Financial info: price, discount, insurance, bond & excess
Everything relating to finances will be addressed here. At Spaceships, we are committed to providing clear and straightforward terms & conditions and ensuring there are no hidden charges. This allows you to design your own Australian road trip without worrying about unexpected costs.
Frequently asked questions
-
Can I reduce my bond/excess? What are the insurance options? What is covered?
We provide three different insurance - vehicle protection - options for your #SpaceshipsRoadTrip in Australia. Basic insurance is included with every Spaceships campervan hire, but it comes with excess or bond.
So yes you can lower the excess/bond, it can even be reduced to $0 excess.
Insurance Options
Your Bond/Excess
Price per day
Stress-Free Insurance (most popular)
$0
$40 (capped at $2,000 aka 50 days)*
Partial Insurance
$3,000
$30 (capped at $1,500 aka 50 days)*
Basic Insurance
$5,000
$0
* = the rate of the Stress-Free and Partial insurance option is capped at 50 days. This means that even on long hires (over 51 days), our insurance options are affordable as you'll never pay more than 50 days for the insurance, which comes to $1,750 on Stress-Free and $1,250 on Partial.
Capped means the maximum amount you will pay for the insurance. So if you travel for a long time you will never pay more than 50 days of insurance on Stress-Free and Partial Insurance, while you are still covered for the entire trip. It is the maximum you will pay for these insurance levels.
See our insurance options page for more info.
What's covered on each Insurance option?
The cover provided by each option is set out below. The Stress-Free option includes every item in this list.
Cover
Basic
Partial
Stress-Free
$0
$30
$40
$5,000
$3,000
$0
Up to $18,000
Up to $9,000
$0
$100
$100
$0
Accident Coverage
✘ No
✘ No
✓ Yes
✘ No
✘ No
✓ Yes
✘ No
✘ No
✓ Yes
✘ No
✘ No
✓ Yes
Glass and Exterior Coverage
✘ No
✘ No
✓ Yes
✘ No
✘ No
✓ Yes
✘ No
✘ No
✓ Yes
✘ No
✘ No
✓ Yes
✘ No
✘ No
✓ Yes
✘ No
✘ No
✓ Yes
✘ No
✘ No
✓ Yes
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full information on Bond/Excess Reduction Options.
The cover provided by each insurance option is set out below. No means not covered and yes means it is covered.
We recommend travelling with complete peace of mind. You have travelled a long way so why let the unknown risk spoiling your holiday in Australia.
This is why we have created the Stress-Free campervan rental insurance package - now you can travel with complete peace of mind for only $40 extra per day.
If someone else flicks a stone up and cracks the windscreen this will cost you $700 alone to replace!
-
Updated insurance options: more protection, more peace of mind!
At Spaceships Rentals, we’re always listening to your feedback and striving to make your travel experience as smooth and worry-free as possible. That’s why we’ve updated our insurance options to give you more flexibility, better coverage, and greater peace of mind on your adventures.
See all details of what is covered in each insurance level of the campervan insurance. Or keep reading to see what’s changed and how it benefits you:
Simplified and Transparent Options
We’ve streamlined our insurance levels to make it easier for you to choose the coverage that best suits your needs:
Basic Insurance: Included with all Spaceships Campervans, for budget-conscious travellers that don’t mind the bond to pay for damages or a Vehicle Write-Off Fee.
Partial Insurance: A balanced option with a lower bond and reduced liability.
Stress-Free Insurance: Our most comprehensive coverage, now with more benefits included. It’s the best insurance option for complete peace of mind on your road trip in Australia..
Even More Comprehensive Coverage in Stress-Free
We’ve expanded the Stress-Free option to include even more protections, so you can focus on enjoying your journey:
Vehicle Towing or Salvage: Now covered, ensuring you’re never left stranded after an accident.
Single Vehicle Accidents & Rollover: Full coverage, so you’re protected even in unexpected situations.
Enhanced Glass and Exterior Coverage: Unlimited windscreen chips, one windscreen replacement, side mirrors, and exterior panels (dents and scratches) are all included.
Underbody and Tyre Protection: Travel with confidence, knowing you’re covered for damage to the underbody and tyres.
Reduced Financial Risk
No Bond with Stress-Free: Enjoy your trip without worrying about a frozen bond on your credit card.
Lower Liability: With Stress-Free, your liability for vehicle write-offs is $0, compared to up to $18,000 with Basic insurance.
No Accident Administration Fee: Stress-Free customers pay nothing extra in case of an accident.
Clearer Terms and Conditions: We’ve made our terms more transparent, so you know exactly what’s covered and what’s not.
More Value for Your Money
Partial Insurance: Reduced bond ($3,000 instead of $5,000 on Basic) and lower liability for vehicle write-offs (up to $9,000).
Stress-Free: For just $40 per day (capped at 50 days), you get complete protection for your entire trip, no bond, no liability, and no extra fees. Even on longer road trips, you’ll never pay for more than 50 days of Stress-Free Insurance, no matter how long your adventure lasts.
Why Choose Our Improved Stress-Free Insurance?
Travel with Confidence: Know that you’re protected against the unexpected.
Peace of Mind: Focus on creating memories, not worrying about potential costs.
And we give you all the flexibility you need. You can choose the level of coverage that matches your comfort and budget, no need to decide right away! Upgrade or downgrade your insurance level anytime via the Online Check-in Portal, which is available from the moment your booking is confirmed.
At Spaceships Rentals, your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. These updates reflect our commitment to providing you with the best possible experience on the road.
Ready to explore Australia with confidence? Choose the insurance level that’s right for you and enjoy your adventure: Stress-Free!
Classic Campervan Insurance Levels (bookings before 1 December 2025)
If you've made your booking before 1 December 2025, the following insurance levels apply to your booking. You can still make changes to your insurance via the Online Check-in Portal but once you make a change you'll move to the new insurance packages and won't be able to go back to Classic.
The cover provided by each option is set out below. The Stress-Free option includes every item in this list.
Coverage
Standard Liability
Partial
(Reduction Option 1)Stress-Free
(Reduction Option 2)Single Vehicle Accidents
No
No
Yes
Windscreen Cover
No
No
Yes
Window/Glass damage
No
No
Yes
Tyres
No
No
Yes
Roof
No
No
Yes
Underbody
No
No
Yes
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full information on Bond/Excess Reduction Options.
-
How do I pay for toll roads? Are Spaceships fitted with an e-tag?
In Australia, all toll roads are electronically tolled. There are no cash toll booths. If you travel on a toll road, the toll will be recorded automatically. Toll-point cameras capture vehicle details, including the registration plate, to process the toll charge. Spaceships are not fitted with an e-tag. Toll roads are mainly located in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
After you use a toll road, the trip is registered and processed by Linkt. The toll amount is not necessarily charged on the same day you travel. Once the toll has been processed, the applicable amount will be automatically charged to the card we have on file, usually several days after the toll road was used.
Please ensure sufficient funds remain available on your card after your rental, as some toll charges may be processed after you have returned the vehicle.
You will also receive an email with the details of the toll charge once it has been processed.
How to avoid toll roads
If you would prefer to avoid toll roads, you can change your Google Maps settings: Set “Avoid Tolls” as Default
Open the Google Maps app on your phone.
Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
Tap Settings.
Tap Navigation (or Navigation settings).
Scroll down to Route options.
Turn on Avoid tolls.
-
When do we need to pay the remaining balance?
The remaining balance can be paid at any time - up until 7 business day before your scheduled day of pick-up - via our Secure Payment System.
Simply log in using your booking number and the last name of the person that made the booking and the system will display your remaining balance. You can then make a payment with almost any credit or debit card.
The remaining balance can be paid 1 business day before your scheduled day of pick-up. After that we will process the remaining balance via the card you have added to our secure vault via the Online Check-in Portal to ensure your campervan will be ready on the day of pick-up.
-
Are one-way hires available free of charge?
Yes! It won't cost you any extra to pick up and drop off at different locations. There is no fee for one-way trips at Spaceships Rentals. And no hidden fees so it'll be a worry-free #SpaceshipsRoadTrip 🖖
And with a wide range of depots to choose from, there is always a Spaceships depot in your preferred area. See all depot locations as Spaceships is present in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.
-
How to Report Windscreen Damage (Stone Chip/Crack)
To help us assess the damage to your windscreen, please send us two photos and use your USB adapter/charger in the photos for size reference.
Please include:
1 close-up photo of the damage with the USB charger placed next to it
1 photo of the full windscreen
Please email the photos to enquiries@spaceshipsrentals.com.au and include your booking/reservation number in the subject line.
Can I keep driving?
If the damage is not affecting your vision while driving, you can continue driving the vehicle as normal until we review the photos and advise you on the next steps.
-
How we deal with fines & infringements
Fines in Australia are hefty and the speed limits are enforced very strictly. Always follow local signage and only park in designated areas. Fines can arrive several weeks after your trip has ended. Please ensure you let us know if your address changes.
In case of an infringement, your card on file will be charged automatically, and you’ll receive an email from the Spaceships Australia Fines email address (all official Spaceships emails are being sent from the spaceshipsrentals.com.au domain) with the details.
The fine will then be transferred into your name, and the relevant authority will re-issue it to the address you provided via the Online Check-in Portal. The address we have on file for you is crucial for handling infringements, which may be sent out a couple of months after your drop-off.
Please remember to inform us if your address changes.
Details of our fines process
A $50 processing fee applies per infringement and will be charged to the card on file
For unpaid tolls, a $20 processing fee applies per infringement and will be charged to the card on file
The fine will be transferred into the main hirer's name and posted to the address provided during check-in
If your postal address has changed, please let us know as soon as possible to avoid issues
-
Do I need to pay the Vehicle Write-off Fee as a bond when I start my road trip?
No, you don’t need to pay the full Vehicle Write-off Fee ($18,000 or $9,000) as a bond when you pick up your campervan. However, if the vehicle is declared a total write-off during your trip, you will be responsible for this amount as part of the Basic Insurance excess.
Instead, we will place a temporary hold (freeze) on your credit or debit card for:
$5,000 if you choose Basic Insurance, or
$3,000 if you choose Partial Insurance.
This hold is placed the day before you collect your campervan.
Compare our insurance options and see what each insurance level covers.
-
What if the write-off isn’t my fault? Do I still have to pay the Vehicle Write-off Fee?
Even if the accident isn’t your fault, you may still need to pay the Vehicle Write-off Fee at first. This is because third-party insurance claims can take a long time - sometimes months or even years - to settle. Until the insurance company finishes their investigation and confirms who is responsible, the fee may still apply to you.
Compare our insurance options and see what each insurance level covers.
-
Are there any hidden costs once I pay for my hire?
There are no hidden fees. The price you see online is the price you'll pay. Items like Basic Insurance, unlimited km, 24-hour roadside assistance and one-way hires are all included for FREE when hiring a Spaceship.
-
Can I use my own Excess Insurance or use insurance via my credit card?
You can stay on Basic Insurance and use your own excess insurance policy, but then we still need to freeze the $5,000 on your card (credit or debit). Also, we highly recommend reading the fine print of your policy as a lot of these excess insurance companies or insurance via a card company doesn't cover campervans. Even though our campervans are based on the Toyota Estima car model, they are classified as campervans/sleeper vans.
An excess insurance policy won't replace our Stress-Free Insurance. It will just cover the bond used as excess in case of damages or an accident. You will always need to pay for damages yourself and then claim it back from your insurance company.
You will be travelling on Basic then, which means $5,000 needs to be frozen on your card. This will be frozen for the duration of your hire, it will still be in your account, it just can't be used as it is frozen (reserved) just in case. On Stress-Free there's no excess and almost everything is covered (no need to pay for it yourself first when damages have happened).
Make sure your external excess insurance policy covers the Vehicle Write-Off Liability of up to $18,000 as well in case the damage vehicle is considered to be a total-loss.
-
How much is the deposit to make a booking?
All that is needed to make a booking - to lock in that great deal - is paying a 20% deposit. That's 20% of the total hire price. You can pay the remaining balance, the remaining 80%, later via our secure Online Payment System.
Or if you meant 'bond' or 'excess' by deposit, then the insurance info can be found here.
Basic Insurance: $5,000 bond/excess
Partial Insurance: $3,000 bond/excess
Stress-Free Insurance: $0 bond/excess
Insurance excess will be frozen on your debit or credit card at pick-up and released when the vehicle is returned in the same condition. It isn't a transaction, we won't take it form your account so it won't show as a refund when released. It will be frozen/reserved which means it is a pending transaction so you can't use that amount. Make sure your card has enough money on it or a big enough credit. Or select Stress-Free then there is NO BOND/EXCESS.
-
How to change your address details - Address requirements for hiring a campervan
If your address has changed and you need to update it with us, please follow these steps:
If your road trip hasn't started yet, update your address via the Online Check-in Portal
During or after your road trip, contact us via email or phone.Please remember to provide your reservation number when contacting us.
Address Requirements when hiring a Spaceships campervan
You do not need an Australian address to hire a vehicle from us.
Avoid using a hostel or hotel address, as they may not be able to receive or forward mail to you.
You can provide an overseas address or the address of a parent or friend, as long as someone can manage your post.
Important info about fines or infringements
We will notify you via email about any infringements or issues. If we receive an infringement for you, we will send you an email from the Spaceships Fines Email address.
The address we have on file for you is crucial for handling infringements, which may be sent out a couple of months after your drop-off. Please remember to inform us if your address changes.
Fines are sent via post by the issuing authorities, so a valid address is essential to ensure you receive them. Once you receive an email from us about a fine, please make sure to check your post
-
What are the fees when I cancel my booking?
A #SpaceshipsRoadTrip 🖖 is always a worry-free road trip. It's part of our promises.
Free Cancellation if cancelled 22+ days prior to the day of pick up
Did you miss the free cancellation window and want to cancel? See our cancellation policy. The cancellation fee can be used as credit for a future Spaceships booking (valid for 2 years). However if you just want to make changes to your booking, then no worries...
You can always change your travel dates for free before the scheduled day of pick-up!
Best Price Guaranteed! Think you've found a better deal elsewhere? See how to send in a Price Match Request!
-
Can I return the campervan early? Can I drop it off X days earlier than on the booking?
Yes you can return your campervan early. However, keep in mind that there are no refunds for unused days or unused insurance.
See our Terms & Conditions for more info:
15.5 Spaceships Australia do not offer refunds for early returns. We strongly recommend customers invest in travel insurance due to early returns due to no fault or reason of Spaceships Australia.
-
Where can I find the insurance policy? Which insurance company is used?
Getting insurance when hiring a Spaceships campervan is different from getting insurance for your vehicle at home. There is no insurance policy sheet to be found in the campervan. It's all digital. See all details of the insurance options or check out the Terms & Conditions for the fine-print about the insurance options offered.
There is no insurance company to select or lots of options or insurance add-ons to compare, just the three insurance options we offer. We like to keep things as easy as possible, so we have created three insurance options for you.
-
How can I check the price & availability of campervans in Australia?
Prices and availability of each vehicle are shown on the official Spaceships Australia booking site. Via our easy-to-use yet super-smart booking system, you'll have access to the same info as our crew:
the most up-to-date price & availability info.Any deal or discount that is active will be applied automatically. You'll always get the best price. Guaranteed! After filling in your travel dates you will see the overview of our range of vehicles:
Green bar and the words 'Available' means there are plenty of vehicles available and your booking will be confirmed immediately.
Orange bar and the words 'Limited Availability - Request' means there are only a few vehicles left and we are receiving lots of bookings, therefore we need to check availability manually. We recommend sending in your booking request asap. You will receive an update via email within 1 business day.
Grey bar and the words 'Fully Booked' means that the particular campervan category is unfortunately sold out on your travel date/route combo.
Best Price Guaranteed!
We will match any Spaceships quote found elsewhere. See more info about our Price Match service.
Book Direct & Support Local.
-
When we select Stress-Free Insurance do we get documents?
Your booking confirmation & Rental Agreement - you can download the contract via the Online Check-in Portal - is all that is needed to show that you have hired a Spaceships campervan in Australia. It also lists everything that is included or that you have added, like insurance upgrades or optional accessories. No further documents are required.
See for more info about the insurance options.
Adding insurance upgrades to your campervan booking isn't like getting an insurance policy for your car at home. No documents, cards or paperwork will be issued. Your booking confirmation & Rental Agreement has all the info. And more details can be found in our Terms & Conditions.
-
Can you do deals on hires over 35 days? Is there a long-hire discount?
Yes we do. Our supercomputer aka online booking system will apply it automatically when you book online. You will always get the best available deal & price when you book your Spaceships campervan online on our website.
Best Price Guaranteed! We will match any Spaceships quote found elsewhere. Support local, book direct.
-
When can I book a campervan for my Aussie road trip in 2025, 2026 or 2027? Book early or last-minute?
Just like airlines tickets and motel/hotel room prices, prices of campervans are flexible and are affected by lots of external factors, from time of the year to supply & demand. The sooner you book, the lower the price will be. Prices will go up the closer a specific travel date gets.
Booking a Spaceships campervan is easy and worry-free as our advanced yet easy to use booking system always gives you the lowest available rate and the selected date/route combo. If discounts or deals are active, they will be applied automatically. You will never miss out! And with our online booking system you will access to the exact same data as our Crew, so you can see how prices change of you change your travel dates and have access to the most up-to-date availability info. Power to you. 💪
Best Price Guaranteed!
We will match any Spaceships quote found elsewhere. Support local, book direct. Think you've found a better deal elsewhere? See how to send in a Price Match Request!
-
Can 2 people drive a Spaceships campervan? Can I add a second driver?
Well, not at the same time of course... But yes, you can add more than one driver to your booking. It is free to add extra drivers. This can be done via the Online Check-in Portal.
-
What is the currency used on my booking? Can I pay in my local currency?
Spaceships Australia is an Australian based company so all prices are in Australia dollars (AUD) on the Australian websites. Therefore, all bookings, payments and refunds are in Australian Dollar.
Your bank or card company will convert your payment to the local currency. These companies use their own custom conversion rate and they might charge foreign currency or overseas payment fees. Please contact your bank or card company to enquire about these things.
-
Why was I charged an admin fee for the processing of toll fees?
We do try to provide as much information about the road tolls as possible so that you can set up your toll pass.
Unfortunately for any tolls that are not paid for we receive notices- we then need to complete statutory declarations to nominate the driver. The $20 administration fee is to cover the time and cost to complete this.
The tolling system is frustrating as it is outside of our control. We do our best to make it as easy as possible and provide the cheapest way to pay the tolls.
-
Can I use a debit card or credit card to pay for the rental or for the bond?
Yes, you can. Our online systems accept the following credit and debit cards:
Visa
MasterCard
American Express
China UnionPay
JCB
All payments via the official Spaceships sites and systems are being processed by Stripe, a world-leader in secure & easy online payments. When more payment options have been added you'll see the logos when entering the payment section of the booking system.
-
Are prices or rates calculated per hour or day?
At Spaceships Australia, our prices are based on calendar days, not 24-hours intervals. The day of pick up is the first day you'll pay, no matter the time of pick-up.
Our advanced yet easy to use booking system will always show you the lowest available price on your date/route combo.
-
How can I cancel my booking?
If your travel plans have changed, please keep in mind that you can always update your travel dates free of charge (subject to availability). No need to cancel your booking for that. No worries.
However, if due to circumstances you do need to cancel your booking, please use the cancellation request form. Our reservations team will follow up via email as soon as possible.
-
How can I sign the rental agreement? And how to download a PDF version?
You can read, sign and download the rental agreement via the Online Check-in Portal.
In the last tab of the Check-in Portal, called Sign & Send, you can read the Rental Agreement by clicking on the link under the white square. Once you have read it and are ready to sign the rental agreement, you can sign in the white square below the words Rental Agreement. Use your finger to sign when on a device with a touchscreen like a smartphone or use your mouse, click and draw your signature.
Then click on the green button SAVE to save your signature. This takes a few seconds to minutes depending on your internet connection. Then it is saved. Your signature might look pixelated or "slightly different" but that is normal. When you open the Rental Agreement again, via the link, you'll see that your signature is just as you intended.
When clicking the Rental Agreement link you'll also have the option to print or download a pdf version of the agreement.
The final step of the Online Check-in Process: reading & signing the rental agreement -
Can I get a discount?
Prices and availability of each vehicle are shown on the official Spaceships Australia Booking Site. Any deal or discount that is active will be applied automatically. You'll always get the lowest available rate on your date/route combo. Guaranteed! It's all part of Our Promises.
Best Price Guaranteed! We will match any Spaceships quote found elsewhere. Support local, book direct.
Think you've found a better deal elsewhere? See how to send in a Price Match Request!
-
Are there any costs to add additional drivers?
That's another advantage of Spaceships campervan hire. Adding extra drivers doesn't cost you extra, it's free of charge.
-
Can I change the selected insurance level?
You can always upgrade or downgrade the insurance or add accessories to your booking, This can all be done via the Online Check-in Portal.
The Check-in Portal gives you full control over your booking. It opens as soon as your booking is confirmed and closes one day before the scheduled day of pick-up. Between these two dates, you can make all kinds of changes to your details and your booking.
Only if you want to change your travel date or pick-up & drop-off times you'll need to contact us.
-
Are hire days calendar days or 24-hour timeframes?
Our systems count per calendar day, not 24 hours. The first and last day of your rental, irrespective of the times of collection and return, are calculated as rental days.
For example, from 10AM today until the next day 10AM = 2 hire days
-
What happens if I get speeding tickets, parking tickets or other infringements?
If you receive parking tickets or any other traffic infringements you must pay them before the due date. The details on how to pay will be on the ticket itself. If you fail to pay by the due date an overdue infringement letter will be sent to us.
When we receive infringements we are required to complete statutory declarations which provide your details. We charge a $50 administration fee for completing this procedure.
-
Can I pay by cash when picking up my vehicle?
Unfortunately not. Spaceships operates contactless and fully digital processes which also applies to our payment process. We do not accept cash as it is easier and safer for customers and staff. We do accept a wide variety of debit and credit cards.
-
Do you accept American Express cards?
Yes, you can. Our online systems accept the following credit and debit cards:
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
China UnionPay
JCB
-
Is there a minimum hire period?
The minimum hire period is set by our mighty booking engine. It has all the info about availability, prices and minimum hire days (if there is a minimum hire). Just enter your travel date and select the pick-up & drop-off locations to get the lowest price for your road trip.
A minimum hire period depends on many factors, like date, route and supply & demand, just like the price. Create a quote online to see if your preferred Spaceships campervan category is available. Our booking engine will show you all the info:Green status bar: 100% available so your booking will be confirmed immediately
Orange/red status bar: we're running low on that vehicle category so it's likely to be sold out soon. When you book it is sent in as a booking request, we just have to check availability manually before we can turn it into a booking. This will take 12 hours max, but usually, it is done much faster than that.
Grey status bar and the words FULLY BOOKED means that the particular vehicle category is sold out on the date/route combo you have selected.
-
Is there a discount code or promo code to get x% off the daily rate?
No need to look around for a promo code or discount code to get the best campervan deal. We've uploaded all that info into our Super Booking Engine. It's like a mash-up of HAL 9000, C-3PO and Project 2501, 3 supercomputers rolled into one awesome booking engine. It contains all rates, all discounts and all campervan info.
Simply select your travel dates and our booking system will show you the lowest rate. Discounts are applied automatically. No need to use a code to get a great deal. Our super-smart booking system always gives you the best deal available.
Best Price Guaranteed!
We will match any Spaceships quote found elsewhere. Support local, book direct. Think you've found a better deal elsewhere? See how to send in a Price Match Request!