The short answer: cover is often included, but the excess is the sting
For most hired campervans and motorhomes in Australia, basic insurance is usually built into the daily hire rate. That does not me…
EXCESS EXPLAINED
So, how much is motorhome insurance for a hired van?
The first bill you notice is fuel. The one you remember is the insurance excess, usually about five minutes after a kangaroo looks at your headlights like it paid for them.
This guide is for self-drivers hiring a campervan or motorhome and sleeping in it, from powered sites to national park campgrounds and the odd legal free camp. Here’s what insurance usually costs in Australia, what it actually covers, and what to check before you book online.
australiamotorhomes.com STRAIGHT ANSWERS
Questions self-drivers actually ask
Is insurance included when I hire a motorhome in Australia?
Usually, yes: standard vehicle cover is commonly included in the hire rate. The catch is the excess, which can still be several thousand dollars if the vehicle is damaged or stolen.
How much should I budget for motorhome insurance?
If you stay with standard cover, you may pay no extra daily insurance cost but accept a high excess. If you choose excess reduction, allow roughly $25 to $75 per day, depending on vehicle size and the level of cover.
Does insurance cover free camping and national park campgrounds?
Insurance usually relates to the vehicle and how it is used, not whether you sleep in a holiday park, national park campground or legal free camp. You must still follow local camping rules, fire bans and access restrictions, and you need permission if the road in is outside the rental agreement.
Are windscreens, tyres and roof damage covered?
Not always. Windscreen and tyre cover may be optional, while roof and underbody damage are commonly excluded, especially if caused by low branches, carports, rough roads or careless driving.
What happens if I hit a kangaroo?
If you are driving legally and within the rental terms, animal-strike damage is usually treated like other accident damage and the excess may apply. Avoid driving at dawn, dusk and after dark in roo country; one bad bounce can end a trip faster than a flat fridge battery.
Can I rely on my travel insurance instead of buying excess reduction?
Maybe, but read the policy wording closely. Many policies reimburse rental vehicle excess after you pay it, and some exclude campervans, heavier motorhomes, unsealed roads or certain domestic trips.
SHORTLIST
Where to start
What motorhome insurance usually covers
Standard hire cover generally deals with vehicle damage, theft and third-party property damage, subject to the rental agreement. T…
Excess, bond and the credit-card reality
The excess is the maximum liability you may pay for a covered incident. The bond is the amount held or authorised on your credit c…
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