Insurance

Car Rental Age Requirements

Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may face additional fees, often referred to as 'young driver surcharges.' These fees can vary by company and location.

Some rental agencies may allow drivers as young as 18 to rent a vehicle, but this is less common and usually comes with higher fees. Always check the specific age requirements of the rental company you plan to use.

Exceptions and Considerations

In some cases, government employees or military personnel may be exempt from young driver fees. It is advisable to inquire about any potential waivers when making your reservation.

All drivers need a current full driver’s licence.

You must carry either an official English translation or an International Driver Permit, along with your original licence.

No, there is no mandatory insurance in New Zealand, not even for third party liability. This means you could be financially affected by another driver’s actions.

No, coverage for loss of personal belongings or personal injury is not provided. Medical treatment for injuries sustained in New Zealand is handled by the Government’s Accident Compensation.

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If you’ve bought travel insurance that includes rental car hire, please review your policy thoroughly to confirm what is covered.

Some insurers require you to opt for excess reduction (“Reduced liability” as mentioned above), and certain policies may not provide coverage if you drive the rental car on unsealed roads.

Should your rental car sustain damage, we will charge the appropriate excess to your credit card, after which you’ll need to submit a claim to your travel insurer to recover this excess once you return home.

This process also applies if your travel insurance was purchased through a travel agent.

The excess related to your hire will be charged, and you’ll need to reclaim this amount from your agent’s travel insurance provider after you return home.

You will not be covered by rental vehicle insurance in the following situations:

• Driving on prohibited roads, such as Ball Hut Road (Mount Cook), Skippers Road (Queenstown), Ninety Mile Beach (Northland), Te Paki Stream Bed, Macetown Road (Queenstown Area), Deer Park Heights, State Highway 38 Lake Waikaremoana, or any unformed, off-road tracks, gravel roads not officially designated, and any beach.
• Any off-road driving, including beaches or areas outside public roads.
• Damage to the underbody of the rental vehicle is not covered; you are responsible for all related costs.
• Damage caused by unauthorised drivers or allowing unauthorised drivers to use the vehicle.
• Loss or damage to personal belongings of the hirer.
• Driving while intoxicated, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or driving recklessly, dangerously, in rallies, or other competitions.
• Intentional damage to the rental vehicle.
• Operating the vehicle outside the agreed rental term or beyond the agreed return time.
• If you tow any item using our utes with towbar, you are liable for any damage to your trailer and load in case of an incident or accident.

These exclusions are outlined in our terms and the rental agreement, which must be signed when collecting your vehicle. Please use this information as a guide—full details will be provided upon pickup.

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Yes, you must present a credit card in the main hirer’s name at pick-up for a security bond or pre-authorisation, which covers the excess amount for your rental. This is required for Basic Insurance, and for Standard Insurance where a bond may be necessary—please confirm with our reservations team. The pre-authorisation will be released at the end of your hire.

Your bank may take up to 7 business days to process the release. Please keep in mind this is a hold placed on your credit card, so it will not appear as a transaction on your statement.

Our Roadside Assistance service provides coverage for all mechanical breakdowns, such as:

• Engine failures
• Electrical issues
• Problems with cooling systems
• Vehicle recovery services

If a call-out is determined to be a non-mechanical breakdown during the initial contact, a call-out fee will apply. Examples of non-mechanical breakdowns include, but are not limited to:

• Dead batteries
• Issues with wheels and tyres
• Locked keys inside vehicles
• Running out of fuel or using incorrect fuel/additives