Updated June 2026 · By Jamie Wilson, RV Travel Editor
Insurance is the most confusing part of renting a campervan or motorhome — and the most important to get right. This guide explains exactly what's covered, what's not, and how to make sure you're properly protected before you drive off the lot.
Every legitimate RV rental includes third-party liability insurance as a legal requirement. This covers damage or injury to other people and their property if you're at fault in an accident. You are never personally liable for third-party claims — the operator's insurance covers this.
Most rental packages include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Theft Protection, but with a high excess (called a deductible in the US). This means:
| Operator | Standard Excess | Reduced Excess | Zero Excess Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorhome Republic (MHR) | $2,500–5,000 | $500–1,000 | Yes (SuperCover) |
| RVshare (US) | Set by host | Via RVshare Protection | Sometimes |
| Britz / Maui (AU/NZ) | AU$3,000–7,500 | AU$500 | No |
| Jucy / Mighty (AU/NZ) | NZ$2,500–5,000 | NZ$350–500 | Yes (Zero Cover) |
| Apollo (AU/NZ/US) | $2,500–5,000 | $500 | Platinum option |
Usually no. Premium credit cards (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X) include rental car insurance, but most policies explicitly exclude:
Always call your card issuer and ask specifically about motorhome rentals before assuming you're covered.
If your credit card doesn't cover you and you want protection beyond the operator's excess reduction product, consider:
Our recommendation: always purchase the operator's excess reduction product unless you have verified third-party coverage. The peace of mind is worth $20–40/day. A $3,000 deductible from a minor car park incident can ruin a trip.