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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

Which factors should drive my decision between three comprehensive car quotes?

When comparing three comprehensive car insurance quotes in New Zealand, I’d make the decision based on the quality of cover you get for the total cost, rather than choosing the cheapest premium.

Comprehensive policies can differ significantly in how they settle claims, what excesses apply, whether you get a rental car after an accident, and how they handle damage, theft and vehicle write-offs.

The best quote is the one that protects you against the financial risks that matter most to you, with exclusions and excesses you can comfortably live with.

The 8 factors that should drive your decision

1. Premium — the true annual cost

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

  • Annual premium, including any instalment fees.
  • GST, policy fees and any optional extras.
  • Discounts that expire at renewal.
  • Whether bundling with home or contents insurance changes the price.

Decision rule: A cheaper policy is attractive only if its cover and excesses are comparable.

2. Payout if your car is written off or stolen

This is one of the most important differences between policies.

  • Agreed value: the value agreed with your insurer, subject to policy terms.
  • Market value: the vehicle's assessed value immediately before the loss.
  • New-for-old replacement: potentially available for eligible newer cars under specific conditions.

Check the insured value, whether it is guaranteed for the policy period, and what deductions apply to a payout. Make sure the amount is realistic for replacing your car. Car insurance buying guideCar insurance

3. Excesses — what you pay when you claim

Compare every applicable excess, not just the standard one.

  • Standard excess.
  • Additional excesses for young, inexperienced or unnamed drivers.
  • Theft, accidental damage and other special excesses.
  • Windscreen and glass excesses.

Ask yourself whether you could comfortably pay the largest likely excess tomorrow. A lower premium may not be worth a much higher claim cost. Car insuranceInsurance

4. What's covered — and what's excluded

Check the policy wording for differences in:

  • Accidental damage, theft, fire and weather-related damage.
  • Windscreen, window glass, sunroof and headlight damage.
  • Flooding, storm damage and falling objects.
  • Accessories, modifications and personal belongings.
  • Uninsured third-party damage and legal liability limits.

Look particularly closely at exclusions relevant to how and where you drive. Comprehensive cover does not mean every cause of damage is automatically covered. Car insuranceMotor Vehicle, Bike and Car Insurance

5. Extras that reduce disruption

Consider the practical value of:

  • A rental car while yours is being repaired or after theft.
  • Towing and emergency roadside assistance.
  • Choice of repairer versus an insurer-approved repairer.
  • Genuine or manufacturer-approved parts where applicable.
  • New-car replacement and emergency accommodation benefits, if relevant.

Check benefit limits, waiting periods, eligibility and whether each feature is included or costs extra.

6. Claims service and customer satisfaction

The insurer's service matters most when something goes wrong.

Compare independent feedback about claims handling, communication, repair delays, complaints and value for money. Consumer NZ publishes car insurance comparisons and insurer satisfaction research that can help you assess this dimension. Car insuranceCar insurance buying guide

Don't rely solely on star ratings or brand recognition; look for evidence about actual claims experiences.

7. Conditions that match your circumstances

Confirm that all three quotes accurately reflect:

  • Every person who will drive the car.
  • Your usual parking location and security arrangements.
  • Private, commuting or business use.
  • Your annual mileage and regular trips.
  • Any accessories, modifications or finance arrangements.

Incorrect or incomplete information can cause problems at claim time. Disclose relevant information honestly and check the policy conditions. Car insuranceInsurance

8. Flexibility and policy fine print

Check cancellation fees, renewal terms, premium instalment charges, claim-free benefits, and whether excesses or cover change at renewal.

Also confirm whether each quote is based on the same vehicle details, drivers, insured value, cover options and policy start date. Otherwise, you may be comparing unlike products.

How I would weight the three quotes

Use this scorecard as a starting point. Give each insurer a score from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent), based on the actual policy documents.

Adjust the scores to suit your priorities. The weighted results are out of 100.

60 /100

60 /100

60 /100

Coverage and exclusions

25%

3 — Average

3 — Average

3 — Average

Write-off payout and insured value

20%

3 — Average

3 — Average

3 — Average

Excesses and claim costs

15%

3 — Average

3 — Average

3 — Average

Annual premium and fees

15%

3 — Average

3 — Average

3 — Average

Claims service and reputation

10%

3 — Average

3 — Average

3 — Average

Rental car and other benefits

10%

3 — Average

3 — Average

3 — Average

Policy flexibility and conditions

5%

3 — Average

3 — Average

3 — Average

Reset scorecard

The weights are illustrative, not an industry standard. Treat any quote with a major coverage gap as a potential deal-breaker, even if it scores well overall.

My final decision rule

  • Choose the cheapest if all three policies provide comparable protection, payout values, excesses and service.
  • Pay a little more if another quote materially improves the write-off payout, reduces your out-of-pocket costs or includes a benefit you would otherwise have to buy separately.
  • Reject a quote if the insured value is inadequate, an important exclusion affects you, or you cannot comfortably afford its excess.

For New Zealand-specific independent guidance, start with Consumer NZ's car insurance buying guide and Consumer Protection's car insurance guidance.

Want me to compare your actual three quotes?

Paste or upload the three quotes, including the premium, insured value, excesses, optional benefits and policy wording if available. You can redact your name, address, registration and other personal details.

I'll compare them side by side, identify the material differences, flag any gaps in cover, and give you a reasoned recommendation based on value for money and protection when you need to claim.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand

Which factors should drive my decision between three comprehensive car quotes?

When deciding between three comprehensive car insurance quotes, looking strictly at the bottom-line annual premium is a common trap. In the New Zealand insurance market, two quotes with identical price tags can offer drastically different protection levels, and "cheaper" quotes often hide heavier financial risks if you have to make a claim.

The decision should be driven by a structured evaluation of the following critical factors:

1. Valuation Basis: Agreed Value vs. Market Value

  • Market Value: The insurer pays what the car is worth immediately before the accident. This can fluctuate or lead to disputes over valuation if your vehicle is written off.
  • Agreed Value: A fixed amount locked in at the start of the policy year. While it can slightly raise your premium, it gives you certainty on payout amounts—crucial for cars worth over $10,000. Check if all three quotes use the same valuation method.

2. Excess Structure (Standard and Hidden Add-ons)

  • Standard Excess: The amount you pay out-of-pocket per claim. A higher excess lowers your premium, but ensure it is an amount you could comfortably pay on short notice.
  • Inexperienced / Young Driver Excesses: If drivers under 25 (or on restricted licenses) use the vehicle, check if any of the quotes slap on a heavy additional excess (sometimes upwards of $1,000), which can wipe out a cheap premium savings.
  • Voluntary Excess Options: Check if altering the excess on one quote makes it cheaper while keeping a better insurer.

3. Key Policy Inclusions & Exclusions (The Fine Print)

Do not assume standard inclusions across providers. Look closely at how they handle:

  • Windscreen and Glass Cover: Does a chip or crack repair cost you your full standard excess, or is it zero-excess/low-excess?
  • Rental Car After an Accident: Does the policy automatically provide a temporary rental vehicle if yours is unroadworthy or stolen, or is it a costly add-on?
  • Uninsured Driver Benefit: If you are hit by an at-fault driver who has no insurance, some NZ insurers will waive your excess and protect your No-Claims Bonus, provided you have the other party’s details.

4. Claims Reputation and Service Quality

  • Price is only half the equation; the real test of insurance is how smoothly they handle a claim. In New Zealand consumer and satisfaction surveys (such as those by Consumer NZ and independent industry watchers), providers like AA Insurance consistently score very high for claims processing speed and customer trust, whereas some digital-first or budget underwriters may have stricter or slower administrative processes. Look into whether they allow "choice of repairer" or restrict you strictly to an approved network.

5. Payment Frequency Loading & Discounts

  • Monthly vs. Annual: Paying monthly via direct debit or instalments often incurs hidden payment processing fees, service charges, or a loss of annual discounts (some NZ insurers offer up to a 10% discount for paying annually upfront). Factor these fees into the true cost.
  • Multi-Policy / Bundling Discounts: If you hold house or contents insurance elsewhere, see if bundling them with one of the quote providers yields an overall discount that shifts the math.

Recommended Next Step

Put your three quotes side-by-side in a simple table tracking: (1) Total Annual Cost, (2) Valuation Type (Agreed vs. Market), (3) Total Excess, (4) Windscreen/Rental Car inclusions, and (5) Insurer claims reputation.

Are these quotes from three entirely different insurance brands, or are some owned under the same parent group (e.g., IAG owns AMI and State, which often use different pricing algorithms)?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand

Which factors should drive my decision between three comprehensive car quotes?

AI Overview

Choosing between comprehensive car insurance quotes comes down to balancing out-of-pocket costs, coverage limits, and policy features.

Here are the key factors you should compare to make your decision:

1. Financial Costs

  • Premium: The regular amount you pay to keep the policy active. Compare payment frequencies, as some insurers charge extra to pay monthly instead of annually.

  • Standard Excess: The amount you must pay upfront when making a claim. A higher excess usually lowers your premium, but you need to ensure you can afford it in an accident.

  • Special Excesses: Check if additional excesses apply, such as age-related excesses (for drivers under 25) or undeclared driver excesses.

2. Coverage and Payout Basis

  • Agreed Value vs. Market Value: Agreed value locks in a specific payout amount if your car is written off, providing certainty. Market value pays what the car was worth right before the accident, which is usually lower but makes your premium cheaper.

  • Sum Insured: Ensure the total coverage limit accurately reflects what it would cost to replace your vehicle in the current market.

3. Key Policy Features & Policy Extras

Review what is automatically included versus what requires an extra fee:

  • Windscreen and Glass Cover: Look for "excess-free" glass cover, meaning you won't have to pay your standard excess to fix a chipped or broken windscreen.

  • Roadside Assistance: Check if breakdown help is built-in or if you have to pay extra for it.

  • Hire Car Cover: Look at whether the policy provides a rental car while yours is being repaired, and for how many days.

  • Modifications and Accessories: Ensure any non-standard rims, stereos, or performance modifications are covered.

4. Insurer Reputation & Claims Process

  • Customer Service: Look at independent reviews regarding how easy it is to lodge a claim.

  • Choice of Repairer: Some insurers let you choose your own trusted mechanic, while others force you to use their approved network.

To help narrow this down, could you tell me:

  • Do you prefer lower regular premiums or a lower excess during a claim?

  • Are there any young drivers (under 25) who will use the car?

  • Do you have any modifications on the vehicle?

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand

Which factors should drive my decision between three comprehensive car quotes?

  • Excess and Deductibles : Compare the amount you'll pay out-of-pocket per claim. A lower excess usually means a higher premium, so weigh upfront cost against potential risk.

  • Inclusions and Optional Extras : Check what is bundled standard versus optional. Look closely at benefits like roadside assistance, windscreen cover, rental car after an accident, or choice of repairer.

  • Third-Party Liability Limits : Ensure the coverage cap for damage you cause to other people's property or vehicles is sufficiently high (often $20 million standard in New Zealand).

  • Agreed Value vs. Market Value : Check whether the insurer pays out an agreed-upon fixed sum or the fluctuating market value of your vehicle if it's written off or stolen.

  • Exclusions and Restrictions : Read the fine print for driver age restrictions, unlisted driver excesses, or specific security/parking requirements that could invalidate a claim.

  • Underwriter Reputation and Service : Look at customer reviews and claims-processing reputations. The cheapest policy can become expensive if dealing with slow approvals or poor service.

If you share the make and model of your car , your estimated annual mileage , and whether you have any drivers under 25 , I can help you weigh which of these factors matters most for your specific situation.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026