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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

I've just bought my first car and need insurance. Which NZ car insurers should I look at?

Congrats on your first car! 🚗 In New Zealand, I’d start by getting quotes from at least three insurers rather than choosing the first one you find. The price can vary considerably depending on your age, licence, car model, driving history and where you park it. Consumer NZ recommends comparing both premiums and policy details before buying. Car insurance buying guideCar insurance

NZ car insurers worth comparing

Here are some established providers and alternatives to put on your shortlist. These are options to investigate, not a ranking of which insurer is best for everyone.

AA Insurance

Offers comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, and third-party cover. Worth checking if you want several levels of protection to compare.

Website: aa.co.nz

AMI

Offers all three main types of car cover. A useful quote to include in your comparison.

Website: ami.co.nz

State Insurance

Another provider to compare for comprehensive and lower-cost third-party options.

Website: state.co.nz

Tower Insurance

Offers multiple levels of motor cover. Include it when comparing premiums, excesses and extras.

Website: tower.co.nz

Cove

A digital-first option worth checking if you prefer getting a quote and managing insurance online. Check its eligibility requirements for your age and licence.

Website: coveinsurance.co.nz

Trade Me Insurance

Another option for online quotes and comparing different levels of cover.

Website: trademeinsurance.co.nz

Provider cover options are based on available comparison information; confirm current eligibility, policy terms and pricing directly with each insurer. Compare Car Insurance Providers NZCar insuranceComprehensive Car Insurance | Full Vehicle CoverThird Party Car Insurance – Buy it online

Which type of insurance should you get?

Comprehensive

Covers damage to your own car as well as damage you cause to other people's cars or property, subject to the policy terms.

Consider this if: your car would be expensive to replace, or you couldn't comfortably pay for repairs yourself.

Third-party, fire and theft

Covers damage you cause to other people's property, plus your own car if it is stolen or damaged by fire.

Consider this if: your car isn't worth a lot, but you'd still worry about theft or fire.

Third-party property only

Covers damage you cause to other people's vehicles or property, but generally not damage to your own car.

Consider this if: your car is inexpensive enough that you could afford to replace it yourself.

These are the main options in NZ. Car insurance is generally voluntary, but the financial consequences of an accident can be substantial. Car insuranceMotor Insurance: What You Need to Know

What to check before you buy

  • Excess: how much you must pay towards a claim. Check whether an additional excess applies to young or inexperienced drivers.
  • Agreed value vs market value: understand how much you could receive if your car is written off.
  • Who can drive: make sure the policy covers your actual licence type and any other drivers.
  • Theft and parking: check exclusions and requirements relating to where and how you park.
  • Extras: compare windscreen cover, a courtesy car, roadside assistance and towing.
  • Payment frequency: compare the total annual cost if you pay monthly versus annually.

Consumer Protection NZ has a useful official guide to car insurance. Car insurance buying guideCar insurance

Let’s narrow it down for your first car

I can help you work out which insurers and level of cover are worth getting quotes from. The most useful starting point is your car and your driving experience.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand

I've just bought my first car and need insurance. Which NZ car insurers should I look at?

Congratulations on buying your first car! In New Zealand, insurance options generally range from traditional, established household brands to modern, digital-first insurers.

The primary car insurance providers in New Zealand to look at include:

  • AA Insurance: A major joint venture between the New Zealand Automobile Association and Vero, known for reliable customer service, membership discounts, and lifetime repair guarantees.
  • Tower Insurance: Frequently rated as having some of the most comprehensive policy benefits (such as built-in key replacement and flexible excess options), with a very streamlined online quote and management system.
  • AMI & State: Two widely recognized legacy brands backed by IAG New Zealand, offering comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, and third-party-only options with extensive repair networks across the country.
  • Cove Insurance: A popular digital-first "challenger" brand known for highly competitive pricing, quick online setup, and straightforward comprehensive policies.

Tips for First-Time Car Buyers:

  1. Choose the Right Level of Cover: Since it's your first car, decide between Comprehensive (covers damage to your car and other people's cars), Third Party, Fire & Theft, or Third Party Only (which only covers damage you cause to other people's cars or property).
  2. Shop Around & Compare: Premiums can vary wildly depending on your age, where you live, and the make/model of your car. Using free local comparison tools (like Glimp or Quashed) or getting direct quotes from at least three providers will help you secure the best price.

If you like, I can help you look up specific policy features or coverage types (like roadside assistance or excess options) for any of these providers. Do you want me to do that?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand

I've just bought my first car and need insurance. Which NZ car insurers should I look at?

AI Overview

Congratulations on buying your first car! In New Zealand, car insurance isn't legally compulsory, but it is highly recommended to protect yourself from massive bills if you damage someone else’s luxury vehicle or property.

The best New Zealand car insurers to look at depend on what you value most—whether that is the cheapest price, top-tier customer satisfaction, or a seamless digital experience.

The Major Providers to Compare

Insurer Key Highlights Best For...
AA Insurance Lifetime repair guarantees, optional windscreen cover, and additional discounts for AA Members. Reliability & Reputation
Cove 100% digital-first insurer. Offers simple online quotes, month-to-month contracts, and frequently ranks as highly competitive on price. Tech-savvy buyers & low premiums
Tower Independent NZX-listed insurer. Provides excess-free key replacement and very competitive pricing for drivers under 25. Young drivers & policy extras
State Part of IAG (NZ’s largest insurance group). Known for removing age excesses and offers seamless live-chat support. Simple, direct online setup
AMI Also part of IAG. Offers low excess options (starting at $100) and standard accidental windscreen damage cover. Flexible excesses
MAS / FMG Both are member-owned mutual insurers. They consistently dominate the Consumer NZ People's Choice awards for customer satisfaction. Top-tier customer service

Step 1: Choose Your Level of Cover

Before getting quotes, decide which type of insurance fits your budget and car value:

  • Comprehensive: Covers damage to your own car, theft, fire, and any damage you cause to other people's cars or property. Highly recommended for your first car.

  • Third-Party, Fire & Theft: Won't cover your car in a standard crash, but protects you if your car is stolen or catches fire, plus covers your legal liability for other cars.

  • Third-Party Only: The cheapest option. It only covers the damage you cause to other people's property. If your car gets written off, you get nothing.

Quick Tips for First-Time Car Buyers in NZ

  1. Watch the excess: Your "excess" is the amount you pay out-of-pocket when making a claim. Because you are a first-time driver, insurers will likely add an "under 25" or "inexperienced driver" excess on top of your standard excess. Always look at the total applicable excess before buying.

  2. Agreed vs. Market Value: When getting quotes, look at whether the payout is Agreed Value (a fixed sum you agree on) or Market Value (what the car was worth right before the crash). Agreed value is usually safer for first-time buyers so you know exactly what you'll get.

  3. Check for Promos: Insurers like AA Insurance, Cove, and Tower regularly run signup promotions—such as $100 off or a free month of cover—which can heavily discount your first year.

  4. Use a Comparison Tool: Don’t just pick the first one. Use an independent comparison platform like Quashed or MoneyHub NZ to input your car details and contrast live pricing side-by-side.

To help me narrow down the best choices for you, what make and model is your car, and are you under or over 25?

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand

I've just bought my first car and need insurance. Which NZ car insurers should I look at?

Congratulations on buying your first car! Getting the right cover sorted is an essential next step. In New Zealand, the car insurance market features a mix of traditional household names, digital-first insurers, and specialized mutuals.

Key New Zealand car insurers worth looking at include:

  • AA Insurance: Consistently rated highly for customer trust and service satisfaction, offering perks like a lifetime repair guarantee on authorized repairs and specific benefits if you are an AA member.
  • Tower Insurance: Known for strong digital tools, flexible comprehensive policies, and occasional online-signup incentives or discounts. They also underwrite policies for online platforms like Trade Me Insurance.
  • AMI Insurance and State Insurance: Two major, long-established brands in the local market offering comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, and third-party-only policies, alongside accessible local branches or online claim tracking.
  • Cove Insurance: A popular app- and digital-first choice that frequently ranks as a lower-cost option for many drivers, featuring flexible monthly or annual payment options (note that they typically have specific age or vehicle restrictions). [MoneyHub NZ]
  • FMG and MAS: Frequently top consumer satisfaction surveys (such as Consumer NZ and Canstar awards), though FMG specializes heavily in rural/provincial communities and MAS focuses on specific professional groups.

Tips for First-Time Buyers

  • Choose your level of cover: Decide between Comprehensive (covers damage to your car and others), Third Party, Fire and Theft , or basic Third Party Only. For a newly purchased asset you rely on, comprehensive is usually recommended.
  • Compare quotes: Premiums can vary drastically depending on your age, where you live, and the make/model of your car (for instance, certain imported models carry higher theft or repair costs). It pays to run quotes across multiple platforms or use local consumer resource guides like MoneyHub to compare current offerings. [MoneyHub NZ]

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

  • Your approximate age or driving history
  • The make, model, and year of your car
  • Whether you want comprehensive or basic cover

I can give you a better idea of what to expect for your specific situation.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026