About Us
Looking for affordable and reliable car hire in Queensland? RaD Car Hire Australia has been delivering high-quality rental cars and exceptional service across South East Queensland since expanding from our New Zealand roots in 1987. With convenient branches at Brisbane Airport, Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta), and Sunshine Coast Airport (Maroochydore), plus depots and pick-up locations throughout the region, RaD makes car hire simple and stress-free.
Our Story – From Rent a Dent to RaD Car Hire
RaD Car Hire began life as Rent a Dent in Tauranga, New Zealand in 1987, founded by Denis Hansen who saw a need for affordable rental cars for everyday people. What started as a single branch offering late-model Japanese imports quickly grew into one of Australasia's largest franchised car rental networks.
The Rent a Dent promise – "Pay less - Experience more" – resonated with customers tired of expensive, regulated car hire options dominated by international brands. By 1992, franchised branches were opening across New Zealand, and within six years the network covered the country.
Australian expansion followed, bringing RaD's value-driven model to Queensland with branches servicing Brisbane Airport, Gold Coast Airport, Sunshine Coast Airport, Noosa, Surfers Paradise, Mooloolaba, Marcoola, and beyond.
In 2019, after 30+ years of growth led by Denis' son Dean, The Index Group acquired the RaD master franchise. The fleet had evolved from "rent-a-dent" vehicles to modern, well-maintained cars, so Rent a Dent became RaD Car Hire – keeping the same values with an updated identity.
Why Choose RaD Car Hire Australia?
As a network of local, family-owned franchises, each RaD branch brings genuine Queensland knowledge and personalised service. We're not a faceless corporation – we're local operators who understand South East Queensland's beaches, theme parks, hinterland drives, and airport logistics.
What sets RaD apart:
- 30+ years serving everyday travellers – we've perfected affordable, reliable car hire
- Franchise model – local owners deliver authentic regional service
- Terminal pick-up at major airports – no queues, no shuttles at Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast Airports
- Competitive pricing – great value across economy cars, SUVs, people movers, and more
- Customer-first philosophy – our growing base of repeat customers proves it
Our Queensland Locations
RaD Car Hire Australia covers South East Queensland's key destinations:
· Brisbane Airport car hire – Fast airport terminal pick-up and drop-off service
· Brisbane Northgate – Local and long-term rentals
· Brisbane CBD hotels – City hotel service
· Cruise terminal servicing – Brisbane International Cruise Terminal
· Gold Coast Airport car hire – Direct Coolangatta Airport pick-up
· Gold Coast hotels – City hotel service
· Sunshine Coast Airport car hire – Maroochydore terminal service
· Noosa pick-up location – Cooyar Street & Lanyana Way, Sunshine Beach
· Marcoola depot – Direct branch collection
View all branch locations and services →
Our Vehicle Range Across Queensland
From cheap economy hire cars to spacious 8-seater people movers, RaD offers vehicles for every Queensland trip:
Budget-friendly options sit alongside late-model vehicles, giving you choice without compromise.
Browse our full vehicle range →
Local Knowledge, National Network
Each RaD franchise brings insider Queensland knowledge:
- Brisbane Airport team knows the fastest routes to the Gold and Sunshine Coasts
- Gold Coast Airport staff can guide you to theme parks and hinterland escapes
- Sunshine Coast operators share the best beaches, markets, and scenic drives
This franchise advantage means personalised recommendations you won't get from corporate chains.
Customer Service That Keeps Them Coming Back
Our customers consistently rate RaD highest for:
- Fast airport pick-ups – terminal service, no shuttle waits
- Transparent pricing – no hidden fees or surprise charges
- Clean, reliable vehicles – well-maintained and road-ready
- Friendly local teams – genuine Queensland hospitality
"These guys are the best Easy pick up Easy drop off, good prices and just awesome people to deal with make your life easy and go with these guys. Cheers Matt." – Matt Groube, March 2026
Join the RaD Family
Whether you're a traveller seeking cheap Queensland car hire or a local needing a reliable rental, RaD Car Hire Australia delivers:
Great People. Great History. Great Company.
Pay less – Experience more!
