Who Is Janssen Insurance?
Janssen Insurance is one of the less prominently marketed but well-established players in the NZ mechanical breakdown insurance market, with over 25 years of operation. Underwritten by Quest Insurance — a Kiwi-owned insurer — Janssen operates as a specialist MBI brand with a distinct product range that includes a dedicated EV and hybrid tier, setting them apart from several competitors.
Unlike Assurant, which is dealer-only, Janssen offers accessible quoting through their website, making them viable for consumers seeking independent cover outside the dealer channel. This accessibility, combined with long market tenure and specialist product development, makes Janssen worth serious consideration alongside the larger and more visible providers.
Janssen's Three-Tier Product Structure
EcoCover is the entry-level tier with a claim limit of up to $5,000, appropriate for owners of newer or lower-mileage Japanese or Korean used vehicles where major failure probability is lower.
Elite Cover is the mid-to-premium tier for petrol and diesel vehicles, with a claim limit of up to $10,000, covering a wider component list including cooling systems, fuel injection, turbochargers, and air conditioning.
Elite Eco Cover is Janssen's dedicated EV and hybrid tier — the product element that most clearly differentiates them in the market. This tier provides specific coverage for EV and plug-in hybrid drivetrain components, including traction battery systems. With NZ's BEV fleet exceeding 101,000 vehicles and 429,000 petrol hybrids on the road, dedicated EV/PHEV MBI cover addresses a genuine and growing need that not all providers fully address.
Standout Features: Unlimited Roadside and Single Excess
Two features stand out in the competitive landscape. First, unlimited roadside assistance callouts are included — unlike some providers that cap annual roadside incidents, unlimited callouts provide genuine peace of mind for high-mileage drivers. Second, Janssen applies a single excess for multiple repairs arising from a single breakdown event. Where some policies charge an excess for each separate repair item, Janssen's single-excess structure means only one excess applies when multiple components fail in the same event — a consumer-friendly feature that reduces out-of-pocket exposure in complex repair scenarios.
Accommodation benefits of $300–$500 are included for breakdowns more than 120km from home.
Underwriting Relationship with Quest Insurance
Janssen products are underwritten by Quest Insurance, which is Kiwi-owned and has operated in the NZ MBI market for over 25 years. This provides experienced local financial backing and claims-handling infrastructure. The Janssen brand functions as a specialist product line within Quest's broader MBI operation, with its own dedicated product development and consumer-facing brand identity.
Who Is Janssen Insurance Best Suited To?
Janssen is particularly well-suited to three customer profiles: EV and PHEV owners wanting dedicated battery cover under Elite Eco Cover; drivers seeking independent MBI with clear online quote accessibility; and reliability-conscious drivers who value unlimited roadside assistance and the single-excess feature. Our comparison page shows all providers side by side to help you find the best fit for your vehicle.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. breakdown insurance products vary by provider — always read your policy schedule carefully. BreakdownInsurance.co.nz is operated by Cover4You, an independent information service. We are not a licensed financial adviser.