FAQ Rental Insurance & Excess

Is Insurance Included?
All our quotes include insurance for damage to the rental vehicle or third-party property, and Public Liability cover.
What is The Excess?
The excess is the value of any damage that you are responsible for. It is normally NZ5,000 however it can be reduced.
Can I Reduce The Excess?
You can reduce the excess (your liability) by the payment of an additional charge. Several options are available, but most people select to reduce their liability to zero (zero excess).
How Is The Bond/Excess Collected?
The bond/excess must be paid in cash or credit card on collection. If using a credit card, the full amount is debited to the card account. No responsibility is accepted for bank charges, interest or currency fluctuations.
Is The Bond Refunded?
The bond is fully refundable on return of the vehicle to the agreed location on the agreed date/time, in a clean and undamaged condition, with no damage incurred to third-party property, and with a full tank of fuel and empty toilet cassette.
Are There Any Insurance Exclusions?
The hirer will be fully liable for any damage to the vehicle or third-party property if the terms of the Rental Agreement are breached, driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, vehicle is driven on a restricted road/place, damage is due to careless, wilful or reckless driving, damage caused by water submersion or salt water, the hirer has repairs made to the vehicle without insurer's permission, the hirer admits liability and accepts responsibility for third-party damage. These are abridged and all hirers should read the full Terms and Conditions.
Can I Arrange a One-Way Hire?
Most rental companies offer one-way rentals between the main depots in Auckland and Christchurch in either direction. Sometimes there is a minimum hire period for a one-way rental, otherwise there may be a surcharge. Vehicles can also be returned to Queenstown and Wellington by special arrangement.
How Do I Make a Booking?
To protect yourself, you should obtain a quote for the travel dates/locations you require. The quote must have a reference number. The quote is not a booking. You must then make a booking (usually an online form or telephone call) and pay a deposit. You will then be sent a Booking Confirmation. Check all the details on the confirmation are as you expect.
Why Is There Such a Variance In Price Between Quotes?
Differences between quotes for the same dates from different companies are normally due to the quality and age of the vehicle or the terms of the insurance, or the number of "extras" that are included/excluded.
How Old Are Rental Campervans?
Most rental companies run two 'brands' or 'fleets' - their 'premium' brand of vehicles less than a few (usually 3) years old, and their 'budget' brand for their older vehicles (usually less than 5 years). Beware - there are some budget or backpacker-style rental companies which use 'ex-rental' and imported secondhand vehicles, often older than 5 years.
What Is The Difference Between 'United' And 'Alpha' Brands?
United branded vehicles are less than 3 years old and higher specification vehicles. Alpha branded vehicles are slightly lower specs and 3 to 5 years old.
Are There Any Roads I Can't Drive On?
Several roads are not suitable for rental vehicles and these may be excluded in your Rental Agreement. They are 90-Mile Beach (top of the North Island), North of the Coromandel Peninsula, Skippers Canyon (near Queenstown), and Ball Hutt Road (near Mt. Cook). Some companies also preclude you from driving up ski-access roads and from parking close to any beach or river.