Protections & Coverages Protections & Coverages

Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is included in most Budget New Zealand rentals. LDW limits the renter’s responsibility for loss or damage to the Budget vehicle to the standard excess amount.

For further information on LDW and applicable excess amounts please click here. LDW is also known and referred to in New Zealand as Motor Vehicle Insurance (MVI)

Excess Reduction (ER), available online, or Zero Excess, available at the rental counter in participating locations, are optional coverages that further reduces the standard excess.

Please click here for further information. 

In the event of an accident or damage it is important not to panic. Contact the rental location as noted on the rental agreement document.

All accidents involving bodily injury must be reported to the police where the accident occurred. The driver is required to complete and file a Budget incident report. In addition, the driver must complete and file any accident reports required by local authorities.

In the event of an accident or damage, you will be charged the applicable excess amount as stated on your Rental Agreement. Please note that this will be in addition to your estimated rental charges.

Yes you will still be liable to pay the applicable excess amount even if a third party is at fault. Once the fault is established and the third party agrees to pay for the damages, we will refund you the excess.

Windscreen repairs or replacements are not included under the standard motor vehicle cover (LDW). If the windscreen is chipped or damaged the renter is liable for the repair or replacement costs. We recommend considering Roadside Assistance Plus which includes one free front and/or rear windscreen replacement.

If something does cause your vehicle to breakdown, we want to make sure you're back on the road as soon as possible. That's why we include mechanical breakdown assistance as part of our rates. 

Fees will apply for any at fault issues including refuelling, flat battery, tyre replacement, lost keys or keys locked inside the vehicle. Consider one of our optional Roadside Assistance Coverages to cover of these items.

If you are on the road and need assistance please call 0800 652 847 (toll-free within NZ) and help will be on the way.

Roadside Assistance (RSN) and Roadside Assistance Plus (RSP) are optional coverages that provide coverage in the event of at fault issues related to the vehicle. Find out more here.

Simply log in and go to your profile, select the Protections/Coverages section in the My Account page. 

It may take a few days to reflect online, but will automatically update in your profile and apply to future reservations.