Which insurance should you choose?
Almost every campervan rental company offers several insurance packages. Which one suits you best depends on how much risk you're willing to take on your road trip. In practice, you can usually choose from three packages.
1. Basic insurance (included)
Almost every campervan rental includes basic insurance. You don't pay anything extra for it, but it's often also the insurance with the least coverage.
The excess is usually between AUD $3,000 and AUD $8,000, depending on the rental company and the type of campervan. If there's damage, this amount is (partly) kept from your bond. On top of that, certain things, like windshields, tires or damage to the underside of the campervan, are often not covered or only partly covered.
Good to know: even minor damage can get expensive fast. So always check carefully what is and isn't covered by the basic insurance. Fill out the campervan form and Good Day Travels will help you with this.
2. Mid-range insurance (AUD $25 to $65 per day)
Most travelers go for mid-range insurance. With this package, the excess drops a lot, and with many rental companies it's waived entirely.
You also get broader coverage than with basic insurance. Exactly which damage is covered varies by rental company, so always read the policy terms carefully before you choose.
Keep in mind that even this package doesn't always cover every kind of damage. For certain parts, such as tires, windows, the underside or the roof of the campervan, there may still be exclusions or extra conditions.
For most travelers, this insurance strikes a good balance between price, coverage and peace of mind.
[blok+] 3. Premium insurance (AUD $30 - $90 per day)
Want to start your road trip without a worry? Then premium insurance is usually the best choice.
For a little more per day than mid-range insurance, you get the most complete coverage. With many rental companies, the excess is waived completely and you don't have to pay a bond.
Depending on the rental company, extras are included too, such as:
- No bond or a very low one
- No excess
- Comprehensive damage coverage
- An additional driver
- A camping table and chairs
- GPS or navigation
- A gas bottle or other camping gear
The exact terms differ by rental company and sometimes even by campervan type. So always check what is and isn't included. Fill out the campervan form and Good Day Travels will help you with this.
My advice
If you're renting a campervan in Australia, I always recommend going for the premium insurance.
Australia has long distances, unsealed roads and lots of wildlife. Especially around sunrise and sunset, you're more likely to run into kangaroos, emus or other animals. An accident can happen in the blink of an eye.
For a fairly small extra cost, you avoid unexpected bills and can enjoy your road trip with peace of mind.
I'm happy to help you compare the different rental companies and explain exactly which insurance suits your trip best and which costs are and aren't included.
