Returning the car on time is essential to ensure a smooth experience for both Guests and Hosts. This article explains how late returns are handled, including grace periods, fees, and payouts.
For Guests
Grace Period
Drive mate offers a 15-minute grace period after the scheduled return time. If you expect to be delayed, we recommend requesting a trip extension in the app. Extensions are subject to Host approval unless Instant Booking is enabled.
What Happens If You Return Late?
If the car is returned after the 15-minute grace period, the following charges may apply:
1. Late Return Charge
You’ll be charged for the extra time based on the vehicle’s hourly rate as listed by the Host.
Example: If you return the car 5 hours late, you’ll pay the standard hourly rate × 5 hours, plus platform and processing fees.
2. Inconvenience Fee
Applies based on the delay and impact on future bookings:
Condition Fee to Guest
6+ hours late, no upcoming trip affected $100
Any delay that affects the next booking $200 ($50 goes to Host)
How Are Fees Charged?
Drive mate will charge the applicable fees to your default payment method. Fees are non-refundable unless due to verified exceptional circumstances.
Important: If you have an ongoing or upcoming booking, extension is required to avoid these charges.
For Hosts
Payouts for Late Returns
If a Guest returns your vehicle late, you will receive:
Your hourly rate × number of hours late (your share of the late return charge).
$50 inconvenience fee if your next scheduled booking was impacted.
Drive mate will manage guest communication and apply penalties where appropriate.
Extreme Delays and Repossession
In rare cases of significant lateness or when return time is unclear:
Drive mate may initiate vehicle repossession to return the car to the Host.
A repossession fee may be charged to the Guest.
Additional penalties may apply at Drive mate’s discretion.
How to Avoid Late Return Fees
Always check traffic and plan ahead.
Use the Drive mate app to request a trip extension before your return time.
Communicate with your Host proactively if you're running late.
How to report late returns:
If the car is confirmed unreturned and there is no contact from the guest, you may:
Call our 24/7 support line at 03 4160 2205.
Head over to drivemate.au and click on the chat window on bottom right
Email us at support@drivemate.au - please mention your vehicles rego(s)
If a vehicle remains unrecovered for 30 days, we may start submitting a claim for the case.
Our Claims Team will then investigate the situation and take further appropriate action to get this done.
Drive mate reserves the authority to charge the estimated late return charge and any fees related to the car being late to the Guest's payment method on file.