Short answer: Do not assume your Australian car insurance applies in New Zealand. The cited RACV Motor Insurance wording excludes loss or damage outside Australia. Check your exact policy edition and arrange separate insurance where needed.
What RACV says
The July 2026 RACV Motor Insurance PDS includes a general exclusion for loss or damage occurring outside Australia, and explains that general exclusions apply to the policy. The quoted result is for the motor policy covered by that booklet; other products, endorsements or specialist marine policies require separate verification.
Do you need insurance during shipping?
Motor insurance for ordinary road use and shipping/marine transit protection are distinct. Ask the shipping company and an appropriate insurer what covers loss or damage during collection, transit, unloading and storage. Never infer this from the standard motor policy.
Before driving in New Zealand
Check temporary import permission, local vehicle standards and registration, driver licensing, compulsory legal requirements and the territorial validity of your new insurance. The destination’s current official guidance and your written insurer confirmation take precedence over this summary.
Original sources
Research links checked 30 October 2026. Please confirm the current policy edition and your personal schedule.
Check your exact tier.
The result changes with insurer, destination, cover type and trip duration. Run a personalised check with direct-source citations.
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