Renting out your car in Perth can be an excellent way to earn passive income, especially through platforms like Accura Cars, which connect local car owners with verified renters across Western Australia. Whether you own a small hatchback or a luxury SUV, listing your vehicle for rent can bring in extra cash — but only if you do it right.

Common Mistakes Car Owners Make When Renting Out Their Cars

Many car owners rush into the rental business without fully understanding the process. A few simple oversights — from missing paperwork to poor maintenance — can lead to unnecessary expenses and stress. Below are the most frequent mistakes car owners make and practical steps to avoid them.

1. Ignoring Proper Insurance Coverage

One of the most serious mistakes is assuming your personal car insurance will cover rentals. In most cases, private car insurance policies exclude commercial or rental use.

How to Avoid It:

Before listing your car, confirm your insurance includes rental coverage for third-party damage, theft, and accidents. When you rent through Accura Cars, you can explore available protection plans and get support to ensure your car is fully covered.

2. Not Setting Clear Terms and Conditions

Lack of clarity leads to disputes over mileage, fuel levels, or damage claims. If you skip defining rules, you might end up paying for someone else’s mistake.

How to Avoid It:

Create a written agreement with details like mileage limits, fuel policy, and no-smoking rules. Platforms like Accura Cars help streamline these terms so both owners and renters know what to expect.

3. Neglecting Regular Vehicle Maintenance

Renters expect safe and clean vehicles. Failing to maintain your car can result in poor reviews or even breakdowns during rentals.

How to Avoid It:

Perform routine checks on tyres, brakes, fluids, and lights. Keep your service records updated — it boosts credibility and ensures your car stays in top condition for future rentals.

4. Skipping Pre- and Post-Rental Inspections

If you don’t record your car’s condition before and after each rental, proving damage later can be difficult.

How to Avoid It:

Take clear, timestamped photos of your car’s exterior and interior before handing it over. On Accura Cars, owners can access digital check-in and check-out tools that simplify this process.

5. Setting Prices Without Market Research

Many new owners set rental prices too high or too low, losing potential renters or profits.

How to Avoid It:

Check what similar vehicles rent for in Perth. Accura Cars provides pricing recommendations to help you stay competitive while maximizing your earnings.

6. Overlooking Renter Verification

Letting unverified drivers rent your car is risky. Without proper screening, you could face legal or financial trouble.

How to Avoid It:

Always confirm that renters have a valid driver’s licence and identification. Accura Cars verifies users, ensuring all renters meet Australian driving and legal requirements before renting a car.

7. Poor Communication with Renters

Ignoring messages or failing to give clear instructions creates confusion and lowers renter satisfaction.

How to Avoid It:

Respond quickly to messages, offer easy pickup/drop-off guidance, and maintain professional communication. Good service builds trust and brings repeat renters.

8. Forgetting About Taxes and Earnings Tracking

Income from car rentals is taxable in Australia. Some owners fail to record their earnings properly, leading to confusion during tax season.

How to Avoid It:

Track every rental, note expenses (like cleaning or maintenance), and keep all receipts. Consult a tax adviser to ensure compliance with Australian Tax Office (ATO) requirements.

9. Not Utilizing a Trusted Platform

Trying to rent your car privately through classifieds or social media can be risky. You may deal with unreliable renters or unclear agreements.

How to Avoid It:

List your car on a trusted peer-to-peer car rental platform like Accura Cars, where you get verified renters, clear terms, and dedicated support.

Rent Smarter and Earn More with Accura Cars Perth

Avoiding these mistakes is the key to turning your car into a steady income source. With Accura Cars, Perth’s trusted car-sharing platform, you can safely list your car for rent, connect with verified renters, and manage everything easily through your dashboard.

Whether you want to rent out your car occasionally or build a steady side income, Accura Cars provides the transparency, protection, and support every car owner needs.

👉 List your car today and start earning with Accura Cars as a Partner