Insurance
Hiring a car should feel exciting — not stressful. This page explains how insurance works at Dream Drives, what "excess" means, and how excess reduction can give you greater peace of mind while exploring the South Island.
Excess reduction options and pricing are confirmed during booking and vary by vehicle.
Daily add-on: Included
Excess payable: $2,500 per incident
Covered: Basic third-party + collision damage
Not covered: Windscreens/glass, tyres, wheels, lost keys, minor damage
Note: Full excess applies to all damage under this option.
Best for: short trips / comfortable with higher excess
Daily add-on: $30/day
Range Rover Sport V8: $60/day
Excess payable: $1,500 per incident
Benefits: Lower liability if something goes wrong
Does not cover: Windscreen damage, tyre damage, cosmetic or structural wheel damage, lost keys
A strong middle ground if you want lower risk without full cover.
Best for: touring / unfamiliar conditions / general peace of mind
Daily add-on: $52/day
Range Rover Sport V8: $95/day
Excess payable: $500 per incident
Includes: Windscreen repairs/replacement, tyre damage (punctures/cuts/blowouts), cosmetic wheel damage (scuffs/light scratches), lost key replacement
Excludes: Structural wheel damage (cracks/bends), negligent use, prohibited roads/off-road, key delivery costs
Maximum peace of mind for long distances and rural travel.
Best for: South Island road trips / remote destinations / premium vehicles
Full details are outlined in our Terms & Conditions.
At pickup we place a flat NZ$1,000 pre-authorisation (security bond) on your card for every hire — the same amount for all vehicles and protection tiers.
If no issues occur, the hold is released after the vehicle is returned.
If damage occurs, we charge up to the applicable excess and release any remainder.
Additional charges may be invoiced after your hire (for example tolls, fines, or damage assessments). Outstanding post-hire amounts may be referred to third-party recovery partners, including international recovery where applicable, as set out in our Terms & Conditions.
Choose your vehicle and confirm excess reduction options during booking.