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Insurance for Your Australian Road Trip: The Complete Guide (Van and Campervan)
It's certainly not the most exciting part of your trip planning, but having the right insurance coverage is essential for your vacation in Australia.
For an Australian road trip, you need to consider two main types of insurance:
1. Travel Insurance: Covers you as a person, including your health and personal belongings.
2. Vehicle Insurance (Rental Excess/Liability): Protects your rental vehicle and covers your liability.
This comprehensive guide breaks down both types of coverage, allowing you to travel with peace of mind and fully enjoy your Australian road trip.
Travel insurance
What is it and Why Do I Need it?
Which Travel Insurance Companies Are Available?
Choosing the Right Travel Insurance
Can I Use My Credit Card for Travel Insurance?
Vehicle insurance (Rental Excess/Deductible)
Why Does the Rental Company Take a Security Bond/Deductible?
What is Included in the Rental Company’s Coverage?
What is the Excess Amount and the Cost of Coverage?
Can I Use My Credit Card Insurance to Cover My Rental Van in Australia?
Do I Have to Take the Rental Company’s Insurance?
Travel insurance
What is it and Why Do I Need it?
Travel insurance is designed to cover you and your belongings if you encounter any issues during your stay. By purchasing travel insurance, you benefit from a financial safety net and comprehensive assistance before, during, and after your trip.
This coverage is critical for major issues such as trip cancellations, injury or illness during your stay, or loss of luggage.
Which Travel Insurance Companies Are Available?
A multitude of companies offer travel insurance tailored for an Australian vacation. Since each provider has its own specific features, it is crucial to focus on the overall cost, the level of coverage, and the services included in your policy.
Choosing the Right Travel Insurance
We generally advise travellers to look for comprehensive short-term insurance (for trips under 3 months) that covers:
Medical Expenses and Hospitalization: Ensure coverage is high (Australia is very expensive).
Emergency Repatriation: Coverage for bringing you home if medically necessary.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Protects your non-refundable trip costs.
Baggage/Personal Effects Coverage: In case of loss or theft.
24/7 Assistance Service.
Note for Working Holiday Makers (WHV): If you are traveling on a Working Holiday Visa (WHV), you will require a different, longer-term policy.
Ensure your policy covers the full duration of your visa and any work-related activities.
Can I Use My Credit Card for Travel Insurance?
It is common for financial institutions to offer travel insurance coverage for purchases made with your credit card.
However, credit card coverage is often quite limited and comes with restrictions (e.g., maximum trip length, pre-existing conditions). It is essential to thoroughly check the exact terms and conditions of your bank’s policy before relying solely on its assistance.
Vehicule insurance (Rental Excess/Deductible)
A flat tire, an accident, a dead battery, a cracked windshield... all these issues can result in major costs and completely spoil your Australian holiday. To protect themselves, rental companies require you to pay a security deposit (called a "bond") or excess/deductible when you pick up your vehicle.
Why Does the Rental Company Take a Security Bond/Deductible?
Whether you have an accident alone or with a third party, and regardless of who is at fault, the rental company is legally entitled to use your security bond or excess payment for the repair costs of the RV/van.
When you take possession of the vehicle, the rental company will require you to authorize a security bond to cover potential damage. This bond is released in full or in part upon the safe return of the vehicle.
If you don't want to lock up thousands of dollars for the bond (and constantly drive with anxiety), rental companies offer insurance that allows you to reduce your excess (meaning you no longer have to pay the large bond upfront) and, most importantly, provides full coverage if you have an incident during your trip.
What is Included in the Rental Company’s Coverage?
It depends entirely on the coverage you select. Generally, rental companies offer three types of excess reduction coverage:
Standard/Basic Insurance: This mandatory insurance is required by the rental company to hire a vehicle. However, it offers minimal coverage; you must pay the full excess/bond upfront, and you remain fully liable for any incident up to the full amount of the excess.
Mid-Range Insurance: This coverage usually reduces your excess/bond partially. You still have to pay a smaller bond amount upfront, but your liability is reduced.
Full/All-Inclusive Insurance (Zero Excess): This insurance covers you completely and reduces your excess to zero. You do not have to pay the bond amount upfront, you have more comprehensive coverage (e.g., undercarriage and overhead damage, tire and windshield protection), and sometimes even receive extra accessories (e.g., camping table, chairs, additional driver).
What is the Excess Amount and the Cost of Coverage?
The excess amount and the daily cost of insurance vary depending on the rental company and the vehicle you select.
Prix des assurances par loueurs :
| hire company | vehicle | Excess fees | full insurance price | Mid insurance price | standard insurance price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAUI | RV | 7.500$ | 90$ | 65$ | 0$ |
| BRITZ | 4wd | 8.000$ | 90$ | 70$ | 0$ |
| BRITZ | RV | 7.500$ | 90$ | 65$ | 0$ |
| BRITZ | Van | 5.000$ | 80$ | 55$ | 0$ |
| APOLLO | RV | 7.500$ | 90$ | 65$ | 0$ |
| APOLLO | Van | 5.000$ | 80$ | 55$ | 0$ |
| MIGHTY | RV | 7.500$ | 80$ | 55$ | 0$ |
| MIGHTY | Van | 5.000$ | 70$ | 40$ | 0$ |
| CHEAPA | RV | 7.500$ | 80$ | 55$ | 0$ |
| CHEAPA | Van | 5.000$ | 70$ | 40$ | 0$ |
| HIPPIE | Van | 3.000$ | 40$ | 30$ | 0$ |
| CRUISIN | RV | 7.500$ | 55$ | 45$ | 0$ |
| GO CHEAP | RV | 7.500$ | 55$ | 45$ | 0$ |
| GO CHEAP | Van | 5.000$ | 39$ | 29$ | 0$ |
| JUCY | RV | 7.500$ | 65$ | 49$ | 0$ |
| JUCY | Van | 5.000$ | 60$ | 45$ | 0$ |
| TRAVELLERS AUTOBARN | Van | 3.000$ | 45$ | 35$ | 0$ |
| SPACESHIPS | Van | 3.000$ | 30$ | 20$ | 0$ |
| CAMPERMAN** | Van | $500 | Inclus | / | / |
Prices are indicated in Australian Dollars (AUD) and for individuals aged 21 and over.
Prices are indicative and subject to change at any time (updated September 2025).
Our Recommendation: To fully enjoy your trip, we strongly recommend purchasing the rental company's Full Coverage. It provides complete peace of mind, covers you for incidents (one excess per incident), avoids the large upfront bond payment, and usually includes necessary extras (undercarriage/overhead coverage, tire/windshield, camping gear, etc.).
Can I Use My Credit Card Insurance to Cover My Rental Van in Australia?
Generally, No. Most credit card insurances only cover vehicles up to a maximum size (e.g., 8m³ and/or 3.5T). Rental vans and campervans often exceed these limits, meaning your credit card company will not assist you if you have an incident.
Always contact your financial institution to confirm their exact protection conditions, as exceptions may exist.
Do I Have to Take the Rental Company’s Insurance?
To be as relaxed as possible during your holiday, we strongly advise taking the maximum coverage offered by the rental company.
However, this coverage is not mandatory. You can choose to take the risk of no extra coverage or purchase an independent policy that covers your excess, such as RentalCover or a similar third-party provider.
Important Note: If you choose third-party excess coverage, you will always have to pay the full bond/excess to the rental company upfront. You then claim this amount back from your third-party insurer, which can be a slow process.
Important Information
The excess/deductible typically applies per accident, not per duration of the rental.
A credit card imprint will always be taken in case you return the campervan in an unacceptable state of cleanliness (e.g., smoking inside, stains on the upholstery) or if you incur a fine/ticket.
Crucial Exclusion: Insurance contracts are nullified if you do not comply with the rental company’s terms (e.g., driving on a prohibited road, especially unsealed/outback roads) or if you violate Australian law (e.g., driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs).
If you have any questions about insurance for your trip or campervan rental, don't hesitate to contact our local team who can guide you through the options!
