How to cancel Protect My Car in new zealand: your complete legal guide
Understanding Protect My Car and your cancellation options
Protect My Car is a vehicle protection and extended warranty provider that offers service plans designed to cover mechanical breakdowns and certain maintenance items on your car. The company markets plans that supplement your factory warranty and provide claims-based coverage for eligible repairs and services through a network of mechanics and workshops across New Zealand and internationally.
If you've purchased a Protect My Car plan and now wish to cancel, you have consumer rights under New Zealand law that protect your position. Yafee has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers understand their cancellation entitlements and enforce them effectively. This guide walks you through your legal framework, your contact options, and the exact steps you need to take to cancel your policy with confidence.
What Protect My Car covers
Protect My Car plans typically include mechanical breakdown protection, some routine maintenance benefits, and dedicated claims support. The plans are often sold through car dealerships or brokers at the point of purchase, and they operate on a pay-per-claim model rather than a comprehensive all-inclusive structure. Your specific coverage depends on the plan tier you selected and the terms outlined in your agreement.
Why new zealand customers cancel
You might decide to cancel Protect My Car for several legitimate reasons: you have sold your car, your vehicle is nearing the end of its serviceable life, you are unhappy with claims handling, you have found better value elsewhere, or you no longer need the protection. Whatever your reason, understanding your rights and the cancellation process is essential to recover any funds you are entitled to.
Your consumer rights under the consumer guarantees act
New Zealand law provides you with strong protections when you purchase extended warranties and vehicle protection plans.
The consumer guarantees act and your protection
The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA) applies directly to extended warranties and vehicle protection plans sold to you as a consumer. Under this legislation, any service provided must be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and delivered within a reasonable timeframe. If Protect My Car has failed to deliver on its promises, has treated you unfairly, or has breached its obligations, you have grounds to challenge the contract or demand a refund.
Your legal position is strengthened further if you can demonstrate that the plan failed to meet its stated purpose or that Protect My Car misrepresented the coverage terms. In such cases, you can pursue a claim for damages or a full refund, depending on the severity of the breach. Yafee recommends documenting all communication with Protect My Car and keeping copies of your original contract, email confirmations, and any claims correspondence.
Your right to cancel within 30 days
Protect My Car typically offers a 30-day "Free Look" or money-back guarantee period. During this window, you can cancel your plan and receive a full refund of your premiums without penalty or deduction. This is your strongest cancellation position: if you are within 30 days of purchase, contact Protect My Car immediately and request cancellation in writing. Do not rely on verbal confirmation alone.
To exercise this right, you must submit your cancellation request within the 30-day timeframe. Keep dated copies of all communication, including emails and any written correspondence. If Protect My Car refuses to honour the 30-day refund, you can escalate your complaint to the Commerce Commission, which is New Zealand's primary consumer protection enforcement body.
Cancellation and refund rights after 30 days
After the initial 30-day period, your right to cancel depends on the specific terms of your contract. However, the CGA still protects you: you can cancel if the plan is not fit for purpose, if Protect My Car has breached its obligations, or if the service terms are unreasonable or unfair. You may be entitled to a prorated refund for any unused coverage, though Protect My Car may deduct reasonable administrative fees.
Before you proceed with cancellation after 30 days, Yafee strongly recommends requesting written clarification from Protect My Car about exactly what deductions will apply and how they are calculated. The company must provide this information in writing within a reasonable timeframe. If you dispute any deductions, you retain the right to lodge a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission or pursue a dispute through the appropriate consumer dispute resolution process.
Reaching the correct contact method is your first procedural step toward a successful cancellation.
Available contact methods
You have several options for contacting Protect My Car to initiate your cancellation request. The most effective method is written communication, as it creates a documented record of your request and the date you submitted it.
- Call the customer support number listed on your policy document, agreement, or most recent billing statement. Request the name of the person you speak with and ask them to email you a confirmation of your cancellation request.
- Email the customer service address shown on your contract or in any correspondence from Protect My Car. Use a clear subject line such as "Cancellation Request for Policy [Your Policy Number]".
- Contact your dealer or broker if you purchased the plan through them; they can often assist with cancellation on your behalf and may process the request faster.
- Request a written response to your cancellation request and keep records of every interaction, including dates, times, and the name of the staff member you communicated with.
Important note about US headquarters
Protect My Car's primary office is located in the United States. If you cannot reach a New Zealand-based contact, you may need to correspond with their US headquarters. Request confirmation in writing that your cancellation request has been received and processed. Ensure all communication is dated and that you receive written acknowledgment of your request within five business days.
If you experience delays or obstacles in communicating with Protect My Car, Yafee can guide you through the formal dispute resolution process available to New Zealand consumers. The Commerce Commission provides a free service to help resolve disputes with overseas companies operating in New Zealand.
Step-by-step cancellation procedure
Follow this structured process to cancel your Protect My Car plan effectively and protect your entitlements.
Step 1: gather your policy documents and information
Before you contact Protect My Car, collect all relevant documentation. You will need your policy number, the date you purchased the plan, the current vehicle identification number (VIN) or registration plate, and details of any claims you have made. If you purchased the plan through a dealership or broker, locate that documentation as well. Having this information ready speeds up the cancellation process and demonstrates to Protect My Car that your request is serious and properly documented.
Step 2: check whether you are within the 30-day cancellation window
Determine the exact date you purchased your Protect My Car plan. Count 30 days forward from that date. If you are within this window, your cancellation position is strongest: you are entitled to a full refund without deduction. If you are outside the 30-day period, proceed to the next step and prepare to argue your right to cancel under the Consumer Guarantees Act or your contract terms.
Step 3: prepare your written cancellation request
Draft a formal email or letter requesting cancellation of your Protect My Car plan. Include your policy number, your full name, your contact email address and phone number, the date of your request, and a brief reason for cancellation (though you are not required to provide a reason). If you are within 30 days, explicitly state that you are exercising your right to the money-back guarantee. If you are outside 30 days, state that you are cancelling because the plan is not fit for purpose, citing specific grounds if applicable (for example, repeated claims denials, poor service, or breach of contract terms).
Step 4: submit your cancellation request to Protect My Car
Send your cancellation request by email to the customer service address listed on your policy documents, or by post if no email address is provided. If you call instead, request that a cancellation confirmation be emailed to you immediately following the call. Do not accept verbal-only confirmation. Yafee recommends using email whenever possible, as it creates a timestamped record of your request that the Commerce Commission can review if you later need to escalate your complaint.
- Email your cancellation request to the address on your policy documents
- Subject line: "Cancellation Request for Policy [Your Policy Number]"
- Include your policy number, full name, contact details, and the date of your request
- Request written confirmation of receipt and provide your expected refund timeline
- If you do not receive a response within five business days, follow up with a second email
- Reference your original email and the date you sent it
- Request immediate confirmation of receipt and processing status
- If Protect My Car does not respond within ten business days, escalate to the Commerce Commission
- File a formal complaint and provide copies of your cancellation requests and all related correspondence
Step 5: track your refund status
Once Protect My Car has confirmed your cancellation, request written confirmation of your expected refund date and the refund amount. Within the agreed timeframe (typically 15 to 30 business days), check your bank account or payment method to ensure the refund has arrived. If the refund is delayed, contact Protect My Car again with written confirmation of your earlier cancellation request and request an explanation for the delay.
Refund entitlements and what to expect
Understanding your refund entitlements under New Zealand law ensures you recover the correct amount.
Full refund within 30 days
If you cancel within the 30-day money-back guarantee period, you are entitled to a full refund of all premiums paid. Protect My Car may not deduct administrative fees, processing charges, or any other amounts from this refund. This is a statutory right under the Consumer Guarantees Act and most consumer finance agreements sold in New Zealand.
Prorated refund after 30 days
If you cancel after the 30-day period, Protect My Car may calculate a prorated refund based on the unused portion of your coverage period. For example, if you paid NZD$600 for annual coverage and cancel after six months, you may be entitled to a refund of approximately NZD$300 (the remaining unused half), less any reasonable administrative fee. However, Protect My Car must clearly explain how this calculation is made and provide it in writing before the refund is processed.
Deductions and administrative fees
Protect My Car is permitted to deduct reasonable administrative or processing fees if you cancel outside the 30-day period, but these deductions must be proportionate and clearly outlined in your contract. A deduction of more than 10 percent of your annual premium is rarely considered reasonable. If you believe the deduction is excessive, challenge it in writing and escalate to the Commerce Commission if Protect My Car refuses to negotiate.
| Cancellation scenario |
Your refund entitlement |
Timeframe for refund |
| Within 30 days of purchase |
Full refund, no deductions |
15 to 30 business days |
| After 30 days, within 12 months |
Prorated refund minus reasonable admin fee (max 10 percent) |
15 to 30 business days |
| After 12 months or plan expiry |
No refund (coverage period completed) |
Not applicable |
| Cancelled due to vehicle sale or total loss |
Prorated refund, minimal or no deductions |
15 to 30 business days |
| Cancelled due to Protect My Car breach or non-compliance |
Full refund plus potential compensation |
Depends on dispute resolution |
What to do after your cancellation is processed
Once Protect My Car has cancelled your plan and processed your refund, take these final steps to protect yourself.
Verify the refund amount
Check your bank statement to confirm the refund has arrived in full. Compare the amount you received against the amount Protect My Car quoted you. If the refund is less than expected, contact Protect My Car immediately and request a detailed explanation of all deductions made. Keep a copy of your bank statement and Protect My Car's refund statement for your records.
Request written cancellation confirmation
Ask Protect My Car to send you a written confirmation that your policy has been cancelled, including the cancellation date and the refund amount processed. This document protects you if there are future disputes about whether your policy is still active. Store this confirmation with your policy documents for at least five years.
Update your vehicle insurance records
Inform your main vehicle insurer that your Protect My Car plan has been cancelled. This ensures there is no overlap or confusion in your coverage records. If you claim against your main insurance policy, make sure your insurer is aware that you no longer have supplementary protection from Protect My Car.
Common mistakes to avoid during cancellation
Cancelling a protection plan can feel daunting, but avoiding these pitfalls ensures you protect your rights and maximise your refund.
Relying on verbal confirmation alone
Never accept a verbal cancellation confirmation from a customer service representative. Always request written confirmation by email or post. Verbal promises are difficult to enforce and provide no evidence if a dispute arises later. Yafee has assisted numerous consumers who were told their policy was cancelled only to discover later that it remained active and they continued to be charged.
Failing to track cancellation deadlines
If you are within the 30-day money-back guarantee period, mark the exact deadline on your calendar and submit your cancellation request at least three days before the deadline expires. Email may take time to be received and processed, so do not wait until the final day. If you miss the 30-day window, your refund entitlements change significantly under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
Accepting excessive deductions without challenge
Do not automatically accept any deductions Protect My Car proposes. Request itemised documentation showing exactly how each deduction was calculated. If the total deductions exceed 10 percent of your annual premium, challenge them in writing. Protect My Car must provide clear justification for any amount retained from your refund.
Failing to keep cancellation records
Print or screenshot all emails, keep copies of any letters you send, and document the dates and times of all phone calls to Protect My Car. This documentation is essential evidence if you need to lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission or pursue legal action to recover funds. Yafee recommends creating a dedicated folder on your computer containing all cancellation-related correspondence.
Not following up on delayed refunds
If your refund has not arrived within 30 business days of your cancellation request, contact Protect My Car immediately and request an explanation. Delays in processing refunds are a common tactic used to discourage follow-up. Do not assume silence means everything is fine; actively monitor your account and follow up persistently.
Comparison of cancellation and retention options
Before you cancel, consider whether retention with modifications might better serve your needs.
| Option |
Pros |
Cons |
Best for |
| Cancel and claim full refund |
Recover cash within 30 days; clean break from Protect My Car |
Lose all future coverage and claims support |
Recently purchased plans; found better value elsewhere |
| Cancel and accept prorated refund |
Recover partial cash for unused period; final option after 30 days |
Significant deductions may apply; no coverage from cancellation date |
Plans outside 30-day window; vehicle unlikely to need repairs |
| Retain plan with coverage modification |
Maintain emergency protection; avoid cancellation delay; negotiate lower premium |
Negotiate terms may be limited; may not solve original complaint |
Happy with coverage but unhappy with price or service level |
| Retain plan and lodge formal complaint |
Maintain coverage while pursuing remedy; Force Protect My Car to address service failures |
Complaint process may take weeks; coverage may remain unsatisfactory |
Service quality issues; repeated claims denials; poor customer service |
Escalation to the commerce commission and dispute resolution
If Protect My Car refuses to cancel your plan or process your refund within a reasonable timeframe, escalate your complaint to New Zealand's consumer protection authority.
When to escalate your complaint
Lodge a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission if Protect My Car has not responded to your cancellation request within ten business days, has refused to honour your 30-day refund entitlement, has deducted unreasonable fees, or has otherwise breached the Consumer Guarantees Act. The Commerce Commission operates a free dispute resolution service and has enforcement powers to compel companies to comply with consumer law.
How to file a complaint with the commerce commission
Visit the Commerce Commission website and select the "Make a complaint" option. Provide your policy number, dates of all correspondence with Protect My Car, copies of all written communication (emails, letters, screenshots), and a clear statement of what outcome you are seeking (full refund, correction of deductions, etc.). The Commission will contact Protect My Car on your behalf and attempt to mediate a resolution. If mediation fails, the Commission can investigate further and issue enforcement orders.
Alternative dispute resolution options
If Protect My Car is a member of an alternative dispute resolution scheme (such as Financial Services Complaints Limited), you may also lodge a complaint there. Yafee recommends checking your original contract or Protect My Car's website to determine whether such a scheme applies to your policy. Alternative dispute resolution is often faster than Commerce Commission investigation and may result in a binding decision in your favour.
Protect your data after cancellation
Once your Protect My Car plan is cancelled, take steps to ensure your personal information is no longer retained or used.
Request deletion of your personal data
Under New Zealand's Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to request that Protect My Car delete your personal data once your policy has ended and no longer serves a business purpose. Send a written request to Protect My Car asking them to confirm deletion of your personal information within 20 business days. Specify that you do not consent to retention of your data for marketing purposes or secondary use.
Opt out of marketing communications
You can opt out of all marketing emails and calls from Protect My Car at any time. Respond to marketing emails with an "unsubscribe" request or call their customer service line and request removal from all marketing lists. Protect My Car must comply within ten business days.
Summary and next steps
Cancelling your Protect My Car plan in New Zealand is straightforward if you follow the correct legal and procedural steps. Your strongest position is within the 30-day money-back guarantee period, when you are entitled to a full refund without deduction. Even after 30 days, the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 protects your right to cancel if the plan is not fit for purpose or if Protect My Car has breached its obligations.
Yafee has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers cancel protection plans, recover refunds, and resolve disputes with providers who resist fair cancellation terms. Always communicate with Protect My Car in writing, keep dated records of all correspondence, and escalate to the Commerce Commission if the company refuses to honour your consumer rights. Your data is protected, your refund entitlements are legally binding, and you have recourse if Protect My Car fails to comply.
Ready to take action? Yafee provides step-by-step guidance for consumers across all insurance and protection services. Visit yafee.com today to explore your options, access template cancellation letters, and connect with specialists who can advise on your specific situation. Your refund is waiting-ensure you claim it.
Use the following contact details to initiate your cancellation request and escalate if necessary.
Protect My Car contact details
Customer Service Email: Refer to your policy documents or most recent billing statement for the correct email address. If no email is listed, contact the dealership or broker through which you purchased the plan, or request contact information from Protect My Car's website.
US Headquarters Address: Protect My Car operates from the United States. Correspondence to their headquarters should be sent via email or post (address available on their website). Ensure all international correspondence is sent via registered mail with tracking enabled.
Commerce commission escalation
If Protect My Car fails to respond or refuses to honour your cancellation rights, escalate your complaint to the Commerce Commission. You can file a complaint online at www.beehive.govt.nz/commission or contact them by post at Commerce Commission, PO Box 1473, Wellington 6140, New Zealand. Provide copies of all correspondence with Protect My Car and clearly state your desired outcome.
Yafee remains committed to helping New Zealand consumers understand their rights and enforce them effectively. Whether you are cancelling Protect My Car or any other protection service, access free resources and expert guidance at yafee.com.