Frequently Asked Questions
How costs are calculated
If I pick up my vehicle at 2.30pm on a Saturday and drop it off before 2.30pm on the following Saturday is this counted as a 7 day hire?
No, hires are calculated on a daily rate not a 24 hour basis. Therefore the first and last days are both counted when calculating the number of hire days, regardless of the time you pick up or drop off the vehicle. The above example would be an 8 day hire.
Payment of costs
When do I have to pay the hire costs?
A non refundable deposit of NZ$400 is payable immediately on receipt of confirmation. Payment of the balance must reach United Vehicle Rentals' Auckland office no later than 28 days prior to the pick up date. Full payment information will be provided with the booking confirmation. Cancellation conditions apply.
Cancellation and Refunds
If I cancel my booking will my deposit be refunded?
No, the deposit will not be refunded. Refer to Terms and Conditions to see our cancellation policy. We recommend you take adequate Travel Insurance which may cover you for cancellation fees in certain circumstances.
Change of Drop Off Location
Can I change my drop off location at any time?
No. Once travel has commenced a change of drop off location is always subject to confirmation by United Vehicle Rentals and may incur the full cost of repositioning the vehicle to the original drop off location reserved.
Travel Insurance
I have Travel Insurance which covers damage to the vehicle. Do I need to pay the United Vehicle Rental Ltd vehicle insurance as well?
Some Travel Insurance policies make provision for you to be able to cover all or part of the Excess of NZ$5,000. However, you should be aware that you must still pay a Bond to United Vehicle Rentals . If payment is by credit card, then NZ$5,000 will immediately be debited from the credit card account. Should you have an accident, then you make a claim from your travel insurance provider. Payment of the NZ$5,000 Bond is per incident and should damage be incurred to the hired vehicle or third party property, a further Bond payment will be required.
The Bond is fully refundable on return of the vehicle to the agreed depot and on the agreed drop off date, clean and undamaged, with no damage to third party property and with a full tank of fuel and empty toilet cassette.
Can I reduce my excess to zero?
There are two options to reduce your excess:
Is there cover for the tyres and windscreen?
United's Standard Rates include tyre repair and/or replacement.
United's All Inclusive Rates include tyre repair and/or replacement AND multiple windscreen replacement.
Mininum hire period
What is the minimum hire period?
A minimum of 7 days applies to all hires days except for all vehicle pick ups between 20 December and 02 January where the minimum hire period will be fourteen (14) days.
For one way hires between the two United Vehicle Rentals Depots (Auckland and Christchurch) a minimum of 14 days applies at all times.
One Way Fee
Is there a one way hire fee between Auckland and Christchurch?
No, United does not charge a one way fee but please note the 14 day minimum hire period for one way hires.
Road User's Tax
Does United Vehicle Rentals charge for the Road User's Tax (Diesel Tax)?
No, this is included in your hire fee.
Short Hire Refunds
Is there a refund if I shorten my hire while on holiday?
No, there is no refund if you return your vehicle earlier than the reserved period.
Driver’s Licence
Do I need a special licence to drive a United vehicle?
No. As long as you are 21 years of age or older and hold a current valid driver's licence, your country of origin licence is acceptable. However, non-English licence holders must either carry a certified English translation of their licence or an International Driving Permit while driving. A normal car licence is all that is required to drive any United Campervan vehicle. No heavy vehicle, or other special category, licence is required. No maximum age limit applies providing an appropriate valid licence is held by the hirer. The English translation referred to must be issued by one of the following authorities:
- The New Zealand Translation Service
- A diplomatic representative at a High Commission, Embassy or Consulate
- The authority that issued your overseas driver’s licence
Depots
Where are your Depots located?
United Vehicle Rentals has depots in Auckland and Christchurch, both conveniently located near to the International and Domestic Airports.
Vehicle delivery
Can United Vehicle Rentals deliver a vehicle to my overnight accommodation?
No, it is necessary for you to come to our Depot to collect your vehicle so we are able to complete the necessary documentation, and familiarise you with the operation of the campervan.
Automatic Transmission
Does United Vehicle Rentals have vehicles with automatic transmission?
The United 2 Premier motorhome has automatic transmission. All other vehicles have manual transmission.
Minimum Age
How old do I have to be to hire a United Vehicle Rentals vehicle?
The minimum age for hiring a vehicle is 21 years. There is no maximum age limit.
Extra Drivers
Is there an additional charge for extra drivers?
No, United Vehicle Rentals encourages you to register more than one person to share the driving for safety reasons.
Heating
Is there heating in the vehicle?
Yes, all our vehicles have 240 volt electric heaters. In addition many of the models also have gas heaters. All vehicles have heating in the cab which operates when you are driving. Refer to the Motorhome Fleet page for full details of individual models.
Vehicle Age
How old are the vehicles?
All United Campervans are guaranteed to be under 3 years old.
LPG Refills
If the gas bottle in my vehicle runs out in the first two days of my hire am I entitled to a refund?
Yes. We will refund the cost of if you have to refill your LPG bottle within the first two days of hire. After the first two days any refills are at your own cost.
Equipment
Is equipment included in the vehicle cost?
Yes, every United Vehicle Rentals vehicle is fully equipped at no additional cost to the hirer. Refer to Living Equipment for a complete list of items included.
Luggage
What kind of luggage would you recommend I use?
We recommend soft bags that can be folded and stored away under the bench seats in the vehicles. Alternatively, if you are picking up and dropping off your vehicle from the same depot, your luggage can be stored for you, free of charge, at the depot.
Maps and Camping Park Directories
Do the vehicles have maps and camping park directories?
Yes, all hires include a pack containing road maps, camping park directories, a complimentary New Zealand Road Atlas and other tourist information.
Do I have to pre-book camping parks?
We recommend that you consider making advance bookings for the peak holiday periods from Christmas/New Year to Easter period and bookings may be wise in some of the key tourist centres.
Ferry Bookings
Do I have to pre-book the ferry service across Cook Strait?
It is advisable to pre-book ferry services in advance to avoid any disappointment and inconvenience. During the peak summer season from December to March it is strongly recommended that you do so.
Breakdown Service
Do you have a breakdown service?
Yes, you can contact a United Vehicle Rentals staff member 24 hours a day on our freephone helpline. United Vehicle Rentals has a comprehensive network of Service Agents throughout the country who can assist.
Pets
Can I bring my dog or cat with me?
No. We regret that animals are not permitted to travel in any of United's vehicles.
Transfers
Do you have an Airport shuttle service?
Yes, United Vehicles Rentals operates a mini coach shuttle between Auckland and Christchurch airports and its depots.
ARRIVALS: Complimentary transfers by shuttle between the Airport and Depot are available to United Campervans and Alpha Campervans clients on demand. For transfers from Downtown Hotels or Airport Hotels, clients may use a taxi and will be reimbursed for the cost on presentation of the driver's receipt.
DEPARTURES: Complimentary transfers are available from the Depot to either the International or Domestic Airports by mini coach shuttle and can be arranged by clients on termination of hire. Taxi transfers to other destinations can be arranged at the clients' expense.