Campervan Rental Insurance in Sora Campers: Basic vs. Peace of Mind
Renting a campervan is one of the best ways to explore Japan at your own pace. You can wake up surrounded by nature, discover places that are difficult to reach by public transport, and turn the journey itself into part of the adventure.
But before hitting the road, it is important to understand your rental insurance.
At Sora Campers, basic insurance is required when renting a vehicle. Customers can also choose to upgrade to the Peace of Mind Plan, which provides additional protection for the deductible and Non-Operation Charge (NOC), subject to the applicable conditions.
So, what is the difference between the two plans? And what situations are not covered?
This guide explains the key points you should know before starting your Japanese campervan adventure.
What Insurance Is Included with Sora Campers?
Sora Campers' basic insurance includes four main types of coverage.
Coverage | What it covers |
Bodily Injury Liability | Compensation for injuries caused to other people in an accident |
Property Damage Liability | Damage caused to another vehicle, building or other property |
Vehicle Insurance | Damage to the rental vehicle caused by a traffic accident |
Passenger Injury Coverage | Medical expenses and other compensation for passengers injured in a traffic accident |
According to Sora Campers' insurance information:
Bodily injury liability: Unlimited per person
Property damage liability: Unlimited per accident
Vehicle insurance: up to the vehicle's market value at the time of the accident
Vehicle insurance deductible: ¥200,000
Passenger injury coverage: up to ¥30,000,000 per person
These coverages are subject to the applicable insurance terms and conditions.
Basic Insurance vs. Peace of Mind
The most important difference is what happens after a covered accident.
With the basic insurance, a deductible may still be payable by the renter.
The Peace of Mind Plan can cover the deductible and NOC in the event of an eligible accident, subject to the plan's conditions.
In simple terms:
Basic Insurance
You have the standard insurance coverage, but you may still be responsible for the applicable deductible and NOC.
Peace of Mind
For eligible accidents, the plan can cover the deductible and NOC, helping to reduce the amount you may need to pay after an accident.
It is important to understand that Peace of Mind does not mean that every type of damage or loss is covered.
The exclusions still apply.
What Is a Deductible?
A deductible is the amount that the renter is responsible for paying when an insured incident occurs.
For Sora Campers' vehicle insurance, the listed deductible is ¥200,000.
For example, if your rental vehicle is damaged in a qualifying traffic accident, the insurance may cover the eligible repair costs according to the policy, while the applicable deductible remains the renter's responsibility under the basic plan.
The Peace of Mind Plan is designed to cover this deductible for eligible incidents.
However, if the incident itself falls outside the insurance coverage, the Peace of Mind Plan does not automatically make the damage covered.
What Is NOC?
Another important term for campervan renters is NOC — Non-Operation Charge.
If a rental vehicle is damaged, stolen, severely soiled or otherwise unavailable for rental, the rental company may lose the opportunity to rent that vehicle to another customer while it is being repaired or prepared for use again.
This is why a Non-Operation Charge may apply.
Sora Campers currently lists the following NOC amounts:
Situation | NOC |
Vehicle can be driven back to the designated return location | ¥200,000 |
Vehicle cannot be driven back to the designated return location | ¥400,000 |
The Peace of Mind Plan can cover NOC for eligible incidents, subject to the applicable conditions.
What Is NOT Covered?
This is one of the most important sections to read before renting a campervan.
Having insurance does not mean every type of damage, loss or situation is automatically covered.
According to Sora Campers' current insurance information, insurance does not apply in situations including the following:
1. An Unregistered Driver Is Driving
Only authorised drivers listed under the rental agreement should drive the vehicle.
If someone who is not covered by the rental agreement drives the campervan and an accident occurs, insurance may not apply.
2. Driving Without a Valid Licence, Drink Driving or Serious Negligence
Insurance does not apply to situations such as:
Driving without a valid licence
Driving under the influence of alcohol
Serious negligence
Always make sure that every driver has the appropriate documents and legal driving qualification required in Japan.
3. Accidents After the Rental Period Has Ended
The vehicle should be returned within the agreed rental period.
An accident occurring after the agreed return period may not be covered.
If you need to extend your rental, contact Sora Campers before the original rental period ends.
4. Failing to Report an Accident
If an accident occurs, you need to contact both the police and Sora Campers.
Failing to report an accident may mean there is no official accident certificate, which can affect insurance coverage.
Even if the damage looks minor, do not simply continue your journey without reporting it.
5. Driving on Non-Public Roads
Insurance does not apply when the vehicle is driven in areas such as:
Beaches
Riverbeds
Forest roads
Race tracks
Other non-public roads
A campervan is designed for road travel, not off-road driving.
Before following a scenic route, make sure that the road is suitable for the vehicle and permitted under the rental agreement.
6. Certain Tyre Damage
A single tyre failure that is not caused by fire or theft — such as a flat tyre — is excluded from the listed insurance coverage.
For this reason, take extra care when driving on narrow roads, unfamiliar roads or roads with poor surfaces.
7. Tyres, Wheels and Interior Equipment
Damage to tyres, wheels and interior equipment is not included in the listed insurance coverage.
This is particularly important for first-time campervan users.
A campervan is larger and has more equipment than an ordinary passenger car, so take your time when parking and manoeuvring.
8. Lost Keys, Dead Battery or Lost/Stolen Personal Belongings
The listed exclusions also include:
Lost keys
A dead battery
Lost personal belongings
Stolen personal belongings
We recommend keeping your keys and valuables secure throughout the trip.
Campervan Equipment Is Also Not Automatically Covered
This is especially important when renting a campervan.
Items such as:
Rooftop tents
Awnings
Portable power stations
Bedding
Tables and chairs
Other camping equipment
are not covered under the listed vehicle insurance.
For example, when using a rooftop tent, always check the surrounding environment before opening or operating it.
When driving, pay attention to the overall height of the vehicle and avoid low branches, low-clearance structures and other obstacles.
What Should You Pay Attention to When Renting a Campervan?
Insurance is only one part of having a safe campervan trip.
Here are some practical things to remember.
1. Make Sure Every Driver Is Registered
Before starting your trip, make sure every person who will drive the campervan is properly registered under the rental agreement.
Don't let an unregistered friend take over the driving simply because they have driving experience.
2. Check the Vehicle Before You Leave
Before leaving the Sora Campers location, take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with:
Vehicle dimensions
Vehicle height
Parking sensors or cameras
Rooftop tent
Awning
Power equipment
Interior equipment
Taking photos of the vehicle before departure can also be useful for your own records.
3. Pay Attention to Vehicle Height
A campervan with a rooftop tent is different from an ordinary car.
Be particularly careful around:
Parking garages
Low ceilings
Low bridges
Tree branches
Narrow roads
Tight parking spaces
Don't rely only on your normal driving habits.
4. Drive Carefully on Narrow Japanese Roads
Japan has many beautiful countryside roads, but some can be surprisingly narrow.
If your navigation system takes you onto a small mountain road, slow down and assess whether the road is suitable for your vehicle.
Do not force your way through a route simply because the navigation system recommends it.
What Should You Do If an Accident Happens?
The most important thing is to stay calm and follow the correct procedure.
Step 1 — Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Stop the vehicle somewhere safe if possible.
Check yourself, your passengers and other people involved in the accident.
If someone is injured, seek emergency assistance immediately.
Step 2 — Contact the Police
Report the accident to the police and follow their instructions.
An official accident report may be required for insurance purposes.
Step 3 — Contact Sora Campers
Inform Sora Campers as soon as possible and provide the relevant details.
Our team can then guide you through the next steps.
Step 4 — Record the Situation
If it is safe to do so, take photos of:
The vehicles
Visible damage
The surrounding area
Road conditions
These records can be useful when dealing with the incident.
Step 5 — Follow the Instructions Given
Do not arrange repairs or other major services on your own unless instructed to do so.
What About Towing and Roadside Assistance?
In the event of an accident or breakdown, towing and roadside assistance costs are generally covered by the insurance within the applicable service limits.
However, if the required assistance exceeds the free service range specified by the insurer, or if a special recovery vehicle is required, additional costs may be charged to the renter.
If something happens during your trip, contact Sora Campers first so we can advise you on the appropriate next step.
Which Insurance Option Should You Choose?
There is no single option that is right for every traveller.
It depends on how much financial risk you are comfortable taking, your driving experience and the type of trip you are planning.
Basic Insurance
The basic insurance provides the standard insurance coverage, but the applicable deductible and NOC may still be payable by the renter.
Peace of Mind
The Peace of Mind Plan provides additional protection by covering the applicable deductible and NOC for eligible incidents, subject to the relevant conditions.
If you prefer to reduce the potential out-of-pocket costs associated with an eligible accident, you may wish to consider the Peace of Mind Plan.
However, remember:
Peace of Mind does not mean everything is covered.
The exclusions listed in the insurance terms still apply.
Before You Start Your Japanese Campervan Adventure
A great road trip isn't just about choosing beautiful destinations.
It is also about understanding your vehicle, knowing the rules and being prepared for unexpected situations.
Before picking up your campervan, make sure you:
✓ Know who is registered to drive
✓ Understand the insurance coverage
✓ Understand the deductible and NOC
✓ Know what is excluded
✓ Check the vehicle and equipment
✓ Understand how to use the rooftop tent and awning
✓ Know what to do in case of an accident
✓ Save Sora Campers' contact information
A few minutes of preparation can make your trip much more relaxed.
Travel with Confidence, Explore Japan at Your Own Pace
Japan is full of places that are difficult to experience in a traditional sightseeing itinerary.
From quiet coastal roads and mountain villages to lakeside campsites and hidden local attractions, travelling by campervan gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
At Sora Campers, we want you to spend less time worrying about the journey and more time enjoying it.
Understand your coverage. Drive safely. And enjoy every kilometre of your Japanese road trip.
Sora Campers — See you on the road. 🚐🌿
Important Note
This article is intended as a general guide to Sora Campers' insurance arrangements and is not a substitute for the official insurance policy, rental agreement or applicable terms and conditions.
Coverage, exclusions, deductibles, NOC and eligibility are subject to the applicable terms and conditions. Please check the latest information before your rental.
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