Protection & excess cover for RV rentals - Motorhome Republic

A holiday is wonderful, a holiday with peace of mind is even better. Protection is one of those details that we would rather forget about in favour of itineraries and activities, but it is an important part of travel planning and one that should be squared away before you depart. Renting a motorhome brings with it some unique things to consider, but fortunately Motorhome Republic can make this process a stress free one. This article is intended to simplify those details in a few short sentences so that you can enjoy an adventurous and nomadic journey with no worries.

Protection included with every rental

Generally, a degree of protection will come part and parcel of your motorhome rental. Suppliers are not often willing to rent out their vehicles completely uninsured, so they include protection in the rental price. The level of protection varies - most basic protection options have a hefty excess of several thousand dollars, and may not include protection for things like tyre or windscreen damage. The rental company may retain a bond on your credit card, which may equal the excess the rental company hold you liable for if there is damage to the vehicle upon it’s return.

When booking a particular vehicle on Motorhome Republic, you will be given the choice of the supplier’s protection options. These vary between companies, with some offering extensive protection at added cost and others offering a variety of plans with different excess amounts - this being the amount to be paid before the protection kicks in. It's a good idea to read the terms and conditions to understand exactly what is and isn't insured. 

If you have an accident or otherwise damage the motorhome during your travels, you will need to immediately contact your rental supplier and have them arrange for whatever repairs are required. As long as you haven't breached the supplier's terms and conditions (for example, driving on the beach if this was prohibited), the excess will be taken from your bond, and everything else covered by the protection policy - unless it is a specific type of damage which is not included.

Excess Protection

Where supplier protection can't aid you, Motorhome Republic offers protection on behalf of RentalCover.com and Riverside Underwriting - depending on where you live. This is a separate protection product with policies tailored to the customer, and it will take care of your excess so that you're free to travel in tranquillity. It is a reimbursement protection, so after you have paid any excess required and as long as you have driven within the terms and conditions of the rental agreement and policy, you will be reimbursed up to the amount stated in the policy.

Excess Refund Protection is available to customers from many different countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic. It covers a range of mishaps that could befall the motorhome traveller. These include weather-related claims, fire damage, damage to tyres, windscreens and glass (often excluded from supplier policies), collisions with animals, theft or attempted theft, towing costs and more.

Both RentalCover.com's and Riverside Underwriting's policies also cover a few extras, including protection for lost or stolen keys, administration costs and loss of use fees.

Why take independent excess refund protection?

While many rental companies offer their own version of excess protection, the independent excess refund protection we offer here at Motorhome Republic on behalf of different underwriters has several advantages.

• Customers will have an advocate who can help them with the claim process and also help them to work with the rental company to square away all the details.

• Policies have well-established underwriters and protection holders which are local to their part of the world.

• The independent excess refund protection covers a range of damages sometimes excluded by the rental company's excess protection. For example, tyres and windscreens.

Taking out excess protection can seem like an unnecessary cost when you are planning your holiday, but when you are in a pinch it will be a huge relief to know that you are covered. When booking your next adventure, make sure you are protected against unexpected events and set off to explore your destination with no worries weighing on your mind.