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 $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 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.

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 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?

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 $1,346 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, annual third-party, fire, and theft insurance costs are substantially lower than comprehensive car insurance costs. 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?

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.

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 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 simplifies insurance

Finding insurance for your Toyota Aqua can be time-consuming.

Quashed makes it easier by allowing you to compare quotes from multiple insurers, adjust your coverage, and see how these changes may affect your premium. Here's how Quashed can assist:

• Compare insurance quotes 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.

• View price changes as you customise 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 to tailor your insurance to match your specific needs and budget.

Join 45,000+ Kiwis using Quashed

Looking for the easiest way to compare your Toyota Aqua insurance?

Quashed gives you real-time insights, helping you 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.

Sign up today!

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.