Cove Insurance

Agreed value. The default sum insured is set from a third-party vehicle valuation service

“The Cove car insurance policy is an agreed value policy. This means that in the event of a total loss claim we'll pay you the sum insured you've selected and is recorded on your policy … When calculating your quote we set a default sum insured value using information provided by a third party vehicle valuation service.” — Cove Insurance, Car Insurance, read 2026-09-16

You choose the standard excess and it is shown on your schedule; no default figure is published

“Your excess will be the total of: the standard excess shown on your schedule” — Cove Insurance, Car Insurance Policy Wording (PDF), CoveCar082025, read 2026-09-16

$500 if the driver is aged 21 to 24, or $1,000 if the driver does not hold a full current New Zealand licence — on top of the standard excess

“the inexperienced driver excess being the higher of: $500 if at the time of the loss or accident the insured person is aged between 21 and 24 (inclusive), or $1,000 if at the time of the loss or accident the insured person does not hold a full current New Zealand driver licence.” — Cove Insurance, Car Insurance Policy Wording (PDF), CoveCar082025, read 2026-09-16

Glass is covered with an excess as standard; excess-free glass is available as an option

“Damage to your car's windscreen and windows is covered under our standard policy and an excess will apply, however we also provide the option to make claims for these items without an excess.” — Cove Insurance, Car Insurance, read 2026-09-16

Anyone who drives the car more than about once a month must be named, and there is no cover at all for a driver under 21

“At this stage there is absolutely no policy cover for anyone under the age of 21 – this includes non regular drivers of your vehicle that are not named on your policy.” — Cove Insurance, Car Insurance, read 2026-09-16

Up to 30 days, for a car up to 2000cc that is the closest available equivalent to yours

“Your Cove car insurance policy covers the costs to hire a car for up to 30 days, so you have a car if yours is being repaired or has been stolen” — Cove Insurance, Car Insurance, read 2026-09-16

Optional, delivered by a third party

“Through our partner, New Zealand Roadside Assistance, Cove provides the following roadside assistance service” — Cove Insurance, Car Insurance Policy Wording (PDF), CoveCar082025, read 2026-09-16

The Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO), after two months or once the internal process has finished

“If after two months, you are still unsatisfied, or we have confirmed to you that we have reached the end of the complaints process via a letter, you may refer your complaint to the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO)” — Cove Insurance, Car Insurance Policy Wording (PDF), CoveCar082025, read 2026-09-16

Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Company Limited; the policy is issued by Cove Limited under its authorisation

“This insurance is issued by Cove Limited in accordance with the authorisation granted to it by the underwriter, Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Company Limited.” — Cove Insurance, Car Insurance, read 2026-09-16

A further $2,000 driver excess applies where the driver has been disqualified, suspended or convicted of certain offences in the last three years

“the driver excess of $2,000 if at the time of any loss or accident, the insured person has, in the last 3 years, been disqualified from driving or had their licence suspended or been convicted of any criminal or traffic offences involving drugs, alcohol” — Cove Insurance, Car Insurance Policy Wording (PDF), read 2026-09-16

The driver and inexperienced-driver excesses do not apply to a theft or malicious damage claim — only the standard excess does

“The driver excess and the inexperienced driver excess will not apply (only the standard excess will) if you are claiming for any of the following: theft; malicious damage;” — Cove Insurance, Car Insurance Policy Wording (PDF), read 2026-09-16