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⭐ A Complete Car Insurance Guide for Visitors to New Zealand
Car insurance in New Zealand can be challenging to decide on, especially for tourists and working holiday-makers.
In this guide, we’ll explore two alternatives: AA Car Insurance and Frogs NZ Insurance, both companies been in the market for a while and have a big reputation along visitors looking for short-term insurance
- Below, we will explain each policy’s advantages and inclusions to give you a quick idea of what you’re paying for.
Insuring Your Backpacker Car or Campervan – What You Need to Know
Insurance is essential, but combining insurance with an adventurous traveling schedule could be tricky.
While many insurance companies only insure on a long-term basis, only one would ideally suit a traveler.
Buying your campervan or car might be the most cost-effective and relaxing option if you travel around New Zealand for three months or longer.
But, while having your vehicle may afford you an added element of freedom and independence, it also leaves you with that extra sense of responsibility, making insurance a necessary precaution.
- Both AA and Frogs NZ, give you the peace of mind to enjoy the New Zealand roads in your newly acquired car or campervan.
🐸 Frogs NZ: Making a Difference
The Frogs NZ car insurance can give you some advantage over AA, as these policies are specifically designed for:
- Backpackers on a short-term visa
- Travelers living in their vehicles
- Individuals without a permanent New Zealand address
🧑💻 Key aspects of the car insurance policies:
- Your vehicle can have some internal modifications (bed, cabinetry) that do not affect safety
- You can subscribe for 3 months and up to 12 months
- Comprehensive policy owners are covered for purchase value, for up to 150% of market value and for glass breakage with no excess.
- You can have 3 additional drivers at no cost
- You can transfer your policy to a new vehicle at no cost
- You can choose to add a Roadside Assistance option
- You can receive a no-claim letter for your future car insurance.
⚡ You are covered straight away with no stand down period (24h stand down on Roadside Assistance alone).
Policies Completed — How Much Will Cost You a Backpacker Car Insurance?
You may wonder how much insurance for your car or campervan will cost. Here are a couple of examples of insurances completed with TCNZ customers.
- So you can know the monthly cost (and you can cancel it anytime!)
Case #1
- Type of vehicle: Honda Odyssey 2005
- Driver age: 20
- Type of insurance: Third-party
- Final cost: 37,73$NZD per month
- If paying annually: 397,22$NZD
- Adding fire and theft cover: 71$NZD (car value 6,000$NZD)
🎯 Consider: If you travel for 12 months, it will be worth paying for the 12 months since you will save nearly 20% on your contract.
Case #2
- Type of vehicle: Hyundai H100 2003
- Driver age: 26 (+1 additional driver)
- Type of insurance: Third-party
- Final cost: 28,38$NZD per month
- If paying annually: 301,70$NZD
- Adding fire and theft cover: 65.20$NZD (car value 8,500$NZD)
🎯 Consider: If you travel for 12 months, it will be worth paying for the 12 months since you will save nearly 20% on your contract.
🎯 Typical Car Insurance Covers by Category
| Damage and loss | Comprehensive | Third Party & Fire Theft | Third Party |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damage to your car | ✓ | X | X |
| Damage caused by fire | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Theft of your vehicle | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Damage caused by an uninsured third party | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Damage to someone else's property | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Additional benefits | Comprehensive | Third Party & Fire Theft | Third Party |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excess-free keys & locks | ✓ | X | X |
| Insurance coverage | ✓ | X | X |
| Policy benefits | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Optional extras | Comprehensive | Third Party & Fire Theft | Third Party |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excess-free glass cover | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Rental cover | ✓ | X | X |
🚘 Types of Travel/Short-Term Car Insurance (Explained)
Comprehensive Cover
In the event of an accident, Comprehensive Cover gives you the peace of mind to know that any damages to your vehicle incurred, as well as any damage to another car, person, or property, will be covered.
- Agreed Value: This is the total value of your vehicle, including all accessories or modifications. This amount will be paid to you if your car is stolen or written off due to excessive damage.
- Damage to Your Vehicle: If your vehicle is involved in an accident and incurs damage, all costs will be covered per your policy. If repairs exceed the policy amount, the vehicle may be written off, and you will receive compensation for the agreed value.
- Legal Liability Cover: If you are responsible for damage to another person’s vehicle or property, your policy will cover any claims made against you up to $20 million.
- Young Driver Flexibility: Drivers under 25 may be subject to higher premiums and excess fees. In an accident with an unauthorized (unlisted) driver, some companies will deem the policy null and void. Higher excess fees and premiums may be charged, so read your policy’s fine print.
- No-Fault, No Excess: In an accident where you have been proven faultless, you may be able to claim without paying any excess. Read your policy’s fine print and see if the insurance company offers this clause under your chosen policy.
Third-Party Insurance
If your vehicle is damaged by fire or stolen, your policy will pay the agreed-upon value or the repair costs.
Third-party cover will also cover any damages to a third party’s vehicle.
🧑💻 FAQs about Backpacker Car Insurance in New Zealand
Backpacker car insurance is ideal for:
- International tourists planning to drive while traveling in New Zealand.
- Backpackers and long-term visitors who purchase or rent a car during their stay.
- Anyone needing temporary vehicle coverage that matches the duration of their trip.
- Valid driver’s license: Either an international driving permit or a license from your home country.
- Proof of identification: Passport or other ID.
- Vehicle details: Information about the car being insured (registration, make, model).
The cost varies based on factors such as:
- Duration of the coverage.
- Type of vehicle.
- Level of coverage.
- Driver’s age.
While car insurance is not legally required in New Zealand, it is highly recommended. Without insurance, you are personally liable for any damage or injuries caused in an accident.
- Coverage level: Ensure it covers all your needs.
- Excess: The amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in.
- Exclusions: Understand what is not covered.
- Customer support: Availability of assistance and claims process.
