After four decades working inside New Zealand’s transport insurance landscape, Ian Taylor sees 2026 not as a new chapter, but as a defining moment. In his refreshed role as National Manager Motor, Taylor is focused on one thing: sharpening how NZI supports brokers and customers in an increasingly complex motor market.
Putting brokers and customers front and centre
Taylor’s career has spanned underwriting, claims, assessing, portfolio management and the long- running development of NZI’s fleet risk capability. But at its core, he says, the work has always been about staying close to the people who keep the country moving.
“I’ve always loved the cut and thrust of a deal – the negotiation, the collaboration, and being able to help solve real problems for New Zealand businesses,” he says.
A clearer motor vision for 2026
A key priority for 2026 is lifting broker confidence in NZI’s full motor proposition, particularly services that customers don’t always make full use of.
“NZI goes beyond insurance. Our Roadside Rescue and Fleet Risk Management services are built from decades of insight into Kiwi operators, yet they’re not always front and centre in broker conversations,” he says.
“I want brokers to feel confident positioning our services as part of the NZI advantage. I’m proud of the total proposition we bring, and I want all our customers to know about it.”
Why value matters more than ever
Taylor is known for his storytelling and for drawing clear lines between price and true value. He recalls a conversation with a livestock operator who had been offered a cheaper premium elsewhere.
“I asked them if they were the cheapest stock transporter in their region. They said no – someone down the road always undercut them. And I told them: that’s exactly the point.
“There will always be someone cheaper,” he says. “The real question is who will still be standing beside a business when something goes wrong?”
For Taylor, that distinction between price and value is where brokers can make the biggest difference for their customers.
Tailored solutions, not-one-size fits-all policies
Looking ahead, Taylor’s focus is on helping brokers frame conversations around value and fit, ensuring customers are placed with cover that’s appropriate for their business.
“Some policies are promoted as ‘superior’ because they sound better,” he says. “But the right policy is the one that fits how a business actually operates. This is where brokers can add value – by understanding what their customers need.”
He sees 2026 as the year NZI Motor becomes even more bespoke.
“Tailoring Insurance to a customer's needs is something we want to do more of at NZI,” Taylor explains.
“One-size-fits-all insurance doesn’t suit most New Zealand businesses. By understanding how a customer's business operates, we can underwrite and price more specifically to their needs.”
Supporting driver health and wellbeing
Another area Taylor is deeply passionate about is the human side of safety.
“Most vehicle incidents come from someone making an error – often because they’re tired, distracted or not at their best,” he says.
“This isn’t just about reducing claims. It’s about ensuring people go home safely and keeping drivers safe. When customers genuinely engage with our support, that’s when the real value shows.”
When it matters most, people make the difference
For Taylor, sustainable motor insurance ultimately comes down to NZI’s people.
It’s their experience, the insight they bring and the way they show up for customers when it matters most. Combined with added-value services that go beyond a policy document, it’s this human approach that defines NZI’s motor proposition – supporting safer journeys and better outcomes on and off the road.
“Insurance is only part of it,” says Taylor. “The real test is what happens next – the support, the expertise and the wrap-around services that genuinely help customers recover quickly and keep moving.”
The practical services Ian Taylor references in “Beyond the Policy” – tools brokers can use to shift conversations beyond price.
Fleet Risk Management
A longstanding cornerstone of NZI’s motor proposition. Specialist support from NZI’s Fleet Risk Managers that help businesses identify, reduce and manage real-world fleet risk – with practical insights brokers can build into a best-fit solution.
Ian’s view:
“Fleet Risk Management isn’t about ticking boxes – it’s about understanding how a business actually operates.”
NZI Fleet Fit (part of Fleet Risk Management)
In collaboration with industry leaders, NZI Fleet Fit delivers first-class safety and performance programmes designed to create safer driving cultures and reduce incident frequency over time. Supported by Fleet Score, giving businesses a clearer view of driver behaviour and overall fleet risk.
Ian’s view:
“It all starts with our Fleet Fit review, a relaxed onsite conversation where our expert Fleet Risk Manager can take the time to understand an operation, then recommend practical ways to improve safety and performance.”
NZI Roadside Rescue
Included with every NZI light commercial vehicle policy. NZI Roadside Rescue delivers 24/7 nationwide support, unlimited callouts, and help regardless of who is driving – including EVs that run out of charge. T&Cs apply.
Ian’s view:
“It’s a tangible value-add. When something goes wrong, help is a phone call away.”
0800 NZI RESCUE (0800 694 737)
NZI Safe Driving Rewards - extending to light commercial vehicles
Developed with EROAD, NZI Safe Driving Rewards is set to extend to light commercial vehicles insured with NZI from April 2026. It’s available for EROAD subscribers and uses EROAD telematics to assess safe driving performance across participating fleets. Fleets that rank in the top 25% nationally (based on their EROAD score) could become eligible for an excess waiver on accepted driving-related NZI insurance claims (T&Cs apply). This expansion means more NZI customers can benefit from safer driving and better fleet insights.
Ian’s view:
“It’s about measuring the right things, intervening early, and helping customers operate at the top of their game.”
If an operator has one vehicle or 1,000 in their fleet, NZI can add value. We’ve got practical tools for everyday Kiwi operators, no matter their size.
