Getting car rental insurance in New Zealand is highly recommended due to the country’s diverse and often challenging driving conditions. With its winding mountain roads, unpredictable weather, and numerous unsealed routes, having insurance ensures peace of mind and financial protection against potential damages or accidents. Additionally, local wildlife and narrow, unfamiliar roads can pose risks that are not typically encountered elsewhere. Car rental insurance can help cover the costs of repairs and minimise liability, allowing you to enjoy your journey through New Zealand’s stunning landscapes without unnecessary stress. All of our cars come with standard cover. When you rent a Shore Rentals vehicle, Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is included at no extra cost. If the rental vehicle is lost, stolen, or damaged, LDW reduces your liability from the full cost of the vehicle to the standard excess outlined below.
Standard Liability
Toyota Yaris, Holden Spark, Ford Focus, Mazda 3 – $4000
Mazda CX5, Kia Seltos – $4500
Kia Sportage, Mazda CX9, Kia Carnival – $5000
Optional Cover
Travel worry-free by adding Accident Excess Reduction (AER) to your booking. This optional cover reduces your financial liability if the vehicle is involved in an accident, or is lost, stolen, or damaged. AER lowers your liability from the standard excess to a reduced amount, as shown below. Save time and add Excess Reduction when you book online.
Toyota Yaris, Holden Spark, Ford Focus, Mazda 3 – $400
Mazda CX5, Kia Seltos – $450
Kia Sportage, Mazda CX9, Kia Carnival – $500
Why do I Need Car Rental Insurance?
While in New Zealand car insurance is not compulsory (even third-party), if you have any sort of accident (even if you’re not at fault) you may still be charged for it.
If you are in an accident, we ask that you try to obtain a police report so we can find out who is at fault. All accidents must be reported to Shore Rentals the day that the accident happens, so we can advise you of the process you need to take.
Do I need to purchase additional cover, if I have Travel Insurance?
If you already have travel insurance that covers rental car hire, please review your policy carefully. Some insurers require you to purchase the excess reduction (“Reduced liability” mentioned above), and some policies may not cover you if you drive on unsealed roads.
If your rental car is damaged, we will charge the applicable excess to your credit card. You will then need to claim this amount back from your travel insurer after you return home.
This also applies if you bought travel insurance from your travel agent. The excess for your hire will be charged, and you will need to claim it back from your agent’s travel insurance provider upon your return.
Am I covered for Personal Loss or Injury?
No, our insurance does not include personal loss, including theft of personal items or personal injury. In New Zealand, personal injury treatment is covered by the Government’s Accident Compensation scheme (ACC).
What Will I Not Be Covered For?
- We do not cover personal loss, injury, or theft. In New Zealand personal injuries are covered by the Governments Accident Compensation Scheme.
- Taking the rental car “off-road” on unsealed roads, off public roads such as 90 Mile Beach (Northland) and State Highway 38 Lake Waikaremoana as these roads are not normal driving routes.
- Damaging the rental car purposely
- Driving recklessly or while intoxicated
- Allowing other people not named on the rental agreement to drive the car
- Driving beyond the agreed return time
Contact Us
For more information about our covers and insurance, feel free to reach out to our team online or visit us at our Takapuna office.