Sometimes a guest may try to extend their booking, but the extension doesn’t process successfully. When they create a new booking instead, a short time gap forms between the end of the original booking and the start of the new one.
Gap Time refers to this gap — the period between:
the end of the original booking, and
the start of the new booking created after the failed extension.
Example:
Original booking ends at 2 PM, new booking starts at 4 PM → 2 hours of Gap Time.
The gap exists only because the extension didn’t go through — not because the guest returned the car late.
Why Gap Time Occurs
Common reasons:
Payment issue during extension
App temporarily not allowing extensions
Guest creates a new booking instead of retrying the extension
Poor internet connection or an app error
Because the system currently cannot auto-charge for Gap Time, manual calculation is required.
How Gap Time Is Charged
Charging depends on whether the car supports hourly rentals.
1. Cars Without Hourly Rental
If the vehicle does not offer hourly charging:
Any gap (even 1 hour) → Charged as 1 full day
Example:
Gap = 3 hours → Charge: 1 full day
2. Cars With Hourly Rental Enabled
If hourly rental is available:
Charge per hour, up to 6 hours maximum
If the gap exceeds 6 hours → Charge 1 full day
Examples:
Gap = 4 hours → Charge: 4 hours
Gap = 6 hours → Charge: 6 hours
Gap = More than 6 hours → Charge: 1 full day
Why Late Fees Sometimes Apply Instead
Sometimes guests get charged:
Late return fees, and/or
Inconvenience fees
This issue arises from Gap Time not being automatically charged. Manual calculations may not fully align with the situation, and the official Gap Time rules should be applied.
What Guests Should Know
Always try extending before the booking ends
If the extension fails, retry or check payment
If a new booking is created before the intended pick-up or after intended drop-off on the trip page, gap time may apply
What Hosts Should Know
If the car wasn’t actually returned late, check for Gap Time
Charge using the correct rules (hourly-cap or daily rate)
Gap Hours should be reported to Customer Support Team support@drivemate.au
Quick Summary
Vehicle Type | How Gap Time Is Charged |
No Hourly Rental | 1 full day for any gap |
Hourly Rental Enabled | Hourly up to 6 hrs, beyond that 1 day |