Every question, every answer, every source

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 WordingLuxury Car & Prestige Vehicle Insurance NZ | Free Quick Quote OnlineFrequently Asked Questions | Insurance FAQ

Links: Star Prestige cover · 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 DetailsMotor Vehicle, Bike and Car Insurance

Link: MAS 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 suppliersCar

Link: Ando 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?

Link: AA Insurance repairer policy

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

Link: AMI repairer FAQs

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 guideCan 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.