ChatGPT · New Zealand
I live in Wellington and need car insurance. Which companies are worth comparing?
If you live in Wellington, I'd compare at least four or five car insurers in New Zealand rather than going with the first cheap quote. The best option depends on your car's value, where it's parked overnight, how much you drive, and whether you want comprehensive cover or just protection against damage to other people's vehicles.
For most drivers, comprehensive insurance is worth pricing first, especially if your car would be expensive to repair or replace.
Car insurance companies worth comparing
- AA Insurance
A good all-round option to benchmark against. Worth checking if you value repair guarantees and the ability to choose your repairer. AA Car and Vehicle InsuranceCar Insurance Policy Comparison - AMI vs AMP vs AA vs State vs Tower and more
Get a quote: aa.co.nz
- AMI
A mainstream insurer with comprehensive, third-party and other cover options. Particularly worth comparing if roadside assistance is useful, as it is included with its comprehensive cover. Comprehensive Car Insurance | Full Vehicle CoverAMI Car Insurance | Online Quote
Get a quote: ami.co.nz
- State Insurance
A useful like-for-like comparison with AMI and AA Insurance. Check the excess, vehicle valuation and optional extras rather than assuming similar cover means a similar price. Car Insurance Policy Comparison - AMI vs AMP vs AA vs State vs Tower and moreBest Car Insurance NZ | Compare, Quote and Save
Get a quote: state.co.nz
- Tower Insurance
Worth checking if you want broad cover and useful optional benefits. Tower offers features such as key replacement cover on eligible comprehensive policies; read the limits and exclusions. 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 Competitor
Get a quote: tower.co.nz
- Cove
Especially worth a quote if you prefer buying and managing your policy online. Recent NZ comparisons have found it competitive on price for some driver and vehicle combinations, although it won't necessarily be cheapest for you. Car Insurance Policy Comparison - AMI vs AMP vs AA vs State vs Tower and moreBest Car Insurance NZ | Compare, Quote and Save
Get a quote: coveinsurance.co.nz
- Trade Me Insurance
Another option to include in your price check. Its motor insurance is provided and managed by Tower, but the policy benefits can differ from Tower's own offering. Car Insurance Policy Comparison - AMI vs AMP vs AA vs State vs Tower and moreBest Car Insurance NZ | Compare, Quote and Save
Get a quote: trademe.co.nz
What matters most when comparing quotes
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Annual premium | Compare the full yearly cost, including fees and instalment charges. |
| Excess | The amount you pay towards a claim. A cheaper premium may come with a higher excess. |
| Agreed vs market value | Check how your payout would be calculated if the car is written off or stolen. |
| Windscreen cover | See whether glass claims are excess-free or require an add-on. |
| Theft and weather damage | Check exclusions and conditions, particularly for overnight parking. |
| Courtesy car and repairs | See whether a replacement vehicle is provided and whether you can choose the repairer. |
A Wellington-specific tip: give each insurer the same details about where you park overnight — for example, a locked garage, driveway or street parking. Your location and parking arrangements can affect the quote, so make sure you're comparing equivalent cover.
For a broader independent comparison, MoneyHub's NZ car insurance comparison is a useful starting point. Best Car Insurance NZ | Compare, Quote and Save
I'll help you narrow it down
The best shortlist depends quite a bit on your vehicle. What car do you drive, including its make, model and year? I'll use that to help you focus on the insurers most worth getting quotes from.
ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.
Captured 11 October 2026