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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

Which NZ car insurers should I look at?

If I were comparing car insurers in New Zealand, I’d start with AA Insurance, AMI, State, Tower and Cove. I’d also get a quote from Trade Me Insurance to see whether it offers better value for comparable cover.

There isn’t one insurer that’s cheapest or best for everyone. Your car, age, driving history, excess and where you live can all affect the price. Consumer NZ recommends getting at least three quotes and comparing the policy details, not just the premium. Car insurance buying guideCar insurance buying guide

6 NZ car insurers worth comparing

  1. AA Insurance

A good starting point for a broad range of cover, including comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, and third-party-only policies. AA members may qualify for discounts, and comprehensive policies include a lifetime repair guarantee when you use an AA Insurance repairer. AA Car and Vehicle InsuranceComprehensive Car Insurance Quote Online

Get a quote: aa.co.nz

  1. AMI

Worth comparing for everyday and family vehicles. It offers three main cover levels, and comprehensive insurance includes AMI Roadside Rescue, subject to terms and conditions. AMI Car Insurance | Online QuoteCompare Car Insurance NZ

Get a quote: ami.co.nz

  1. State Insurance

A useful like-for-like comparison with AA and AMI, particularly if you want to compare the price and benefits of comprehensive cover from established providers.

Website: state.co.nz

  1. Tower Insurance

Worth checking for competitive pricing and its range of cover options. Compare excesses, optional extras and the amount payable if your car is written off before deciding. Car Insurance Policy Comparison - AMI vs AMP vs AA vs State vs Tower and moreCompare Car Insurance Quotes NZ 2026

Get a quote: tower.co.nz

  1. Cove

A good option to investigate if you prefer buying and managing insurance online. It focuses on a digital experience and offers comprehensive car insurance. Check whether its available cover suits your particular vehicle. Compare Car Insurance Providers NZCar Insurance Policy Comparison - AMI vs AMP vs AA vs State vs Tower and more

Get a quote: coveinsurance.co.nz

  1. Trade Me Insurance

Another useful quote to include when shopping around, especially if you're looking to keep costs down. Compare its policy with Tower and other providers on the same excess, insured value and extras. Compare Car Insurance Providers NZCar Insurance Policy Comparison - AMI vs AMP vs AA vs State vs Tower and more

Website: trademe.co.nz

Other insurers to consider

Which type of cover should you choose?

Cover What it protects Best suited to
Comprehensive Your car and damage you cause to other people's property, subject to policy terms Cars you'd struggle to replace
Third party, fire and theft Other people's property, plus specified fire and theft risks to your car Cars you can afford to repair or replace yourself
Third party only Damage you cause to other people's property Lower-value cars where you can absorb the loss

In New Zealand, car insurance is generally optional, but even an accident involving someone else's expensive vehicle can leave you with a substantial bill if you're uninsured. Car insurance buying guideCar Insurance NZ — Comprehensive vs Third Party Guide (2026)

What I'd compare before buying

  • Annual premium: Get at least three quotes using identical details.
  • Excess: Check the standard excess and any additional excesses for young or inexperienced drivers.
  • Agreed vs. market value: Understand how much you'd receive if your car were written off.
  • Windscreen cover: Check whether it is included or costs extra.
  • Replacement vehicle: Find out whether a rental car is covered while yours is repaired.
  • Claims and repairs: Check repairer arrangements, exclusions and customer satisfaction.

You can also start with the independent comparison guides from Consumer NZ and Canstar NZ. Car insurance buying guideCompare Car Insurance Policies and Providers in NZ

I can narrow it down for your car

The most useful next step is to know what you're insuring.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand

Which NZ car insurers should I look at?

When looking for car insurance in New Zealand, the market is broadly split between major mainstream direct insurers, digital-first options, and specialist or member-based providers.

The top car insurers in New Zealand worth considering depend on what you prioritize (such as lowest price, claims reputation, or specific policy perks):

1. The Major Established Insurers

These are the household names that most New Zealanders use. They generally have high financial strength ratings and extensive support networks:

  • AA Insurance: Consistently ranks high in customer satisfaction and claims handling. It’s a joint venture with the New Zealand Automobile Association (NZAA) and is popular for drivers who prioritize a smooth claims process over the absolute lowest price.
  • AMI & State: Both are major direct insurers under the parent group IAG New Zealand. They offer broad comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, and third-party-only policies, with AMI maintaining physical MotorHubs in main centers and State regularly winning industry awards (such as Canstar’s Insurer of the Year).
  • Tower: Known for flexible digital policy management and risk-based pricing. Tower has shifted away from traditional multi-policy discounts, but frequently runs online sign-up promotions.

2. Digital-First & Alternative Options

  • Cove: A popular digital-first insurance provider backed by major global underwriters. They focus on fast online quoting, streamlined self-service claims, and often competitive pricing for tech-savvy drivers.
  • Mighty Ape Insurance: A newer entrant into the New Zealand car insurance landscape, offering online-friendly comprehensive policies coupled with promotional sign-up offers.

3. Specialist & Member-Based Insurers

  • MAS (Medical Assurance Society): A member-owned mutual insurer originally built for specific professional groups, frequently topping customer satisfaction metrics for its members.
  • Assurant (formerly Protecta) / Autosure: Often specialize or offer niche motor coverage (including mechanical breakdown insurance and options tailored for enthusiast or imported cars).

Key Tips for Choosing in NZ:

  1. Agreed Value vs. Market Value: Check how each insurer will pay out if your car is written off. An agreed value locks in a set amount, while market value pays what the car is deemed worth at the time of the accident.
  2. Excess Customization: Adjusting your voluntary excess (the amount you pay out-of-pocket on a claim) can significantly swing your monthly or annual premium.
  3. Shop Around and Compare: Insurance pricing varies drastically depending on your age, driving history, vehicle type, and location. It is best to pull quotes from at least three different providers (mix a couple of major ones like AA or AMI with a digital alternative like Cove) to find the best balance of coverage and cost for your situation.
Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand

Which NZ car insurers should I look at?

AI Overview

When choosing a car insurer in New Zealand, the best options depend entirely on whether you prioritize customer satisfaction , low premiums , or comprehensive policy features. Car insurance is not legally mandatory in NZ, but it is highly recommended.

The top New Zealand car insurers to consider are organized below by their primary strengths:

🏆 Top for Customer Satisfaction & Trust

If you want hassle-free claims processing and highly rated customer service, look at these providers:

  • MAS (Mutual Assurance Society): Consistently wins the Consumer NZ People's Choice Award for car insurance, achieving top satisfaction ratings (81%). Note that MAS primarily serves professionals and their families.

  • FMG (Farmers Mutual Group): Another dominant winner of the Consumer NZ People's Choice Award, scoring exceptionally high for rural and urban drivers alike.

  • AA Insurance: Named New Zealand's "Most Trusted General Insurer" by Reader's Digest for 16 consecutive years. They offer a lifetime repair guarantee when using an approved AA repairer.

💰 Top for Price & Digital Convenience

If you are looking for the lowest monthly premiums and prefer managing everything online:

  • Cove: A 100% digital-first insurer that frequently ranks as the cheapest option across multiple driver profiles on platforms like MoneyHub NZ. They offer flexible month-to-month policies but generally exclude drivers under 21.

  • Tower Insurance: Known for competitive pricing, quick digital quotes, and instant online claims approvals. Note: Tower, along with AA, AMI, and State, removed traditional multi-policy discounts in 2026, meaning you don't necessarily save by bundling anymore.

  • State Insurance: Awarded Canstar's Car Insurer of the Year, State is heavily praised for "Outstanding Value" and offers instant digital application rewards like Visa gift cards.

Direct Insurer Comparison

Insurer Known For Key Highlight
MAS Highest customer satisfaction Member-owned mutual tailored for professionals
FMG Top-tier claims support Excellent for regional and rural vehicle owners
AA Insurance Maximum brand trust Genuine lifetime vehicle repair guarantee
Cove Budget-friendly pricing Month-to-month digital-only policies (No under-21s)
Tower Streamlined digital claims High automated-approval rates for online claims
State High value for money Auto-approval claims engine and standard low excesses

To find the actual cheapest option for your specific vehicle and driving history, it is highly recommended to run a comparison scan using aggregate platforms like Quashed NZ or Glimp NZ.

To help narrow down the list, could you tell me:

  • What make, model, and year is the vehicle?

  • What is the age of the main driver?

  • Are you looking for Comprehensive cover or basic Third-Party protection?

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand

Which NZ car insurers should I look at?

When looking for car insurance in New Zealand, the best provider for you depends on whether you prioritize top-tier customer service and satisfaction , budget-friendly/app-based flexibility , or established brand reliability.

The prominent car insurance options in the New Zealand market are organized below by their strengths:

  • AA Insurance — Frequently wins brand trust awards and ranks very highly for claims handling and customer satisfaction. They offer great comprehensive benefits (like lifetime repair guarantees on authorized repairs) and are a default benchmark for many Kiwi drivers.

  • FMG (Farmers Mutual Group) & MAS (Medical Assurance Society) — Consistently top Consumer NZ satisfaction surveys and Canstar customer satisfaction awards. FMG is widely praised for rural and general community-focused claims handling, while MAS delivers exceptional member satisfaction (though MAS has specific eligibility criteria for membership, typically tied to medical/professional groups). [Canstar NZ]

  • Cove Insurance — A newer, highly digital/app-driven insurer that frequently emerges as one of the more competitively priced options for standard driver profiles (though they generally exclude drivers under 21). [MoneyHub NZ]

  • Tower — Known for flexible and comprehensive policies with useful add-ons, such as excess-free key replacement and easy-to-use online quote management and promo offers.

  • AMI & State Insurance — Two of New Zealand's most recognizable and largest general insurance brands (both under the IAG umbrella), offering extensive physical branch networks, reliable comprehensive coverage, and optional extras like roadside assistance and hire cars.

  • Bank-backed providers (e.g., ANZ , ASB , BNZ , Westpac) — Worth looking into if you already bank with them, as they often provide streamlined digital management and convenience.

Tips for choosing in NZ:

  • Check the type of cover: Decide whether you need Comprehensive (covers damage to your car and others) or just Third Party (covers damage you cause to other people's cars/property).

  • Market vs. Agreed Value: Check how they value your vehicle, especially if you drive an import or a model prone to higher depreciation or theft rates (like certain older Toyota Aquas or Mazda Demios).

  • Shop around: Premiums can vary drastically depending on your age, vehicle type, and location (e.g., Auckland vs. regional NZ), so getting 2 or 3 direct quotes is always recommended.

To help narrow down which insurer might offer you the best deal, let me know:

  • Is your vehicle standard, an import, or an EV/hybrid?
  • Do you prefer a fully digital insurer or one with physical branches/phone support?
  • Roughly what age bracket is the primary driver in?
Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026