Newsroom

• Top Stolen Cars from AA Insurance

AA Insurance today revealed the ten cars stolen most frequently in New Zealand, based on theft claims received over the last four years. Car models where all or most of the vehicles are imported second-hand make up the majority of those on the list and over 80 per cent of the top stolen cars are more than 10 years old.

• Youth to get a boost from AA Insurance

AA Insurance has today announced its partnership with youth charity Blue Light to support young New Zealanders, helping them to make good decisions and develop strong self esteem.

• Top Ten Driver Frustrations

Selfish drivers with a ‘me-first’ attitude are the most common frustration to New Zealanders on the road, according to a new AA Insurance survey. And the most frustrating driver behaviour: drivers who use hand-held mobile phones to talk or text while driving despite the law change.

• It's Mars vs Venus on the roads

Men take more risks behind the wheel, whether it's after drinking, speeding or driving under stressful conditions, according to AA Insurance. The company surveyed 4,336 New Zealand drivers aged 18-65 for the 2010 AA Insurance Drivers Index.

• Keep your eyes on the road, your hands upon the wheel

It’s been the law since last November, but still only 24 percent of drivers say they always use a hands-free kit or cradle when driving, according to new research from AA Insurance.

• Theft from cars on the rise says AA Insurance

If you don’t want your things stolen, don’t leave them in the car – especially if you’ve parked on the street or in a car park. More than half of car break-ins occur from these two locations, according to the 2010 AA Insurance Drivers Index.

• Watch out for the neighbours these holidays

The Christmas season traditionally brings another spike in home burglaries, but AA Insurance hopes that more neighbourly co-operation and communication will keep thieves at bay these holidays.

• Need for season of goodwill in car parks

If there’s one place that’s sadly lacking in the spirit of Christmas goodwill, it’s car parks. Research from AA Insurance shows that 73 percent of drivers have had their car damaged while parked.

• Uninsured drivers a danger to others and themselves

AA Insurance claims records for 2009 reveal that uninsured drivers are responsible for over a third of accidents caused by a third party.

• Honey I shrunk the car

Some 16 percent of people said they had recently downsized their main vehicle, with 52 percent citing fuel economy as the main reason, according to the 2009 AA Insurance Drivers Index.

• Stop advertising to thieves says AA Insurance

Over a third of people (34 percent) say they leave personal possessions like bags or CDs visible in the car, according to the 2009 AA Insurance Drivers Index. AA Insurance surveyed 3,708 New Zealand drivers aged 18-65 for the index.

• Simple steps can reduce fire damage

Over 90 percent of New Zealanders have smoke alarms in their homes to give early warning of house fire, according to the AA Insurance Home Security Index.

• More aggression on roads from both men and women

There’s more aggression on the roads this year according to AA Insurance.

• Passengers drive motorists to distraction

The most frequent cause of driver distraction is not radios or CDs, or even GPS systems: it's the other people in the car, according to new survey from AA Insurance.

• Even under pressure, insurance remains a priority

Nearly a quarter would consider downgrading cover to balance budget, but 98 percent think everyone on the road should have at least third party insurance.

• AA Insurance reveals summer security risks

AA Insurance reports that a growing number of preventable losses are occurring as people enjoying the summer fail to take reasonable precautions to look after their property.

• Baubles, bubbly and burglaries

While many New Zealanders are preparing for their Christmas holiday, AA Insurance reports that 45 percent feel apprehensive about leaving the house because of the risk of break-ins.

• The darker side of human nature found in car parks

Car parks are a frustrating place for drivers, which sometimes boils over in rudeness such as impatience, stealing someone else's car park, and ignoring the legal obligation to admit damaging someone else's property.

• Third party insurance even more important during tight times

Drivers deciding where to tighten their belts in tough economic times may be tempted to drop their insurance. But that would be a false economy.

• Thieves favourite cars

AA Insurance today revealed its list of the ten models of cars most attractive to thieves, following an analysis of theft claims made for vehicles insured by the company over the last four years.

• Are men or women the better drivers?

It’s an age-old question, debated at bars and dining tables around the country: are men or women better behind the wheel?

• Time to tighten up on car security – AA Insurance

New Zealanders reckon they are pretty careful about locking the car when they leave it but many of us regularly leave valuables in the car, tempting thieves.

• Are young New Zealand drivers getting the message?

New Zealand may be about to see a new generation of responsible drivers. That's the conclusion from the AA Insurance Youth Driver Poll of 1,500 year 10 students, who have either recently started or are just about to start driving.

• New Zealanders driven to distraction behind the wheel

Two thirds of young drivers say they txt while driving