New Zealand Car Insurance
 Comprehensive car insurance is important if you own a car – it covers you if you car is in an accident, and covers you if you cause an accident while driving your car.
As third party insurance is not compulsory in New Zealand, you cannot count on someone else’s insurance paying out if you are involved in an accident, even when you are not at fault.
Insurance companies primarily take into consideration the age and experience of the driver, the make and model of your car and your location when quoting for car insurance. Most companies offer instant quotes online or over the phone, so it is easy to check how much cover will cost on any car you are thinking of buying.
Some things to look for when you are shopping around for car insurance are:
- The sum you will receive if your car is written off or stolen
- Discounts for garaging your car securely or for security features on the car
- Legal liability cover (legal cover if you damage someone’s car or property)
- Excess – how much is it, and will you have to pay if the accident was not your fault
- No claims bonus – a discount that accumulates when you don’t claim on your insurance
- Emergency accommodation (if you are stranded if you are out of town when your car is damaged or stolen)
- Rental or substitute vehicle (after an accident or theft)
- Towing costs
- Fatality cover (generally a very limited form of life cover if you die in a car accident)
- Cover for drivers under 25
- Cover for your trailer (while attached to your vehicle)
Comprehensive cover generally covers anyone who is driving your car with your permission, as long as they have a valid licence and they have not been refused similar insurance. If someone under 25 is likely to be driving your car, or if they have ever had their licence suspended, cancelled or endorsed, you need to check the level of cover they will be entitled to under your insurance. We can also help to arrange alternative types of cover for you or your family, including third party insurance.
 You will not be covered if you are doing anything illegal at the time of an accident. Cover for damage to your windscreen is generally an optional extra.
If you are emigrating to New Zealand, make sure you ask your current insurance company for a "No Claims Certificate" when cancelling your policy, as the NZ insurer may honour this.
The car insurance market in New Zealand is, as in the UK, quite
competitive on price - the main difference seems to be in the level of
service you receive. We’d be happy to recommend some insurance
companies who have offered our clients an excellent level of service -
please contact us for more information.
If you're looking for general information about motoring in New Zealand, check out UK website - we've got some useful articles on
At Broadbase International we specialise in providing expert, impartial financial advice for Brits in New Zealand and Kiwis returning from the UK. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about insurance in New Zealand, and remember to ask for a free copy of our comprehensive New Zealand Guide.
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