Whether you’re in Italy, or you’re travelling within New Zealand, if your rental car is involved in an accident, is damaged, or is stolen, you could be liable to cover the cost of the rental car excess which can cost you thousands of dollars.
When you have a 1Cover Comprehensive policy, you’re automatically covered for rental car excess (or the cost of repairing the rental vehicle if this is cheaper).
That means if you hire a rental car and it is involved in an accident, is damaged or stolen, then we’ll cover you for up to $5000 for the excess that could be charged by the rental car company - whether the theft or damage was your fault or not. Keep reading to find out exactly what rental car excess is and what you’ll get with your 1Cover policy.
You have provision to claim even if the damage or theft to your car was not your fault. Our policies will automatically cover you up to $5000 for the rental car excess that could be incurred in the event of an accident, whether it's your fault or not.
Increase and protect yourself from exorbitant rental company fees. When you’re purchasing your policy, you can increase your excess amount to $6000, $7000, or $8000. This is particularly useful for larger vehicles, such as campervans.
Cover for return of your rental car. You have provision to claim for $500 to return your rental car, if you are seen by a medical advisor and you are deemed unfit to return the car yourself.
Plus you'll get cover for all the other things that may go wrong on holiday. With our overseas comprehensive policy you'll be covered for lost luggage, cancellation of trip , medical emergencies and much more.
Please read the full policy wording in our Policy Wording for more details including full terms and conditions, limits and exclusions that apply. Find out all the things you can do to make sure you hire a car safely.
Rental vehicle excess is included in most of our travel insurance policies (except for Medical Only). Check out the full list of benefits for these policies below.
| Policy Benefit |
Overseas Comprehensive (Single-Trip & Frequent Traveller) |
Domestic Comprehensive (Single Trip & Frequent Traveller) |
|---|---|---|
MEDICAL |
||
|
Overseas Emergency Medical Assistance |
Unlimited |
x |
|
Overseas Emergency Medical & Hospital Expenses |
Unlimited |
x |
|
Includes Dental Expenses (per adult) |
$1,000 |
x |
|
Resumption Of Journey |
$3,000 |
x |
|
Hospital Cash Allowance |
$5,000 |
x |
|
Accidental Death |
$25,000 |
$25,000 |
|
Permanent Disability |
$25,000 |
x |
|
Loss of Income |
$10,400 |
x |
LUGGAGE |
||
|
Credit Card Fraud & Replacement |
$5,000 |
x |
|
Includes Travel Documents & Traveller's Cheques |
Yes |
x |
|
Theft Of Cash |
$250 |
x |
|
Luggage & Personal Effects |
$15,000 |
$15,000 |
|
Luggage & Personal Effects Delay Expenses |
$250 |
x |
CANCELLATION |
||
|
Additional Accommodation & Travel Expenses |
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
|
Includes Family Emergency |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Includes Emergency Companion Cover |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Cancellation Fees & Lost Deposits |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
|
Disruption Of Journey |
$1,000 |
$1,000 |
|
Alternative Transport Expenses |
$5,000 |
x |
ANCILLARY |
||
|
Personal Liability |
$5 million |
$5 million |
|
Domestic Pets |
$500 |
x |
|
Domestic Services |
$500 |
x |
|
Rental Vehicle Insurance Excess |
$5,000 |
$5,000 |
Rental Vehicles Excess Add-On |
Choice Of: $6,000 $7,000 $8,000 |
Choice Of: $6,000 $7,000 $8,000 |
Prompt support when unexpected happened. I don't know what I would have done if I didn't have it when I got robbed.
Had to make a claim when my wife took ill & had to visit a doctor in the USA. Put a claim in back home ... accepted and paid within two weeks.
First time I've had to make a claim. Speed of process was quite unbelievable.
There are several rental vehicle excess cover amounts across our different plans. We will reimburse you up to the rental vehicle excess insurance amount listed on your policy, covering any excess or deductible you become legally liable to pay under your rental vehicle hiring agreement.
It is payable if your rental vehicle is involved in an accident while you are driving, or if the rental vehicle is damaged or stolen while in your custody.
Please be aware this benefit does not take the place of rental vehicle insurance. Also, the following conditions must be met for cover to be available under this benefit:
1. The rental vehicle must be rented from a recognised rental agency;
2. The hiring arrangement must incorporate motor vehicle insurance or damage waiver against loss or damage to the rental vehicle; and
3. You must comply with all requirements of the rental agency under the hiring agreement and, if applicable, the insurer under such insurance.
If the car company is offering you additional cover they are usually referring to an excess reduction fee which is paid to the car company to reduce the excess on the motor vehicle insurance to $0.
1Cover offers you cover for this rental vehicle insurance excess. But note that this doesn’t take place of the rental vehicle insurance.
We don't cover you for personal liability while driving/riding - this cover should be sought through your car rental company.
Rental vehicle excess cover is not applicable to scooters and motorcycles, and is also not available with our Medical Only policy.
You must provide a copy of:
• your Rental Vehicle agreement;
• an incident report that was completed;
• repair account;
• an itemised list of the value of the damage; and
• written notice from the rental company or agency advising that you are liable to pay the excess or liability fee.
When we refer to “Rental Vehicle” we mean a campervan/motorhome that does not exceed 4.5 tonne, a sedan, hatchback or station-wagon, four wheel drive or mini bus/people mover rented from a licensed motor vehicle rental company.
Rental car excess doesn't take place of normal car insurance, and we won't pay any claims if you violate your rental car agreement.
Additionally, if you're affected by alcohol or illegal drugs we won't be able to pay your claim.
If you don't hold the correct licence for the vehicle you're operating then you won't be covered. A correct license means a New Zealand driving license, and wherever a New Zealand driver's license is not valid, you'll need to have an additional international driver's license as well. Terms and conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Please see Policy Wording for full details.
READ ALL Rental vehicle excess cover FAQS
If you’re going overseas for a good time AND a long time, 1Cover offers long-term travel insurance. This can cover you for up to 12 months abroad - and you can extend if you need to.
And if you want some insider advice the best places to go skiing, look no further than our in-depth Guide to Your Best Skiing holiday
Renting a car on holiday can be fun, but you need to be a little savvy so you don't get caught out. Check out our tips for making the most hiring a rental car and the best ways to stay safe.
From lost luggage, to cancellation, to repatriation. Travel with peace of mind and find out what else you're covered for and what you're not.
If you have any other questions or queries, please send us a message via our Contact Us page.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please use the details on our Emergency Assistance page.
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