Why we recommend booking insurance with us directly

 

Many travellers often secure insurance through their travel agent without realizing that, in the event of an incident, they may still need to pay for any damages upfront and subsequently seek reimbursement from their insurance provider. This reimbursement process can be lengthy and may require extensive paperwork, particularly with larger insurance companies. While we are more than happy to assist you through this process—having successfully done so many times in the past—it can often cause unnecessary stress for our travellers.

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To ensure you have a worry-free holiday, we recommend booking insurance directly with us. This approach not only saves you time but also simplifies any claims process. Should an issue arise, you will be dealing directly with our team rather than navigating long phone lines. Furthermore, your maximum financial responsibility will be limited to the excess you selected when booking, without the need for any additional upfront payments.

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If you have already purchased insurance from another provider, we suggest checking if they allow free cancellation, as this is sometimes an option. All our rental rates include Basic insurance, which provides coverage for liability up to two million dollars.

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Excess: This amount will be charged to your credit card in the event of any damage to the vehicle. If the cost of the damage is less than the excess, the difference will be refunded to you once the claim is processed. The excess amount must be paid regardless of who is at fault in the event of an accident.

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Bond: A bond will be held on your credit card upon vehicle pickup. Please note that debit cards cannot be used for the bond unless they bear the name of the hirer.

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The indemnities mentioned above do not apply under the following circumstances:

• The driver is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs their ability to operate the vehicle.

• The vehicle is in an unsafe or unroadworthy condition during the hire period, and the hirer or driver was aware or should have been aware, of this condition.

• The vehicle is used in any race, speed test, rally, or contest.

• The hirer is not a corporate body or government department, and the vehicle is driven by any individual not specified in clause 3 of the agreement.

• The vehicle is operated by a person who, at the time of driving, is disqualified from holding or has never held a valid driver’s license for that vehicle.

• The vehicle is willfully or recklessly damaged by the hirer, anyone named in clause 3 of the rental agreement, or any other individual driving the vehicle under the hirer's authority.

• The vehicle is lost or stolen due to willful or reckless behaviour by the hirer or any authorized driver.

• Dangerous or careless driving: If the driver receives an infringement or is charged with an offence related to dangerous or careless driving, the hirer's liability may increase to $10,000. This includes operating the vehicle on the wrong side of the road.

• The vehicle is operated on the following roads: Ball Hut Road (Mt. Cook), Skippers Road (Queenstown), or any beach.

• Misuse or damage to any accessories hired from Scotties is not covered by insurance.

• In cases of single-vehicle accidents (i.e., involving no other vehicles), the Basic plan excess liability may increase to $5,000.

• Higher excess levels may apply to learner license holders. Please inquire directly for details.

• Custom insurance fees may apply for select high-end vehicles, trucks, and large vans.

 

Please contact us for more information.

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Please be aware that breaching the rental agreement terms and conditions may void your insurance, and charges for loss of earnings related to accident repairs may apply.

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For complete details, please view the Full NZ Rental Agreement.