Every question, every answer, every source

When changing car insurers in New Zealand, the key is to compare more than the premium. Check the dates your old policy ends and your new policy starts, the accuracy of your insurance claims history, and whether the new policy covers the same risks as your current one.

Here’s a practical checklist to work through before you switch.

1. Check the important dates

• New policy start date and time: Confirm exactly when the new cover begins, including the time of day.
• Old policy end date: Make sure your existing cover remains active until the new cover starts. Avoid any gap, even if it is only a day.
• Renewal date: Check whether your existing insurer is about to renew your policy automatically.
• Cancellation date: Ask your current insurer when cancellation will take effect and whether any cancellation fee applies.
• Payment dates: Check when your first premium is due, whether payments are monthly or annual, and whether there are any instalment fees.
• Refund date: If you have paid ahead, ask whether you are entitled to a refund for the unused premium and how any fees will be deducted.

Tip: Don't cancel your existing policy just because you've received a cheaper quote. First, obtain confirmation that the new insurer has accepted your application and the cover will begin on the agreed date.

2. Check your claims history and disclosures

Be accurate and consistent when answering the new insurer's questions. Check your old policy, renewal documents and claim records so you can give complete information.

• Previous claims: Include claims you have made with other insurers, even if they were unsuccessful, where asked.
• Accidents and losses: Check whether the application asks about incidents that did not result in a claim, including minor damage.
• Open claims: If a claim is still being assessed, repairs are incomplete or liability is disputed, tell both insurers and ask how the claim will be handled after you switch.
• Driving history: Answer questions about driving convictions, licence restrictions and other relevant history truthfully.
• Previous refusals or cancellations: Disclose these if the insurer asks about them.
• Changes since your last renewal: Include any new incidents or changes in circumstances relevant to the application.

In New Zealand, failing to disclose relevant information can result in a claim being declined or a policy being treated as though it never existed. If you are unsure whether something needs to be disclosed, ask the new insurer and keep its response in writing. InsuranceDuty of Disclosure: What to Tell Your InsurerCar insurance

Important: If you already have damage or an incident that might lead to a claim, don't assume the new insurer will cover it. Notify the appropriate insurer promptly and confirm which policy applies based on the incident date and policy terms.

3. Compare the actual cover, not just the price

Use your current policy schedule and the new insurer's policy wording side by side.

Type of cover

Check that you're comparing like with like: comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, or third-party only. A cheaper third-party policy generally won't pay for damage to your own car.

Agreed value versus market value

Check the insured amount and how a total-loss payout is calculated. Market value is based on the car's value immediately before the loss; agreed value is an amount agreed with the insurer, subject to the policy terms.

Excesses

Compare the standard excess, plus additional excesses for young or inexperienced drivers, theft-prone models or other circumstances. Check whether windscreen claims are exempt from an excess.

Repairs and replacement

Check whether you can choose your repairer, whether repairs are guaranteed, and whether the policy offers a replacement vehicle if yours is stolen or being repaired.

These are key comparison points highlighted in New Zealand consumer guidance. Exact benefits and limits vary by policy. Car insurance buying guideCar insuranceCar insurance: How to make a claim

Also check these details before signing:

• Windscreen, glass and headlights: Whether cover is included, optional or subject to an excess.
• Towing and roadside assistance: Whether it is included, what triggers it and any dollar or distance limits.
• Theft and vandalism: Check exclusions, security requirements and any special theft excess.
• Personal belongings: Whether items stolen from the car are covered, and under which policy.
• Accessories and modifications: Confirm aftermarket stereos, alloy wheels, roof racks, modifications and other extras are disclosed and covered.
• Overseas use: If relevant, check whether cover applies outside New Zealand.
• Exclusions: Pay particular attention to business use, delivery work, unauthorised drivers, unroadworthy vehicles and damage that existed before cover began.

A useful starting point is the official New Zealand Government car insurance guide and Consumer NZ's car insurance buying guide. Car insuranceCar insurance buying guide

4. Check that the policy details are correct

Before you accept the new quote, verify the following information:

• Vehicle registration, make, model, year and any relevant modifications.
• Your name and address, and where the car is usually parked overnight.
• Who the main driver is and who else will regularly drive it.
• How you use the car — private, commuting or business.
• Annual mileage, security devices and any other details the insurer asks for.
• Any finance company or other interested party that needs to be recorded on the policy.

Incorrect details can affect the premium or whether a claim is paid. InsuranceDuty of Disclosure: What to Tell Your InsurerCar insurance

5. Check the real cost of switching

Compare the total cost over 12 months, not just the advertised premium.

Cost or benefit	What to check
Annual premium	Total cost including applicable fees
Monthly payments	Instalment charges and payment frequency
Excess	What you would need to pay if you claimed
Discounts	Whether multi-policy or no-claims discounts apply and how long they last
Cancellation	Any fee or lost discount from ending your old policy
Special benefits	Whether the new policy loses any useful extras

A lower premium may be worthwhile, but not if it comes with a much higher excess or significantly less protection. Consumer NZ recommends obtaining quotes from at least three insurers and reading the policy wording before committing. Car insurance buying guideCar insurance

6. Your final switching checklist

Ready to switch?

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I have compared the policy wording and exclusions, not just the premiums.

The new insurer has accepted my application and confirmed the start date and time.

My old policy will remain active until the new cover begins.

I have disclosed relevant claims, accidents, convictions and other requested information accurately.

The vehicle details, drivers, usage and overnight parking details are correct.

I have checked the insured value, excesses, glass cover and repair options.

I understand how any existing or open claim will be handled.

I have checked cancellation fees, refunds and payment arrangements.

I have saved the new policy schedule, wording and confirmation of cover.

Reset checklist

My main recommendation: Get written confirmation of the new cover and its start time before cancelling your existing policy. If you have an open claim, a modified car or a recent driving conviction, resolve any questions about disclosure and cover before switching.