fees. Late returns without prior notice may incur a fee equivalent to an extra day’s rental. Our aim is to be flexible while maintaining fairness for all customers.
A bond (security deposit) is required at pickup and held on your credit card for the duration of the rental. Once the vehicle is returned in its original condition, the bond will be released. Refunds typically take 3-5 business days, depending on your bank’s processing times. The maximum bond we may ask is $1500.
Additional drivers must be named on the rental agreement, and meet the same age and license requirements as the primary driver. All additional drivers must be listed on the rental agreement for insurance purposes. In the event of an emergency, we understand an alternate driver may need to operate the vehicle, but this is by exception only and any damage or fines incurred will be the sole responsibility of the primary driver nominated in the rental agreement.
Yes, you can drive interstate, but please inform us of your plans during booking. A daily kilometre limit of 250 km applies to all rentals, and exceeding this limit will result in additional charges as per the rental agreement.
Yes, in the unfortunate event of animal-related damage, you will be responsible for the costs. While hitting an animal may not be your fault, these costs cannot be recovered from the animal. Drive carefully, particularly in rural areas, as the risk of kangaroo, wombat, and fox strikes are high – especially from dusk to dawn.
Currently, all vehicles must be returned to our Bowral location. If you’d like to arrange an alternative return location, please discuss this with us in advance. Relocation fees may apply, depending on the circumstances.