What Happens if my New Zealand Car Rental Breaks Down?

Booking your New Zealand car rental online is extremely quick and easy, but before you confirm your booking, it is always a good idea to check out what you may or may not have to pay for if your car rental breaks down.

Tips on What To Do if your New Zealand Car Rental Breaks Down?

New Zealand is generally a safe and welcoming environment for travellers. So if your car rental breaks down, you may well find that a local or passing driver stops to lend you a hand. It is always wise to be cautious about strangers, even well-meaning ones, however, and if you are travelling on your own, or feel uncomfortable for any reason, politely decline any offers of help and follow the guidelines given to you by your car rental company.
Getting a rental car 'fixed' by an unauthorised mechanic or other party may invalidate your rental agreement, so you should also be careful about what you allow to be done to your rental car.
Most car rentals are covered by breakdown assistance, which is provided by affiliated mechanics belonging to the AA or other nationwide motoring organisation. These mechanics will be clearly identifiable from the roadside by their vehicle and personal identification.
You can request breakdown assistance as per the instructions of your car rental company, usually 24 hours a day. It is always a good idea to travel with a phone card for use in public telephone kiosks, if you are unable to borrow a cellphone or other land-line. Many public telephone kiosks in New Zealand do not accept cash (coins).