Star Insure is a specialist vehicle insurance underwriting agency with over 45 years in the NZ market. We've aggregated ratings from Trustpilot and editorial sources to give you the full picture of their motorhome, motorcycle, classic car, and prestige vehicle cover.
In This Review
What is Star Insure and who's behind it?
Star Insure (trading as Star Insurance Specialists) is a New Zealand-owned and operated specialist vehicle insurance underwriting agency. Launched in 2002 as an underwriting agency by John Baker (who began his brokerage career in 1979), Star has built a strong reputation for insuring vehicles that mainstream providers often struggle to cover - including motorhomes, caravans, classic cars, prestige vehicles, motorcycles, and motorsport vehicles.
Star operates as a trading name of Star Underwriting Agents Ltd and is a member of the New Zealand Underwriting Agencies Council (NZUAC). Since July 2022, Star's policies have been underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (BHSI), which holds an A++ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best and an AA+ rating from S&P Global. Previously, policies were underwritten by Vero.
Based in Auckland with over 45 years in the NZ market, Star currently offers:
Star operates as a full-service, in-house operation - handling underwriting, claims, and customer service directly. Policyholders can reach the team on 0800 250 600 or via starinsure.co.nz. Star offers agreed value cover as standard on most policies, flexible payment options, no credit card surcharges, and 24/7 Journey On Roadside assistance.
How customers rate Star Insure across major review platforms
Note on ratings: Star Insure's Trustpilot rating of 5.0 from 1,099+ reviews is exceptionally high. The A++ (A.M. Best) and AA+ (S&P) financial strength ratings refer to their underwriter, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI), not Star Insure directly. We do our best to keep all data up to date and accurate. If you've noticed something incorrect, please let us know.
Common themes from 1,099+ verified reviews on Trustpilot
Insured my motorhome for agreed value - no hassle, no market value guesswork. The team clearly understands these vehicles and what they're worth.
Had to make a claim on my classic MG after a minor incident. Star handled everything quickly and the payout was the full agreed value. No arguments.
Good cover for my motorcycle. Premiums are a bit higher than the big mainstream providers, but you get specialist knowledge and agreed value which matters for a bike like mine.
The 24/7 roadside assistance has been brilliant on touring trips. Broke down in the middle of nowhere and they had someone out to us within an hour.
Been insuring my classic car collection with Star for over a decade. They're the only insurer I've found that properly understands vintage vehicles in NZ.
No credit card surcharges and flexible payment options are a nice touch. Most other insurers sting you with fees if you want to pay by card.
Reviews are paraphrased summaries of verified customer feedback. Theme percentages are based on our analysis of the most recent 500 Trustpilot reviews as of March 2026.
What you can insure with Star Insure
Star's flagship product line. Specialist cover for motorhomes, caravans, campervans, and fifth-wheelers. Over $1 billion in motorhomes and caravans insured across their portfolio.
Cover for all types of motorcycles including road, off-road, touring, and scooters. Tailored policies that account for the unique risks of two-wheeled riding.
Specialist cover for high-value and luxury vehicles. Star has insured over $2 billion in prestige vehicles over 15 years, covering marques that mainstream providers may decline or overprice.
Tailored cover for classic, vintage, and heritage vehicles. Agreed value policies that reflect the true worth of collector and enthusiast cars.
Cover designed for performance vehicles and European marques. Understands the higher repair and parts costs associated with these vehicles.
Cover for vehicles used in competitive motorsport events - a niche that most mainstream providers exclude entirely.
The good and the not-so-good based on customer reviews and our analysis
How much does Star Insure actually cost? Indicative examples based on customer reports
Star Insure does not publicly list fixed pricing. Like all insurers, premiums are calculated based on your individual risk profile, vehicle type, and value. Star's specialist focus means pricing varies significantly depending on the vehicle category. Based on customer reports and market analysis, here are some indicative ranges:
Disclaimer: These are indicative estimates based on publicly reported customer experiences and market comparisons, not official Star Insure quotes. Your actual premium will vary based on your specific vehicle, usage, and circumstances. Get an accurate quote by calling 0800 250 600 or visiting starinsure.co.nz. We do our best to keep all data up to date and accurate. If you've noticed something incorrect, please let us know.
Motorhomes, prestige cars, and performance vehicles attract different premium bands. Agreed value is set at policy inception and directly impacts the premium.
Where the vehicle is kept and driven matters. Garaged vehicles in lower-risk areas attract lower premiums than street-parked vehicles in urban centres.
A limited-use classic car will cost less to insure than a daily-driven performance vehicle. Touring motorhomes have different risk profiles to those in storage.
Aftermarket modifications, specialist accessories, and custom fittings can increase the insured value and therefore the premium.
Experienced drivers with clean records typically attract better rates. Specialist vehicle experience may also be considered.
Choosing a higher voluntary excess can reduce your premium. Star offers flexible excess options across most product lines.
Star Insure vs. other NZ specialist and mainstream vehicle insurers
| Feature | Star Insure | Covi Insurance | AA Insurance | Tower | AMI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 5.0/5 1,099+ reviews | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.0/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Specialist Focus | Yes | Yes | General insurer | General insurer | General insurer |
| Motorhome Cover | Specialist | Specialist | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Classic Car Cover | Specialist | Specialist | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Agreed Value | Standard | Standard | Some policies | Some policies | Some policies |
| Roadside Assist | 24/7 Included | Varies | Included | Add-on | Add-on |
| Motorsport Cover | Available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Underwriter Strength | A++ / AA+ | Various | A+ (IAG) | A- (Own) | A+ (IAG) |
| Home/Contents | Not available | Not available | Available | Available | Available |
Disclaimer: Ratings are aggregated from Trustpilot, Google, and other publicly available sources where data is available. Feature comparisons are based on publicly available product information and may change. We do our best to keep all data up to date and accurate. If you've noticed something incorrect, please let us know.
Other NZ insurers worth considering for specialist vehicle cover
Another well-known NZ specialist in motorhome, caravan, and boat insurance. Often considered alongside Star for recreational vehicle cover. Strong reputation among the touring and caravanning community.
New Zealand's largest general insurer. Covers cars, motorcycles, home, contents, and travel. A good option if you want to bundle vehicle and home insurance with a single provider. AA Membership benefits may apply.
NZ-owned insurer with car, motorcycle, home, and contents cover. A good middle-ground between specialist and mainstream. Known for digital tools and SmartDriver discounts.
Part of the IAG group. Offers car, motorcycle, home, and contents insurance with a strong regional branch network. Useful if you want multi-policy discounts and face-to-face service.
Star Insure is a strong fit for specialist vehicle owners, but not for everyone
With over $1 billion in motorhomes and caravans insured and deep specialist knowledge, Star is a natural fit for recreational vehicle owners who want agreed value and specialist claims handling.
Star's agreed value policies and specialist assessors make them well-suited to classic car collectors, prestige vehicle owners, and enthusiasts whose vehicles may be undervalued by mainstream providers.
Riders who value agreed value cover, specialist knowledge of different bike types, and accessories coverage may find Star's motorcycle policies more tailored than mainstream alternatives.
Drivers looking for budget car insurance on standard vehicles, anyone needing home or contents cover, or those who want a single insurer for all their policies (vehicle, home, contents, travel).
Compare.org.nz's editorial assessment of Star Insure
With over 45 years in the New Zealand market and a perfect 5/5 Trustpilot rating from 1,099+ reviews, Star Insure has established itself as one of the country's most trusted specialist vehicle insurers. Their agreed value cover, 24/7 roadside assistance, and in-house claims handling reflect a business built around understanding niche vehicles that mainstream providers often struggle with.
The backing of Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (A++ A.M. Best, AA+ S&P) provides strong financial security, and their NZ-owned, in-house operation means policyholders deal directly with the people who underwrite and manage their cover. For motorhome owners, classic car enthusiasts, motorcycle riders, and prestige vehicle owners, Star represents a compelling option.
The tradeoffs are straightforward: Star is a specialist vehicle insurer only - there is no home, contents, or general personal insurance available. Premiums may be higher than mainstream providers for standard vehicles, and the online experience is less polished than digital-first competitors. For specialist vehicle owners who value expertise and agreed value cover, Star is hard to overlook. For standard car insurance or bundled policies, mainstream insurers like AA Insurance or Tower may be more suitable.
Common questions about Star Insure
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: Nothing on this page constitutes financial advice. Scores are editorial opinion based on publicly available data. Always verify details directly with your insurer and consider seeking professional advice for your specific situation. We do our best to keep all data up to date and accurate. If you've noticed something incorrect, please let us know.
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