Lessons

Not sure why I'm adding this to my blog, although I have wanted this to not only be about the 'happy happy' rose coloured view you can get when you're on holiday. I wanted to give an honest account of my travels. 

Also, if any of this information, or these thoughts, can help another in the future, then I can feel it was worth it

....so I'm sitting here now, ever so slightly gutted as I stupidly, this morning, looked through my rental agreement from the company I rented from - Travellers-Autobarn - and the agent Motorhome Republic.

Why I did this, I don't know because the rental time is over and  - Tip 1 - which we all know - read the rental agreement at the time of purchase - not after. ..... but Travellors-Autobarn gave me a copy when I returned the vehicle - which was fun at the time as it told me I had driven 3935 km (2445 miles) - plus they sent it to me in an email later in the day.

So comparing the two agreements I realised I had paid twice for insurance.

I'm going to say this now - Tip 2 - always book direct instead of going through an agent. 9 times out of 10 you'll get a better deal (although, for the actual rental, for me was the same) and things will just be simpler!

so - going back to insurance - I had bought a policy at the time of booking to cover my excess. It was called Protection Plus excess refund insurance. I think this means that if you have an accident and have to pay the excess - in this case $3500 - the insurance company will refund it. The policy cost me £437.61

now - I booked this all back in November, when I was in Sydney, and I knew I had bought insurance of some kind.....I even remember telling the couple from Chile the cost of my rental included insurance!

But I guess, when I arrived to collect the van in Auckland, I had been on a delayed, night flight and was sleep deprived and extremely tired.........

....this is not an excuse, mind. 

someone as careful with money as me, and at my age and with experience, I should not have fallen into this trap!

Travellers - Autobarn had the details of my rental, and the extras I'd added - like the cooker, chairs and sleeping bag - but of course - no details of any insurance

so - they sold me insurance which covered everything - tyres, windscreen, excess - another £372. It was also called Protection Plus $0 bond - almost the same name! - they lay it on thick about all the money you'll have to pay if something happens. Also in New Zealand, it's not illegal if you don't have insurance, so they give you the scenario of - "if someone crashes into you without insurance..." blah blah blah...

I don't know why, but I had forgotten and didn't check my rental details from the agent, which I couldn't print off, but was saved on my laptop.

So - there - a lot of money wasted. How annoying, when I had gone to so much trouble to save money by camping for free. 

- Bloody hell -  I could have been fined for Non Freedom camping - twice!! (the fine is $400) - or I could have gone on a helicopter flight over the glaciers .... well, half of one.

I have to say though that I preferred these campsites to the busy, noisy, expensive ones, even with all the facilities.

And I have had such a wonderful experience and trip in my camper, that I hate for this to spoil it in my mind. I am trying really hard to let it go - put it down to 'experience' - again - which I will......

So Tip 3 - don't get stung at the rental desk for expensive (or even double) insurance! - 

Check if you can purchase it cheaper online and also - check your travel insurance which can include car rentals sometimes!

I have emailed both companies - with the 'query' and spoken to a very nice chap called Don, from Motorhome Republic, who said he will look into it and get back to me, but I'm not holding out a lot of hope. After all, it really was my own fault for not checking, and not being canny.

They are definitely set up though, to grab as much money from you as they can!

There......I feel better already, just getting it out there.

Lesson learned........once more.

I just need to be very careful when I arrive in Malaysia, as I will be tired once again.