The Toyota Aqua is hugely popular in New Zealand because it’s fuel-efficient and reliable. You’ve probably seen them all over the roads. But with popularity comes a downside—it is also one of the most stolen cars in 2025, along with the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Tiida, Mazda Demio, and Toyota Vitz, according to Cove Insurance. So, if you’re thinking of getting one, it’s important to know how to protect it.
In this post, we’ll cover the basics of insuring a Toyota Aqua, the costs of insurance, some tips on keeping your car safe, and how Quashed can help. First, we’ll provide some background about the Toyota Aqua and explain why it’s so popular in New Zealand.
Introducing the Toyota Aqua
The Toyota Aqua, known as the Toyota Prius C outside New Zealand, is a small hybrid hatchback that was first launched in 2011.
The Aqua quickly gained popularity in New Zealand for being affordable and highly fuel-efficient. As a hybrid, it combines a petrol engine and an electric motor, helping save on fuel and reduce emissions. Many environmentally conscious drivers are drawn to these features.
The Aqua is ideal for city driving due to its compact size and easy handling. Its reliability—something Toyota is renowned for worldwide—makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a low-maintenance, efficient car.
The Toyota Aqua is no longer sold as a new car in New Zealand, as Toyota has discontinued new models to focus on other hybrid and electric vehicles. However, there’s a strong second-hand market for the Aqua. A well-maintained, second-hand vehicle with relatively low kms will cost between $12,000 and $20,000 on Trade Me.
Why is the Toyota Aqua so popular with Kiwis?
The Aqua is a Kiwi favourite for a few key reasons:
Fuel efficiency: The Aqua helps save money on fuel, which is especially important with rising petrol prices. Its hybrid system can run on electric power for short trips, making it ideal for city driving.
Affordability: The Aqua is affordable to buy and economical to run, especially if you get a second-hand model. Toyota’s strong reputation also means you won’t need to worry much about repairs.
Eco-friendliness: If you’re looking to lower your carbon footprint without going fully electric, the Aqua is a great choice. Its hybrid system reduces emissions and supports a more eco-friendly drive.
Compact and practical: The Aqua is easy to park, even in tight spots, making it well-suited to cities like Auckland and Wellington. While compact, it still offers enough space for everyday use.
Toyota reliability: Toyotas are renowned for their durability, and the Aqua is no exception. Toyota’s hybrid technology has been well-tested and continuously improved, ensuring lasting performance.
Insurance options for Toyota Aqua in NZ
When insuring a Toyota Aqua, there are three main 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 coverage, protecting your car from damage due to accidents, fire, theft, and more. It also includes coverage for third-party damage. 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 willing to take 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.
What does it cost to insure a Toyota Aqua in NZ?
In 2025, the average cost to insure a Toyota Aqua is $1,474 per year ($123 monthly). This is for comprehensive car insurance policy.
Let's take a look in more detail based on the age of the Toyota Aqua to see if it makes a difference.
Toyota Aqua (Year) | Average Comprehensive Premium in 2025 |
|---|---|
2013 | $1,387 per year ($115 monthly) |
2015 | $1,500 per year ($125 monthly) |
2018 | $1,765 per year ($147 monthly) |
What about the cost of Third Party insurance for a Toyota Aqua in 2025?
The average cost of Third Party car insurance for a Toyota Aqua is $731 per year ($61 monthly). This is roughly 50% cheaper than a comprehensive policy. However, we know that there is significant difference in coverage between those two policies.
Now, let's take a look at how the cost of car insurance for a Toyota Aqua varies across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in 2025.
Cost to insure Toyota Aqua (regions) | Average Comprehensive Premium in 2025 |
|---|---|
Auckland | $1,597 per year ($133 monthly) |
Wellington | $1,330 per year ($111 monthly) |
Christchurch | $1,335 per year ($112 monthly) |
In all three cities, annual third-party, fire, and theft insurance costs are substantially lower than comprehensive car insurance costs. In Auckland, third-party insurance costs less than half the price of comprehensive cover, making it a good choice if you don’t need full coverage. Wellington and Christchurch follow similar patterns. Opting for third-party insurance can help you save significantly, but it does lower the level of protection for you.
Why is Toyota Aqua insurance so expensive?
The simple answer: high theft rates. In 2023, vehicle thefts surged by 43%, with a total of 17,000 vehicles stolen across the country. Auckland recorded the most number of thefts, followed by Christchurch and the Waikato region.
The Aqua, along with models like the Nissan Tiida and Toyota Corolla, consistently ranks among the most stolen vehicles. Given this trend, it’s essential that Toyota Aqua owners and potential buyers secure the right car insurance and enhance their vehicle’s security.
How to find cheaper insurance for your Toyota Aqua (2025)
There are several ways you can save on your Toyota Aqua insurance but we believe the best way to save is to shop around for your insurance policy. Let's look at the average potential savings (based on the price differences between the highest and lowest premiums offered by insurers) on Quashed:
Average highest premium found: $2,475 per year ($206 monthly)
Average lowest premium found: $1,003 per year ($84 monthly)
Average potential savings: $1,472 per year ($123 monthly)
If you are currently with an insurance provider that is charging the highest premium, you could be overpaying by a lot. The best way to find out is to shop around and see if you are overpaying.
→ Find cheaper insurance for your Toyota Aqua
Keeping your Toyota Aqua safer from thieves
Here are some quick tips to protect your Toyota Aqua:
Install an immobiliser: If your car doesn’t have one, get it installed. It makes it much harder for thieves to steal and it acts as a deterrent.
Use a steering wheel lock: Quick to install and a strong visual deterrent.
Park smart: Use well-lit, busy areas or your garage, and 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. 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.
How Quashed can help lower your Toyota Aqua insurance cost
Quashed.co.nz makes it easy by allowing you to compare quotes from multiple insurers online in real-time, adjust your coverage, and see how these changes may affect your premium.
Here's how Quashed can assist:
Compare insurance prices across providers: Access a range of quotes to find options that suit your needs.
Adjust sum insured and excess: Modify your coverage and excess to see potential impacts on costs.
Compare coverage: Understand how different coverage levels affect your premium.
Save time by avoiding multiple website searches: Access various insurers' information in one place.
Explore additional perks offered by insurers: Discover extra benefits that may come with different policies.
With Quashed, you have the flexibility and ease to shop your insurance to match your needs and budget.
65,000+ Kiwis have signed up & trusted Quashed.co.nz
Looking for the easiest way to compare and save on your Toyota Aqua insurance?
Quashed shows you real-time options across multiple insurance providers, helping you to evaluate and manage your cover in one place—without spending unnecessary time navigating multiple insurance websites.
Whether you're exploring more affordable options or checking if your coverage suits your needs, Quashed makes it simple and convenient.simple and easy.
Further reading
Want to make smarter choices for your Toyota Aqua? These articles can help:
Smart Ways to Slash Your Car Insurance: Simple tips to cut costs without losing coverage.
Car Insurance Guide: A straightforward guide to understanding car insurance in NZ.
What Car Insurance Covers: Know what’s covered—and what’s not.
Debunking Car Insurance Myths: The truth behind common insurance misconceptions.
Why Is Car Insurance So Expensive?: Find out what’s driving up premiums and what you can do.
Quashed v peers: How Quashed compares to other insurance comparison platforms.
Sorting Out Your Car Insurance Renewal: Make renewing your policy stress-free.
Car Insurance for Aucklanders: A guide for those driving in Auckland.
FAQs
Why is the Toyota Aqua expensive to insure?
The Toyota Aqua is one of New Zealand’s most stolen cars, which makes it a high-risk pick for insurers. If your model doesn’t have an immobiliser, that risk goes up—and so do your premiums. Learn more about what drives up car insurance costs in our blog on why car insurance can be so expensive.
How much does insurance cost for a Toyota Aqua?
Insurance costs for a Toyota Aqua can vary widely based on factors like the model year, whether it has security features like an immobiliser, where you live, and your choice of insurer.
Can I reduce my Toyota Aqua insurance premiums?
Yes, you can reduce premiums by installing security features like immobilisers, comparing quotes with Quashed, or considering third-party or third-party fire and theft coverage. For practical tips on cutting car insurance costs, read our blog.
Is the Toyota Aqua worth insuring given the high premiums?
While the Toyota Aqua is fuel-efficient and affordable, its high insurance costs might offset savings. Consider comparing the total cost of ownership, including insurance, against other hybrid options like the Corolla or Prius.
What should I do if my Toyota Aqua insurance premiums increase?
If your premiums are creeping up, Quashed has your back. Simply upload your current policy, and we’ll do the heavy lifting—comparing options tailored to your needs and potentially saving you hundreds. It’s also a great chance to check if your coverage still fits—could adjusting your excess help reduce your premium?
What are the alternatives to the Toyota Aqua for lower insurance costs?
Vehicles like the Corolla Hybrid or Prius C offer similar fuel efficiency but may come with lower insurance premiums. These models are also generally better equipped with modern security features. Explore how some of New Zealand’s most popular cars compare in insurance costs in our guide to top cars.
What impact does location have on Toyota Aqua insurance?
Areas with higher crime rates or frequent thefts tend to have higher insurance premiums. Parking your Aqua in secure areas like a garage or private driveway can help lower costs.
How do I get an insurance quote for a Toyota Aqua?
To get the best car insurance quote for your Aqua, start by comparing options from multiple insurers. Use tools like Quashed to upload your current policy and see tailored quotes. Look for a balance between cost and coverage—check what’s included in each policy, such as excess amounts, repair options, and extra benefits. For more tips, take a look at our guide to car insurance quotes for tips.
