We have worked round-the-clock to build this system for you, and hope it will smooth the Drive mate journey for both Hosts and Guests - please see the key changes outlined here.

Please now set your new daily price and cost per kms:

  • Our system will now show Hosts a recommended daily price per vehicle, typically around $10 less than current. The recommended pricing is a dynamic AI system so will constantly refine moving forwards - maybe check back next week to see any updates.
  • The default distance cost to Guests is set in your listings at 33c per kilometre, which can be changed to 45c or 55c – note that Drive mate keeps 9c of this.

You can see new Guest How To 2.0 videos here, to help you better assist your guests when needed.

Drive mate 2.0 has necessitated a full review and tightening of many Host and Guest terms of service to run effectively. Please see our full updated Terms of Service, for both Hosts and Guests, here; and you can see the new policies for each key area here for Hosts and here for Guests.

The next Host Q&A will be on Monday December 23rd at 6pm AEST, where we’ll aim to answer all outstanding questions about 2.0. Event details here.

Please ask us about anything that isn’t clear, and we are always open to feedback on how to keep improving.

Pricing 2.0

Our UCS-style pricing system based on distance driven, to include fuel

  • You’ll no longer need to manage excess mileage and fuel
  • Late returns will be also handled automatically
  • Note that in-progress and already-booked trips will be unaffected by DM 2.0

Daily + hourly rates set by hosts

  • Hourly rates capped at daily rate within 24 hours
  • Guest charge per km - $0.33 / $0.45 / $0.55 set by hosts - includes fuel – Drive mate keeps $0.09
  • Set by default to 35c – Hosts can change 

DM fee for hosts is 25% of daily rate and $0.09/km. For hosts on BBI - reduced to 15% - Km-charge remains $0.09

For trips 3 days or less, booking fee is $6.99, 4-6 days = $9.99, 7 days and longer = $14.99

Protection/insurance fee is 12% of duration charge, minimum of $9.99 per day or part thereof, for comprehensive insurance with $3,000 excess.

  • Premium Protection costs Guest $10/day and reduces the excess to $1,500.
  • Maximum Protection costs guests $18/day, reducing the excess to $500.

Pickup & Dropoff 2.0

Hosts no longer need to review and approve pickup and drop off - this is automated.

Support team can do pickup and dropoff for Guests.

We've created these videos for Guests, also helpful for Hosts to understand:

  • Pickup for lockbox cars here​
  • Pickup for key handover cars here​
  • Pickup for Otoplug or Drive mate Go cars here
  • Dropoff - all car types - including any fuel reimbursements here​

Trip extensions 2.0

Minimum Duration Rule: Modifications are only allowed if the modified duration is equal to or greater than the original trip duration. Reductions in trip duration are not permitted.

Host Approval

  • Instant Booking Listings: Approval is automated.
  • Non-Instant Booking Listings: Modifications require Host approval. 

Calendar Availability: Modifications are only possible if Host’s calendar has no overlapping reservations or blocked dates during the requested modification period.

Late return charges are automated: Equivalent to car’s listed trip price for delayed duration.

  • For example, if the car is returned 5 hours late, the charge will be: (Trip price for 5 hours) + Drive mate fees + processing fees.
  • Additional Kilometres: Guests charged for any additional kilometres driven during the delayed period per car’s host-set kms rate

Fuel 2.0

Return Fuel Level:

  • Guests must return the vehicle with at least 25% fuel in the tank.
  • Failure to meet this requirement will result in a penalty charge of $25, as specified in the Rental Agreement.

Refuelling During the Trip: If Guests need to refuel the vehicle during their trip, they must use their own funds to pay for the fuel.

To be reimbursed for refuelling, Guests must:

  • Submit a receipt for the fuel via the Drive mate app or website 
  • Ensure the receipt is uploaded within 24 hours of the end of the trip.
  • Reimbursement will be processed and credited to the Guest’s account.

Statements & Payouts 2.0

December will be your first full, tax-compliant monthly statement – due by Jan 10th

    Retrospective statements will be available soon

Monthly payouts – for trips booked after DM 2.0 change 

  • First Monthly Payment: processed in January 2025, covering all eligible earnings from DM 2.0 change 
  • Guaranteed Payout Timing: Monthly payouts will be processed no later than the 10th business day of each month for the previous month’s earnings.

Comprehensive Earnings Statement: Your monthly statement will provide a detailed breakdown of your earnings, including:

  • Trips: A summary of completed trips, including dates and Guests.
  • Distance (Kilometre) Charges: Earnings based on kilometres driven by Guests.
  • Fuel Reimbursements: Reimbursements for any fuel expenses submitted by Guests.
  • Referral Bonuses: Earnings from referrals through the Drive mate platform.
  • Other Earnings: Any additional income, such as fees or incentives.

Handover & Verification 2.0

Re-Identification for Keyless Access:

  • Guest complete re-identification process via Drive mate app: taking selfie with driving license at pick-up – must match the booked guest.
  • Important: If a different person attempts to pick up the car, the vehicle will not be released.

Re-Identification for Physical Key Handover:

  • Driver Verification: During the handover, Hosts must check the Guest’s driving license and ID to confirm they match the booking details.
  • Guests must carry Driving License and ID

Our enhanced verification for new guests is being built

We’re working on speeding up verification turn-around time

Support 2.0 

This will significantly fast-track both current and future issues…

  • Please watch this in-depth How To video about Support 2.0.
  • Best way to lodge new issues is via our in-app chat, where you can then track your tickets.
  • New issues raised via email will be auto-responded to with trackable ticket numbers. Do use your Drive mate account email for all contact so your tickets show when logged into app or website.
  • Please don’t resubmit previous issues unless you can see all your tickets and the issue is not there.