Car ownership and insurance

Found a car you like? Here’s a few things to keep in mind to make sure your purchase goes smoothly.

Changing registered person

Once you’ve agreed to buy a car, both you and the seller must complete the ‘Change of registered person notification process’ without delay.

If this isn’t done, you could be fined.

You can complete the change of registered person process online at the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency website.

Change of registered person notification process
Registered person responsibilities

As the buyer of the car:

You’ll need to select ‘Let us know you’ve bought a vehicle’ and enter your details.

You’ll also need:

• your New Zealand driver licence
• the car’s number plate.

Remember to print out the confirmation page as proof you’ve completed the process and take it to the seller.

Your new Certificate of Registration should arrive by email or mail within 10 days. Keep it in a safe place until you decide to sell the vehicle.

Change registered person: buying a vehicle

If you don’t want to complete the change of registered person online, you can do it in person at a number of locations.

Where to license your vehicle

As the seller of the car:

You’ll need to select ‘Let us know you’ve sold a vehicle’ and enter your details.

You’ll also need:

• your New Zealand driver licence
• the car’s number plate
• the full name and address of the person or organisation buying the car.

Change registered person: selling a car

For more information on your legal responsibilities, check out the Waka Kotahi factsheet on buying and selling vehicles.

Buying and selling vehicles factsheet [PDF, 72 KB]

Purchasing a car from a motor vehicle trader

If you buy or sell a vehicle from a motor vehicle trader, they may complete some or all of the change of registered person process for you. However, you should always confirm with the trader that they’ve done this.

Getting car insurance

Car insurance in New Zealand isn’t a legal requirement but it’s a good idea to have some type of insurance cover. This will protect you from financial loss if you’re in a crash or event that causes damage to either your or someone else’s car.

When you take out an insurance policy you have to pay a premium (fee) to the insurance company and they agree to pay you for any losses agreed to in your policy.

Insurance companies in New Zealand usually offer three types of policies. These provide different levels of coverage:

• Comprehensive cover: The most expensive type of policy but covers the cost to repair or replace both your and the other driver’s vehicle.
• Third party, fire and theft: Covers the cost to repair or replace the other driver’s vehicle but only covers your car for damage caused by fire or loss by theft.
• Third party: Cheapest policy. Covers the cost to repair or replace the other driver’s vehicle. It doesn’t provide any cover for your own vehicle.

Each insurance company will have different policy requirements, limits and premiums. So it’s important to shop around and find a company that has a policy and premium that suits your needs.