Introducing the Toyota Aqua

The Toyota Aqua, known as the Toyota Prius C outside NZ, is a small hybrid hatchback first launched in 2011.

The Aqua quickly gained popularity in New Zealand for being affordable and highly fuel-efficient. As a hybrid, it uses both a petrol engine and an electric motor, helping to save 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 $16,000 and $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, 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 ample space for everyday use.

• Toyota reliability: Toyotas are renowned for their durability, and the Aqua is no exception. Toyota’s hybrid technology is well-tested and continuously improved, ensuring lasting performance.

What are your insurance options for Toyota Aqua hybrid models?

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 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 motor insurance guide from Quashed. 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’ll consider a 35-year-old driver, a $15,000 sum insured, a $500 excess, and no immobiliser. The following figures show yearly insurance costs for Comprehensive car insurance and Third Party, Fire, and Theft insurance.

What can we tell from the above? 

Here's what stands out:

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

• Wellington: The average yearly insurance cost for an Aqua is $1,688, which is 43% higher than the regional average of $1,178 in Q2 2024.

Now, let’s look at third-party, fire, and theft insurance. This option is less expensive:

• Auckland: On average, third-party insurance costs $1,052 per year, with prices ranging from $514 to $1,518. This is much lower than comprehensive insurance, which averages $2,769 per year.

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

• Christchurch: Here, the average yearly cost for third-party insurance is $923, with prices between $490 and $1,359, significantly less than the average comprehensive cost of $2,194.

In all three cities, the annual cost of third-party, fire, and theft insurance is substantially lower than that of comprehensive car insurance. For example, 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, depending on the level of protection you’re after.

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

Why is Toyota Aqua insurance so expensive?

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 highest 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 for Toyota Aqua owners and potential buyers to secure the right car insurance and enhance their vehicle’s 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 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.

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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 cover is essential—but you don’t want to overpay.

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

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.