AIG Insurance New Zealand is the local arm of American International Group, one of the world’s largest commercial insurers. With over 50 years in NZ and an A+ financial strength rating, AIG is a heavyweight in corporate and specialty insurance - but has almost no consumer-facing products.
In This Review
What is AIG Insurance NZ and who’s behind it?
AIG Insurance New Zealand Limited is the New Zealand subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. (AIG), one of the world’s largest insurance organisations. AIG has operated in New Zealand for over 50 years, primarily serving corporate and commercial clients through broker-distributed products.
Headquartered at Level 7, 21 Queen Street, Auckland 1010, AIG NZ holds a financial strength rating of A+ (Strong) from S&P Global Ratings for its NZ entity, while the global AIG group carries an AA- rating. The company reported solvency of 291% - well above the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s minimum requirements.
Unlike mainstream NZ insurers such as AA Insurance, Tower, or AMI, AIG NZ focuses almost exclusively on commercial and specialty insurance. Its only consumer-facing product is travel insurance provided through a partnership with Westpac New Zealand credit cards (AIG Travel Activate).
AIG’s commercial portfolio spans Accident & Health, Financial Lines (D&O, Professional Indemnity), Casualty, Commercial Property, Corporate Travel, Mergers & Acquisitions, SME Solutions, and Specialty lines including Aerospace, Energy, Marine, and Cyber insurance. Products are distributed exclusively through insurance brokers - consumers cannot purchase directly from AIG.
AIG NZ is a niche player in the New Zealand market, offering substantial financial backing and specialist expertise for commercial clients, but with virtually no direct consumer products.
How customers rate AIG across major review platforms
Note: AIG’s public review scores are heavily influenced by global travel and claims experiences. With only 2 NZ-specific Trustpilot reviews, the NZ data is not statistically meaningful. Commercial/broker clients typically do not leave public reviews, which may skew the overall picture. These ratings should be considered alongside AIG’s strong financial metrics.
Common themes from 335+ reviews across Trustpilot and Reviews.io (predominantly global)
Claims process was a nightmare. Submitted everything they asked for, then waited months with no response. When they finally replied, they denied the claim on a technicality.
Travel insurance through my credit card was underwritten by AIG. When I needed to claim for a cancelled trip, the process took over four months and required repeated follow-ups.
AIG handles our commercial liability cover and they’ve been solid. The broker relationship works well and the underwriting team is knowledgeable about our industry.
Impossible to speak to anyone. Phone lines go to overseas call centres and emails take weeks. When you’re dealing with a stressful claim, this is unacceptable.
For complex commercial risks like cyber and D&O, AIG is one of the few insurers with genuine global expertise. Pricing is competitive for the coverage provided.
Filed a travel claim with all documentation. Three months later, received a fraction of what was owed with no clear explanation of the deductions.
Disclaimer: Review themes are based on analysis of publicly available reviews on Trustpilot and Reviews.io. The vast majority of reviews relate to global travel insurance and consumer claims experiences. AIG’s commercial/broker clients are underrepresented in public review platforms. These themes may not reflect the experience of NZ corporate policyholders.
AIG NZ is primarily a commercial insurer - only travel insurance is available to individual consumers
AIG Travel Activate is provided as complimentary cover with eligible Westpac credit cards. Covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, baggage, and personal liability while travelling overseas.
Property insurance for businesses covering buildings, stock, plant, and business interruption. Tailored for mid-market to large corporate clients through broker distribution.
Directors & Officers (D&O) liability, Professional Indemnity, Crime, and Employment Practices Liability insurance for businesses and their leadership teams.
Group Personal Accident and corporate health solutions for employers. Covers workplace injuries, business travel accidents, and group life for employees.
Specialist insurance for complex and high-value risks including Aerospace, Energy, Marine, Environmental, and Excess Casualty. Leverages AIG’s global underwriting expertise.
Packaged insurance solutions for small and medium enterprises. AIG’s Express Claims process aims to simplify claims handling for smaller commercial clients.
The good and the not-so-good based on customer reviews and our analysis
AIG pricing is largely broker-negotiated for commercial clients
AIG NZ operates differently from mainstream consumer insurers. Commercial insurance premiums are negotiated through insurance brokers based on the specific risk profile of each business. AIG does not publish standard consumer pricing, and its only consumer product - travel insurance via Westpac - is complimentary with eligible credit cards.
Disclaimer: Commercial insurance pricing is highly variable and depends on industry, risk profile, claims history, location, and coverage limits. The figures above are rough indicative ranges only and do not constitute quotes. Contact an insurance broker for accurate pricing. Westpac travel cover terms and eligibility vary by card type.
High-risk industries (construction, mining, aviation) attract significantly higher premiums than low-risk sectors (professional services, retail).
Businesses with clean claims histories typically receive more competitive pricing. Prior losses and frequency are major rating factors.
Higher sums insured and liability limits increase premiums. Excess/deductible levels also significantly affect pricing.
Multi-location businesses or those with international operations may benefit from AIG’s global programme capabilities.
Businesses with strong risk management practices, safety programmes, and loss prevention measures often qualify for premium discounts.
AIG’s pricing is exclusively broker-negotiated. An experienced broker familiar with AIG’s appetite can often secure more competitive terms.
AIG vs. other commercial-focused insurers in NZ
| Feature | AIG | Chubb | QBE | NZI (IAG) | Vero (Suncorp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Rating | ~1.3/5 335 reviews | ~1.5/5 | ~1.6/5 | N/A | N/A |
| Consumer Products | Travel only (Westpac) | Limited personal lines | Via brokers only | Full range (via brands) | Full range (via brands) |
| Financial Strength | A+ (S&P NZ) | AA (S&P) | A+ (S&P) | AA- (S&P, IAG) | A+ (S&P, Suncorp) |
| Distribution | Broker only | Broker only | Broker only | Direct & broker | Direct & broker |
| Commercial Property | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| D&O / Financial Lines | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Limited | Limited |
| Cyber Insurance | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Specialty (Aerospace/Marine) | ✅ | ✅ | Limited | ❌ | ❌ |
| SME Solutions | ✅ Express Claims | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (via NZI brands) | ✅ |
| Global Programme | ✅ (190+ countries) | ✅ (54 countries) | ✅ (37 countries) | Limited | AU/NZ focus |
Disclaimer: Comparison is based on publicly available information as at March 2026. Product availability, features, and ratings may change. NZI and Vero are underwriters behind consumer brands (e.g., AMI, State) and also serve commercial clients directly. Verify current offerings with each insurer or your broker.
Other commercial insurers operating in New Zealand
Global specialty insurer with strong NZ commercial presence. Offers D&O, Cyber, Professional Indemnity, and high-net-worth personal lines. Known for tailored coverage and strong claims service for broker clients.
Major Australian-headquartered insurer with a broad commercial portfolio in NZ. Strong in construction, liability, and trade credit insurance. Broker-distributed with solid financial backing.
One of NZ’s oldest insurers, now part of IAG New Zealand. Offers both commercial and personal lines. NZI’s commercial division serves mid-market and corporate clients through brokers.
Part of Suncorp Group, Vero is a major NZ commercial insurer and the underwriter behind several consumer brands. Strong in liability, property, and motor fleet insurance.
AIG NZ may suit some customers more than others
AIG’s global underwriting capability, high policy limits, and specialist expertise make it a strong option for mid-market to large corporate clients with complex insurance needs.
Companies operating across multiple countries can leverage AIG’s global programme capability, with operations in 190+ countries and coordinated multinational policy management.
If you hold an eligible Westpac credit card, you already have AIG Travel Activate cover at no extra cost - worth understanding your entitlements before buying separate travel insurance.
Businesses in aviation, energy, marine, or technology sectors can access AIG’s deep expertise in specialty lines that many NZ-focused insurers cannot match.
Compare.org.nz’s editorial assessment of AIG Insurance NZ
AIG Insurance New Zealand carries exceptional financial credentials - an A+ financial strength rating, 291% solvency, and the backing of one of the world’s largest insurance groups with over 50 years in the NZ market. For corporate clients seeking specialist coverage in areas like Cyber, D&O, Aerospace, or Marine insurance, AIG’s global expertise is difficult to match.
However, from a consumer perspective, AIG scores poorly. With virtually no personal insurance products (no car, home, contents, life, health, or pet cover) and extremely negative public review scores (averaging around 1.3/5 across platforms), AIG is not a viable option for most New Zealanders looking for everyday insurance. The only consumer touchpoint - travel insurance via Westpac credit cards - has attracted significant complaints about claims handling.
The broker-only distribution model means consumers cannot buy policies or get quotes directly from AIG, and there are no Canstar ratings or consumer awards to reference. While AIG’s commercial clients may have a very different experience than public reviews portray, the lack of NZ-specific review data makes it difficult to assess the local operation separately from global sentiment.
Our score of 4.5/10 reflects AIG’s strong financial position and commercial expertise weighed against its near-absence from the consumer market and overwhelmingly negative public reviews. Corporate clients working through experienced brokers may find AIG to be a solid choice for complex risks - but for personal insurance, look elsewhere.
Common questions about AIG Insurance New Zealand
How we research and rate insurance companies
This review is based on data collected from the following sources, last verified in March 2026:
Our editorial scores (out of 10) are calculated using a weighted methodology that considers:
Disclaimer: This review is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. AIG’s public review data is heavily skewed towards global travel insurance experiences and may not represent the experience of NZ commercial clients. We encourage businesses to consult with a licensed insurance broker for tailored advice. Information is current as at March 2026.
Looking for personal insurance? Compare NZ providers to find the right fit for your needs.
Compare Now →