Modern red car with scratch outdoors, closeup Photo: 123RF
Panel beaters say more people are opting to drive with damage from fender benders, because insurance claims are so expensive. Consumer NZ's annual car insurance survey released earlier this year found premiums have increased by as much as 46% since 2023.
The Collision Repair Association says this is partly due to a lack of competition, and the big insurers directing work to their own repairers which also limits consumer choice. The New Zealand car and house insurance sector is dominated by two main Australian owned operators, IAG and Suncorp. Stewart Gibb General Manager of the Collision Repair Association, says an insurance excess of $500 to $1000 + is unaffordable for many, who'll opt to drive around with a dent or scrape in their car. He says modern vehicles are also more costly to fix.
Kathryn also speaks with Rebecca Styles, investigative team leader with Consumer NZ.
