Camper's Dictionary

Security bond, Calendar day rentals, Collision Damage Waiver - what does it all mean? Check out our campervan jargon dictionary.

Excess

Also known as the ‘Liability’’ or  ‘deductible’
The amount of money you are liable for if you if your vehicle or any third party property is damaged – regardless of who causes the damage or who is at fault. If a supplier’s stated excess is $2000, this means you are liable for up to this amount.

Excess Reduction Insurance

Also known as CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and LDW (Loss Damage Waiver)
A daily insurance that reduces your liability from the stated excess to the stated reduced amount.

Security Bond

Also known as Bond or Security Deposit
Many rental vehicle suppliers require you to leave a Security Bond when you rent a vehicle. This can take the form of a Credit Card imprint, or a physical deduction from your credit card. Some suppliers give you the option of a cash deposit or payment by traveller’s cheque (accepted payment methods are outlined in the supplier terms). This amount is fully refundable on the safe return of the rented vehicle in a clean condition with no damage or missing equipment.

Calendar Day, Nights Rented, 24 Hour Rentals

What do they all mean? Broadly speaking, car rental rates and motorhome rental rates are calculated in different ways.

Car rental rates are most often calculated on a 24 hour basis, whereby if you pick up at 9am today and drop off at 9am tomorrow, that counts as a one day hire. Dropping off at 11am tomorrow would see you charged for 2 days.

On the other hand, Motorhome, RV or campervan rental rates are most often calculated in two other ways - calendar day basis, or a nights rented basis:

Calendar day: Most common for Australia, New Zealand and South Africa rentals.
In this method, regardless of the time you pick up or drop off your vehicle, it counts as a full day's hire. To use the same example, if you picked up at 9am today and returned the vehicle at 9am tomorrow, that would count as a two day rental. Therefore, with motorhomes, to maximise value for your rental cost, you are best returning the vehicle later in the day (ie. half an hour before the depot closes).

Nights Rented Basis: Most Common for USA and Canada RV hires
With this method you are charged for the nights you spend in the RV. Your pick up is generally after 1pm and your drop off is before 10am. It works very similarly to the way hotels room rates are calculated.