One of the biggest questions owners ask before listing equipment is simple:
What happens if my equipment is damaged?
Hire Assets uses a practical protection model built around refundable security deposits, clear evidence requirements, and dispute support.
How Damage Protection Works
Owners can require a refundable security deposit on any listing.
This deposit is set by the owner and collected as part of the booking process. The amount will vary depending on the type, value, and risk level of the equipment.
The security deposit is:
- held as part of the booking process
- kept in place until the hire is complete
- refunded after the equipment is returned as agreed, subject to any claims, disputes, or payment processing timeframes
In most cases, deposits are refunded within 3–5 business days once the hire is complete and the equipment has been returned in the agreed condition.
If Equipment Is Damaged
If equipment is returned damaged, the owner should submit a claim as soon as possible.
To support a claim, owners should provide:
- clear photos of the damage
- a description of what happened
- any relevant messages or booking details
- repair quotes, invoices, or other supporting evidence where available
Claims should be submitted within 48 hours of the hire end date.
What Hire Assets Does
Hire Assets helps facilitate the dispute process.
If a damage claim is made, we may review:
- the booking history
- platform messages
- photos and timestamps
- any supporting documents provided by either party
We will work toward a fair resolution based on the information available.
What This Protection Does — and Doesn’t Do
This protection model is designed to provide a practical level of protection for owners and a fair process for hirers.
It is not the same as promising full insurance coverage on every booking.
Hire Assets currently uses a damage deposit model, supported by:
- owner-set refundable deposits
- on-platform payments
- evidence-based claims
- dispute support
Why On-Platform Bookings Matter
Damage protection and dispute support are strongest when the booking is completed through Hire Assets.
If users move off-platform, important protections can be lost, including:
- payment records
- booking history
- dispute support
- deposit-related protection processes
For the strongest protection, all communication, booking, and payment should stay on-platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the equipment is damaged during my hire?
If damage occurs, the owner can submit a claim with supporting evidence, including photos and booking details. Claims should be submitted within 48 hours of the hire end date.
How does the security deposit work?
Owners can set a refundable security deposit on a listing. It is held as part of the booking process and is usually refunded within 3–5 business days after the hire is complete and the equipment is returned as agreed.
What if the hirer doesn’t return my equipment?
Contact Hire Assets immediately. We will review the booking history, platform messages, and supporting information and assist through the dispute process.
Am I covered by my own insurance?
That depends on your insurer and policy terms. Owners should check directly with their insurer if they want advice about whether their own policy covers equipment hired out through a marketplace.
Need Help?
If something has gone wrong with a booking, contact us as soon as possible.
Email: support@hireassets.com.au
Response goal: We aim to respond within 1 business day.