Insurance Policy

For the entire period of the trip on Drive mate, the trip is covered by Drive mate Protection (in partnership with GT Insurance).

Insurance products are issued by Global Transport & Automotive Insurance Solutions Pty Ltd trading as GT Insurance ABN 93 069 048 255, AFS Licence No 240714 as agent for the Insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFS Licence No 234708.

The following insurance policy outlines the summary and details of this policy from the perspective of Guests (users who are renting cars on the platform).

Summary of the insurance policy

• Comprehensive vehicle damage cover throughout Australia including fire and theft whilst on hire 

• $35 million cover for 3rd party damage

• Guests are responsible for the payment of excess of $3000 excl. GST for Section I & II each in the event of a claim

• Additional excess per section of $1000 for drivers younger than 24 years

• Additional excess per section of $1000 for drivers with less than 2 years driving experience

• Policy applicable only for the approved driver during the period of rental

Users covered under policy

Any verified Drive mate users, including the guest or any other user, are covered. Guest will not be charged to share the driving with another verified Drive mate user. However, guest can be charged the entire cost of the damage or loss to the vehicle if you allow someone other than a verified Drive mate user to drive the car.

Policy coverage duration

From the time guest picks up the car to the time end their trip, they're fully covered under Drive mate’s damage and/or loss protection policy and also roadside assistance.

Note - Any loss or damage to the car occurred during this period will be entirely guest's responsibility. (even if it’s not guest's fault)

To stay covered beyond booking time, guest needs to ensure to extend the trip. In case of a delay of more than 2 hours when returning the car, guest may be liable for the full cost of any loss or damage. 

What cannot be covered

The following scenarios are not covered by Drive mate Protection.

• Driving outside the paved surface or off-road

• Refuelling the car with wrong fuel

• Using the car for ride-sharing, competitive driving or any courier service

• Using the car to tow anything

• Loss due to the car being left unlocked

• Driving the car through water or on the beach

• Driving the car in snow, above the snow line

• Laden the car with more cargo and/or passengers than it was designed to carry

• Ignoring the warning light/s shown by the car or driving with the knowledge of a possible mechanical fault, or driving despite unsafe conditions

• Using other devices or being distracted while driving (e.g. smartphone, multimedia in the car)

• Using the car to jumpstart other car/s or jump starting the rented car

• Causing damage to the roof and/or the underbody of the car

• Driving the car under the influence of alcohol/drugs/illegal substances, or refusing to submit a test when required

• Using the car for anything illegal and/or dangerous

• Damage or Liability arising out of Picking up hitch-hikers

• Breaking traffic regulations or driving the car recklessly/dangerously

• Leaving/fleeing the accident scene

• Liability for loss of use of the vehicles - A ‘loss of use’ payment to the host for each day their car is unavailable 

Guest's liability for loss or damage

1.1 Subject only to the determination by an appropriate authority that an accident was not caused and/or attributed to the fault of the Guest, the Guest acknowledges that in the event of an accident, he or she shall become immediately liable for the following:

a) the full amount of fees charged for the period of rental and the period of time which the vehicle cannot be used as a result of the accident (including the full period of time taken for the reporting of the accident and all time taken to process and carry out repairs on the vehicle);

b) towing fees and costs should the vehicle be deemed to be unsafe to be driven or unable to be driven; and

c) any insurance excess payable as a result of the accident.

1.2 In the event where the Guest fails to report the accident to the appointed Accident Reporting Centre as required or fails to provide the necessary information and assistance to Drive mate as required, all insurance coverage will cease to apply.

1.3 Guests are required to report any damages or accidents during the incident or within 24 hours. Failure to do so will result in the nullification of insurance coverage or any additional protection add-ons. This rule also applies when the vehicle is left unattended during an accident.

1.4 Any deliberate provision of misleading or false information by either the guest or host will lead to the nullification of insurance coverage and removal from the platform. All relevant fees will be charged to the responsible party.

1.5 Failure to submit a comprehensive accident report, as previously mentioned, or failing to provide written documentation in the case of a private settlement can result in insurance voidance. If a Host declines to cooperate, insurance coverage may be forfeited, and we will not oversee vehicle repairs. It is imperative that Guests adhere to the established accident reporting process to maintain the benefits of excess reduction.

1.6 Guest will be liable for the full cost of repairs or replacement and any other applicable fees in case any of the exclusions to cover apply.

1.7 Insurance standard excess guests is $3000 excl. GST for both section I & II.

• For young drivers (24 years old and younger) an additional excess of $1000 plus GST is applicable for both Section I & II

• For drivers with less than 2 years driving experience an additional excess of $1000 plus GST is applicable for both Section I & II

In a third-party accident, we’ll ensure a refund of any costs we recover from the at-fault party, if it is proven that guest was not at fault in a third-party accident. It is essential for guest to get the contact details of any other driver involved in the said accident.

Protecting yourself from liabilities

We understand that accidents can happen. Guests can ensure their protection by uploading clear photos of the entire car, from all angles, before and after your trip. In case of an unfortunate damage case, these photos will be guest's saviour.

But guest will be held liable if their photos cannot prove the said damage occurred before or after your trip. Guests need to ensure that they cover all parts of the car in the photos and the photos are taken in well-lit areas.