Newsroom

• Driven to Distraction

Using a mobile phone to text while driving has been rated the biggest driver distraction by respondents to the AA Insurance Drivers Index, a survey of 3,550 Kiwi drivers aged between 18 and 65.

• Car park collisions on the rise

Car park collisions are up year-on-year according to AA Insurance. From September 2010 to August 2011 the company received 456 claims for damaged caused to a vehicle while it was parked, compared to 377 in 2010. The average cost of a damaged while parked claim also rose from $1,481 in 2010 to $1,595 in 2011.

• A wake up call for drowsy drivers

Driver fatigue is increasingly common and costly on New Zealand’s roads. The 2011 AA Insurance Drivers Index, a poll of 3,550 Kiwi drivers, found that one in five said they had momentarily fallen asleep at the wheel, with 26 percent of male drivers and 15 percent of female drivers admitting to nodding off while driving.

• Top 10 Stolen Cars from AA Insurance

AA Insurance has revealed its ten most frequently stolen cars and the regions they are most likely to be stolen from. Based on AA Insurance claims data, the Nissan Silvia, which topped the list for the past three years, has been replaced by the Honda Torneo, second in 2010.

• Keep your eyes on the prize

AA Insurance has revealed the personal items we lose most often. According to claims data between June 2010 and May 2011, eyewear (spectacles and sunglasses) accounted for 30 percent of accidental loss claims, followed by jewellery, hearing aids and mobile phones. AA Insurance estimates that accidental loss of personal items costs the New Zealand insurance industry $2.9 million in claims per year.

• Rugby fever is here!

Emotions will be high during the rugby games and your possessions may bear the brunt of the celebrations. If you make sure you’re prepared for any damage that could be caused to your property, then you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the games knowing that if something does happen, AA Insurance has got you covered.

• Young Drivers Gamble with Road Safety

Newly-licensed young drivers lack the experience needed to make good driving decisions resulting in higher insurance claims compared to older drivers. Recent AA Insurance customer data also shows that young drivers have the lowest uptake of insurance, despite requesting more quotes than other age groups.

• New Zealand's top ten driver frustrations revealed

Inconsiderate drivers who don’t give the road their full attention are New Zealand’s biggest driver frustration, the latest AA Insurance survey has found. Last year’s most frustrating driver behaviour – driving while using a mobile phone – fell 23 places from number one in the 2011 AA Insurance Driver Frustration Index, which polled 3,550 New Zealanders aged 18-65 to gain a better understanding of what causes drivers to become frustrated and take unnecessary risks.

• It's official - Men and women can agree

The 2011 AA Insurance Drivers Index has found that today’s driving habits of men and women are remarkably similar, even when it comes to making long trips over holiday periods. In previous surveys, drivers from Mars and their Venusian counterparts differed significantly in time spent behind the wheel, taking speed risks, attitudes to aggression and even claims.

• AA Insurance eases concerns about changing insurer

Many people who want to change insurer are worried that it will be complicated and time-consuming. But for most people it’s as easy as making a couple of phone calls.

• There are no shortcuts with insurance

AA Insurance received a significant number of calls yesterday from people who are reviewing their insurance following recent events.

• AA Insurance reassures customers of financial strength

AA Insurance moved swiftly to reassure customers, markets and the community of its financial capacity to meet all claims resulting from the Canterbury earthquake.

• Statement from AA Insurance re Canterbury coverage

In contrast to some others in the industry, AA Insurance continues to insure its current customers in the Canterbury region, and is even taking on some new customers.

• AA Insurance mobile centres operating in Christchurch

Mobile Customer Response Teams from AA Insurance are in Christchurch providing direct emergency assistance to their customers. They will be operating from mobile claims centres, moving around the Christchurch region in areas where customers are most affected. Today they are in Barnett Park and Burwood Park Bowling Club car park.

• Claims volumes low as Cantabrians look after each other

Claims volumes are still low and some customers do not realise the help available to them, such as temporary accommodation and other welfare services such as emergency grants.

• Thefts from unsecured buildings covered says AA Insurance

AA Insurance wants to reassure Canterbury customers worried about making claims as a result of the Canterbury earthquake.

• Update from AA Insurance on the Canterbury earthquake

AA Insurance has begun mobilising its people and resources in readiness for the surge in claims following the February 22 Christchurch earthquake. Calls to the insurer have already begun to increase.

• AA Insurance stands by Cantabrians

AA Insurance is ready to assist customers in Christchurch with the effects of Tuesday’s earthquake.

• Lock it or lose it this Christmas, says AA Insurance

Burglaries are on the rise, according to AA Insurance claims data, so holiday-makers are urged to be extra vigilant when locking up this Christmas.

• With Christmas shopping comes carpark chaos

As shopping season kicks into gear, AA Insurance asks motorists to drive carefully in car parks. The latest findings in the 2010 AA Insurance Drivers Index show that over 70 percent of drivers have had their car damaged while parked, and AA Insurance claims data reveals that most of these collisions happen during November in the lead-up to Christmas.

• "Contact us," AA Insurance urges customers

AA Insurance is urging customers whose claims are likely to exceed the $100,000 EQC cap to contact them in the first instance, rather than the EQC, offering to help them process their claim.

• AA Insurance urges safety first

AA Insurance is streamlining complex claims and recovery processes for customers who are victims of the Christchurch earthquake and is urging residents in badly affected areas to be safety conscious.

• EQC doesn't cover damage to your vehicle

AA Insurance is advising customers whose vehicles were damaged in Saturday’s earthquake to contact their insurance company now as the Earthquake Commission does not cover damage to vehicles.

• 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