Before you book and drive
Car Rental Tips
& Advice
Clear guidance for choosing a vehicle, preparing for collection and understanding your Brisbane or Gold Coast rental.
View vehiclesPlan with clear information
Ten useful checks before collection
This page offers general planning advice. Your quote, confirmation, Rental Information, rental agreement and Terms and Conditions contain the requirements applying to your booking.
Book early for busy dates
School holidays, public holidays and major events can reduce availability, especially for SUVs and people movers. Reserve once your dates and passenger needs are reasonably firm.
Choose for passengers and luggage
Count every traveller, child restraint and suitcase. When all seats are occupied, the available luggage area can be smaller than expected.
Compare the fleet →Understand the pre-authorisation
The supplied amounts are $4,750 for Standard Liability, $500 for Reduced Liability and $0 for Premium Liability. Review the current inclusions and exclusions before deciding.
Review rental information →Name every driver
Only authorised drivers listed on the rental agreement should drive the vehicle. Bring the required licence information for each person who may drive.
Allow time around flights
Leave a sensible buffer between collection or return and your flight. The Gold Coast shuttle is approximately 2 minutes and the Brisbane shuttle is approximately 8 minutes.
View pickup instructions →Request extras before arrival
Baby seats cost $9 per day up to $90, boosters cost $7 per day up to $70, and GPS units cost $7 per day up to $60. Extras remain subject to availability.
Check age requirements
The minimum driver age is 21. Drivers aged 21–24 pay a $6 daily surcharge. Drivers must be 80 years old or younger.
Inspect before driving away
Walk around the vehicle, check the recorded condition and familiarise yourself with the controls. Raise any concern with the depot team before departure.
Plan for tolls, parking and fines
Follow Queensland road and parking rules, and pay charges when required. Cut Price applies the supplied $1 processing fee to toll transactions; other infringements may involve separate charges under the agreement.
Arrange after-hours collection early
After-hours pickup is available at both locations by prior arrangement. Complete document upload, payment and agreement signing before arrival.
Read the after-hours guide →Included with every rental
Unlimited kilometres
Drive without a daily kilometre allowance while remaining on sealed roads within the permitted area of use.
Check the permitted area, road conditions and any restrictions in your rental agreement. Ask the team before travelling if your planned route is unclear.
Collection checklist
Have these details ready
- Booking reference and confirmed collection time
- Required driver licence and identification
- Payment card and required available funds
- Flight, cruise or after-hours arrival details where relevant
- Names and licence details for every additional driver
- Requested child restraints, GPS or other extras
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Advice, rules and answers in one place
Rental answers
Frequently asked questions
When should I book a rental car for Brisbane or the Gold Coast?
Book as soon as your travel dates and passenger needs are reasonably firm, particularly for school holidays, public holidays and larger vehicles. Availability and rates can change as the collection date approaches.
Do all Cut Price rentals include unlimited kilometres?
Yes. All Cut Price rentals include unlimited kilometres while the vehicle remains on sealed roads within the permitted area of use.
What are the Cut Price pre-authorisation amounts?
The supplied pre-authorisation amounts are $4,750 for Standard Liability, $500 for Reduced Liability and $0 for Premium Liability. Read the current Rental Information, rental agreement and exclusions before choosing.
Is there a surcharge for drivers aged 21 to 24?
Yes. Drivers aged 21 to 24 pay a $6 per day age surcharge. Drivers must be 80 years old or younger.
Can I arrange child seats or GPS?
Yes, subject to availability. Baby seats are $9 per day capped at $90, booster seats are $7 per day capped at $70, and GPS units are $7 per day capped at $60.
Can I collect a rental car after hours?
Yes, at both locations by prior arrangement. Complete the required documents, payment and rental agreement before arrival and follow the instructions supplied for your booking.
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