young couple in car, putting on seatbelt

Rental Car Insurance Made Simple

At Shore Rentals, we believe rental car insurance should be easy to understand. That’s why every vehicle rental includes a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), helping reduce your financial liability if your rental vehicle is damaged, stolen, or involved in an accident during your hire period.

Whether you’re hiring a compact car, SUV, or 8-seater people mover, our Auckland car rental insurance options provide peace of mind so you can enjoy your trip with confidence.

What Is Included With Every Rental?

All Shore Rentals vehicles include a standard Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) at no additional cost.

The LDW reduces your responsibility from the full replacement value of the vehicle to a standard excess amount.

This means that if the vehicle is damaged, stolen, or involved in an accident, your liability is limited to the applicable excess outlined in your rental agreement, provided you comply with our rental terms and conditions.

Included With Every RentalOptional Upgrade
Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)Accident Excess Reduction
Included FreeAdditional Daily Fee
Excess up to $4,000-$5,000Excess reduced to $400-$500

Standard Excess Amounts

The standard excess varies depending on the vehicle category:

Economy, Compact & Intermediate Vehicles

  • Toyota Yaris
  • Holden Spark
  • Ford Focus
  • Mazda 3

Standard Excess: NZ$4,000

SUVs

  • Kia Seltos
  • Kia Sportage
  • Mazda CX-5

Standard Excess: NZ$4,500

Large SUV & 8 Seater People Movers

  • Mazda CX9
  • Kia Carnival

Standard Excess: NZ$5,000

Reduce Your Excess for Extra Peace of Mind

For additional protection, you can choose our Accident Excess Reduction (AER) option when booking your rental vehicle.

This optional cover significantly reduces your financial liability should an accident occur.

Reduced Excess Amounts

Vehicle TypeStandard ExcessReduced Excess
Economy & Compact Cars$4,000$400
SUVs$4,500$450
Kia Carnival$5,000$500

Many customers choose excess reduction when planning longer road trips around Auckland, the North Island, or New Zealand.

Why Add Excess Reduction?

Benefits include:

  • Lower financial risk if an accident occurs
  • Greater confidence when driving in unfamiliar areas
  • Extra peace of mind during family holidays
  • Protection against unexpected repair costs
  • Ideal for visitors travelling throughout New Zealand

Important Insurance Exclusions

As with all rental vehicle insurance policies, some situations are not covered.

Cover may be void if:

  • The driver is not authorised on the rental agreement
  • The vehicle is driven under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Damage occurs through reckless or dangerous driving
  • The vehicle is used outside the terms of the rental agreement
  • Traffic laws are breached

Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for complete details.

Personal Belongings & Personal Injury

Shore Rentals’ vehicle insurance does not cover:

  • Personal belongings left in the vehicle
  • Loss or theft of personal items
  • Personal injury

Visitors travelling in New Zealand are generally covered for accidental injuries through New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) scheme.

Why Choose Shore Rentals?

When you hire a vehicle from Shore Rentals, you receive:

✓ Loss Damage Waiver included with every rental
✓ Optional excess reduction available
✓ Modern, well-maintained vehicles
✓ Friendly local Auckland service
✓ Competitive rates with no hidden surprises
✓ Convenient North Shore location

Our goal is to make hiring a vehicle in Auckland simple, transparent, and stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is insurance included with my rental car?

Yes. Every Shore Rentals vehicle includes a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), which reduces your liability to a standard excess amount.

What is the difference between LDW and Excess Reduction?

LDW is included with your rental and reduces your liability from the full vehicle value to a standard excess. Excess Reduction is an optional upgrade that lowers that excess even further.

Can I reduce my excess?

Yes. You can purchase Accident Excess Reduction when booking your vehicle.

What happens if I damage the rental vehicle?

Provided the rental agreement terms have been followed, your liability will be limited to the applicable excess amount.

Does rental car insurance cover my personal belongings?

No. Personal belongings are not covered and should be protected by your own travel insurance policy.

Can international visitors purchase excess reduction?

Yes. International visitors and New Zealand residents can both choose Accident Excess Reduction.