Cove Insurance NZ Review 2026: Benefits, Costs, and Comparison

Who is Cove Insurance?

Cove is a New Zealand insurance company offering car insurance, pet insurance, and phone insurance with the goal of simplifying the experience by removing complex paperwork and long phone calls.

In our review we find their main selling points are:

1. Sharp pricing

2. Competitive policy benefits

3. Streamlined digital experience

4. Local NZ customer support

For those who want to know a bit more, Cove Insurance is underwritten by Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Company Limited. They are part of MS&AD, one of the largest general insurance groups in the world. This provides a level of confidence in their stability and assurance of their ability to pay claims.

Cove Insurance's Google review rating is 4.7 stars (out of 5) from 740+ reviews at the time of updating this article.

Quashed has been comparing Cove's car insurance since 2021. Thousands of NZ consumers have since used Market Scan (our comparison tool) to compare their car insurance and have chosen to buy Cove Insurance. Read on to find out more about Cove Insurance and you can also compare to see if they are right for you.

What Insurance Does Cove Offer?

Currently, Cove's offerings in New Zealand are focused on three main areas:

• Car Insurance (launched in 2018): Comprehensive insurance only. Third party and third party, fire and theft options are not available.

• Phone Insurance (launched in 2018): Cover for smartphones against accidental damage, loss, and theft.

• Pet Insurance (launched in 2022): Plans designed to cover vet bills for accidents and illnesses.

Cove does not currently offer home or contents insurance, though both are expected to launch in the future, with house insurance reportedly coming later in 2026.

Cove's Car Insurance

Here is a summary of Cove's car insurance policy:

• Comprehensive cover only

• Insures most standard vehicle makes and models valued up to $80,000

• Supports NZ and overseas licences (additional excess may apply for non-NZ licences)

• No cover for young drivers (under the age of 21) or for commercial/business use

• Excess options: $400, $500, $750, $1,000, and $1,500

• Add-on benefits offered:

1. Excess-free car glass

2. Roadside assist

3. Courtesy car hire

See if Cove offers coverage for your car, and get a quick insurance quote using the Quashed Market Scan.

How Much Does Cove Car Insurance Cost in 2026?

Let's take a look at how much Cove quotes for comprehensive car insurance cover for a 2018 Toyota Corolla and 2023 Toyota Corolla. The quotes below were generated based on:

• 35-year-old male

• NZ full driver licence

• No history of accidents in the last five years

Here's how much Cove Insurance costs based on quotes using the Quashed Market Scan for Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

Here are the quotes for the 2023 Toyota Corolla using the same profile as above.

Quotes shown here exclude the "One Month Free offer (up to $100)" that is available via Quashed.

For context, the average cost of comprehensive car insurance across New Zealand is $1,267 per year (or $106 per month) as of the Q1 2026 Quashed Index. Auckland drivers pay the most at $1,478 per year, followed by Canterbury at $1,166 and Wellington at $1,115. You can read more in our Average Car, House, and Contents Insurance Cost NZ 2026 article.

Cove Car Insurance: The Pros and Cons

Cove has gained a reputation for its competitive car insurance pricing. In fact, Cove was one of the first car insurers that Quashed started comparing back in 2021 when we launched our Market Scan service. Since then, we've seen that their pricing is sharp, and thousands of NZ consumers have purchased a Cove policy after comparing and shopping for their car insurance policies via our platform.

Pros:

• Competitive Pricing: Our data shows their quotes are often among the cheapest in the market for eligible drivers.

• Easy Online Process: You can get a quote and buy a policy in minutes without speaking to anyone.

• NZ Customer Support: The local team is easily reachable via phone, email, or their live chat service.

• Customisable Cover: Good level of policy customisation enabled, such as "How many days per week does the car get used?"

• Multi-Policy Discount: Multi-Policy Discount: Cove offers a multi-policy discount of up to 10% when you take out more than one insurance policy with them. Any combination of policies qualifies, including car, pet, and phone insurance.

• One Month Free Offer: Purchasing your Cove policy via Quashed gets you a One Month Free offer (up to $100).

Limitations:

• Comprehensive Cover Only: Cove does not offer third party or third party, fire and theft cover for their car insurance policy.

• No Cover for Young Drivers (Under 21): Cove does not offer insurance for drivers under 21.

• Vehicles Over $80,000: Cove does not cover vehicles valued over $80,000. Heavily modified vehicles or non-standard vehicles under $80,000 may also be excluded.

• No Commercial Use: Cove does not provide cover for vehicles used for business purposes, including ride-sharing (Uber, Ola) and delivery services.

• Overseas Driver Licence: Drivers with a non-NZ licence may incur additional excess at claim time.

The Verdict: Is Cove Insurance the One for You?

Cove can be a great, low-cost option for many drivers aged 21 and over with a standard vehicle and a clean driving record. Their competitive pricing is undeniable, their underwriter is well established, and their online process is seamless.

However, you must go in with your eyes open.

1. Check the Exclusions: No cover for drivers under 21, no third party options, no cover for cars over $80,000, no commercial vehicle use, and potentially additional excess for non-NZ driver licences means they may not suit everyone.

2. They Don't Cover Everything: If you want to insure your car, house, and contents with one insurer, Cove does not currently offer house or contents insurance. However, house insurance is reportedly expected to launch later in 2026.

Exclusive Offer: Get One Month Free with Cove

If Cove Insurance is the right fit for you, Quashed gives you access to a great deal with them. Purchasing your Cove policy via Quashed gets you One Month Free (up to $100).

We recommend using our free Market Scan insurance comparison tool to compare quotes from multiple insurers first. If Cove comes out on top for you, click through to purchase and the offer will be applied automatically. This ensures you're making the smartest choice for your circumstances.

Looking for More?

If you're looking to compare car insurance and other insurance such as home, contents, life insurance, and more, Quashed is the first insurance comparison platform of its kind in New Zealand.

It's a quick and easy way to compare your car insurance in real time with us. Whether you're shopping for a new car policy or you're looking to compare your upcoming car insurance renewal, Quashed makes it easy.

It takes under 2 minutes to shop and compare car insurance online with Quashed. You'll be shown real-time pricing across a number of different insurance providers, and you get to see how the policy benefits compare across each insurer shown.

You can choose to upload and compare your existing car insurance policy against other options, or you can enter your information once and be shown a number of options without having to repeatedly enter the same information on different insurer websites.

Let's face it, no one likes shopping for insurance. But Quashed makes it quick and easy, and some might even say almost fun. Especially when you're saving hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars.

Further Reading

Here are some great reads we've selected for you:

• Average Car, House, and Contents Insurance Cost NZ 2026: Discover what Kiwis are paying on average for car, house, and contents insurance in 2026, with regional breakdowns and savings insights from the Q1 2026 Quashed Index.

• Car Ownership Costs NZ 2026: Registration, Insurance and Total Running Costs Explained: A comprehensive guide to the total cost of owning a car in New Zealand, covering registration, WoF, insurance, and maintenance.

• Cheapest vs Best Car Insurance in NZ: Striking the balance between price and protection with your car insurance, and why the cheapest option is not always the best.

• Sorting Out Your Car Insurance Renewal: A no-fuss guide to your next policy refresh, including tips on avoiding the loyalty tax and how to negotiate better rates.

• Tesla Insurance NZ 2026: Understanding Premium Costs for Your EV: A breakdown of what it costs to insure a Tesla in New Zealand, with comparisons to other electric vehicles.

• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance vs Comprehensive 2026: Do You Need Both?: Understand the difference between MBI and comprehensive car insurance, and whether you need both for your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cove car insurance good?

Yes, Cove is a well-regarded car insurance provider in New Zealand with a 4.7/5 rating from 740+ reviews on Google. They offer competitive pricing on comprehensive cover, a fast online experience, and are underwritten by Aioi Nissay Dowa, one of the largest insurers in the world. However, they only offer comprehensive policies and do not cover drivers under 21, vehicles over $80,000, or commercial use. We recommend comparing Cove alongside other providers using the Quashed Market Scan to see if they offer the best value for your situation.

Does Cove Insurance offer third party car insurance?

No. Cove only offers comprehensive car insurance, which includes cover for accidental damage, theft, fire, and third party liability all in one policy. If you're looking for a standalone third party or third party, fire and theft policy, you'll need to look at other insurers such as MAS, AMP, or Autosure. You can compare third party options on Quashed.

How much does Cove car insurance cost per month NZ?

Cove car insurance costs vary depending on your vehicle, location, and driving profile. For a 2018 Toyota Corolla in Auckland with a $500 excess, Cove quoted approximately $84.61 per month in our comparison. For a 2023 Toyota Corolla in the same scenario, the quote was approximately $96.45 per month. Choosing a higher excess can reduce your monthly premium by 25 to 28%. The best way to find out what you'd pay is to run a Quashed Market Scan for a personalised comparison.

What is the average car insurance cost in NZ 2026?

The average cost of comprehensive car insurance in New Zealand is $1,267 per year (or $106 per month) as of the Q1 2026 Quashed Index. Auckland drivers pay the most at $1,478 per year, while Wellington drivers pay approximately $1,115 and Canterbury drivers pay around $1,166 per year. Kiwis who shop their car insurance with the Quashed Market Scan find a cheaper policy 81% of the time, with average savings of $377 per year.

Can I insure a car worth over $80,000 with Cove?

No. Cove's car insurance policy only covers standard cars, SUVs, and utes valued up to $80,000 and weighing less than 3,500kg. Vehicles valued above $80,000 and certain high-performance or heavily modified vehicles are not eligible. If you have a higher-value vehicle, consider insurers such as AA Insurance, Tower, or a specialist insurer, and compare your options with the Quashed Market Scan.

Does Cove cover drivers under 21?

No. Cove's car insurance policy only covers drivers aged 21 and over. If you are under 21 or need to add a driver under 21 to your policy, you will need to look at other insurers. Providers such as AA Insurance and Tower do cover younger drivers, though premiums will typically be higher for this age group.

Does Cove offer home and contents insurance?

Not yet. As of April 2026, Cove offers car insurance, pet insurance, and phone insurance. House insurance is reportedly expected to launch later in 2026, with contents insurance also planned. If you need house or contents cover now, you can compare options from other providers on Quashed.

Who underwrites Cove Insurance NZ?

Cove Insurance is underwritten by Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Company Limited, which is part of the MS&AD Insurance Group, one of the largest general insurance groups in the world. This provides a strong level of financial stability and confidence that claims will be paid.

How do I get the Cove one month free offer?

The easiest way is to use the Quashed Market Scan to compare car insurance quotes. If Cove comes out on top, simply click through to purchase and the One Month Free offer (up to $100) will be applied automatically. You can also access the offer directly via this link.

Is it worth switching car insurance mid-policy in NZ?

Yes, in most cases. Most car insurance policies in New Zealand can be cancelled at any time, and your existing insurer will provide a pro-rata refund for the unused portion of your premium. With Quashed users saving an average of $377 per year on comprehensive car insurance, switching mid-policy can still save you money overall. Use the Quashed Market Scan to see if there are better options available right now.