Travelling by ferry with a hire car

Australia is home to some of the most beautiful islands in the world, and while it might be tempting to add a few islands to your rental car road trip, in some cases this isn’t permitted, or brings with it insurance and excess risks. This isn’t to say you can’t take a rental car on a ferry in Australia, as for many of them you can, but it is important to be aware of the rules for doing so.

Some of the most popular islands and ferry crossings in Australia include Bruny Island in Tasmania, Kangaroo Island in South Australia, Magnetic Island in Queensland, Phillip Island and Queenscliff in Victoria, and Stradbroke Island in Queensland, and for each of these rental car providers have their own sets of rules to keep in mind.

Excess, insurance, islands, and rental cars

Generally speaking, if a rental vehicle is taken on a ferry for travel over bodies of water, the vehicle will be void of insurance during the ferry trip and while being loaded on and off the ferry. Purchased excess reduction products may also be voided. Islands such as (but not limited to) Kangaroo Island are considered to be “full responsibility” bookings, meaning that you have to pay in full for all damage incurred. Always tell your rental provider if you plan to take your rental car on a ferry.

Other restricted islands

Car rental providers do not allow their vehicles to be driven to many other Australian islands. These include, (although are not limited to) Fitzroy Island, K’gari (previously Fraser Island, and for which visitors would need to hire a special 4x4 vehicle from a local provider), Lizard Island, Lord Howe Island, Moreton Island, Rottnest Island, and the Whitsunday Islands.

If you wish to take your rental car on other ferries in Australia, you’ll need to check with your rental provider beforehand.