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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

How do car insurers differ on windscreen, roadside support, courtesy cars and agreed value?

NZ car insurance: what differs between insurers?

In New Zealand, the biggest differences between car insurers often aren't the basic comprehensive cover — they're the extras, what you pay when making a claim, and how much help you get when something goes wrong.

For windscreen cover, roadside assistance, courtesy cars and agreed value, I'd compare AA Insurance, AMI, State, Tower, Cove and MAS. Their benefits vary, and some features are included while others cost extra. Car Insurance Policy Comparison - AMI vs AMP vs AA vs State vs Tower and moreQuashed | AA Insurance NZ 2026: Comparing Prices, Cover & Value Against Every Major CompetitorMotor Vehicle, Bike and Car Insurance

1. The four features compared

Windscreen and glass cover

This covers damage to your windscreen and, depending on the policy, other vehicle windows.

  • Best feature to look for: no excess for glass claims.
  • Key difference: whether glass cover is included or an optional extra.
  • Check whether side and rear windows, sunroofs and glass-related calibration costs are covered.

Roadside assistance

Help if your car breaks down, has a flat battery or needs a tyre changed.

  • Best feature to look for: assistance included with your policy at no extra charge.
  • Key difference: whether it's included, optional or supplied through a separate motoring membership.
  • Check call-out limits, towing distances, and whether the cover follows the car or the driver.

Courtesy or hire car

Helps you stay mobile while your insured car is being repaired or after theft.

  • Best feature to look for: a hire car provided after an accident, including when you're at fault.
  • Key difference: whether the benefit is standard or optional, and whether theft is covered.
  • Check the daily dollar limit, maximum duration and any conditions for getting the car.

Agreed value

The amount set with your insurer for your vehicle, subject to the policy terms and applicable deductions, if it's written off or stolen.

  • Best feature to look for: an agreed value that reflects what it would cost to replace your car.
  • Key difference: agreed value versus market value, and whether the insurer lets you choose.
  • Check how the value is reviewed at renewal and whether it keeps pace with the vehicle's replacement cost.

2. How major NZ insurers compare

This is a practical shortlist based on published policy information and comparison guides available in October 2026. Treat it as a starting point rather than a guarantee for every policy tier.

Insurer Windscreen Roadside assistance Courtesy/hire car Vehicle value
AA Insurance Excess-free glass benefit may be optional Check insurance policy and separate AA membership Check policy/add-ons Agreed value
AMI Excess-free glass benefit may be optional Roadside Rescue available with comprehensive cover; check current terms Available under specified cover and conditions Agreed value
State Check excess-free glass option May be an add-on Optional hire-car benefit Market or agreed value, depending on policy
Tower Glass covered on comprehensive and third party, fire and theft; excess buyout available Optional RoadWise service Optional hire-car benefit Market or agreed value
Cove Excess-free glass cover is an optional extra Check current add-on terms Check current policy terms Agreed value
MAS No excess on eligible comprehensive glass claims Included with eligible comprehensive cover from 1 April 2026 Hire-car cover can be added Market value

Sources: insurer policy information and comparative guides. Car Insurance Policy Comparison - AMI vs AMP vs AA vs State vs Tower and moreQuashed | AA Insurance NZ 2026: Comparing Prices, Cover & Value Against Every Major CompetitorThird Party Car Insurance QuoteMotor Vehicle, Bike and Car InsuranceCar InsuranceGet a Motor Vehicle Insurance QuoteCar
Insurance
Policy Wording

A few important distinctions:

Policy names, eligibility and optional benefits can change, so verify the exact policy wording and quote before switching.

3. Which features matter most?

My priorities would be:

  1. Agreed value if you want certainty about the vehicle's insured value after a total loss.
  2. Excess-free windscreen cover if you drive frequently on motorways or gravel roads, or have an expensive windscreen with driver-assistance sensors.
  3. Courtesy car after an at-fault accident if you rely on your car daily. Confirm whether theft and total-loss claims are covered too.
  4. Roadside assistance if you travel long distances, drive an older vehicle or don't already have breakdown cover.

Agreed value versus market value

For example, suppose your car is written off:

  • With agreed value of $18,000, the claim is generally settled using that agreed amount, subject to the policy and deductions.
  • With market value, the payout is based on the vehicle's assessed value immediately before the loss, which could be less than you expected.

Agreed value isn't necessarily the same as the amount you originally paid for the car. Check the value at each renewal. Car Insurance NZ - Quick Quote & Buy OnlineHow much does car insurance cost?

4. How to compare quotes fairly

When getting quotes, make sure every insurer is quoting the same car, drivers, excess and cover level. Then compare the annual premium plus the cost of optional extras.

Here's a checklist you can use:

Insurance comparison checklist

0 of 6

Windscreen and side-window glass cover, with zero excess

Roadside assistance included, with clear towing limits

Hire car after an at-fault accident and theft

Agreed value sufficient to replace the car

Excess amount and any additional young-driver excess

Repair guarantee and choice of repairer

Copy checklist

My recommendation: Don't automatically choose the cheapest premium. A slightly more expensive policy may be better value if it includes roadside assistance, a suitable agreed value and a hire car when you need one.

If you tell me your car's make, model and year, I can help narrow down which of these NZ insurers is worth comparing for your particular vehicle.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand

How do car insurers differ on windscreen, roadside support, courtesy cars and agreed value?

When comparing comprehensive car insurance in New Zealand, insurers like AA Insurance, Tower, AMI, State, Cove, and Trade Me Insurance handle standard features and optional add-ons quite differently.

A breakdown of how major New Zealand providers contrast across windscreens, roadside support, courtesy cars, and agreed value reveals key distinctions:

1. Windscreen and Glass Cover

  • How insurers differ: Most mainstream Kiwi insurers (such as AMI, State, AA Insurance, Tower, and Cove) treat windscreen and window glass protection as an optional add-on. However, if you purchase or bundle this option, glass claims are typically excess-free (meaning you don't pay your standard policy excess if a stone chips or cracks your glass).
  • Exceptions: A few policies or niche providers include basic glass cover built-in or structured differently (for example, AMP covers glass with no excess under specific comprehensive terms, while other providers might charge a small separate annual premium for glass protection).

2. Roadside Support / Breakdown Cover

  • How insurers differ: Roadside assistance is almost universally an optional extra across New Zealand insurers (including AA Insurance, AMI, State, and Tower).
  • The Nuance:
    • Adding breakdown cover through your insurer usually costs around $40 to $50 a year, which is typically cheaper than a standalone traditional AA Membership.
    • Insurer-provided roadside assistance (like AMI Roadside Rescue) generally covers you nationwide for breakdowns, flat batteries, or flat tyres, whether you are driving your own vehicle or someone else's covered car.

3. Courtesy Cars / Alternative Transport

  • How insurers differ: This is one of the areas with the most variation between a basic policy and a comprehensive package:
    • Optional Add-On: For many providers (such as AMI, State, AA Insurance, and Cove), a courtesy car or alternative transport hire while your vehicle is being repaired after an accident is an optional extra.
    • Built-in or Tiered: Some top-tier policies (or comprehensive plans with specific insurers like Tower) build in or offer higher allowances (e.g., up to $1,000 or specific day caps) for alternative transport.
    • Repairer Perks: If you use an insurer's preferred network of repairers (such as AMI MotorHub or partnered repair shops), they may provide a temporary courtesy car as part of the repair shop's service while your car is worked on.

4. Agreed Value vs. Market Value

  • How insurers differ:
    • Agreed Value: Means you and the insurer agree on a fixed payout amount when you start or renew your policy. If your car is written off or stolen and unrecovered, you receive that exact amount (minus your excess), regardless of sudden market drops. Providers like AA Insurance commonly feature agreed value as a standard component of comprehensive policies.
    • Market Value: Many digital-first or budget-leaning policies default to market value, or let you choose between market and agreed value. Market value means the insurer pays what the car was worth right before the loss occurred. Choosing agreed value often slightly increases your premium, but provides financial certainty.

Quick Comparison Summary

Feature AA Insurance Tower AMI / State Cove
Windscreen Cover Optional extra (excess-free) Optional extra (excess-free) Optional extra (excess-free) Optional extra (excess-free)
Roadside Assistance Optional extra Optional extra Optional extra Optional extra
Courtesy Car Optional extra Optional extra (tiered options up to $1,000) Optional extra Optional extra
Agreed Value Widely standard/configurable Configurable option Configurable option Configurable option
Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand

How do car insurers differ on windscreen, roadside support, courtesy cars and agreed value?

AI Overview

In New Zealand, car insurance policies vary significantly beyond the base price. Insurers differentiate themselves through specific policy add-ons, limits, and settlement definitions.

The primary differences across windscreen cover, roadside support, courtesy cars, and agreed value are outlined below.

1. Windscreen & Glass Cover

Windscreen chips and cracks are incredibly common on Kiwi roads due to loose gravel and loose metal.

  • The Difference: Whether the cover is automatically included or an optional paid add-on , and what specific types of glass are covered.

  • How Insurers Differ:

  • MAS automatically includes excess-free windscreen cover in its standard comprehensive policy.

  • Tower automatically covers windscreen and window glass under current comprehensive policies, but you must buy a "windscreen excess buyout" add-on to eliminate the excess.

  • AA Insurance and AMI treat excess-free glass cover as an optional extra (e.g., AA charges around $69/year).

  • Exclusions to watch for: Almost all "excess-free" glass benefits exclude sunroofs, glass panoramic roofs, mirrors, and headlights. However, modern policies from providers like AMI and State will cover the expensive cost of recalibrating Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) cameras built into new windscreens.

2. Roadside Support

Roadside assistance deals with mechanical breakdowns (like a flat battery, flat tyre, or lockout), whereas standard car insurance only covers accidents, fire, and theft.

  • The Difference: Whether the roadside plan is vehicle-linked or personal-linked , and the number of free annual call-outs allowed.

  • How Insurers Differ:

  • MAS stands out by including free roadside assistance natively in its standard policy.

  • AMI offers "Roadside Rescue" for an extra cost, providing unlimited callouts and covering the policyholder even if they are driving someone else’s car.

  • State and Tower (RoadWise) offer paid add-ons that limit you to 3 or 5 free callouts per year, charging a fee (typically $50) for any subsequent calls.

  • Most insurer roadside programs are outsourced to First Rescue or the AA network.

3. Courtesy Cars (Rental Car Cover)

If your car is in the panel shop after an accident or has been stolen, getting back on the road depends entirely on your specific policy wording.

  • The Difference: Some insurers only provide a courtesy car if your vehicle is stolen , while others provide it for accidental damage repairs.

  • How Insurers Differ:

  • Standard vs. Optional: Some comprehensive policies give you a vehicle for up to 14 days automatically if your car is stolen. However, to get a courtesy car while your vehicle is undergoing accident repairs, you almost always have to pay for a "rental car" or "courtesy car" optional add-on.

  • Limits: Limits are capped by duration or dollar amount. For example, Cove offers an optional add-on extending courtesy car usage up to 30 days.

4. Agreed Value vs. Market Value

This dictates the maximum payout you will receive if your vehicle is written off (a total loss) or stolen and not recovered.

  • The Difference: Agreed Value locks in a precise financial figure, while Market Value fluctuates based on depreciation.
Feature Agreed Value Market Value
Payout Basis A fixed dollar amount agreed upon at the start of your 12-month policy cycle. What the car is worth on the open second-hand market immediately before the accident.
Financial Certainty High. You know exactly what you will get, making it ideal if you have a car loan to pay off. Low. Payout relies on the insurer's post-accident valuation using mileage and wear-and-tear.
Premium Cost Typically higher premiums because the insurer takes on more risk as the car depreciates over the year. Typically cheaper premiums because the potential payout drops every day the car gets older.
Availability Offered by AA Insurance, AMI, State, and Tower on comprehensive tiers (reviewed and adjusted down for depreciation at every annual renewal). Standard on basic policies or budget-friendly insurance options.

To help find the right policy for your vehicle, could you tell me:

  • What is the approximate age and approximate value of your car?

  • Do you have any aftermarket modifications or accessories installed?

  • Are you looking for a budget-friendly basic policy or maximum coverage?

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Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand

How do car insurers differ on windscreen, roadside support, courtesy cars and agreed value?

In New Zealand , comprehensive car insurance providers handle key benefits and optional extras quite differently. While the underlying framework of comprehensive cover is similar across major players (like AA Insurance, AMI, State, and Tower), the specifics regarding how these features are packaged, costed, or capped can vary significantly.

  • Windscreen Cover : Some insurers include standard accidental windscreen/glass damage within their base comprehensive policy with a zero or reduced excess (e.g., AMI includes standard accidental windscreen damage cover), whereas others treat it as an optional add-on that you must select and pay extra for (e.g., AA Insurance and Cove offer excess-free glass/windscreen cover as an optional extra). If not covered excess-free, a glass claim will typically require you to pay your standard policy excess, which can cost more than the repair itself.

  • Roadside Support : Roadside rescue or breakdown assistance is built directly into some top-tier policies or standard offerings (e.g., AMI includes unlimited free Roadside Rescue in certain or standard contexts), but more frequently, it is sold as a low-cost optional add-on (typically around $50 to $90 annually). It is often cheaper as an insurer add-on than maintaining a separate standalone automotive club membership, though scope of call-outs can differ.

  • Courtesy Cars : Policies handle rental or courtesy vehicles differently depending on the situation (accident vs. theft) and duration. Some provide a courtesy car automatically or as an add-on only if your car is being repaired by an approved repairer after an accident, while limits and caps vary widely—some offer unlimited rental car hire during repairs (like AA Insurance's comprehensive tier options) versus others capping the daily rate or total duration (e.g., Cove's standard or add-on caps up to 14–30 days).

  • Agreed Value : Most major NZ insurers assess your car's value on an "agreed value" basis (re-evaluated at each policy renewal based on market value and depreciation) or "market value." However, the fine print differs around whether you can manually adjust this value, how disputes are handled at total write-off, and whether specific bonuses apply (such as Tower’s 2-year new-for-old replacement vehicle clause for qualifying brand-new cars). Even sister companies under the same corporate umbrella (like AMI and State, both owned by IAG) can differ in how they price and calculate these agreed values.

If you have a specific insurer in mind (or are comparing two particular brands like AA Insurance vs Tower), let me know and I can detail their exact differences for these four features.

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Captured 11 October 2026