​We’ve recently been asked hundreds of questions (by hundreds of hosts). We’ve below grouped our answers under the main hot topics, and added multiple ideas to our hosts’ wish-list…

This Blog will be regularly updated to reflect updates and upgrades. please also keep your Drive mate app updated, and web pages refreshed to see always use our latest versions.

We hope this answers most questions, but if not, come along to your local host meet-up (details below), or join our next live Q&A at 5pm AEST next Monday Sep 9 here.

Here’s our 2024 roadmap…

Vehicle Listing Requirements

  • Drive mate base criteria

    • Age >=2008

    • Value <=$120k

    • Kms <= 200k 

      • For a limited time, we’ll allow cars just over 200k kms 

    • Clean title - car not written-off

  • We’ll accept cars outside these base criteria with Redbook value >= $8k 

  • Considered case-by-case 

    • Performance, sports and vintage cars

    • Vans and utes outside base or alternative criteria 

    • Repairable write-offs repaired to appropriate standards

  • GPS is mandatory so our team can monitor locations

    • Either BYO GPS or join our Good mates plan for $10/month – we’ll post a self-install GPS

    • Or bring over your UCS Primary or Secondary GPs - see our new BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Program ​

    • Host GPS needs to run 24/7 allowing location sharing with Drive mate if needed, so Airtags or similar devices relying on nearby mobiles are not secure enough

​Advantages of Drive mate vs Turo?​

  • Drive mate takes 25% inc. GST included with no deductible  / excess

    • Turo takes 25% plus GST with $500 deductible on the 75 Plan (most comparable to Drive mate)

  • Better guest verification - card and credit check 

  • Pick-up and drop-off photos responsibility on guests (not hosts) 

  • 150kms per day limit vs. 300kms (minimum) on Turo 

    • Flat excess rate of 35c/km for guests – hosts receive 28c/km
    • Guests enter pick-up and drop-off readings and photos – hosts report any excess, then billed to guests and paid to hosts

  • Drive mate manages claims and incidentals completely - we don’t outsource to hosts like Turo

  • ​Longer window to report issues for remote handover cars – just doubled to 14 days for vehicles not at host’s address, otherwise 24 hours - Turo is just 24 hours for all claims
  • ​App unlock option via our Drive mate Go™ 3.0 tech (coming Q4 2024), or UCS Otoplugs via BYOD​
  • Guests aged 18+ with full licence vs. 21+ on Turo​

  • 24x7 phone and online chat support - direct human response, often in under 60 seconds

Handover Options

  • Drive mate Go™ 3.0 tech – remote unlock via app

    • Best mates plan with keyless access tech should be available early Q4 '24

      • Australian field trials starting ASAP – we’ll keep everyone updated

    • Drive mate team will install for no charge (via OBD port) – then $30/month

      • Usually via the central lock system

      • Most cars will work, except for some late-model European cars – handled case-by-case

    • Tons of unique features with improved reliability and connectivity

      • Remote lock / unlock

      • Immobilisation security between trips

      • Guest can sound horn for car locating

      • Bluetooth connectivity plus future-proof 4G SIM card 

      • Takes tiny charge from car battery with backup power via own battery – sleep mode to minimise power drain

      • GPS tracking 

  • ​To best help recently impacted hosts, you can now BYOD to Drive mate

    • The UCS Otoplug, OBD dongle, secondary GPS and lockbox will all seamlessly integrate into the Drive mate app and website.

    • ​The Otoplug will give an instant remote lock and unlock solution

    • The OBD dongle or secondary GPS satisfy Drive mate’s mandatory GPS criteria 

    • Although UCS lockboxes can integrate with Drive mate via BYOD, we recommend avoiding hanging lockboxes on vehicles wherever possible (insurance implications below)

Extra Insurance Info

  • $0 excess for hosts on all our plans

  • ​Standard guest excess is $3,000, with reduction options to $1,500 or $500

  • Drive Mate does not include coverage for aftermarket parts or modifications

  • Exterior and interior damage is covered

  • Mechanical damage caused by guest misuse is covered when proven by our workshops

  • Our workshops will quote, with hosts own quotes welcome - you can be paid out the lower quote or have fixed via our workshops

  • Minor scratches, scrubs, tyre wear and other signs of regular use are not covered

  • In case of total loss or theft, pay-out is market value as determined by our insurance assessor 

  • Between trip insurance goes live October 1​

    • Prices start from $130/month, available as an add-on to existing plans 

    • 2,000kms per year between trips limit

    • Like traditional vehicle insurance policies: $1,000 excess for hosts, claiming impacts premium, tiered vehicle specific parameters, outside of 

    • Reduces Drive mate commission from 25% to 15% 

    • Minimum availability of 70% on Drive mate, exclusivity on Drive mate platform – can’t also be on Turo

    • Not available for lockbox cars – our insurer won’t cover these

Drive mate policies

  • ​Host payments currently made after each trip, moving to monthly soon

  • Hosts install own toll devices

  • Guests must return with same fuel level as when collected, ideally full to full

    • Guest photograph fuel gauge pre and post trip 

    • Borrowers ensure the right fuel – full current policy here

    • Evolved fuel policy announced next week

  • Borrower approval usually takes under two hours, sometimes slowed by blurry images

  • Guests can extend trips via our app or website, up to five minutes before pick-up or six hours after the scheduled drop off time – full policy here 

  • Parking and traffic infringements – hosts advise us, and we supply driver details for nomination $30 inconvenience fee to hosts per ticket – current policy here

  • Loss of vehicle use host compensation is $25/day, maximum 28 days

  • Shorter booking options - customers can currently book for hourly, but the daily rate applies. 

  • Hourly trips with hourly pricing from October 1

  • For cars parked beyond 500m of designated location, hosts are paid a $48 inconvenience fee – full policy here

  • Ticketing system for any trip related disputes is in place, with any host tickets in the online chat

  • Reported disputes will trigger a single ticket for all issues

  • We have repossession resources in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast, with plans to expand imminently

Product Developments Under Consideration

  • We’re working on allowing reviews and ratings from UCS vehicles. There is a legal aspect to this which we are exploring.

  • Exclusive group creation, for example apartment block residents

  • Increased word count for listings

  • Hosts specifying higher age limits for guests

  • Vehicle delivery for guests

We would love to hear further suggestions via

Founder and host meetups 5.30pm-7pm at CBD venues:​

  • Gold Coast – Thu Sep 5 – Kōst Bar & Grill, 135S/3 Oracle Blvd, Broadbeach QLD 4218
  • Perth - Wed Sep 11 - venue tbc
  • Other cities tba based on host demand

Our next online host Q&A 6pm AEST Mon Sep 2 – click here​

​Email support@drivemate.au, call +61341602205 24/7 or click here to request a call back

  • We’ll then hold these as often as needed moving forwards

    Warm regards,

    Your Drive mate co-founder and owners, Dirk-Jan ter Horst and Gaurav Singhal, and the Drive mate global team.