* in NZ if you get in an accident — no matter whose fault it is — YOU are responsible for the damage to your rental car (NZ does not require their citizens to carry insurance and short of suing someone who hits you, there isn’t a way for you to seek repair costs from the other party)

* Without buying additional insurance/CDW, in an accident you’d be responsible for the «excess» — anywhere from $1000 to $5000 depending on the rental co contract and vehicle type (campervans are the highest). In this case the rental co would hold that amount on your credit card (sort of like a bond).

* Buying the full insurance coverage «pays down» your excess (the «deductible») to anywhere from $0 to $500, again depending on the rental co and vehicle.