# S-P09-M-03: I've got an imported car and worry about repair parts. Which insurers will let me use a specialist repairer?

Collected 11 October 2026

[Car insurance study](https://nzbrands.ai/research/insurance/car-insurance)

## ChatGPT

Answer ID: bb6241a1-59f9-471c-8f77-047cf7191fc5

For an imported car in New Zealand, the key is to choose a comprehensive car insurance policy that lets you use a specialist repairer familiar with your make and model, rather than automatically sending your car to the insurer’s preferred repair network.

This matters particularly for Japanese imports, European models, performance cars and vehicles with parts that aren't readily stocked in New Zealand. You’ll want to check three things:

- Choice of repairer: Can you nominate your own import specialist, or must you use an insurer-approved repairer?
- Genuine and imported parts: Will the policy cover genuine overseas parts, and who pays freight, customs charges and any extra costs?
- Repair approval: Does the insurer need to approve your chosen workshop and its quote before repairs begin?

## Insurers worth comparing in New Zealand

These are the strongest candidates based on their published repairer-choice policies and parts provisions.

### 1. Star Insure

Best starting point for imported cars

Star explicitly allows you to choose your own repairer. Its published policy wording also covers the reasonable cost of sourcing and shipping required parts from overseas when they aren't available in New Zealand. Its Prestige cover says you won't be forced to accept aftermarket parts. [Vehicle Policy Wording](https://starinsure.co.nz/policy-documents/vehicle-policy-wording/)[Luxury Car & Prestige Vehicle Insurance NZ | Free Quick Quote Online](https://starinsure.co.nz/prestige/)[Frequently Asked Questions | Insurance FAQ](https://starinsure.co.nz/resources/faq)

Links: [Star Prestige cover](https://starinsure.co.nz/prestige/) · [Policy wording](https://starinsure.co.nz/policy-documents/vehicle-policy-wording/)

### 2. MAS

MAS expressly lets you select a repairer of your choice instead of using its preferred network. That's useful if you already have a trusted specialist, although you should confirm how imported parts and any higher-than-assessed repair costs are handled. [Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy Details](https://www.mas.co.nz/insurance/motor-vehicle-insurance/motor-vehicle-insurance-policy-details/)[Motor Vehicle, Bike and Car Insurance](https://www.mas.co.nz/insurance/motor-vehicle-insurance/)

Link: [MAS motor vehicle insurance](https://www.mas.co.nz/insurance/motor-vehicle-insurance/)

### 3. Ando

Ando says you can use your own trusted repairer rather than an approved one. Because it distributes car insurance through brokers, it's worth asking a broker to confirm your particular imported model is eligible and how specialist repairs are assessed. [Preferred suppliers](https://www.ando.co.nz/preferred-suppliers)[Car](https://www.ando.co.nz/personal-insurance/car-insurance)

Link: [Ando car insurance](https://www.ando.co.nz/personal-insurance/car-insurance)

### 4. AA Insurance

AA Insurance can pay for repairs by your own repairer, but it may cap payment at the lower of its assessor's reasonable estimate or what it would have paid to arrange the repair. It doesn't guarantee the work done by your chosen repairer. [Can I choose my own vehicle repairer?](https://www.aainsurance.co.nz/help/article/360020398672-Can-I-choose-my-own-vehicle-repairer)

Link: [AA Insurance repairer policy](https://www.aainsurance.co.nz/help/article/360020398672-Can-I-choose-my-own-vehicle-repairer)

### 5. AMI

AMI says you can use a non-preferred repairer, but it won't provide the same workmanship guarantee as its approved network. Check the proposed parts and repair estimate before choosing this route. [Preferred Vs Non-Preferred Repairers Explained](https://www.ami.co.nz/faqs/preferred-repairer-and-a-non-preferred-repairer)

Link: [AMI repairer FAQs](https://www.ami.co.nz/faqs/preferred-repairer-and-a-non-preferred-repairer)

## My recommendation

I'd start by getting quotes from Star Insure and MAS, then compare Ando. Star is especially worth investigating if your concern is not just choosing a specialist, but actually obtaining the correct parts from overseas.

Don't rely on the phrase “you can choose your own repairer” alone. An insurer can allow your choice while still limiting its payment to an assessed amount, and it may not guarantee work outside its network. [Car insurance buying guide](https://www.consumer.org.nz/services/car-insurance/guide)[Can I choose my own vehicle repairer?](https://www.aainsurance.co.nz/help/article/360020398672-Can-I-choose-my-own-vehicle-repairer)

Before buying, ask the insurer to confirm in writing:

- Your chosen specialist can repair the specific imported model.
- Genuine OEM parts can be sourced from overseas when needed.
- Freight and other import costs are covered, subject to stated limits.
- The insurer will consider the specialist's quote before repairs begin.
- Your car's agreed value accurately reflects its value in New Zealand.

## Let’s narrow it down

What make and model is your imported car, and what year is it? I can then focus on the insurers most likely to cover that particular vehicle and its parts requirements.

## Gemini

Answer ID: 3860eeaa-1092-4ae8-90ef-552454b777e4

In New Zealand, most major car insurance providers do not strictly lock you into using only their "preferred" or network repairers. Under standard policy terms across the local insurance industry (including major providers like AA Insurance, IAG brands such as State and NZI, AMI, and Tower), you generally have the right to request or choose your own repairer, though the exact mechanics and conditions vary.

When it comes to imported cars and specialist repairers, keep the following considerations in mind regarding how New Zealand insurers handle this:

### 1. The "Choice of Repairer" Policy Option
* **Standard vs. Optional Benefit:** Some comprehensive policies allow you to choose your repairer automatically, while others make it an explicit policy feature or an add-on option you select when buying cover. 
* **Cost Limitations:** Even if an insurer allows you to choose your own specialist repairer, their policy wording usually dictates that they will only pay up to a **reasonable cost**—typically capped at what *they* would have been charged if the repair had been done through their own approved network. If your specialist charges a higher labor rate or premium for rare parts, you might be asked to cover the difference unless you have a specific policy wording that guarantees specialist or manufacturer-approved parts.

### 2. Specialist Imports and Practical Realities
For imported vehicles (such as Japanese imports, grey imports, or specialized European models), mainstream insurers are often quite accustomed to dealing with specialist shops. This is because:
* **Parts Sourcing:** Specialty imports often require sourcing unique parts directly from overseas (e.g., Japan or specialist European suppliers). Insurers frequently work alongside specialist collision and mechanical repairers who have established import channels.
* **Specialist Accreditations:** High-end specialist repairers in New Zealand frequently maintain direct relationships with major insurers to streamline claims for vehicles requiring brand-certified or specialized restoration techniques.

### What to check in your policy wording:
Before committing to a policy for an imported car, carefully review the **"Repair of Vehicle"** or **"Choice of Repairer"** section of the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS):
* Look for whether they guarantee workmanship only if you use *their* preferred network, or if they offer a guarantee on repairs done by your chosen specialist.
* Check if there are any specific exclusions or additional excesses for imported, unlisted, or high-performance grey-import models. 

*Recommendation:* It is always best to call the insurer's underwriting or claims team directly before taking out a policy to explicitly state that you drive an imported vehicle and want to confirm their stance on using a dedicated specialist workshop in the event of a claim.

## AI Overviews

Answer ID: 8540318e-fff7-4b2a-901c-0fd1f006d5aa

In New Zealand, your right to use a specialist repairer for an imported car largely depends on the specific terms of your policy, but most major insurers do allow you to choose your own repairer under certain conditions.

Major NZ Insurers & Their Policies

Insurer| Can You Choose a Specialist Repairer?| Key Details & Conditions
---|---|---
**Tower Insurance**| **Yes**| Their standard comprehensive policies explicitly state that if they choose to repair your vehicle, you have the right to nominate a repairer of your choice.
**[AMI Insurance](https://www.ami.co.nz/)**| **Yes**| You can choose any qualified NZ repairer. However, if you use someone outside of their preferred network, they will pay out their estimate of the "reasonable cost of repairs", and they will not provide their lifetime repair guarantee on the workmanship.
**[AA Insurance](https://www.aainsurance.co.nz/)**| **Conditional**| They prefer you use their AA Quality Repairer network. If you insist on your own specialist (such as a factory-approved or manufacturer-specific shop), they can choose to pay you the lowest of their estimated costs to fix it to a comparable standard.
**[Star Insurance Specialists](https://starinsure.co.nz/)**| **Yes**| As niche vehicle specialists, they actively offer a clear "**choice of repairer** " option and will forward referrals directly to your preferred specialist.
**[Swann Insurance](https://www.swanninsurance.co.nz/)**| **Yes**| Commonly used for classic or unique imports, they allow you to choose your repairer or will pay out the estimated cost of the specialized repair.

Important Tips for Imported Vehicle Repairs

 * **The "Reasonable Cost" Trap:** If your insurer pays out a cash settlement based on _their_ assessment of "reasonable cost," it may be calculated using standard domestic part prices. If your specialist requires rare or explicitly imported components, ensure the insurer agrees to the exact scope of costs **in writing** before work begins.

 * **Consumer Rights:** Under New Zealand consumer conventions, you generally maintain the right to select who works on your property. Even if an insurer pushes a preferred commercial network, you can request authorization for an independent factory-certified expert.

If you'd like to narrow down your options, let me know:

 * What is the **make and model** of the imported car?

 * Are the parts **notoriously hard to find** in New Zealand?

 * Do you already have a **preferred local specialist** in mind?

## Google AI Mode

Answer ID: b18d8738-e301-498b-8045-3ca938796807

When insuring an imported car in _New Zealand_ , having the flexibility to use a specialist or your own preferred repairer depends heavily on the specific insurance provider. Many standard mass-market insurers prefer (or contractually steer you toward) their own network of preferred/approved repairers to guarantee quality and manage costs. However, several options allow you to nominate a specialist.

Insurers and Their Approaches

 * * **Tower Insurance:** Under their standard and tailored comprehensive motor policies, Tower explicitly includes a **choice of repairer** provision. Their wording states that if your vehicle suffers damage and they choose to repair it, you can nominate a repairer of your choice.

 * **Specialist / Enthusiast Insurers (e.g., Star Insurance, initio, or specialized broker-backed policies):** If your import is a classic, grey import, performance vehicle, or high-end European/JDM car, specialist insurers or niche automotive policies are typically far more accommodating. They regularly factor in specialist parts sourcing and allow—or even prefer—you to use recognized marque or specialist mechanics rather than a generic network panel beater.

 * **AA Insurance, AMI, and State Insurance:** These mainstream providers generally steer claims through their approved repairer networks to back the repairs with a lifetime/ownership guarantee. If you insist on using your own unapproved specialist outside their network, they may opt to do a cash settlement or pay out based on their own independent assessment of reasonable repair costs rather than paying a blank check to your chosen specialist.

 *

Key Tips Before Signing or Claiming

 * * **Check the Policy Wording:** Look specifically at the sections titled _"How we settle your claim"_ , _"Choice of Repairer"_ , or _"Preferred/Approved Repairers"_ before committing to a policy. [Insurspy]

 * **Get It in Writing:** If you choose a standard insurer that permits self-nominated repairs under certain conditions, always get written confirmation from their claims team regarding how they calculate payouts or whether they fully clear your preferred specialist's cost estimate. [Insurspy]

 *

If you'd like, let me know:

 * What **make, model, and year** the imported car is
 * Whether it is a **standard daily driver** or a **classic/performance import**

I can give you a more tailored recommendation on which type of policy or insurer fits best.