FAQs

Check out common questions we’re asked about
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance and our other policies…

There is a 21 day stand down period before you are eligible to make claims. However, as a matter of good faith if you do have a breakdown and need NZRA service please call our friendly staff and we can assist on a case by case basis.

  • How often am I required to service my vehicle?
    • Within 5,000km or 3 months following start date and thereafter
    • Petrol Vehicles within 12 months and 10,000kms
    • Diesel Vehicles within 12 months and 10,000kms
  • General Wear & Tear is not covered (e.g. Wipers, Tyres, Oil changes and other Consumables)
  • Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
  • The MBI cover is nationwide and approved mechanical repairs can be carried out by any MTA member.
  • Roadside assistance is 24×7

Please visit our website and download the claim form. There is a section for you to describe the faults / symptoms, a section for the mechanic to Complete the details of the problem and an estimate to fix the same. This information is then assessed by our claims team who will respond to you and the garage. Once the claim has been approved, the Garage is given the go ahead and you are kept informed. When the job is completed, you pay the excess directly to the Garage and the balance of the Invoice is paid by Autolife NZ in accordance with our guidelines.

The insured has a 7 day “free look” period during which you can read the terms and conditions of the policy and decide if you wish to continue with it. If you decide not to continue with the policy, you will need to advise us in writing within 7 days of receipt.

It depends on the vehicle and the usage / mileage. For single owner–driver cars our Standard mechanical breakdown cover of $4,000 ($5,000 if your car is travelled less than 100,000 kms) will certainly provide peace-of-mind.

Yes, we do multiple policies. We will offer a discount on an individual basis.

We accept most vehicles that are NZ registered after 2000 and have travelled less than 200,000 kms.

If your car is just outside this criteria, please talk to one of our friendly staff and we can advise you better on a case by case basis.

We have a payment plan which a majority of our customers utilise. Weekly / Fortnightly / Monthly. If you can and would like the best price yearly is a good option. You normally save a month’s premium when you pay annually.

Autolife is owned and operated by Beneficial Insurance Limited. Beneficial is regulated by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and has had an Insurance license since 2002. Beneficial is also one of the largest pet insurance companies in New Zealand.

All licensed insurers are required to have a financial strength rating (“FSR”) from a rating agency authorised for this purpose by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Beneficial Insurance Limited has been rated B++ Outlook Stable by AM Best Company. The AM Best company financial strength rating scale is as follows:

Secure
A++, A+ (Superior)
A, A- (Excellent)
B++, B+ (Good)

Vulnerable
B, B- (Fair)
C++, C+ (Marginal)
C, C- (Weak)
D (Poor)
E (Under Regulatory Supervision)

At present, no one offers MBI with an Instalment plan direct to public. There are other Insurance companies that do offer this but through a Dealer network. All payments are upfront and non–refundable via this mode. Autolife MBI payments can be made over the course of the policy term.

No. To cancel the 12 month contract early there is a $75 cancellation fee.

The policy is tied to the Vehicle so irrespective of the Drivers we will cover the vehicle for mechanical breakdown in accordance with your policy terms.

If the garage cannot provide a courtesy car you may be able to arrange a rental car based on the policy terms.

Any MTA workshop. If you are not sure we can recommend garages that have worked with our other customers.

Accident Insurance will only cover you if you have an accident. Accident insurance does not cover mechanical failure. Most Banks offer an Accident Insurance which is typically underwritten by a large Underwriter (e.g. IAG).

The policy term provides cover for 12 months, at the end of which it can be renewed.

We cover your car for any mechanical or electrical failures. Some of the most common claims include Engines, Transmissions, Water Pumps, and Control Units.

The vast majority of Japanese and European Cars are covered. For a full list please see our list of cars.

The maximum cover we offer is for $8000. We offer 2 policies; Autolife Standard and Autolife PLUS.