The routes in some areas are in ever changing, sometimes difficult condition and require advanced off-road driving skills; in addition, recoveries and repairs are significantly more challenging to carry out there. The following regions carry an increased risk of vehicle damage, and the renter assumes this risk and has no insurance cover when driving in these areas  or is not allowed to drive in certain areas at all. Here are a few examples of restricted areas (see rental agreement for further details):

In case of an accident or theft the renter is obliged to report this to the local police and obtain a copy of the case number and full police report. If possible take photos of the accident and/or damage. Failure to provide a full police report will void your insurance cover. 

Fully comprehensive insurance options are currently not offered by Kalahari Car Hire. Please note that in the case of negligence and/or failure to comply with traffic regulations or our terms and conditions, the Renter will be responsible for the ENTIRE amount to repair and/or replace the vehicle as well as any related costs e.g. recovery costs, irrelevant of any reduced excess option selected or the total excess amount stipulated per vehicle type.

Negligence is when the driver and/or the passengers are not abiding by the law and traffic regulations or the terms & conditions of the rental agreement. Examples of negligence where the renter will be held liable for all costs incurred are amongst others when driving…

– over the speed limit
– over a stop sign or red traffic light
– under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
– through water deeper than 30cm
– through low tide areas or in riverbeds
– through/between/over thorn bushes
– cross country/off road
– in evening/dawn, at night on national roads
– overturning of the car where no other vehicle, pedestrian or animal was involved
– not following terms and conditions of Kalahari Car Hire
– not abiding by any other road regulations
– etc.

A stolen vehicle is covered if the renter has acted responsibly e.g. car was locked and the renter is still in posession of the car keys (exception: carjacking).

Should a vehicle be stolen or highjacked in the
neighbouring countries, the client will be liable for an additional excess of N$ 3 000.

Recovery costs within Namibia are covered, provided the area is accessible by a normal towing service.
Recovery costs due to negligent driving e.g. in riverbeds, on dunes, on beach, after overturning without any third party involvement etc. are to be paid by the renter.

Single vehicle accidents are damages incurred where there was no other party such as vehicle, pedestrian or animal involved. For example such as overturning of car, reversing into a stationary object. The renter will be held liable for the entire damage amount as well as all recovery costs.

We do not use repaired tyres for your safety and comfort –  after all, we want to ensure you can rely fully on your rental vehicle and avoid breakdowns as much as possible.

If you experience a repairable puncture during your rental (e.g. drove into a nail) you may temporarily repair the tyre at your own convenience and expense – for example, if you are in the middle of nowhere and prefer to have one or two usable spare tyres for the immediate road ahead. This tyre damage, like any other damage, and the temporary repair, must be reported to us. We will then arrange a replacement as soon as possible, in coordination with you (e.g. at nearest town or via courier).

Any temporarily repaired tyre will be replaced at the latest upon vehicle return. Depending on your selected insurance and the number of tyres damaged, replacement costs may apply. These are calculated proportionally based on the tread depth recorded at handover. Please note that any repair costs you incurred independently are not reimbursable, as repaired tyres cannot be reused.

If you have any questions regarding this, please feel free to contact us.

Please note that we do not enable drivers under the age of 25 years old to reduce the insurance excess. As soon as one or more drivers is under 25 years old, the only available option is the standard excess of N$ 40 000.