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

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

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.

ChatGPT · New Zealand

Our last car insurer hardly gave us updates during repairs. Can we ask a new insurer about claim updates and repair guarantees before signing up?

Yes. In New Zealand, it is reasonable to ask a new car insurer about their claims process, communication standards, and repair guarantees before you sign up. In fact, comparing those details (not just the premium) is a good way to avoid a repeat of a poor repair experience. Consumer Protection

Questions you could ask a prospective insurer include:

  • Claim updates

    • “How often will I receive updates after lodging a claim?”
    • “Will I have a dedicated claims contact person?”
    • “Can I track my claim progress online or through an app?”
    • “Who do I contact if repairs are delayed?”
  • Repair process

    • “Do you use preferred repairers, and can I choose my own repairer?”
    • “How do you monitor repair quality?”
    • “What happens if the repair is not done properly?”
    • “Will you communicate directly with the repairer and keep me informed?”
      Insurers’ policies differ on repairer choice and guarantees, so it is worth checking the policy wording before buying. Consumer NZ
  • Repair guarantees

    • “Is there a repair guarantee? How long does it last?”
    • “Does it cover workmanship, parts, and paint?”
    • “Does it apply only if I use your approved repairer?”
    • “Does it continue if I sell the vehicle?”

Some New Zealand insurers offer guarantees tied to their preferred repair networks, but the length and conditions vary. For example, some policies provide repair guarantees while you own the vehicle or while the vehicle remains registered, depending on the insurer and policy terms. AMI Site

A useful step is to ask the insurer to put their answers in writing or point you to the relevant section of the policy wording, especially for guarantees and claim communication promises. The policy document is what sets out the actual cover, exclusions, and conditions. Consumer Protection

You could also ask:

“Can you walk me through what would happen from the day I report a crash until the day I get my repaired car back?”

A good insurer should be able to explain that process clearly. Consumer Protection

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand

Our last car insurer hardly gave us updates during repairs. Can we ask a new insurer about claim updates and repair guarantees before signing up?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, it is smart to ask these questions before switching or signing up with a new car insurer in New Zealand.

Choosing an insurer that offers transparent communication and a lifetime repair guarantee can save you a lot of frustration if you ever need to make a claim.


What to Ask About Claim Updates

  • How and when will I be updated? Ask if they provide automated text/email alerts, an online customer portal where you can track claim progress, or if updates depend entirely on calling your assigned claims handler.
  • Is there a dedicated contact person? Find out whether you will have a single point of contact throughout the entire claim and repair process, or if you will be handed off to different departments.
  • What are your communication service standards? Ask if they have an internal policy on how frequently they check in with customers (e.g., updates every week during repairs).

What to Ask About Repair Guarantees

  • Do you guarantee repairs completed by your approved network? Most major New Zealand insurers guarantee workmanship and materials for as long as you own the vehicle, provided you use their approved repairers.
  • Can I choose my own repairer? If you prefer a specific mechanic or panel beater, ask if they allow non-network repairers, whether those repairs are still guaranteed by the insurer, and if it affects your excess.
  • What happens if something goes wrong with the repair later? Clarify the exact process if a fault appears months down the track due to poor workmanship—does the insurer handle the dispute with the workshop on your behalf?

Tips for Comparing Providers in New Zealand

  1. Check the PDS (Policy Wording): Look at the insurer's Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or policy wording under the "Claims" or "Vehicle Repairs" sections. This is where their official commitments to repair guarantees are legally outlined.
  2. Read Independent Reviews: Check consumer platforms like Consumer NZ or public review sites to see what real customers say about a company's claims communication and repair turnaround times.

Would you like some recommendations on which New Zealand car insurance providers offer online claim tracking or lifetime repair guarantees?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand

Our last car insurer hardly gave us updates during repairs. Can we ask a new insurer about claim updates and repair guarantees before signing up?

AI Overview

Yes, you can absolutely ask a new insurer about their claim updates and repair guarantees before signing up. In fact, doing this research beforehand is a great way to avoid the frustration you experienced with your previous provider.

In New Zealand, car insurance policies, communication styles, and repair networks vary significantly between companies. Asking the right questions before you buy a policy ensures you know exactly what to expect.

What to Ask About Claim Updates

Insurance companies handle customer communication differently. When speaking with a new insurer or reading their policy documents, look for answers to these questions:

  • How are updates sent? Do they send automatic text messages and emails at key milestones, or do you have to log into an online portal to check the status?

  • Is there a dedicated claims manager? Will you have a single point of contact for your claim, or will you speak to a different representative every time you call?

  • Who handles communication during repairs? Once the car is at the shop, does the insurer give you updates, or are you expected to contact the panel beater directly?

What to Ask About Repair Guarantees

Most major New Zealand insurers provide peace of mind through specific repair policies:

  • Choice of repairer: Check if the policy allows you to choose your own mechanic/panel beater, or if you must use the insurer's approved network.

  • Approved network guarantees: If you use the insurer's network of approved repairers, most major NZ insurers will guarantee the repairs for the lifetime of the vehicle (while you own it). Always ask them to confirm if this lifetime guarantee applies.

  • Third-party repairers: If you choose your own repairer who is not in the insurer's network, the insurer will generally not guarantee the quality of the work. You would have to deal with the repairer directly under the Consumer Guarantees Act if something goes wrong.

💡 Pro Tip for NZ Consumers

When comparing providers, check independent review sites (like Consumer NZ or online review platforms) specifically looking for feedback on their claims management process. A company might have the cheapest premium, but their customer service during a claim is what matters most when things go wrong.

If you would like to narrow down your choices, let me know:

  • Which insurance companies you are currently considering?

  • If having a courtesy car during repairs is important to you?

  • What level of cover you are looking for (Comprehensive or Third Party)?

I can help you compare their standard policies on repair guarantees and communication.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand

Our last car insurer hardly gave us updates during repairs. Can we ask a new insurer about claim updates and repair guarantees before signing up?

Yes, absolutely. You have every right to ask prospective insurers about their communication standards and repair guarantees before you commit to a policy. In New Zealand, many general insurers are members of the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) and must abide by the Fair Insurance Code, which sets expectations for timely communication and transparent claims handling.

When shopping around for a new policy, here is what you should look into and ask about:

  • Claim communication policies: Ask how often they provide updates (e.g., automated text notifications, online claim portals, or proactive phone calls from a dedicated claims manager) and what their expected timeframes are for responding to inquiries.

  • Lifetime repair guarantees: Many reputable insurers in New Zealand offer a lifetime guarantee on workmanship and repairs carried out through their approved repairer network for as long as you own the vehicle.

  • Choice of repairer: Clarify whether you are forced to use their network of approved repairers or if you have the freedom to choose your preferred mechanic or panel beater, and how that affects the guarantee on the work.

  • Dispute resolution: Check if they belong to the Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO) Scheme or Financial Dispute Resolution Service (FDRS), which provides free independent dispute resolution if they fail to meet communication or service standards. [Consumer NZ]

If you'd like, I can share:

  • Specific questions to ask a prospective insurer's customer service team
  • How to check if a brand is a signatory to the Fair Insurance Code

Let me know how you'd like to proceed with your insurer search.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026