Hobart Car Rental - Do You Get The "Insurance"?

JuryWheel on 28/10/2024 - 12:11

HI All

Wife and I are heading down to Tassie to do the 3 Capes Track hike and are planning on hiring a car from the airport, staying the night in Hobart first, then driving down to Port Arthur where we leave the car for 3 nights, before driving back to the airport again.

Couple of quick questions: - any suggested car hire companies or are they all the same?
Do people always/never/sometimes get the "insurance" by paying around $35 a day to bring it from a whopping $5-6000 excess to zero? Do you get it through a separate company instead for a better deal eg Prosura which is advertised through vroomvroom and is around $20 a day instead?

Thanks

Travel Car Rental Hobart Insurance Tasmania

Comments

  • Duckie2hh on 28/10/2024 - 12:16
    +6

    Do people always/never/sometimes get the "insurance" by paying around $35 a day to bring it from a whopping $5-6000 excess to zero?

    never

    • WhyAmICommenting on 29/10/2024 - 15:43
      +3

      “I also like to live dangerously”

      You’re just opening yourself up to them using you to fix problems for them. Make sure you take lots of photos if you go this way.

      • borrisz0r on 30/10/2024 - 07:05
        +5

        Yeah I'm gonna call BS on this. I travel a reasonable amount, around 10-12 times per year, and always need a rental car when doing so.

        I've never upgraded insurance, and I've never had an issue as you have outlined. Just use a reputable company.

        If you are worried about the potential costs of repair if you were in an accident, you can get 3rd party insurance that is a fraction of the price. I wouldn't be paying $35 per day for convenience insurance.

  • Boioioioi on 28/10/2024 - 12:21
    +9

    Always

  • Mechz on 28/10/2024 - 12:22

    Sometimes

  • joshjosh210 on 28/10/2024 - 12:26
    +8

    I went to TAS last year. I didn't purchase the extra insurance but wish I had done something.
    Nothing went wrong - but I was a bit stressed the entire time I could be liable for that huge excess, especially with the amount of wildlife on the roads.

  • Guy Incognito on 28/10/2024 - 12:29
    +30

    I never get it - I purchase domestic travel insurance and ensure it covers car rental excess.

    • boomramada on 28/10/2024 - 13:52
      +15

      Or get excess insurance https://www.carhireexcess.com.au/

      • sumyungguy on 28/10/2024 - 15:51
        +3

        Or RentalCover.com; (sorry @bdl, just saw you had posted this already)
        I find domestic travel insurance works for longer trips

      • WhyAmICommenting on 29/10/2024 - 15:43

        Wow, this actually exists.

        • sumyungguy on 29/10/2024 - 15:49

          Have you been buying it over-the-counter? Works ok for international but too expensive for domestic.

          • webbj on 29/10/2024 - 21:40

            @sumyungguy: You can find a 12month, domestic policy that covers multi trip and cover hire car insurance excess for under $300

            And often as low as a $50 excess.

            • sumyungguy on 29/10/2024 - 22:35

              @webbj: Probs not clear, but I was saying that zero excess purchased from the rental company works overseas (e.g USA) but in Australia the policies are much more expensive per day than the rental excess insurers. I'm doing a 7-day car hire in Tasmania next Feb; $65 for a Qantas domestic travel policy (zero excess) but I'm renting with Bargain so need the additional coverage of Rentalcover.com $88. But if I was travelling for up to 5-days RentalCover.com or Baaaney the blue sheep would be cheaper. Also, few low cost domestic policies cover a $5.5K excess

    • Alexxx on 29/10/2024 - 17:55

      This is the way. Also covered any travel delays, theft and the rest during your travel.

  • justworld on 28/10/2024 - 12:41
    +11

    Your credit card may already come with rental excess cover.

    Otherwise, I see no reason to buy it. $35 a day to bring a $6000 excess to zero assumes that you will have an at-fault accident once in every 171 days or twice a year. Unless that's been your driving history, it makes no sense at all.

    I wouldn't even buy car insurance generally except that I can't protect against other drivers' actions, so I have to buy it. Not applicable to a rental car though where the excess is only charged if you're at fault.

    I wouldn't buy medical insurance except that I have to pay a massive surcharge if I don't get it.

    I don't buy disability or income protection insurance. All shit value.

    The only worthwhile insurance is home insurance.

    • JuryWheel on 28/10/2024 - 12:47
      +1

      We have an Amex Explorer which apparently covers it (at least in part)

      • stumo on 30/10/2024 - 13:57

        Check your T&C's because you usually have to book BOTH the flights AND the car on the card to qualify. Bonus is you often get the built-in travel insurance when booking the flight on it.

    • AustriaBargain on 28/10/2024 - 13:13
      +8

      You are driving on unfamiliar roads though, usually when you rent a car.

      • justworld on 28/10/2024 - 13:56
        -1

        Hobart airport to Hobart to Port Arthur is about as simple driving as can be…just 2/4 lane highway the whole time.

    • sumyungguy on 28/10/2024 - 15:55
      +5

      You're likely to be billed the excess when not at-fault then have to chase the rental company for a refund. And you may have to cash flow the $6K as it may take months to resolve. I buy out the excess even for a 1-day dealer service courtesy car. Likelihood of damage to a motor vehicle = high.

      • Grunntt on 29/10/2024 - 09:22

        I buy out the excess even for a 1-day dealer service courtesy car.

        I'm always surprised when people tell me they didn't realise there is a huge excess on these.
        The ones I have spoken to recently seemed to believe there is absolutely no cost to them as it's a 'courtesy' car.
        I've had to show them the written detail before a couple would believe me.

    • Ryanek on 29/10/2024 - 09:42
      +3

      You don't need insurance until you need it.

  • oscargamer on 28/10/2024 - 12:46

    Are you taking out holiday insurance? If so, the excess is usually covered by that.

    • JuryWheel on 28/10/2024 - 12:47

      Wasnt planning on it, no.

      • oscargamer on 28/10/2024 - 13:02
        +1

        Why not have a look and see what it costs?

      • brad1-8tsi on 28/10/2024 - 21:40
        +4

        I'd suggest you take out travel insurance in case you need a medi-vac from the hike. The helicopter ride is quite expensive.

        My partner & I did 3 Capes last year. She went back at Xmas and did the Southern Track with Tasmanian Walking Tours. One of her fellow hikers tripped on Day 1 and cut his head quite badly (12 stitches). His $4000 emergency helicopter ride was covered by his travel insurance.

        • JuryWheel on 28/10/2024 - 22:37

          Thanks for the tip - I'll look into it.

          Any tips for the 3 capes?

          • oscargamer on 29/10/2024 - 07:10
            +4

            @JuryWheel: Don't trip

          • zazutata on 30/10/2024 - 10:54
            +1

            @JuryWheel: We've done the 3 Capes and a lot of other walks in Victoria and Tasmania with varying degrees of comfort/challlenge. Feel free to message me for any tips and info.

  • jv on 28/10/2024 - 13:11
    -8

    Do You Get The "Insurance"?

    Insurance is included in the price.

  • bdl on 28/10/2024 - 15:15
    +2

    Do this instead: https://rentalcover.com/en

    • fixxundfertig on 29/10/2024 - 08:41
      +2

      Definitely this. Get third party insurance for rental cars. Never go for the cover offered by the rental company as you're paying a lazy tax, a massive convenience fee as they know they have you over their knee. Not enough people know about third party rental cover.

    • Rockhard on 29/10/2024 - 16:28

      Thanks for this information. Just wondering if anyone made a claim with them and if it's hassle free or they make you go through hoops

      • txb on 29/10/2024 - 21:00

        Yes, I have used rentalcover when I made a claim on a rental overseas. Very straightforward claims process but the trade off as someone below also explains is you are to pay your excess &/or damages upfront after an incident and claim the amount back from Rentalcover rather than paying for an expensive $0 excess waiver and peace of mind at the rental desk.

        If I recall correctly, they asked for your licence details, copy of rental agreement, damage report, itemised invoice, copy of payment (excerpt of a credit card statement showing it was paid, for example), they'll ask about the incident and go through standard questions to check the conditions of the claim are in line with PDS coverage. My claim was for scratches on the body so a police report was not necessary.

        From claim to reimbursement it took about 1-2 weeks. They pay you in the currency the rental agency billed your repairs in so have a foreign currency accepting account that won't eat you in conversion fees.

  • Fredfloresjr on 28/10/2024 - 15:37
    +1

    tbh, I would and I always do. I just don't like dramas if something goes wrong. Insurance costs are always included on our holiday savings. Otherwise, if you have excess $6000, don't buy it. I'd rather have peace of mind while on a holiday. Imagine hitting a sheep while driving and only to found out your credit card won't cover it lol. Cheap sheep tho, only 6g.

  • zathras on 28/10/2024 - 16:48

    Check your normal car insurance policy, it may already be included on that….or you may be able to add it.

    "If you have either type of RAA Comprehensive Car Insurance, you can add Hire Car Cover to your policy. Whether you're on an interstate holiday or on your daily drive around SA, this extra cover will keep you moving." https://www.raa.com.au/motor/car-insurance/hire-car-cover

    • Grunntt on 29/10/2024 - 09:28

      If you hire a car from a hire car company anywhere in Australia and it's damaged or stolen, we'll pay the excess you owe the hire car company (up to $4,000). You'll just need to pay us your RAA basic excess.

      If you are with the RAA that looks like there's a limit of $4000 as well as having to pay your standard excess as well.
      I'd be looking at RentalCover.com - it looks like it offers a lot more relatively cheaply.

  • t0ny84 on 28/10/2024 - 17:23
    +1

    Car Hire
    https://bargaincarrentals.com.au
    10% Promo Code - COMEBACK10

    Have used them in Tasmania and Victoria and had no issues, they price match as well (got price match for a 3rd party site price).

    Excess \ Travel Insurance
    Recently spent 5 days in Melbourne and got a hire car whilst down there, got travel insurance with Budget Direct as it was like $70 for the 5 days and included more things than just the excess and was only around $65.00.

    • Brianqpr on 30/10/2024 - 10:34

      Yes I used them in Tas and Cairns. No issues.

    • sumyungguy on 30/10/2024 - 10:58

      Just beware Bargain's included insurance now excludes hail & storm damage, tyres & windscreen among other risks. If you go with domestic travel cover, the excess insurance may be limited to the base coverage of your rental car. Rentalcover.com and Car Hire Excess cover tyres, windshields, headlights, wheels, overhead, underbody, lost keys, and towing even if these aren't covered by the rental company.

  • plmko on 28/10/2024 - 18:08

    For Tasmania, yes.

  • brad1-8tsi on 28/10/2024 - 21:36
    +2

    Catch the bus down to Port Arthur. The bus leaves from down at the docks/wharf. No need to stay the night before at PA.

    You can get another bus back from the end point to PA, grab a much deserved coffee/drink and then bus back to Hobart.

    It's a good hike. Lots to see.

    You can travel fairly light. For night one we took some frozen chicken & fresh vegetables. For the other nights we took a combination of freeze dried vegetarian curries/stews and some fresh vegetables to add to them. The people that had "meaty" things didn't seem overly happy with their choices. The kitchens are really well equipped.

    • JuryWheel on 28/10/2024 - 22:44

      Thanks - we'll have a look at the bus option

  • AngoraFish on 28/10/2024 - 22:49
    +1

    When I took my own car to Tasmania last Christmas someone backed into my car in three different carparks in just two weeks.

    As some others have said, get a third party policy to cover the excess.

    • snappy1234 on 29/10/2024 - 10:16
      +2

      Much harder driving with 2 heads

      • AngoraFish on 29/10/2024 - 11:27
        +1

        It's great for trivia nights though.

  • Gaz1 on 29/10/2024 - 16:15
    +1

    For short rentals I pay the rental car cover as the $ saving is not that much to not have to worry about things.
    For longer rentals I use rentalcover, tripcover, etc or the credit card cover.
    The main downside to 3rd party cover is that you need to pay the excess yourself if somethign happens & then go through the hassle of claiming it back (hoping they don't find a loophole).
    I remember a short rental I took out some time ago I took the $0 excess option & asked if there was anything I had to be aware of. He said "No, even if something bad happens & you are just left with a front bumper, just bring that back & no cost to you". I was so tempted to borrow a front bumper for that model of car from a wreckers, park the car out of sight at the end of the rental & bring back to bumper for a laugh!

  • gromit on 29/10/2024 - 17:20

    NEVER from the hire company. far cheaper to find an online insurer for hire cars, they will generally be a fraction of the price.

  • soaringphoenix on 29/10/2024 - 17:54
    -1

    I wouldn't get it because you have to pay extra for it. Why pay $35 a day when you can not pay that?
    I would probably get it if it was free.

  • soaringphoenix on 29/10/2024 - 17:55

    I wouldn't get it because you have to pay extra for it. Why pay $35 a day when you can not pay that?
    I would probably get it if it was free though.

  • Elegant Giant on 29/10/2024 - 20:44

    You've probably got your answer already, but can confirm: $0 excess is the best thing you will do. Crazy womberoos jumping out with no warning caused minor damage, which caused my brother to be charged $4,000 excess. EVERY time I go to Tasmania, $0 excess.

    • JuryWheel on 29/10/2024 - 21:43

      Thanks

    • gromit on 30/10/2024 - 13:59

      no the best thing to do is leave the excess as it is and pick up a much cheaper 3rd party hire car insurance that covers the excess.

  • Randxyz123 on 30/10/2024 - 02:08

    Always get the car hire insurance. If there is a issue for whatever reason after the rental or something as small as a flat tyre, you'll want it.

  • adn on 30/10/2024 - 03:06

    I have used Avis with corporate code in Tassie. Get a hybrid to save petrol. Had a blast driving up mount wellington and the country roads. Will take the weekender car there one day.

    I usually load up the insurance so I don't have to stress

  • Cluster on 30/10/2024 - 09:57

    The one thing I'm curious about is whether car rental companies can actually charge my credit card $6000 for any damage, including a scrape on a bumper. I've been basically threatened with this before when picking up a car. One worker actually said 'so you're happy to pay $6000 if anything at all happens?'.

    I'm renting an EV next month and have looked at third party insurance options. All of them say I need basic insurance on the vehicle (which I assume is the $6000 cover) and they'll pay the $6000 excess if anything happens.

    • sumyungguy on 30/10/2024 - 10:07

      Domestic rental? Vehicle is insured but $6K excess payable if damaged. They won't know the exact cost of any repairs on first inspection so will sting you for the $6K then refund the difference. You can imagine how that usually goes… which is why it's better left to be resolved by another insurer.

  • Brianqpr on 30/10/2024 - 10:32

    Travel insurance that covers the excess plus other stuff is cheaper.

  • morpheous on 30/10/2024 - 12:52

    I rented a 4x4 camper from Autorent and highly recommend them if that's what you are looking for.

    As everyone has stated, just purchase a travel insurance that covers car rentals and don't drive on unpaved roads as no insurance or the rental company covers that.

  • JuryWheel on 30/10/2024 - 12:55

    Anyone suggest a good travel insurance company to use for the 4 days?

    • sumyungguy on 30/10/2024 - 13:02

      If renting with other than Bargain, Qantas. Otherwise the cheapest two options are in the thread already.

  • Jasongood on 30/10/2024 - 13:03
    +1

    I got a Honda CRV from East Coast Car Rental for 4 days from Hobart Airpot to Launceston Airport at $273, I think it's a steal.
    Paid by ANZ QFF Black so it covers the rental.

  • idalla on 30/10/2024 - 14:05

    Doesn’t the three capes still come with minibus transfer from the Hobart waterfront?

    Edit: Pennicott does it for $35 pp each way. I’d choose that rather than leave a car for several days.

    • JuryWheel on 30/10/2024 - 15:35

      Had definitely considered this, but the pennicott one leaves Hobart at 7.45am, otherwise Gray line offer one that leaves at 8.45am. We are taking the later boat (doesnt leave PA until 2pm) so would have a lot of time to kill and we were also planning on going to the supermarket in the morning to pickup some of our food (rather than bringing it from Melb) and having a mild sleep in (were going to leave Hobart by car around 11.30). The bus is $140-180 return for two adults - and we would still need to add a bus from the Airport to Hobart (and return) too so a car didnt really seem all that more expensive……

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