Introducing the Toyota Aqua

The Toyota Aqua, which is called the Toyota Prius C in countries outside NZ, is a small hybrid hatchback  first launched in 2011.

The Aqua became popular in New Zealand quite quickly. People liked it because it is affordable and has great fuel efficiency. The Aqua is a hybrid, which means it uses a petrol engine and an electric motor. This design helps save fuel and reduce emissions. Many drivers who care about the environment are drawn to these features.

The Aqua is often seen as a great car for city driving as its small size and easy handling make it simple to drive. People really like it because it is reliable, which is what Toyota is known for everywhere. This makes the Aqua a good pick for anyone who wants a car that is not hard to take care of and is efficient.

The Toyota Aqua is not sold as a new car in New Zealand. Toyota stopped making new Aqua models for New Zealand and elsewhere, to spend more time on other hybrid and electric cars. Still, there is a strong second-hand market for the Aqua. A second hand vehicle in good condition with relatively low Kms will cost between $16,000 to $25,000 on Trade me.

So, what’s made the Toyota Aqua so popular with Kiwis?

The Aqua is a Kiwi favourite for a few key reasons:

• Fuel efficiency: The Aqua saves money on fuel. This is important with rising petrol prices. It has a hybrid system that can run on electric power for short trips. This makes it great for driving in the city.

• Affordable: The Aqua is cheap to run and buy, especially if you get a second-hand one. Toyota has a strong reputation, so you won’t worry much about repairs.

• Eco-friendly: If you want to lower your carbon footprint without getting a fully electric car, the Aqua is a good choice. Its hybrid system reduces emissions and helps the environment.

• Compact and practical: The Aqua is easy to park, even in tight spots. It fits well in cities like Auckland and Wellington. It may be small, but it still has enough room for everyday use.

• Toyota’s reliability: Toyotas are known for their durability, and the Aqua is no exception. The hybrid technology is tested and has been made better over time by Toyota.

What are your insurance options for Toyota Aqua hybrid models?

When insuring a Toyota Aqua, there are three key types of motor insurance in New Zealand: Comprehensive, Third Party, and Third Party, Fire, and Theft. Each option offers different levels of protection depending on your needs and budget.

• Comprehensive insurance: This offers the most extensive cover, protecting your car from damage due to accidents, fire, theft, and more. It also includes coverage for third-party damage. As highlighted in our motor Insurance guide, comprehensive insurance is ideal for those wanting full peace of mind, especially considering the Aqua’s high theft rates in New Zealand.

• Third-Party insurance: This covers damage you cause to someone else’s property or vehicle, but it doesn’t protect your own car. It’s a more affordable option if you're comfortable taking on the risk of damage to your own vehicle.

• Third-Party, Fire, and Theft insurance: This provides third-party cover with added protection for theft or fire damage to your vehicle, though it won’t cover damage if you’re at fault in an accident. According to Quashed, this is a balanced option for those seeking theft protection without the full cost of comprehensive cover.

For a deeper dive into these options and to explore the best insurance fit for your Toyota Aqua, check out the full m. It’s a helpful resource to better understand how each type of insurance stacks up and what works best for your budget and needs.

What does it cost to insure a Toyota Aqua?

So, how much does it cost to insure a Toyota Aqua? Is it more expensive than other cars? Let’s look at the details by location.

We will consider a 35-year-old driver, a $15,000 sum insured, a $500 excess, and no immobiliser. The following figures are yearly insurance costs for Comprehensive car insurance and Theft, Fire and Third party insurance.

What can we tell from the above? 

Here's what stands out

• Auckland: The average yearly cost for comprehensive cover is $2,769. This is 80% higher than the local average across all vehicles of $1,541 in Q2 2024.

• Wellington: The average Aqua insurance cost for a year is $1,688. This is 43% higher than the wider regional average of $1,178 in Q2 2024. 

Now, let’s talk about third-party fire and theft. This option is less expensive:

• Auckland: On average, third-party insurance costs are $1,052 for a year. Prices go from $514 to $1,518. This is much less than comprehensive insurance, which costs $2,769 per year.

• Wellington: The average yearly cost for third-party insurance is $832. Prices range from $431 to $1,262. This is still much cheaper than the average comprehensive cost of $1,688.

• Christchurch: In this city, the average yearly cost for third-party insurance is $923. Prices can range from $490 to $1,359, which is much less than the average comprehensive cost of $2,194.

In all three cities, the annual cost of third-party fire and theft insurance is much lower than that of comprehensive car insurance. For instance, in Auckland, third-party insurance costs less than half of comprehensive car insurance. This makes it a good choice if you do not need full coverage. Wellington and Christchurch have similar patterns. Choosing third-party insurance can help you save a lot of money, depending on how much protection you want.

This breakdown will help you choose the right insurance for your needs and budget. This is important when comparing comprehensive insurance with third-party, fire, and theft coverage.

Why is Toyota Aqua insurance so expensive?

Simple answer - theft rates. In 2023,  vehicle thefts surged by 43%, with a total of 17,000 vehicles stolen across the country. Auckland saw the highest number of thefts, followed by Christchurch and the Waikato region. The Aqua, along with other models like the Nissan Tiida and Toyota Corolla, consistently ranks among the top stolen vehicles. 

Given this trend, it’s crucial for Toyota Aqua owners and potential buyers to ensure they have the right car insurance and enhance their vehicle security. 

Keeping Toyota Aqua hybrid models safer from thieves

Here are some quick tips to protect your Aqua:

• Install an immobiliser: If your car doesn’t have one, get it installed. It makes it much harder for thieves to steal.

• Use a steering wheel lock: Quick to install and a great visual deterrent.

• Park smart: Use well-lit, busy areas or your garage. Avoid secluded spots.

• Keep your car tidy: Don’t leave valuables in sight; it invites trouble.

• Consider extra security: Think about window etching or a tracking device.

• Always lock up: Sounds simple, but it’s easy to forget. Always double-check your car is locked before walking away.

• Update your insurance: Make sure your insurance policy is up to date and covers the current value of your car.

Using Quashed to evaluate insurance pros and cons

When it comes to insuring your Toyota Aqua, Quashed makes comparing insurance options quick and easy. Since the Aqua is one of New Zealand's most stolen cars, having the right coverage is essential, but you don’t want to overpay.

With Market Scan from Quashed, you can instantly see comprehensive car insurance stacks up against third-party options, helping you find the best fit for your budget and needs. Whether you're looking for full protection or just the basics, Quashed shows you the cost differences and helps you weigh the benefits of each policy.

In just a few clicks, you can compare prices, assess coverage, and make an informed decision—without the hassle.

Final thoughts

Protecting your Toyota Aqua with the right insurance is important, especially since theft rates are going up. Insurance helps you feel secure by covering many risks, like theft. Since the Aqua is a popular choice, having good coverage means you're safe from sudden money loss.

Want to find the best insurance for your Aqua? Use Quashed to compare comprehensive and third-party options quickly. It’s the simplest way to ensure you get the right protection at a good price.