Direct insurer
AMI
The other IAG-owned direct insurer. Long-time mainstream player, particularly strong in the South Island.
- Distribution
- Direct insurer
- Years in NZ
- Since 1926
- Cover types offered
- 3
- Region availability
- Nationwide
- Indicative premium
- $80–$145/mo for comprehensive, particularly competitive in Canterbury
Editorial
What AMI is, in plain English
AMI is the IAG-owned direct insurer with the strongest South Island presence. After the Canterbury earthquakes and the AA/IAG/Suncorp consolidation, AMI rebuilt itself as a no-frills mainstream direct option. Their comprehensive cover is comparable to State's (both are IAG), and their pricing is often a couple of dollars different month-to-month. Worth quoting alongside State — sometimes one wins, sometimes the other, for reasons that are not always obvious.
Good at
- Strong claims handling reputation in the South Island
- Multi-policy discount with home and contents
- Stable renewals
Not so good at
- Quote tool slower than State or Trade Me
- Less differentiated from State than the brand suggests
Cover types AMI offers
The shapes of cover available, in order of premium.
Comprehensive cover
$70–$160/mo on a 2018-ish hatch, mid-30s driver, mid-loading regionThe full one. Pays for damage to your car, their car, and almost everything else. Highest premium, broadest cover.
Third-party property
$25–$70/mo on a typical carThe minimum. Pays for damage to other people's cars and property if you cause a crash. Nothing else.
Third-party fire & theft
$45–$110/mo on a typical carPays for damage to other cars, plus theft and fire of yours. Doesn't pay for crashes you cause to your own car.