AA Mechanical Breakdown Insurance

Cover for unexpected mechanical costs

Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) can be taken out when you’re buying a used vehicle and protects you against costs that come with repairing unexpected mechanical faults. When your car breaks down, we’ll be there to help get your car parts repaired or replaced so that you can get back on the road again.

There are two cover levels to choose from for standard and electric vehicles, and you can take out a policy to cover you for 12, 24, 36 or 48 months. 

A quick summary

  • Anyone over the age of 16 who has purchased a vehicle can apply
  • Cover up to $5,000 or $10,000 per claim, depending on the option purchased
  • Cover for petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles
  • Covers unforeseen repairs to mechanical or electrical parts that arise as part of normal vehicle use
  • AA Roadservice is free with policy purchase, including unlimited callouts, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for the length of your policy

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Be confident knowing what your policy covers

We want to make sure you’re confident in knowing what you are or aren’t covered for. That means reading the Policy Wording to understand the benefits as well as your responsibilities, and the cover limits and exclusions of your policy.

Benefits


 

Assist

Assist Plus

Eligibility criteria for a standard vehicle*

Vehicles up to 18 years and 295,000kms

Vehicles up to 16 years and 175,000kms

Limit per claim

$5,000

$10,000

Consumable items

Up to $350 per claim

Up to $750 per claim

Repatriation costs

Up to $250 per claim

Up to $500 per claim

Accommodation and return home travel

Up to $500 per claim

Up to $1,500 per claim

AA Roadside Assistance

tick

tick

Factory fitted components under the categories of Access and Comfort, Driver Assistance and Safety, Entertainment and Performance

N/A

tick

*Eligibility criteria depend on vehicle age and kms at time of insurance purchase, and are subject to vehicle make and model.

This table is a summary only. Please see the Policy Wording for full terms, exclusions, conditions and benefits.

Cover for your electric vehicle

An Electric Vehicle Package for electric battery and hybrid vehicles. The package has some unique conditions and covers auxiliary engines, drive unit (inverter), dual charger and electric vehicle batteries.

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Things you should know

  • Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) covers any reasonable costs of certain mechanical and electrical parts failure if a vehicle suffers a sudden and unforeseen breakdown, and is not caused by general wear and tear.
  • MBI doesn’t cover claims associated with any issues that existed before the purchase of the vehicle. Remember, it’s still important to check you’re not buying a lemon with an AA Pre-purchase inspection.
  • Before taking out MBI, check whether the vehicle is covered by a manufacturer's warranty. 
  • MBI is not general car insurance and does not cover things like fire, theft and accidental or third-party damage. For your car insurance needs, visit AA Insurance.
  • There's a 15 day no-obligation period, giving you further peace of mind that if you change your mind in this time, we'll refund 100% of the premiums you've paid, so long as no claims have been made.
  • An excess is payable per claim, and the excess amount is determined on application based on the category of vehicle and cover type.
  • It's possible to extend your cover by purchasing another policy on expiry, where eligibility criteria would apply.
  • To keep your policy valid, you need to keep your vehicle maintained, have a valid warrant of fitness and meet minimum servicing requirements in line with the Policy Wording

Policy Wordings

For policies purchased before 28 November 2024

AA Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Policy Wording

For policies purchased after 28 November 2024

AA Mechanical Breakdown Insurance Policy Wording

Contact us

Policy Enquiries:

0800 262 411

Available Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm

Claims

0800 809 700

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Our Insurance Partner

AA Mechanical Breakdown is a partnership between The New Zealand Automobile Association Incorporated (AA) and DPL Insurance Limited (DPL). DPL underwrite AA Mechanical Breakdown products.

Financial Strength Rating

DPL Insurance Limited has been given a B++ (Good) financial strength rating by A.M Best.

Financial advice

Our website provides general information about our products and services to help you make choices when it comes to protecting the things in life that really matter. The information doesn’t take into account your personal circumstances, needs or goals and is not intended to be financial advice.

If you'd like to receive financial advice, you can get professional advice from a registered financial adviser.