Car and van Insurance New Zealand

Buying a car or van in New Zealand? You'll need proper insurance coverage for your peace of mind. Frogs has partnered with Star to offer car and van insurance policies that perfectly match your travel plans and provide immediate cover after purchase.

Key benefits:

• Vehicle Modifications : Your vehicle may include minor internal modifications, such as beds or cabinetry, as long as they do not compromise safety.
• Flexible Coverage : Subscription periods are flexible, ranging from 3 to 12 months to suit your travel plans.
• Comprehensive policies Coverage : You are covered for the value of your vehicle, up to 150% of its market value.
• Multiple Drivers : Include up to 3 additional drivers on your policy at no extra cost.
• Vehicle Transfer : Easily transfer your insurance coverage to a new vehicle at no additional charge.
• No-Claim Bonus : Receive a no-claim bonus letter that can benefit you when obtaining future car insurance.
• ... and bonus: Your promo code for a 10% discount on your ferry crossings! Unlimited between Wellington and Picton with Bluebridge . (conditions at the bottom of the page)

Car insurance quote and booking

The available policies:

• Third Party policy covers your liability and damage to third party property up to $20,000,000.
• Comprehensive policy covers you for everything: liability and damages to third party & repairs to your own car up to $20,000,000 + windscreen/lights cover. The best option for peace of mind!
• Roadside Assistance option: get assistance anywhere in New Zealand for a small additional fee

Car insurance quote and booking

Summary of benefits

	Comprehensive	Third Party	Cover
Bodily or material damage done to a third party			$20,000,000
Windows and lights			Full cost of repair to all windows and lights (no excess)
Repair to your vehicle following an accident			Payment of full repair or payment of sum insured whichever the lesser (less excess)
Theft or fire making the vehicle a 'Total loss'			Payment of sum insured up to 150% of market value (less excess)
Additional drivers			Up to 3 for free
Change of the insured vehicle			Free if value is similar *
Standard Excesses on claims			$500 > 25 years old (and all Third Party policies) $600 22-24 years old $800 < 22 years old
Excess for non-named drivers			Double the policy excess
Refund for early cancellation			No refund will be offered by the insurer for early cancellation due to high claim levels on this backpacker program
Roadside Assistance	Option	Option	Everywhere in NZ, up to $100 per event and up to 3 events
Tow	Option	Option	To a place of safety and up to $100 per tow
The above is information only			Official Star Insure terms and conditions

Frequently asked questions

• What sum insured shall I declare? For Comprehensive and Third party Fire and Theft policies, Whatever the price you paid for your vehicle, Star Insure will get an estimate from an assessor and pay up to 150% in case of a 'total loss' situation. Use this valuation tool for an estimate of market value. Note that if it is self-contained, it will certainly have a higher value. The Assessor will look at the after market price on Trademe and Facebook Marketplace.
• What to do (on the spot) in case of an accident? Obtain as much information as you can, including photos and diagrams. Include any contact information and details of any witnesses and other involved parties including their name, vehicle registration, contact phone numbers, addresses and insurance details. Avoid accepting liability at the scene of the accident. If anyone involved in the accident has been injured or if the accident is impeding traffic we suggest that you contact the Police. If the Police attend, collect the officer's name and number. If you are at fault, notify Star Insurance of the accident as soon as possible so they can review the information and accept liability on your behalf.
• How to start a claim? You can contact Star Insurance on 0800 250 600 or complete a claim form online . The earlier they are advised the faster they can process the claim and have the vehicle repaired, or at the very least have the vehicle inspected to ensure it is safe to continue driving until repairs can be completed. If it's the week-end or you can't get hold of Star, you can choose a garage on your own then get the garage to contact Star to get approved for the repairs.
• What is an excess? It is your contribution to the cost of repair of the third party vehicle or to your vehicle depending on your policy. It applies to each claim unless stated otherwise. It is mentioned on the quote you receive and on your policy schedule. Note that there is no excess on windscreen, glass and lights claims!
• Who is covered? Second driver? If I lend my car to a friend? You as the Policyholder and named drivers listed on your policy schedule. If you allow non-named drivers to use your vehicle they must have a valid driver's license (international or translated into English) and they will have a higher excess.
• When am I not covered? If you do not have a clean valid full driver's license (either from New Zealand or an international Driver's License or a certified translation). If the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If the condition of your vehicle is dangerous or it does not have a valid WOF (technical inspection) or if you use or test your vehicle for motor racing or on a race track or closed road or for commercial purposes. Please refer to our policy wording for the full list of exclusions.
• What is covered with Third-party cover? You are covered for your legal liability for accidental loss to the property of others; and/or accidental bodily injury to any person; not to your vehicle repair . If you are not responsible, you can request the other party to pay for your repairs (via their own insurance company or their own pocket).
• What is covered with Comprehensive cover? You are covered for damage to the third party property as well as damages to your own vehicle, being responsible or not in the accident. Note that if the repair costs are higher than the declared value of your vehicle (up to 150% of market value), Star Insurance can choose to consider the car a 'total loss' and therefore repay you the sum insured or 150% of market value, whichever is the lesser, and reclaim the vehicle (to recoop some of the cost). To assess the market value, check this tool .
• Are the tyres covered? You are not covered for loss to your vehicle’s tyres caused by braking or by punctures, cuts or bursts unless that loss: occurs in the same event as another loss to your vehicle for which a claim is payable under this policy; or occurs as a result of the malicious or deliberate act of a person not insured by this policy.
• Do I have glass/windscreen cover? Yes if you have Comprehensive cover, your windscreen, windows, tail lights & headlights will be covered with a nil excess.
• Am I covered in case of theft or fire? To what value? If you have Comprehensive or Third Party Fire & Theft cover, your vehicle will be covered for theft or fire up to 150% of market value and limited to the sum insured of your vehicle. Please note that the content of your vehicle is not included.
• Is there a roadside assistance included and what does it cover? Roadside assistance is not automatically included, you can add this to your policy for an additional $56.00. This is offered as an option during the process. (Note that a 24h stand down period applies from the time of purchase)
• What does roadside assistance cover? Our partner has 350 assistance vehicles on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can benefit from the assistance in the events of flat battery, emergency fuel, lost keys or lock outs, flat tyre and technical advice (up to NZ$100 per call out). If your vehicle needs towing, you will be moved to the closest place of safety. Note 1: max 3 call-outs per policy. Note 2: exclusions apply (wrong fuel added, unlisenced repairs, unaccessible vehicle... read specific conditions Standard Roadside ). Note 3: a 24h stand down period applies from the time of purchase.
• How do I contact Roadside Assistance? Call 0508 697 623 and provide your registration number.
• Am I covered for my personal effects in the car? No, your personal effects are not covered under these policies.
• Am I covered for personal injury? No, personal injury is not covered under these policies. The ACC system in New Zealand guarantees your treatment in an hospital in case of an accident. You should have Travel Insurance to cover some of the costs.
• Can I add a driver? Yes, contact admin@starinsure.co.nz with name/date of birth/driver's licence details and confirmation he/she did not have an accident or lost points in last 5 years.
• Can I transfer my insurance to another vehicle? Yes, please contact Star Insurance by phone 0800 250 600 or email admin@starinsure.co.nz to advise them of your change of vehicle.* 
• Can I transfer my policy to another person? No, they would need to start a new policy under their name.
• Can I get a refund if I cancel early? No, these backpacker-specific policies can't be refunded.
• How can I get a no-claim letter at the end? You can contact Star Insurance by phone 0800 250 600 or email admin@starinsure.co.nz to obtain a no-claims letter (provide your policy number). 

*** BONUS: 10% off your ferry crossings between the two islands with Bluebridge ***

This offer is valid for all new bookings made on the Bluebridge website or via their contact center. To redeem, you'll need to use the personal promotional code that will be sent to you by email along with your insurance policy. It's valid until 31 October 2026, for people and vehicles (vans, campervans, trailers), with no limit on the number of crossings. This discount does not apply to extras (cabins and lounges, excess baggage, food/drink purchases) or freight. Payment must be made at the time of booking. The email containing the PDF of your policy (and its reference) will be required to validate your eligibility before boarding.

Car insurance quote and booking

If you have any questions or run into any problems to sign-up online, feel free to contact us on info@frogs-in-nz.com . Information provided in this page are not binding. Only the Terms and Conditions provided by Star Insurance are.

* If the vehicle is worth more or if you have had a claim, there could be additional charges