The short answer: insurance is often included, but the excess is the sting
Most Australian campervan and motorhome hire includes basic vehicle insurance in the daily hire package. That does not mean damage…
EXCESS REALITY
How much RV insurance should you budget for in Australia?
Red dust on the bonnet, a road train filling the mirror, and your first thought is not poetry — it is, “If a stone cracks that windscreen, who pays?” Fair question. RV insurance on an Australian campervan hire is less about one neat sticker price and more about excess, bond, exclusions and how far off the bitumen you plan to wander.
This guide is for self-drivers sleeping in the van: powered sites, free camps, national park campgrounds and the occasional servo pie at 400 km intervals. By the end, you’ll know what is usually included, what may cost extra, and what to check online before you book.
australiamotorhomes.com STRAIGHT ANSWERS
Questions self-drivers actually ask
Is RV insurance compulsory when hiring a campervan in Australia?
You generally cannot hire a campervan without the operator’s standard insurance or liability arrangement being part of the hire agreement. What is optional is the excess-reduction package. That optional cover is where your daily cost and bond amount can change substantially.
How much should I allow for RV insurance on a two-week hire?
If basic cover is included, you may pay nothing extra but carry a high excess. If you choose excess reduction, a planning range of about AUD $30 to $70 per day means roughly AUD $420 to $980 for 14 days. Always check the live booking details online because vehicle type and dates matter.
Does insurance cover driving on dirt roads?
Not always. Many 2WD campervans are restricted to sealed roads, with only short, approved unsealed access roads to recognised campgrounds allowed. If you drive an excluded road, damage may not be covered, even if you paid for premium reduction.
Are tyres, windscreens and roof damage included?
They may be excluded from basic cover and only included in certain higher-level packages, or not covered at all in some situations. Roof and overhead damage is a classic RV trap because drivers forget the vehicle height at servos, trees and car parks. Read the cover table before booking.
Can I use my credit card insurance instead of paying for excess reduction?
Sometimes, but confirm it covers campervans or motorhomes, not just rental cars. Check the maximum claim amount, vehicle weight limit, hire duration and road exclusions. You may still need to pay the hire company first and claim reimbursement later.
What happens if I hit a kangaroo or damage the van at a campsite?
Stop safely, document the damage, contact the hire company as soon as practical, and follow any police or incident-report requirements in the rental agreement. Your excess applies according to the cover you selected and whether the event falls within the rules. Driving at dusk or dawn in wildlife country increases the risk sharply, so slow down or pull in early.
SHORTLIST
Where to start
What changes the cost from one hire to the next
Two travellers can hire similar-looking vans and pay quite different insurance totals. A compact 2-berth camper on sealed roads ne…
The exclusions that catch self-drivers in Australia
Australian RV insurance exclusions are not theoretical. They are written for real things that happen here: kangaroos at dusk, low …
BOOK ONLINE · 180+ COUNTRIES
Lock in your dates and get rolling
Check the camper, the dates and the price online, then book it — no quotes, no waiting around.
Check availability & book ›