Less WoFs, more risk?

Our Warrant of Fitness (WoF) system is about to undergo the biggest change in decades. For most drivers this will mean fewer inspections and reduced costs but more personal responsibility.

With reduced inspection frequency comes a higher risk of things going wrong with your vehicle. 

What is changing with the WoF system? 

The most significant change for Kiwi drivers is how often you’ll be required to have your car checked.  

From November 2026 changes to WoF inspection timings will be applied based on your vehicle’s age. 

• New vehicles: Second WoF will be required after four years (previously three.) 

• Vehicles aged 4–14 years¹: A WoF will be needed every two years (instead of annually.) 

• Vehicles aged 14-26 years old: Will require an Annual WoF. 

• Pre‑2000 vehicles: WoF every year, rather than every six months. 

What are the benefits of the WoF changes? 

• Longer gaps between inspections.

• Less time, admin and cost for motorists. 

What is the downside to more time between WoFs? 

With fewer checks there’s a higher risk of something going wrong with your vehicle. You may not pick up a small fault with your car until it becomes an expensive problem. 

It also means that more responsibility falls on you, the driver. You can no longer rely on your WoF as a primary safety check. 

What can you do to ensure your vehicle is safe? 

Regular servicing and maintenance will become even more important when the new WoF changes take effect. You’ll need to regularly check your own car for common problems that could become bigger issues. 

For added peace of mind, consider taking out AA Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI). AA MBI can help to cover unexpected repair bills if your car suffers a mechanical or electrical fault, provided you have kept up with regular servicing and maintenance. Terms, conditions, underwriting criteria, limits and exclusions apply.

Is AA Mechanical Breakdown Insurance right for you? 

If you have an older vehicle which is at higher risk of mechanical failure, or your car is about to come off warranty, AA MBI may help cover the cost of large bills if your engine fails, your electrical systems stop working, or you get stranded with a serious vehicle fault. 

MBI can help protect you from the cost of repairs that WoF inspections might pick up early. Insurance premiums can be a much more palatable option than huge repair bills! 

Reduce financial uncertainty and help safeguard against the unexpected with AA Mechanical Breakdown Insurance.  

_{¹ Vehicles aged 4-14 years and registered on or after 1 November 2019 move from an annual WoF to a WoF every two years from 1 Nov 2026.} 

_{Vehicles aged 4-14 years, and registered between 1 November 2013 and 31 October 2019 move from an annual WoF to a WoF every two years from 1 Nov 2027}