FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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How does Mechanical Breakdown Insurance differ from Comprehensive Car Insurance?
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance differs from Comprehensive Car Insurance. Comprehensive Car Insurance covers external damages from accidents, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. In contrast, Mechanical Breakdown Insurance covers internal mechanical components like the engine, transmission, and electrical systems when they fail due to faults (not fair wear and tear).
Why is regular servicing essential for my Mechanical Breakdown Insurance policy?
Regular servicing is vital to keep your MBI policy valid and ensure your car remains in good condition. You must service your car within the first three months or 5,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Missing this initial service will invalidate your policy. After the initial service, you need to service your car at least once every 12 months or 10,000 kilometres, whichever comes first, to maintain your policy’s validity.
What common questions do other people ask?
Q. How often am I required to service my vehicle?A. Within 5,000km or 3 months following the start date of your policy and thereafter every 12 months and/or 10,000km.
Q. Is General Wear & Tear covered (e.g. Wipers, Tyres, Oil changes and other Consumables)?
A. No. General wear and Tear is not covered under your Motorlife MBI policy.
Q. Are Pre-existing conditions covered?
A. No. Pre-exisitng conditions are not covered under your Motorlife MBI policy.
Q. Who can repair my vehicle?
A. Your Motorlife MBI cover is nationwide and approved mechanical repairs can be carried out by any MTA member.
Q. During what hours is Roadside Assistance available?
A. Roadside Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How does the claims process work?
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 Motorlife NZ in accordance with our guidelines.
What does your free-look period mean?
The insured has a “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 5 working days of the Policy start date.
What would be the best plan for me?
The best plan depends on the vehicle you’ve purchased and how you plan to use it, including your expected mileage. Your dealer will discuss the most suitable option based on your needs.You can choose from the following cover options - $4,000 or $8,000 cover for petrol and diesel vehicles and $6,000 cover for hybrid vehicles.
What is your acceptance criteria?
Cars must be under 19 years of age, and have traveled less than 250,000km at the time the policy starts.
Why should I trust Autolife? How do I know you’re a genuine NZ insurance company?
Motorlife 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:SecureA++, A+ (Superior)A, A- (Excellent)B++, B+ (Good)VulnerableB, B- (Fair)C++, C+ (Marginal)C, C- (Weak)D (Poor)E (Under Regulatory Supervision)
If more than 1 person drives the car does the Insurance cover change or do I pay more?
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.
Will I get a Courtesy car whilst my car is being repaired?
If the garage cannot provide a courtesy car you may be able to arrange a rental car based on the policy terms once the claim has been approved.
Who will repair my vehicle?
Any MTA workshop. If you are not sure we can recommend garages that have worked with our other customers.
I already have Accident Insurance, why should I double up on my Insurance?
Accident Insurance will only cover you if you have an vehicle accident. Accident insurance does not cover mechanical failure. Motorlife MBI covers your car for mechanical or electrical failures. Some of the most common claims include Engines, Transmissions, Water Pumps, and Control Units.
How long is a policy for?
You can select the length of the policy from 1, 2 or 3 year options.
What cars are covered?
The vast majority of Asian and European cars are covered. The dealer will be able to advise if coverage is available for the car that you have selected.
What is the most that I can get covered for?
The maximum cover we offer is $8,000. We offer 2 policies - Motorlife Standard and Motorlife Plus.