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Insurance, Liability and Roadside Assistance

This page explains what’s covered when you hire a motorcycle from Explore Motorcycle Rentals Limited, what you’re responsible for, and how our bonds and excesses work.

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WHAT YOU'R COVERED FOR

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  • Public Liability: Up to $2,000,000 for third‑party property damage or personal injury arising from use of our motorcycles in New Zealand (subject to policy terms and exclusions).

  • Statutory Liability: Up to $1,000,000 in total for the period, covering certain unintentional breaches of statute (subject to policy terms and exclusions).

  • Vehicle Insurance: Our motorcycles are insured for accidental loss or damage with a standard excess per incident (see “Excesses” below).

Important: These summaries do not replace the full policy wordings. Coverage is always subject to the insurer’s terms, conditions, exclusions and endorsements.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED FOR HIRERS
 

  • No cover for theft or non‑return by the hirer. If the bike is stolen or not returned while in your possession, you will forfeit your security/ins excess pre-authorisation (see “Security/Ins excess”).

  • No cover for carrying fare‑paying passengers or towing for reward.

  • No cover for damage occurring outside agreed driving hours or prohibited uses.

  • Mechanical breakdown of listed vehicle parts is generally excluded (engine/gearbox/brakes/electrical etc.) unless damage is the direct result of a covered event under the policy.

  • Communicable disease and cyber‑related liabilities are excluded.

  • Other standard exclusions in the policy apply (e.g., intentional or reckless damage, illegal use, impairment, racing, airside operations, etc.).

SECURITY/INS EXCESS PRE-AUTHORISATION
 

​A security pre-authorisation will be placed on the renter's credit or debit card before the motorcycle is released. The amount of the pre-authorisation will be based on the renter's applicable damage excess, plus an additional NZ $500 security amount. The security pre authorisation is not an additional rental charge or an additional damage excess. It is a temporary hold on the renter's available funds and is held as security for amounts that may become payable by the renter under this agreement. The security pre-authorisation may be used to cover the renter's applicable damage excess following an incident for which the renter is liable, as well as other reasonable costs or charges for which the renter is responsible for under this agreement. These may include but are not limited to: Damage or loss of motorcycle. Damage or loss of supplied luggage accessories, keys, or equipment. Recovery, towing, or transport costs. Excessive cleaning. Fuel charges. Late return charges. Traffic, parking, toll, infringement or other charges incurred during the rental period for which the renter is responsible. The additional NZ $500 security amount is not part of the renters damage excess. It provides additional security for other amounts that may be come payable under this rental agreement, including minor damage or other reasonible costs for which the renter is responsible. Explore Motorcycle Rentals Ltd will not automatically retain the full pre-authorisation amount. Only amounts properly payable by the renter under this rental agreement may be charged or retained. Following the return and inspection of the motorcycle, the applicable amount will be released from the pre-authorisation once any damage or other outstanding charges have been assessed. Where no amount is payable by the renter, the full pre-authorisation amount will be released. Where only part of the pre authorisation is required the remaining amount will be released. If the amount properly payable by the renter exceeds the amount available under the security pre-authorisation, the renter remains responsible for the outstanding balance. By accepting the motorcycle, the renter authorises Explore Motorcycle Rentals Ltd to charge the payment method provided for any amount properly payable under this rental agreement.

EXCESS (WHAT YOU PAY IF THERE IS A CLAIM)
 

The insurance excess is the amount you must contribute per incident. The smallest excess that applies is shown here; other additional excesses can apply based on circumstances.

  • Standard vehicle excess: $500 minimum.​​

  • Off‑road use: Additional $1,500 excess if damage occurs off‑road.

  • Under‑age additional excesses:

    • Drivers 21–25: +$1,000

    • Drivers under 21: +$2,000

  • Liability (third‑party) section excess: $0 standard, but some liability sub‑limits have their own excesses (e.g., Vibration/Removal of Support $2,500, Exemplary Damages $5,000).

Notes:

  • If multiple excesses apply (e.g., age + off‑road), they are cumulative.

  • Certain uses (e.g., hire‑for‑reward, fare‑paying passengers) are excluded rather than charged an excess.
     

YOU'R RESPONSIBILITIES
 

  • You are responsible for the bike while it’s in your possession, including safe parking, securing the steering lock, and using the supplied security devices.

  • You must follow NZ road rules and our rental terms (no impairment, no racing, no beach riding, no water immersion, no unauthorised riders).

  • You must notify us immediately of any accident, theft, loss, or damage and obtain a police report number where required.

  • Tyres, consumables and minor wear from normal use are your responsibility unless resulting from an insured event.

ROADSIDE RESCUE - 24/7
 

All hires include SMARTpak Roadside Rescue for light vehicles:

  • 24/7 assistance across New Zealand

  • Unlimited call‑outs

  • The vehicle is covered regardless of who is driving (must be an authorised hirer or named rider)

If you have a breakdown:

  • Call 0800 768 725 (0800 SMT PAK).

  • Then contact our team so we can coordinate next steps.

Note: Roadside Rescue is for breakdown assistance. It does not cover theft, fuel contamination, or recovery from prohibited areas. Costs caused by rider error or misuse may be on‑charged.

HOW CLAIMS WORK
 

  1. Ensure everyone is safe and call emergency services if needed.

  2. For theft, vandalism, or third‑party incidents, call Police and obtain a reference number.

  3. Contact us promptly with details and photos.

  4. We’ll guide you through repairs, assessment, and any excess payable. Where applicable, the excess is charged against your bond.

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