Interested in reducing your excess?
Accidents can happen to even the most careful drivers. Whilst the vehicle is in your care you are responsible for any damage, this includes damage caused by events you can’t control, such as a hailstorm, or the vehicle being hit while parked. Camplify offers hirers excess reduction packages to reduce the hirer’s liability in cases of damage caused by such events or accidentally caused by the hirer or an authorised driver.
| Offroad camper – Excess cost per day | Risk Taker | Happy Camper |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Excess Package | $29 AUD | $49 AUD |
Accident Excess & Off-Road Cover
When you hire a 4WD camper from Open Shell Adventures, your booking is handled through the Camplify platform. As part of every booking, Camplify applies an Accident Excess Reduction (AER) package, which sets the maximum amount you may be liable to pay if there is accidental damage to the vehicle or third-party property during your trip.
This page explains, in plain English, how accident excess works for our Oyster 4x4 campers, especially for off-road and unsealed road travel in Western Australia. It is a guide only – the final and binding terms are always the official Camplify AER and Hirer Rules shown during your booking.
Key Things to Know
- All hires include a compulsory Accident Excess Reduction (AER) package via Camplify.
- The AER determines the maximum excess amount per incident, depending on the package you choose.
- Our vehicles are built for off-road and unsealed road use, but only within the conditions allowed under Camplify’s off-road rules.
- Some types of damage (for example, reckless use, underbody damage or rule breaches) may not be covered by AER and can remain fully at your cost.
- The exact excess amount and daily AER cost are displayed on your Camplify booking before payment.
What Is Accident Excess?
Accident excess is the maximum amount you may be required to pay if there is damage to the 4WD camper while it is in your care. This can include damage from an accident, weather events, vandalism, or the vehicle being hit while parked, subject to Camplify’s AER inclusions and exclusions.
Camplify offers different Accident Excess Reduction options (for example, a lower daily cost with a higher excess versus a higher daily cost with a lower excess). You choose the option that best matches your risk appetite and budget during the booking process.
Important: AER is not a full insurance policy and does not cover every scenario. If you breach the hire rules, drive recklessly, or allow an unauthorised driver to use the vehicle, you may be fully liable for all damage costs.
On-Road vs Off-Road / Unsealed Road Use
Our Oyster 4x4 campers are designed for real adventure – that includes unsealed roads and 4WD access tracks. However, off-road use is only covered if it fits within Camplify’s off-road conditions and the correct AER has been selected for your hire type.
| Hire Type | Where You Can Drive | Examples | Excess & Cover Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard On-Road Use | Sealed, gazetted public roads in good condition, within Australia, and locations agreed with the owner through your booking. | Highways, bitumen regional roads, town streets, sealed access roads to holiday parks and campgrounds. | Accident Excess Reduction (AER) applies in line with the package you choose on Camplify, subject to normal eligibility and exclusions (for example, no reckless use, no prohibited uses). |
| Approved Off-Road / Unsealed Use | Gazetted unsealed roads and 4WD-suitable access roads to recognised campgrounds, generally less than a set distance from the main road (for example, short access tracks). | Graded gravel roads, national park access tracks in good condition, short 4WD access into established campgrounds and recreation areas, as agreed with us. | An off-road-appropriate AER package must be selected on Camplify. Off-road use is still subject to strict rules – certain types of damage (e.g. underbody, suspension, or drive-train damage from misuse) may not be covered and may remain at your cost. |
Always: check your route with us if you’re unsure. Extreme tracks, deep sand, water crossings, rock crawling, beaches and remote off-grid locations may fall outside the allowed use and may void cover if not agreed in advance.
What Accident Excess May Not Cover
Even with Accident Excess Reduction, there are situations where you may be fully responsible for damage. While you should always refer to the official Camplify AER terms and Hirer Rules, common examples include:
- Using the vehicle in a prohibited way or ignoring the owner’s rules listed on Camplify.
- Reckless or dangerous driving, including driving beyond conditions the track or vehicle is suited for.
- Taking the vehicle to locations that have not been approved or agreed as part of your hire.
- Underbody, suspension, or drive-train damage caused by improper off-road use.
- Overhead damage from hitting branches, structures, car parks or low-clearance obstacles.
- Water-related damage from improper crossings, submersion, or water ingress into the cabin or engine bay.
- Driving while intoxicated, driving without a valid licence, or allowing an unauthorised driver to operate the vehicle.
Note: Your personal belongings are generally not covered by vehicle AER. We strongly recommend separate travel insurance for your gear and personal items.
How the Accident Excess Is Charged
Accident excess is handled directly by Camplify, not Open Shell Adventures. Typically:
- Camplify places a pre-authorisation or hold on your card before the hire commences for the applicable excess amount.
- If no damage is reported and the vehicle is returned in acceptable condition, that hold is released after the hire period.
- If there is damage, Camplify may charge up to the excess amount while the incident is assessed and resolved.
Exact timing and amounts are controlled by Camplify’s systems and processes. You will see the specific excess amount and AER package details during the booking process before you pay.
Your Responsibilities as a Driver
To make sure your accident excess reduction remains valid, you must:
- Hold a valid, correct-class driver’s licence and meet age/eligibility limits shown on the Camplify listing.
- List all authorised drivers on the booking and ensure no one else drives the vehicle.
- Drive to the conditions, especially on unsealed or corrugated roads.
- Follow the pre-hire and post-hire checklist process through Camplify, including photos where requested.
- Report any accident, damage, or incident as soon as possible through the Camplify platform.
Important Disclaimer
This page is a general guide only and is provided by Open Shell Adventures to help you understand how accident excess and off-road cover typically operate when booking our 4WD campers through Camplify.
The official and binding terms are always those set out by Camplify in their Accident Excess Reduction (AER) documentation, Hirer Rules, and your individual booking confirmation. In the event of any inconsistency, the Camplify terms take precedence.
If you have any questions about where you can take the vehicle, what’s considered off-road, or what is and isn’t covered, please contact us before you travel. We’re here to help you plan your trip safely and with clear expectations.
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