Insurance Options

For care free travel 

Essential Cover

Included in your daily rate

All RentalCars24/7 vehicles come with Full, Comprehensive Insurance.

A Bond is held (Pre-Authorised) on your credit card when you collect the vehicle.

Third party Insurance is not mandatory in New Zealand, therefore, the full amount of the excess will be charged in the event of an accident/damage is done to the vehicle, regardless of fault.

Both Debit and credit Cards are accepted for the Bond.

Adventure Cover

Standard Cover 24/7 reduces your liability

This does not include Windscreen or Tyre cover.

Both Credit and Debit Cards are accepted as security if this CDW option is taken when you collect the vehicle

Premium Cover


This package also includes Windscreen & Tyre cover. This means if you get a stone chip in the Windscreen, or if you puncture a tyre while on your travels, we will cover the cost of this for you!

Both Credit and Debit Cards are accepted as security if this CDW option is purchased when you collect the vehicle. A Bond will be required when you collect the vehicle. 

Please remember to have the following with you


Full Drivers License

All drivers will need a Full, Valid Drivers license, in English when picking up your rental car. 

If your license is not in English, a list of NZTA approved translators can be found here

If you have a restricted, or Australian "P" License, you will be unable to rent or drive one of our vehicles.

Credit/Debit Card

A Credit or Debit Card will be required for security of the hire. 

A $500NZD or $1500NZD Bond is required for all hires.

We accept Visa, Mastercard or AMEX. Please note Cash Bonds are not accepted.

Insurance FAQ

We offer insurance cover for an additional cost with your car rental. You can find out more details about what the costs and exclusions of coverage are below:

I already have my own insurance, do I need RentalCars247's?

If you already have Insurance with a third party, thats great! In this case, you will have a liability amount with RentalCars24/7 with our Essential Cover. In the event of an accident, we will charge you this liability excess in full, regardless of fault. You would then contact your insurance provider, and advise them the excess has been taken, and they will cover this excess for you.

Some points to note:

  • Third party insurance is not compulsory in New Zealand, this is why the full amount of the excess is charged in the event of an accident, regardless of fault
  • If you have third party cover, check that this covers additional drivers if you will have other people named on the rental agreement to drive
  • Accident claims can take time to work out with additional parties involved, so be prepared to be without your excess while the claims are processed

What motor vehicle insurance do I receive with Rental Cars 247?

Our vehicles are covered by standard motor vehicle insurance; however, an excess may be charged for any loss or damage incurred during the hire period. Our standard insurance excess varies depending on the age & size of the vehicle, but you can purchase Excess Reduction / Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage, which reduces your excess liability. You can get a quote online and check all options .

We offer:

Essential Cover with all vehicle categories. The excess varies depending on categories

Adventure Cover – You have the option of paying an additional day rate to reduce the different excess levels. You can choose this options at the time of booking. 

Premium Cover – You have the option of paying an additional daily rate to reduce the different levels of excess. Excess level is dependent on hirer age and category of vehicle.

We strongly recommend all renters take out Premium Cover / Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage for peace of mind driving in New Zealand.

When will my bond be released?

A Bond is Pre-Authorised on your credit or debit card when you pickup the vehicle. 

This bond is released when the vehicle is returned without damage, and full of fuel.

Please note, the return of the bond will not show as a refund. The initial bond will no longer show on your bank statement. In some cases, this will show as a $1NZD Transaction, followed by a $1NZD refund on your statement.  

Can I reduce the excess?

You can purchase Excess Reduction / Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage, which reduces your excess liability depending on the vehicle booked and the level of cover selected. Vehicle Categories have different excess levels and you may not be able to reduce the excess to different levels. It all depends what option you choose.

When do I choose what option I take?

You can choose at the time of booking or when picking up the car. If you need to change the Excess Reduction coverage you selected on a reservation, please contact Rental Cars 247 and we will be happy to help you select the appropriate insurance option. Please note, you are unable to change the CDW option once your hire has commenced. 

What is my excess or what I am liable for if I have an accident?

Your insurance excess liability depends on the vehicle rented and the option you have taken at the time of hire. Please review the excess amounts prior to booking. We strongly recommend you purchase Excess Reduction / Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage, which reduces your excess on the vehicle booked and the level of cover selected. Vehicle groups may have different excess levels and you may not be able to reduce the excess to zero. Operating the vehicle outside of the law invalidates any insurance coverage.

What is the cost of Excess Reduction / Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance coverage?

You can get full pricing options when you go online www.rentalcars247.co.nz and get a quote. You have a choice of 3 options. We strongly recommend all renters take out Premium Cover / Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage for peace of mind motoring. Each vehicle category has different excess levels and you may not be able to reduce the excess to zero.

What should I do if I have an accident ?

First, make sure everyone involved is ok and safe. Call 111 for emergency services if required

Call +64 9 869 3318 and let us know what has happened

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Additional Information

All Drivers must have a Full, Current Drivers license, in English

The license must remain valid for the duration of the hire

All drivers must be named on the Rental Agreement, and must have their license sighted by a RentalCars247 Employee

Any license not in English, must be accompanied by an approved translation, NZTA approved Translators can be found here

RentalCars24/7 T&C's apply at all times

Should the Terms and Conditions be breached, any CDW/Insurance options are void

Should the vehicle be damaged while commiting an illegal act, any CDW/Insurance options are void

Make a Booking Today

Rental Cars 247 is 100% committed to keep our beautiful country clean and green. Join us by taking care of our home Aotearoa the land of the long white cloud. Book Today!