So you've bought a new car? Congrats! Before you hit the road, there are a few things to think about, like car insurance. It's important to get this sorted before you drive your new set of wheels home. In this blog you'll learn what information you need to buy car insurance in New Zealand.
Register as the new car owner
First up, make sure you've registered as the owner of the vehicle. You can do this on the NZ Transport Agency website. You'll need your New Zealand driver's licence and the car's number plate (rego). If you've sold an existing vehicle, you can also do this on the NZTA website.
Essential documents and information you'll need
Here's what you'll need before you buy car insurance. Having these on hand before you hit "get a quote" will help the process go smoother and quicker!
Driver details
For most car insurance quotes, you'll need to provide these details:
- Your driver's licence
- Any previous claims or accidents within the last three years
- Your address and where your car will be parked (such as in a garage, off-street parking, or on-street parking)
- Information on any regular drivers of the vehicle.
Vehicle details
You'll also need to provide a few details about your car. At Tower, we'll collect a few details such as the vehicle type and make, and any modifications, customisations or accessories. These may be (but are not limited to) suspension changes, internal engine modifications and gearbox upgrades.
It's important to be upfront about these. If you don’t tell us, and you need to make a claim, it could be declined, and your policy cancelled or avoided back to the date from which you did not tell us about these modifications.
Do I need a driver's licence to get car insurance?
Yes, you'll need a New Zealand driver's license to buy car insurance, especially before you get behind the wheel of any vehicle.
If you breach your driver's licence conditions, you may not be covered by insurance - like if you're on a restricted licence and you were driving after 10pm.
How soon after buying a car do you need insurance?
It's important to get insurance as soon as you've bought the car and it's registered in your name. You may be tempted to drive it home before you do, but accidents and mishaps can happen at any time!
Transferring insurance from your old car to a new one
Rather than transferring insurance from one car to another, you'll need to take out a new car insurance policy for your new ride. You can't transfer an existing policy to a different vehicle.
If you're an existing Tower car insurance customer, it's easy to cancel the old policy and set up a new one in My Tower. But remember: only cancel your existing policy once you've sold the old car and the change of ownership is finalised!
What happens if I drive without insurance in NZ?
If you're wondering whether you can buy a car without insurance, the answer is yes. In most cases, it's not a legal requirement to have car insurance. That being said, we don't recommend driving away without insurance (and we don't just say that because we're an insurer).
Insurance is there to help protect your pride and joy in case things go wrong. Learn more about driving a car without insurance.
Different car ownership situations
You may have a few questions about car ownership and insurance. Here's what you need to know.
Can I insure a car that's used by other people?
When you get a quote, you must list all drivers who'll use your car at least once a month. Also add drivers who will use the vehicle regularly for a specific time i.e. children who come home for university holidays or visiting family members. You can add up to five regular drivers to your policy.
Insurance for cars owned by companies
If the car you drive is owned by a company you work for, they likely already have car insurance. Double check this with your employer. If you own a vehicle that you use for your own business purposes, commercial vehicle insurance may be best suited to you.
Insurance for cars owned by parents
If you're a young driver using a vehicle that your parents own (lucky you!), make sure you're listed as a regular driver on their car insurance policy.
Insurance for learner and restricted licence drivers
Whether you have a learner, restricted, or full licence, anyone with a valid New Zealand driver's licence can (and should!) buy car insurance. You just need to disclose your licence type when you apply.
How long does it take to get car insurance approved?
This largely depends on your car details and driving history. Most people will find that their car insurance is approved right away. But if you're wanting to insure a car that's considered high risk, or perhaps has modifications, the insurer may need to take a closer look at the details before they approve it. So generally speaking, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days.
Getting car insurance can be a quick and simple process for many Kiwis. Having all the documents and details available before you get a quote can make the process easier and hassle-free. When you're ready, it's easy to get a quote online with Tower.
The links we provide to third-party websites are for your convenience and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by us. The information provided on this page is general in nature and is not intended to be professional or legal advice. Tower does not accept any liability for the accuracy or content of information on this website that belongs to third parties or on any third-party website.
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