Search studies, brands and more…⌘ KExplore research

Evidence · Car insurance

Every question, every answer, every source

Explore all 183 car-insurance questions and the 728 answers saved on 11 October 2026. Read the original responses and download the tables behind the study’s comparisons, sources, sentiment and factual checks.

questions
183
answers saved, of 732 planned
728
consumer situations
12
named regions
16
AI platforms
4

01

Every question, with its answers

Each question went to the four AI platforms. All were collected with a New Zealand setting. Open a question to read every captured answer in full.

Showing 20 of 183 questions

Show all 183

02

The tables behind the study

Every figure on the study page comes from these tables. They are CSV files, which open in any spreadsheet.

  • Questions

    questions.csv

    One row per question, with its exact saved wording.

    Question ID, source references, question, consumer situation, named regions, question group and collection setting

    183rows

    Download questions (CSV)

  • Answers

    answers.csv

    One row per captured answer, with its full text.

    Answer ID, question ID, platform, collection setting, consumer situation, named regions and full answer

    728rows

    Download answers (CSV)

  • Sources by answer

    sources.csv

    One row per website recorded as a source of an answer.

    Answer ID, question ID, assistant, collection setting, website and publisher type

    4,213rows

    Download sources by answer (CSV)

  • Checks against primary sources

    checks.csv

    One row per stated assertion checked, for one platform.

    Check, question and answer IDs, assistant, exact passage, verdict, primary-source finding, URL and date

    96rows

    Download checks against primary sources (CSV)

  • Consumer recommendation coding

    consumer-recommendation-coding.csv

    One row per reviewed provider role in a consumer-selection answer.

    Answer ID, question ID, consumer, platform, provider, role, counted recommendation, exact passage and conditions

    301rows

    Download consumer recommendation coding (CSV)

  • Consumer selection membership

    consumer-selection-membership.csv

    One row per answer in the matched consumer-selection comparison.

    Answer ID, question ID, consumer, platform, question group and full text; the same twelve questions per platform

    48rows

    Download consumer selection membership (CSV)

  • Ongoing support coding

    support-coding.csv

    One row per reviewed named-provider role in an eligible support answer.

    Answer ID, question ID, consumer, platform, provider, role, support-preference decision and exact passage

    49rows

    Download ongoing support coding (CSV)

  • Ongoing support membership

    support-membership.csv

    One row per answer in the actual consumer-support group.

    Answer ID, question ID, consumer, platform, question group and full text; acquisition validation is excluded

    32rows

    Download ongoing support membership (CSV)

  • Regional recommendation coding

    regional-recommendation-coding.csv

    One row per reviewed provider role in a region-named selection answer.

    Answer ID, question ID, named consumer region, platform, provider, recommendation decision and exact passage

    440rows

    Download regional recommendation coding (CSV)

  • Regional selection membership

    regional-selection-membership.csv

    One row per answer in the matched regional comparison.

    Answer ID, question ID, named consumer region, platform and equal-comparison membership; sixteen questions per platform

    64rows

    Download regional selection membership (CSV)

  • Insurer sentiment

    insurer-sentiment.csv

    One row per unique saved claim about an insurer in a selection answer.

    Claim, question and answer IDs, insurer, saved stance, exact passage and original-answer offsets

    1,926rows

    Download insurer sentiment (CSV)

  • Recorded source URLs

    source-urls.csv

    One row per recorded answer, website and URL association.

    Answer ID, question ID, platform, website, URL, source records and presence in the captured answer text

    6,056rows

    Download recorded source urls (CSV)

Use these tables to trace findings back to the original questions and answers. The full text of each answer is also on this page, under its question.

03

Read in full and checked

Some answers were read in detail or checked against official sources. Those appear on the study page, beside the findings they support.

ChatGPT · New Zealand

I have a rare or high-value vehicle. Should I use agreed value, a specialist policy or standard comprehensive cover?

If you own a rare, classic, collectible or high-value vehicle in New Zealand, agreed-value insurance with a specialist insurer is often the best starting point. It can help protect the vehicle's collectible value rather than relying on a standard insurer's assessment of its market value after a loss.

The right choice depends on what the vehicle is worth, how you use it, how easy it would be to replace, and what the policy actually pays if it is stolen or written off.

Your three main options

1. Agreed-value insurance

Often the best starting point

You and the insurer agree on the vehicle's insured value when the policy starts. If it is a total loss, the payout is generally based on that agreed amount, subject to the policy terms, excesses and any applicable deductions.

Best for: Vehicles whose value exceeds ordinary market estimates, including classics, modified cars and appreciating collectibles.

Watch out for: Underinsurance if the agreed value isn't updated as the vehicle appreciates.

2. Specialist vehicle insurance

Specialist cover is designed for vehicles that need more tailored terms, such as rare classics, prestige cars, exotics or heavily modified vehicles. It may offer agreed value alongside specialist repairers, suitable parts, salvage provisions and cover for limited or recreational use.

Best for: Vehicles that are difficult to value, repair or replace through mainstream insurers.

Watch out for: Restrictions on daily driving, annual kilometres, storage, track use, modifications or who can drive.

3. Standard comprehensive insurance

Typically covers accidental damage to your vehicle, theft, fire and third-party property damage, subject to policy terms. The vehicle's value may be assessed using market value or an agreed value, depending on the policy.

Best for: High-value vehicles with readily available replacement equivalents and straightforward valuations.

Watch out for: A market-value payout may not reflect collector demand, rare specifications, provenance or recent restoration costs.

What to check before choosing a policy

For a rare or high-value vehicle in New Zealand, I would compare policies against these six points:

  • Total-loss payout: Is the agreed amount actually payable, or can the insurer cap it at market value under certain circumstances?
  • Repair quality: Can you use a marque specialist, and are genuine, rare or imported parts covered?
  • Modifications and restoration: Are upgrades, custom work, restoration costs and accessories included in the insured value?
  • Usage restrictions: Is everyday driving covered, or only occasional use, club events and limited annual kilometres?
  • Salvage rights: If the vehicle is written off, can you retain the wreck, and how will that affect your payout?
  • Excess and premium: Compare the excess for accidental damage, theft and any special circumstances, not just the annual premium.

These details matter because the policy wording can change the actual settlement, even when the policy advertises agreed value. Car insuranceClassic Vehicle Insurance PolicyClassic Insurance

Where to start in New Zealand

These are examples worth investigating rather than endorsements of any particular insurer.

AA Insurance

Offers a dedicated classic vehicle policy with comprehensive and storage/restoration cover options.

Useful if your vehicle is a classic or is undergoing restoration.

Read the classic vehicle policy Classic Vehicle Insurance Policy

NZI — Distinction

Worth investigating for prestige and high-spec vehicles, with an option to lock in vehicle value for two years.

Explore Distinction vehicle insurance Distinction Vehicle Insurance

AMI Insurance

Offers agreed-value options and dedicated classic car cover, making it another useful comparison.

Visit AMI Insurance Is My Car Insured For Agreed Value Or Market Value?Classic Insurance

My recommendation

  • Rare classic, collectible or appreciating vehicle: Start with specialist agreed-value comprehensive cover.
  • High-performance or luxury daily driver: Compare specialist cover with mainstream comprehensive policies that offer a sufficiently high agreed value.
  • Expensive but readily replaceable modern vehicle: Standard comprehensive cover with agreed value may be perfectly adequate if its terms are competitive.

Whatever you choose, obtain an independent valuation if necessary, keep restoration invoices and photographs, and review the insured value at every renewal. Consumer NZ also recommends getting quotes from at least three insurers. Car insurance buying guideInsurance

Let's narrow it down to your vehicle

What vehicle are you insuring, and how do you use it? The make, model, year and approximate value will help determine whether specialist cover is worth paying extra for.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand

I have a rare or high-value vehicle. Should I use agreed value, a specialist policy or standard comprehensive cover?

For a rare, high-value, classic, or specialty vehicle in New Zealand, a standard comprehensive policy is rarely the right choice.

Instead, the decision typically comes down to choosing Agreed Value under a specialist policy versus a standard insurer. For high-value vehicles, a specialist policy featuring Agreed Value is generally the gold standard.

Why Standard Comprehensive Cover Falls Short

Standard car insurance policies (offered by mainstream retail insurers) are built for mass-market, daily-driven vehicles that depreciate predictably.

  • The Market Value Trap: Standard comprehensive policies almost universally default to "Market Value" payouts in a total loss or theft. Market value is determined by what an insurance assessor thinks the car is worth immediately before the accident. For rare, imported, custom, or appreciating vehicles, standard algorithms and local trade listings cannot capture true worth. You could easily end up thousands of dollars out of pocket.
  • Inflexible Usage & Mileage Limits: Standard policies assume regular daily commuting, whereas rare vehicles are often driven recreationally, kept in secure storage, or taken to club events.
  • Generic Repair Networks: Standard insurers send cars to approved chain repairers who may lack access to specialized parts, rare body panels, or expert craftsmanship required for restoration-grade or exotic vehicles.

Specialist Policy vs. Standard Agreed Value Cover

Some mainstream insurers allow you to select "Agreed Value" on a standard comprehensive policy, but a specialist vehicle policy (offered in New Zealand by niche underwriters like Star Insurance, Exclusive Insurance, or via specialist brokers) is tailor-made for high-value assets.

Feature Standard Policy (with Agreed Value option) Specialist Vehicle Policy
Valuation Basis Often restricted by automated insurer limits; downward adjustments can happen automatically at renewal. Based on actual replacement cost, independent valuations, or certified appraisals; accounts for rare market demand.
Repair Network Standard smash repairers. Specialist repairers, approved restorers, and access to genuine or imported parts.
Policy Extensions Basic (towing, rental car). Tailored extensions like spare parts coverage, salvage retention rights, transit cover for shows, and club/rally event coverage.
Usage & Premiums Priced assuming regular use; can be expensive for restricted driving. Priced based on lower annual mileage, restricted use, and secure garaging, often resulting in fairer premiums.

Recommended Action Plan

  1. Get a Professional Valuation: Before approaching any insurer, obtain a formal valuation report from a recognized independent registered valuer, marque specialist, or auction house to establish a data-backed baseline for your car.
  2. Consult a Specialist Broker or Underwriter: Reach out to New Zealand-based enthusiast vehicle specialists (such as Star Insure or Exclusive Insurance) to look into a dedicated enthusiast/prestige policy.
  3. Review Policy Inclusions: Ensure the policy explicitly covers:
    • Agreed Value / Certified Value (not market value).
    • Salvage Rights (ensuring you have the option to buy back or keep the wreck if it's written off, which is crucial for rare rebuilds).
    • Spare Parts & Memorabilia cover (protecting specialized components stored in your garage).
    • Club events or restricted transit if you attend displays or rallies.

Are you looking to insure a classic vintage car, a modern supercar/import, or a modified performance vehicle?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand

I have a rare or high-value vehicle. Should I use agreed value, a specialist policy or standard comprehensive cover?

AI Overview

For a rare or high-value vehicle, you should choose a Specialist Policy featuring a locked-in Agreed Value. Standard comprehensive cover based on market value is highly risky because mainstream algorithms cannot accurately price rare, appreciating, or highly modified vehicles, leaving you severely underinsured.

Strategy Comparison

Feature Standard Comprehensive Cover Specialist Policy (Recommended)
Value Basis Often defaults to Market Value or depreciating standard values. Always Agreed Value backed by expert valuation.
Payout Certainty Low. Subject to standard depreciation at claim time. High. You get the exact stated dollar figure.
Repair Rules May force generic parts or preferred network repairers. Choice of specialist repairer and OEM/genuine parts.
Usage Conditions Daily drive coverage. Restricted mileage or storage conditions (often lowers premium).

Why a Specialist Policy Wins

  • Protection from Sudden Depreciation: Standard insurers automatically drop your vehicle's value at every annual renewal. Specialist policies acknowledge that rare, classic, or enthusiast cars can appreciate.

  • True Agreed Value Settlement: You lock in a fixed sum with your insurer upfront. If the vehicle is written off or stolen, you receive that exact amount minus your excess—no arguments over market trends at the time of the accident.

  • Tailored Benefits: Specialist providers understand enthusiast needs. They routinely include salvage rights (allowing you to keep the wreck for parts), cover for modifications, and laid-up cover for periods when the car is off the road being restored or stored.

Strategic Steps to Secure Your Vehicle

  1. Obtain an Independent Valuation: Before approaching an insurer, get a valuation certificate from a registered vehicle valuer or recognized club expert. This provides concrete leverage to lock in your desired agreed value.

  2. Shop the Specialist Market: Look into dedicated New Zealand enthusiast insurers (such as Classic Cover, Star Insurance, or specialized brokers) rather than relying solely on mainstream domestic providers.

  3. Disclose Everything: Detail every modification, imported accessory, and historical nuance. Non-disclosure is the fastest route to a declined claim in New Zealand.

To help narrow down the best path, let me know:

  • Is this vehicle a classic/vintage car , a modern supercar , or a highly modified import?

  • Will it be a daily driver or a weekend/garage-stored vehicle?

  • Do you already have a recent written valuation certificate?

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand

I have a rare or high-value vehicle. Should I use agreed value, a specialist policy or standard comprehensive cover?

For a rare, classic, or high-value vehicle, standard comprehensive cover using a standard market value payout is generally the riskiest and least suitable choice. Standard policies depreciate rapidly and use generic market assessments that rarely reflect the true worth, replacement cost, or collector value of a specialty car.

Instead, you should look toward a combination of an agreed value structure, ideally bundled within a specialist policy.

Here is how the options compare and how to decide:

  • Standard Comprehensive Cover (Market Value): In a total loss or theft scenario, a standard insurer pays out what they calculate the "market value" is at that exact time. For rare imports, custom builds, or appreciating classics, standard algorithms and everyday valuation tools will heavily undervalue your asset.

  • Agreed Value: You and the insurer lock in a fixed sum insured at the start of the policy year. If the vehicle is written off or stolen, you receive that exact agreed amount (minus your excess) without arguing over depreciation or comparable market sales. This is essential for high-value cars, though it requires a certified valuation or realistic proof of worth upfront.

  • Specialist Policy (Enthusiast/Collector Cover): Providers like Classic Cover Insurance or Star Insurance Specialists design policies specifically for rare, vintage, or high-value vehicles. Beyond agreed value, they typically offer crucial perks standard insurers won't touch, such as:

  • Choice of specialist repairers rather than being forced into a generic insurance-approved crash shop.

  • Cover for spare parts , memorabilia, or specialized tools associated with the vehicle.

  • Flexible or limited-distance mileage plans recognising that the car isn't a daily commuter, which can lower the premium.

  • Restoration or transit cover if the vehicle is undergoing work or being moved to shows.

Recommendation: Opt for a specialist policy featuring an agreed value. Contact a dedicated New Zealand marine and enthusiast broker or specialist insurer to get an accurate, agreed valuation locked in. [Star Insure]

To help narrow down the best path, tell me:

  • Is the vehicle used as a daily driver or strictly a weekend/hobby/show car?
  • Is it modified, vintage/classic, or a modern exotic?

I can give you a clearer idea of what policy features or documentation you'll need to prepare.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026