Are Ferries Public Roadways?

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Hawthy

Member
7 September 2023
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0
1
Looking at buying travel insurance for a driving holiday in New Zealand. Part of the trip includes the ferry trip from Wellington to Picton. The rental company is fine with taking the hire car on the ferry (they booked the tickets via their website). The rental company charges a $3,000 excess for damage to the car.

I am looking at travel insurance, partly because it covers the excess for rental cars. One clause states that we are not covered for- "Loss or damage that occurs beyond the limits of any public roadway or on any roadway inaccessible to two wheel-drive cars ".

My question is, "Is an inter-island ferry considered beyond the limits of any public roadway? Or, is a ferry simply an extension to that public roadway?"

All thoughts appreciated.
 

Tim W

Lawyer
LawConnect (LawTap) Verified
28 April 2014
5,040
830
2,894
Sydney
Ask the insurer directly.