Built on trust. Focused on people.
+64 9 88 444 08

Protection that goes further

Insurance for the things that keep you moving

From comprehensive vehicle cover to mechanical breakdown and finance protection, we can help you explore insurance options that suit your vehicle and circumstances.

Inquire Now

Protection built around the journey

Arranging the finance is one part of the picture. The right insurance can help protect the vehicle you've bought, your budget when something unexpected happens, and the finance behind it.

  • Cover in the same conversation

    Already arranging finance with us? We can help you explore relevant insurance options at the same time, keeping the process straightforward and in one place.

  • Protection for private vehicles

    Buying your everyday car, a second vehicle or something for the family? We can help you look at cover designed for privately used vehicles.

  • Commercial vehicles covered too

    Utes, vans and other business vehicles face a different set of risks. We can help you explore cover designed around commercial vehicle use.

  • Help with unexpected breakdowns

    Mechanical and electrical repairs can get expensive quickly. Breakdown insurance may help with eligible repair costs when a covered component unexpectedly fails.

  • Options for hybrid and electric vehicles

    Hybrid and EV technology brings different components into the equation. Specialist breakdown cover is available for eligible hybrid and electric vehicles.

  • Clear information before you decide

    Premiums, excesses, limits, exclusions and eligibility all matter. We'll make sure you have the relevant policy information so you can understand what you're considering before cover is arranged.

Insurance options we can help arrange

Different risks call for different types of protection. Depending on your vehicle, finance and eligibility, we can help you explore the following options.

  • Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance (CVI)

    Protection for more than just the vehicle itself.

    Comprehensive vehicle insurance is designed to help protect your vehicle against insured events such as accidental damage, theft and other covered losses. Policies can also include cover for damage you cause to someone else's vehicle or property.

    Commonly considered by

    • Cars purchased through a dealer or privately
    • New and used vehicles
    • Vehicles financed through a secured loan
    • Drivers wanting broader protection than third-party-only cover

  • Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI)

    Help take some of the uncertainty out of unexpected repair bills.

    Mechanical Breakdown Insurance is designed to contribute toward eligible repair costs when covered mechanical or electrical components unexpectedly fail.

    Which components are protected differs from policy to policy, and cover can depend on keeping the vehicle's scheduled servicing up to date.

    Commonly considered by

    • Used vehicles
    • Cars outside their manufacturer's warranty
    • Drivers wanting greater certainty around unexpected repair costs
    • Eligible petrol and diesel vehicles

  • Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Breakdown Cover

    Specialist protection for a different kind of drivetrain.

    Hybrid and electric vehicles use technology that differs from a traditional petrol or diesel vehicle. Specialist breakdown insurance can provide cover for eligible mechanical and electrical components when a covered failure occurs.

    The components eligible for cover differ from those on a standard petrol or diesel policy - worth checking against the specific vehicle you have in mind.

    Commonly considered by

    • Hybrid vehicles
    • Plug-in hybrid vehicles
    • Fully electric vehicles
    • Eligible used EVs and hybrids outside manufacturer cover

  • Commercial Vehicle Insurance

    Protection designed with business use in mind.

    When your vehicle helps your business earn, having it off the road can create more than an inconvenience. Commercial vehicle insurance is designed to protect eligible business vehicles against insured loss or damage, with cover structured around commercial use.

    The appropriate policy will depend on the vehicle, how it is used, who drives it and the nature of your business.

    Commonly considered by

    • Work utes and vans
    • Tradespeople
    • Couriers and delivery businesses
    • Company vehicles
    • Sole traders and small businesses
    • Commercial fleets

  • Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP)

    Protection against an eligible finance shortfall after a total loss.

    If a financed vehicle is declared a total loss, the amount paid by your comprehensive vehicle insurer may sometimes be less than the amount still owing under your finance agreement.

    Subject to the policy terms and limits, GAP insurance may help cover an eligible shortfall between the comprehensive insurer's settlement and the outstanding amount owing under the vehicle finance agreement.

    How a shortfall is calculated differs between providers, so two policies can settle the same total loss differently.

    Commonly considered by

    • Customers financing a vehicle
    • Higher-value vehicle purchases
    • Loans where the balance may initially reduce more slowly than the vehicle's value
    • Customers wanting additional protection around a potential total-loss shortfall

  • Payment Protection Insurance (PPI)

    Help protect your repayments when life doesn't go to plan.

    Payment Protection Insurance may provide a benefit toward eligible loan repayments if certain covered events affect your ability to make repayments.

    Depending on the policy, insured events may include situations such as illness, injury or involuntary unemployment. Two details are worth checking closely: the waiting period before a benefit starts, and the maximum period it can be paid for.

    Commonly considered by

    • Customers taking out vehicle finance
    • Borrowers who rely on regular employment income
    • Customers wanting an additional financial buffer against certain unexpected events

How vehicle insurance works

You choose the type of protection you want and, once accepted by the insurer, pay the applicable premium for that cover.

What you're protected against depends entirely on the policy. Different insurance products are designed for different situations: comprehensive insurance focuses on insured loss or damage to the vehicle, mechanical breakdown cover focuses on eligible component failures, while GAP and payment protection address specific finance-related risks.

We'll provide the relevant information for the options available to you so you can make an informed decision.

What insurance might suit me?

The right starting point depends on what you're trying to protect.

  • Want to protect the vehicle against accidents, theft and other insured damage?

    Consider Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance.

  • Concerned about unexpected mechanical or electrical repair bills?

    Mechanical Breakdown Insurance may be worth exploring.

  • Driving a hybrid or EV?

    Ask about specialist Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Breakdown cover.

  • Using the vehicle for work or business?

    Commercial Vehicle Insurance may be more appropriate.

  • Concerned about owing finance after a total-loss settlement?

    Ask about GAP.

  • Want protection for eligible repayments if certain unexpected life events occur?

    Ask about Payment Protection Insurance.

Not sure where to start? Tell us about the vehicle, how you use it and what you're looking to protect, and we'll help you understand the available options.

Our insurance process

Four straightforward steps from enquiry to cover.

  1. Tell us what you need

    Send us some basic information about you, your vehicle and the type of protection you're looking for.

  2. We explore the available options

    We'll identify insurance options available through our provider arrangements that may be relevant to your enquiry.

  3. Review the details

    You'll receive the relevant information about the available cover, including the premium and important policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions.

  4. Arrange your cover

    If you decide to proceed and the insurer accepts the application, the policy can be put in place in accordance with the insurer's process and policy terms.

Frequently asked questions

The things people most often ask us about vehicle and finance-related insurance.

Can I arrange insurance at the same time as my car finance?

Yes, where a suitable insurance option is available. If you're arranging vehicle finance through Northwest Finance, insurance can be discussed as part of the same process so you can consider both the finance and protection around the vehicle.

Do I need comprehensive insurance when financing a vehicle?

Many secured vehicle lenders require the financed vehicle to remain comprehensively insured while finance is outstanding. The exact requirement depends on your lender and finance agreement, and we'll let you know if it applies to your loan.

Is Mechanical Breakdown Insurance the same as comprehensive car insurance?

No. They are designed for different risks. Comprehensive vehicle insurance generally deals with insured events such as accidental damage or theft, while Mechanical Breakdown Insurance is designed for eligible mechanical or electrical failures. The policy wording determines exactly what is and isn't covered.

Can I get Mechanical Breakdown Insurance for a used vehicle?

Potentially, yes. Eligibility normally depends on factors such as the vehicle's age, kilometres, make, model and condition, as well as the insurer's criteria.

What is the difference between GAP and comprehensive insurance?

Comprehensive insurance protects the vehicle against insured events under that policy. GAP is designed for a different purpose: helping with an eligible financial shortfall that may remain if a total-loss settlement does not cover the relevant amount under your vehicle finance.

Is there special breakdown insurance for hybrids and EVs?

Yes, specialist breakdown options may be available for eligible hybrid and electric vehicles. What is covered varies by policy, so it's important to check the eligible components, limits and exclusions.

Can you arrange insurance for my work vehicle?

Potentially, yes. Commercial vehicle insurance is designed for vehicles used for business purposes. We'll need to understand the vehicle, how it is used, who drives it and your business activities before determining what options may be available.

What does Payment Protection Insurance cover?

Payment Protection Insurance may provide benefits toward eligible loan repayments if certain events specified in the policy occur. Exactly which events are covered, along with waiting periods, benefit limits and exclusions, depends on the policy.

How much will insurance cost?

There isn't one standard price. Premiums can depend on the type of insurance, vehicle, drivers, usage, level of cover and other factors considered by the insurer. You'll be shown the applicable premium before deciding whether to proceed.

What happens if I need to make a claim?

Claims are assessed under the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. Your policy documents will explain who to contact, what information is required and how the claims process works.

Finance options built around you

Looking for finance as well? The same Northwest team can help you explore funding for the vehicle or asset you're looking to protect.

Ready to talk insurance?

Whether you're arranging finance now or already have the vehicle, tell us what you're looking to protect. We'll help you understand the insurance options available and the next steps.

+64 9 88 444 08