Personalised car-shopping service gets customers back on the road faster

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Auckland, 26 February 2020 – The daunting task of buying a new car has been solved by a new partnership between AA Insurance and Turners used-car dealer network, which can offer hassle-free car replacement instead of cash in the bank.

The new initiative provides customers, who would normally receive a cash settlement for their written off car, with the option of a replacement vehicle located and delivered by Turners.

“It’s basically a personalised car-shopping service for customers to get the car they want without the hassle and stress of buying one themselves,” says Simon Hobbs, Head of Claims, AA Insurance. “It’s quick too; on average it takes around four to five business days from the time a customer makes a claim to when they’re handed the keys to their new car.”

The service was initially set up specifically for those who needed extra help finding a replacement car and, since late last year, has helped around 50 customers throughout New Zealand, including around 20 from Timaru following the 2019 hailstorm. The service is now available to all AA Insurance customers.

“We have good relationships with our customers and wanted to really look after those who needed an extra hand,” says Simon.

“They may require a vehicle to keep appointments, remain independent or take the kids to school or the doctor. Others may not feel confident choosing a car on their own. The last thing these customers need is to spend time buying a replacement car.”

One Timaru customer had to replace two vehicles damaged by recent hail. Although her cars were both declared a total loss, there was no stock in Timaru car yards, as they had all been damaged too*.  Within 24 hours of asking for help to find replacements, two vehicles of her choice were set aside, and within a few days she had dropped off her damaged cars and driven away in the new ones.

“As Turners has a network throughout the country, they can give AA Insurance customers a range of options based on the checklist they provide, no matter where they live,” says Simon. “Customers may want the exact same car, something similar, or even totally different, and Turners staff are able to track down exactly what our customers need and want, all within their budget - they will even get them sent in from a different part of the country.”

“This service is not only a life-saver for many AAI customers, but they often get a better car for their money than if they had negotiated the deal themselves,” continues Simon. “What’s more, if the car comes in under budget, the change will be deposited into their bank account, so they can save it or spend it on something else. It’s no wonder customers are loving the benefits of this new initiative.”

*Over 1,000 hail-damaged car claims were lodged by AA Insurance customers after this weather event. 

Turners is the largest used car dealership in New Zealand with 23 branches nationawide, and over 3,000 vehicles on offer.

About AA Insurance

AA Insurance is an independently operated, New Zealand-based joint venture between the New Zealand Automobile Association Limited (NZAA) and Vero Insurance New Zealand Limited (VINZL). Since 1994 we have demonstrated trusted expertise in home, contents and car insurance in New Zealand, and in 2018 introduced commercial small business insurance. We underwrite our own policies and sell direct to New Zealanders. Our 1000+ employees look after 500,000+ customers with more than 1,000,000 policies.

We proudly partner with Variety New Zealand – the Children’s Charity (as the lead partner of its Beds for Kids programme), Student Volunteer Army and support grassroot school sports via our Big Little Sponsorship sports grant in partnership with Eden Park. We are consistently recognised in industry awards and honours, including being voted the Reader’s Digest Most Trusted General Insurer for 13 years running, named Canstar’s 2023 Home and Contents Insurer of the Year and Outstanding Value Award winner, and currently ranked 7th amongst 100 of New Zealand’s most successful companies in the Kantar Corporate Reputation Index (since 2015).

Find out more at www.aainsurance.co.nz

For more information please contact:
AA Insurance Media Team
027 406 1787
mediacontact@aainsurance.co.nz