The short answer: basic cover is usually included
On Australian campervan and motorhome hires, basic vehicle insurance is normally included in the daily hire rate. That does not me…
EXCESS MATTERS
How much is insurance on an RV in Australia?
The biggest insurance bill usually is not the insurance at all. It is the excess sitting quietly in the hire agreement, waiting for someone to reverse a 7-metre motorhome into a gum tree at a servo.
For self-drivers hiring a campervan or motorhome and sleeping in it, the practical answer is: basic cover is usually built into the hire rate, but the excess, bond and exclusions decide your real risk. Here is what to check before you book online and point the bonnet at the Big Lap.
australiamotorhomes.com STRAIGHT ANSWERS
Questions self-drivers actually ask
Is RV insurance legally required in Australia?
A hired campervan or motorhome must be registered, and registration includes compulsory third-party injury cover. Hire companies also provide basic vehicle cover under the rental agreement, but you still need to understand the excess, bond and exclusions before you drive.
Is the bond the same as the insurance excess?
No. The excess is the amount you may be liable for on an insured claim; the bond is security held during the hire. The bond may be used for damage, missing fuel, cleaning, tolls, fines or other charges under the agreement.
Does campervan insurance cover unsealed roads?
Sometimes, but only if the hire agreement allows that road and the road is open and maintained. Many standard motorhomes are not covered on beaches, 4WD tracks, closed roads, flooded crossings or rough outback shortcuts. Get written permission if you are unsure.
Are tyres and windscreens included in RV hire insurance?
Not always. Stone chips, cracked windscreens and tyre damage are common on Australian highways, especially around road trains and gravel shoulders. Some excess-reduction packages include them; some sell separate tyre and windscreen cover.
What happens if I hit a kangaroo?
Stop only if it is safe, check the vehicle, call the hire company’s roadside assistance number and follow police or wildlife reporting rules if required. If you were driving legally on an approved road, it is usually treated as an accident claim, subject to the excess and policy terms.
Can my credit card travel insurance cover the rental excess?
It might, but check the fine print before relying on it. Some policies exclude campervans, larger motorhomes, long rentals, unsealed roads or vehicles above a certain value or weight. Keep the rental agreement, damage report and payment receipts if you need to claim.
SHORTLIST
Where to start
The excess is the number that bites
Think of the excess as your maximum contribution per claim if the hire terms are followed. A $6,000 excess does not mean every scr…
Optional excess reduction: rough costs and when it makes sense
Most hirers offer optional excess reduction or a damage liability package. Across the Australian hire market, you will often see o…
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