Campervan Rental Bond in Australia: How Much Is It & How Does It Work?
If you’re hiring a campervan or motorhome in Australia, you’ll usually need to pay a security bond when you pick up your vehicle. The bond can seem like a big extra cost when you’re booking, but it’s important to understand what it is, how much you might need to pay, and when you’ll get it back.
The exact amount depends on the rental company, vehicle and insurance option you choose, so it’s always worth checking the bond conditions before booking.
What is a campervan rental bond?
A campervan rental bond is a refundable security deposit held by the rental company during your hire.
It gives the rental company some protection against things like vehicle damage, missing equipment, excessive cleaning or other charges that may occur during your rental.
The bond is separate from the cost of your campervan hire. You don’t normally lose it just because you’ve paid a bond, if you return the vehicle according to the rental company’s conditions, the bond should be returned.
How much is a campervan bond in Australia?
There isn’t one standard campervan bond amount across Australia.
The amount can vary depending on:
- The campervan or motorhome you hire
- The rental company
- The insurance or excess option you choose
- The type of vehicle
- The length and conditions of your rental
Some campervan companies can require a bond of several thousand dollars, while choosing a reduced-excess insurance option may reduce the amount you need to provide.
Always check the bond amount before booking, particularly if you’re travelling on a backpacker budget and need to make sure you have enough available funds.
When you compare campervans through Australian Backpackers, you can check the rental conditions for the vehicle you’re interested in before making your booking.
Is the campervan bond the same as the insurance excess?
Not exactly.
The bond is the amount the rental company holds as security during your rental.
The insurance excess is the amount you may be responsible for if the vehicle is damaged or another covered incident occurs, depending on the rental company’s terms.
The two amounts can be connected, but they aren’t necessarily the same thing.
For example, a rental company may offer different insurance options that reduce the excess and, in some cases, the bond you need to provide.
This is why it’s important to look at both the bond and excess when comparing campervan rental prices, not just the daily hire rate.
When do you pay the campervan bond?
This depends on the rental company.
In many cases, the bond is taken when you collect the campervan. The rental company may place a pre-authorisation or hold on your credit card rather than actually charging the full amount.
The exact payment method and requirements vary between operators, so check the terms of your specific booking before pickup.
It’s also worth checking whether the rental company requires a credit card in the main driver’s name and whether there are any restrictions on debit cards.
When do you get your campervan bond back?
If you return the campervan in accordance with the rental company’s terms and there are no additional charges, your bond should be released or refunded.
However, the timing can vary between rental companies and payment providers.
If there is damage or another charge that needs to be assessed after the vehicle is returned, the process may take longer.
If your bond was held as a credit card pre-authorisation, the rental company may release the hold, but your bank or card provider can take additional time to make the available balance visible again.
What can you lose your campervan bond for?
The exact conditions depend on the rental company, but potential charges can include things such as:
- Damage to the campervan
- Damage to the interior
- Lost or damaged equipment
- Excessive cleaning
- Missing keys
- Returning the vehicle without the required fuel level
- Returning the vehicle late
- Other costs covered by the rental agreement
This doesn’t mean you’ll automatically lose your entire bond if something happens. The amount charged depends on the circumstances and the rental company’s terms.
Before you drive away, take a few minutes to check the vehicle and make sure you understand the condition it’s being handed over in.
How can you avoid losing your campervan bond?
A few simple steps can help avoid unexpected charges.
Take photos when you pick up the vehicle
Photograph the outside, inside and any existing damage before you leave the depot.
Make sure anything already noted on the vehicle condition report is correct.
Look after the equipment
Campervans come with lots of equipment, from kitchen items to outdoor gear. Check what’s included when you collect the vehicle and make sure everything is still there when you return it.
Follow the rental conditions
Check the rules around cleaning, fuel, rubbish, driving on unsealed roads, where you’re allowed to take the vehicle and when it needs to be returned.
Allow enough time for drop-off
Don’t leave your return until the last minute. Allow enough time to empty the vehicle, refuel if required and complete the return process before the depot closes.
Can you reduce a campervan bond?
Sometimes.
Many campervan rental companies offer different insurance or excess options. Depending on the operator, paying for a higher level of cover can reduce your excess and/or the bond required.
However, the options are different for every rental company, so don’t assume that every campervan has the same bond or insurance structure.
When comparing vehicles, look at the total rental cost, bond, excess and inclusions together.
A campervan with a slightly cheaper daily rate isn’t necessarily the cheapest option once you take the bond and insurance conditions into account.
Do you get the bond back if you return the campervan undamaged?
Generally, yes.
If you return the campervan according to the rental company’s conditions and there are no additional charges, the bond should be released or refunded.
The exact process and timing depend on the rental company and how the bond was paid or held.
Can I hire a campervan without paying a bond?
This depends on the rental company and the insurance option available for the vehicle.
Some operators may offer options with a reduced bond, while others may still require a security deposit.
If the bond is an important consideration for your trip budget, check this before choosing your vehicle rather than assuming all campervans have the same requirements.
Check the bond before you book
The campervan rental bond is easy to overlook when you’re comparing daily hire prices, but it can make a big difference to your travel budget.
Before booking, check:
Daily rental price + insurance/excess + bond + what’s included
At Australian Backpackers, we compare campervan and motorhome options from different rental companies, so you can compare the vehicles, prices and rental conditions before booking.
Ready to find a campervan for your trip? Compare campervan hire with Australian Backpackers and check the bond and rental conditions before you book.
