Purpose
To help hosts in using the Drive mate app to:
Accept bookings and manage ongoing or upcoming trips
Respond to booking requests
Communicate with guests
Manage trip logistics
Understand cancellation rules
Steps to Manage Bookings and Trips
1. When a guest requests to book your car:
You’ll receive a notification via app and email with the booking details
You will see:
Guest’s first name
Requested trip dates and times
Selected add-ons (e.g. delivery)
Rental price and estimated earnings
You will not see:
Full contact information (This will be shared after confirmation)
2. Communicate with the Guest
Before accepting:
Use the in-app chat to ask or answer questions.
You can clarify pickup logistics, features, or car rules.
Note: Contact numbers are shared only after booking confirmation.
3. Accept or Decline the Booking
You may:
Accept to confirm the trip
Decline if the trip doesn’t meet your preferences
If your listing has Instant Booking enabled:
The trip is automatically confirmed when requested.
Tip: Keep your calendar updated to avoid last-minute declines.
4. Manage an Ongoing Trip
Once the booking is confirmed:
Access Trip Details to view times, guest info, and handover instructions
Use in-app chat or phone to coordinate pickup
Conduct handover and return inspections using the Drive mate checklist
Host-Initiated Cancellations
You may cancel a booking for valid reasons, but fees may apply based on timing.
Cancellation timings and fees:
More than 30 days: $0
3–30 days: $25
24–72 hours: $50
Less than 24 hours: $75
Host no-show at handover: $100, if host is unreachable <1h before start
Tips for Smooth Trip Management
Reply quickly to booking requests to maintain your response rate
Add car rules and pickup instructions to your listing
Manage your Calendar to block out dates your car is unavailable
Report issues (e.g. no-shows, damage) to Drive mate Support immediately
Need Help?
If you're unsure about a guest request or need support with an active trip, contact Drive mate Support at hello@drivemate.au
Please note -
For exceptional circumstances, Drive mate reserves the right to allow certain cancellations without any penalty to the guest or host.
These circumstances are purely at the discretion of Drive mate and are meant to protect interests of guests & hosts.