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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 live in Hawke's Bay and need car insurance. Which companies are worth comparing?

If you live in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, I’d compare at least four or five car insurers before choosing. The best option will depend on your car’s value, where it’s kept overnight, your driving history, your excess and whether you want comprehensive or third-party cover.

I’d start with a mix of established insurers and online-first providers, rather than assuming the cheapest premium offers the best protection.

Car insurance companies worth comparing

1. AA Insurance

A good all-round benchmark

Worth getting a quote for comprehensive cover. Compare its repair options, agreed vehicle value and excess. Quashed | AA Insurance NZ 2026: Comparing Prices, Cover & Value Against Every Major CompetitorCompare Car Insurance Quotes NZ 2026

Get an AA Insurance quote

2. AMI

A strong mainstream comparison

Offers comprehensive, third-party and third-party fire and theft cover. Check its current offers and whether roadside assistance is included. Comprehensive Car Insurance | Full Vehicle CoverCompare Car Insurance Quotes NZ 2026

Get an AMI quote

3. State Insurance

Another major insurer to price-check

Compare it directly with AMI and AA. State and AMI are both IAG brands, but their quotes and policy details may differ. Car Insurance NZ 2026: AA Insurance vs AMI vs State vs TowerCompare Car Insurance Providers NZ

Get a State quote

4. Tower

Worth checking for competitive pricing

Get a personalised quote and compare the excess, valuation method and optional extras. Tower's price can vary depending on your individual risk profile. Car Insurance NZ 2026: AA Insurance vs AMI vs State vs TowerBest Car Insurance NZ | Compare, Quote and Save

Get a Tower quote

5. Cove

An online-first alternative

A useful additional quote if you prefer managing insurance online. Compare its comprehensive policy and add-on costs against the bigger insurers. Car Insurance Policy Comparison - AMI vs AMP vs AA vs State vs Tower and moreCompare Car Insurance Providers NZ

Get a Cove quote

6. FMG

Especially worth considering for rural drivers

If you live outside a town, drive on rural roads or use your vehicle for farm-related activities, check whether FMG suits your needs. Confirm that your particular vehicle and usage qualify. Compare Car Insurance Quotes NZ 2026Compare Car Insurance Providers NZ

Explore FMG insurance

What cover should you compare?

Cover type What it generally protects
Comprehensive Your car and damage you cause to other people's property, subject to policy terms
Third party, fire and theft Damage you cause to others, plus specified fire and theft cover for your car
Third party only Damage you cause to other people's property; generally not damage to your own car

For a newer or valuable car, I would usually start with comprehensive quotes. For an older car worth relatively little, third-party cover may be more economical.

What matters particularly in Hawke's Bay?

When requesting quotes, make sure you provide the correct overnight parking location and how you use your vehicle. Also compare:

  • Flood and storm damage: Check exclusions, limits and claim conditions, especially if your property or usual parking area is flood-prone.
  • Vehicle valuation: Find out whether the policy pays an agreed value or market value and what that means for a total loss.
  • Excess: Compare the standard excess and any additional excesses for younger or inexperienced drivers.
  • Repairs and replacement transport: Check repairer choice, courtesy-car eligibility and how long replacement transport is provided.
  • Rural use: Disclose gravel-road driving, business use, farm use or regular long-distance travel where applicable.

For a useful independent comparison, start with MoneyHub's 2026 car insurance comparison. Its comparison covers major New Zealand providers and helps you look beyond price alone. Best Car Insurance NZ | Compare, Quote and SaveCar Insurance Policy Comparison - AMI vs AMP vs AA vs State vs Tower and more

I can narrow this down for your car

The most useful next step is to compare insurers suited to your specific vehicle rather than picking a company based on reputation alone.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand

I live in Hawke's Bay and need car insurance. Which companies are worth comparing?

When looking for car insurance in New Zealand, it helps to compare a mix of major direct insurers, digital-first providers, and local broker networks. Because insurance premiums depend heavily on your specific vehicle, age, driving history, and exact location (such as risk factors specific to Hawke's Bay), getting quotes from multiple companies is the best way to find the right balance of price and coverage.

1. Major Direct Insurers (Good for broad comparison & multi-policy discounts)

  • AA Insurance: Consistently popular for customer service and claims handling. They offer member discounts if you belong to the AA, and good comprehensive benefits (though some extras like rental cars or windscreen cover may cost extra).
  • Tower: Often noted for having some of the most comprehensive standard benefits on the market (such as excess-free key replacement limits and lifetime repair guarantees if you stay with them).
  • AMI & State: Two of the country's most established brands (both under the IAG umbrella). They have extensive repair networks, straightforward claims processes, and handy multi-policy discounts if you also insure your home or contents.
  • AMP: Frequently competitive on price and offers solid comprehensive packages, often featuring claim-free rewards or member benefits.

2. Digital & App-Based Insurers (Good for competitive pricing)

  • Cove: A newer, highly digital player frequently highlighted by comparison sites for offering competitive, flexible pricing structures.
  • Trade Me Insurance: Backed by major underwriters and tailored for online management, often yielding good rates for everyday vehicles.

3. Local Insurance Brokers (Good for regional expertise)

If you prefer a human touch—or if you have specialized vehicles, rural property considerations, or multiple policies to bundle—working with a broker based in the region can be very helpful. Prominent brokerages operating within Hawke's Bay include:

  • Gallagher Insurance (Napier-based branch handling personal, rural, and commercial lines)
  • Rothbury Insurance Brokers (Hawke's Bay branch covering domestic and commercial policies)
  • Insure Hawke's Bay / Insurance Advisernet or LMS Insure (Central Hawke's Bay)

Tips for Comparing Policies:

  1. Check the Fine Print on Agreed vs. Market Value: Make sure you understand whether your car is insured for an agreed value or its market value at the time of a total loss.
  2. Examine Excess Levels: Look closely at the standard excess (and any extra age/learner driver excesses) to see how they impact your quote. Adjusting your excess can noticeably lower or raise your annual premium.
  3. Weigh the Optional Extras: Some policies include features like roadside assistance, windscreen cover, or a courtesy car as standard, while others charge them as add-ons. Factor these into the overall cost if you rely heavily on those features.
  4. Use Comparison Tools: Platforms like Quashed (free insurance portfolio tracker/comparer) or Glimp can help you line up multiple quotes side-by-side to see who is currently offering the best rate for your specific household.
Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand

I live in Hawke's Bay and need car insurance. Which companies are worth comparing?

AI Overview

In New Zealand, there is no single "best" or cheapest car insurance provider , as premiums are deeply individualized based on your age, driving record, and the exact vehicle you drive. Because you are based in regional Hawke's Bay, your premiums will generally be 20% to 35% lower than those in major metro areas like Auckland.

To get the most accurate and affordable rate, you should gather quotes from the country's prominent traditional insurers alongside newer digital-first alternatives.

The Major Insurers to Compare

The New Zealand car insurance landscape is highly centralized, with two major corporate groups underwriting about 80% of the market. However, each individual brand targets different demographics and offers unique policy structures:

Insurer Key Strengths & Features Parental Underwriter
AA Insurance Best for Agreed Value cover and AA Members. Features a Lifetime Repair Guarantee and is frequently voted among NZ's most trusted brands. Suncorp Group
Tower Insurance Ideal for experienced drivers. Offers clear online tracking and standard safety feature discounts. Note: Tower removed its multi-policy discounts. NZX-Listed
State Insurance Strong option for safe drivers. Offers standard flexible excesses and an online comprehensive policy sign-up promotion. IAG New Zealand
AMI Insurance Known for loyalty rewards where your excess can reduce each year you remain claim-free. Shares the same underlying platform as State. IAG New Zealand
Cove Insurance A digital-first provider that is frequently the cheapest alternative in pricing models. Offers simplified monthly payment structures and a paperless portal. Aioi Nissay Dowa

Strategic Tips for Hawke's Bay Drivers

  • Pay Annually if Able: Most providers reward upfront annual payments with a 10% to 15% discount over monthly or fortnightly installments.

  • Manipulate Your Excess: If you have an emergency fund, raising your voluntary excess to $1,000 or more can slash your ongoing premium costs by 20% or more.

  • Use Aggregator Tools: To avoid re-entering your vehicle details five different times, consider using local comparison platforms like Quashed to run a market scan across multiple providers simultaneously.

To narrow down the best choices for you, could you share a bit more context?

  • What make and model of car are you looking to insure?

  • Are you looking for Comprehensive cover or basic Third-Party?

  • Will there be any drivers under the age of 25 on the policy?

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand

I live in Hawke's Bay and need car insurance. Which companies are worth comparing?

When looking for car insurance in Hawke's Bay, several major nationwide providers and digital-first insurers are worth comparing. Options vary based on whether you prefer traditional comprehensive service, high consumer satisfaction ratings, or flexible digital setups.

  • AA Insurance: Highly rated for customer service and claims satisfaction, featuring perks like a lifetime repair guarantee on authorized repairs.

  • Tower Insurance: Known for broad digital convenience and competitive comprehensive policies, including excess-free key replacement and smart online tools.

  • Cove Insurance: Frequently noted as a budget-friendly digital option with fast online quotes, flexible monthly or annual payment choices, and custom add-ons.

  • AMI Insurance: A traditional, widely used nationwide provider with extensive physical and online service networks across regional New Zealand.

  • State Insurance: Another established major provider offering robust comprehensive protection and frequent promotional sign-up offers. [Canstar NZ]

If you want to narrow this down, let me know:

  • What is the make, model, and year of your car?
  • Do you prefer comprehensive or third-party cover?

I can help you look closer at which of these providers might best suit your vehicle and budget.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026