Direct insurer
State
The big direct insurer — owned by IAG, sold direct, not via brokers. Often a top-three quote for low-risk drivers.
- Distribution
- Direct insurer
- Years in NZ
- Since 1905
- Cover types offered
- 3
- Region availability
- Nationwide
- Indicative premium
- $80–$140/mo for comprehensive on a 2018-ish hatch in Christchurch
Editorial
What State is, in plain English
State is the no-frills mainstream direct insurer. They're part of IAG (which also owns NZI and AMI), and the underwriting reflects that — they price aggressively for low-risk drivers and back off sharply for higher-risk profiles. State tends to be a top-three quote for older, settled drivers in lower-loading regions, less so for younger drivers in Auckland. Their online quote tool is the fastest in the market.
Good at
- Sharp pricing for 35+ drivers with five-plus years no-claim
- Online self-service — quote, bind, and modify policy without a phone call
- Roadside assistance bundling
Not so good at
- Premium loadings climb steeply for under-25 drivers
- Less flexible on modified cars and grey imports
Cover types State 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.