Zurich NZ has established a commercial motor insurance business in the country, and intends to head the market in five years.

The company previously offered commercial motor cover in NZ only as part of general commercial insurance packages.

Zurich Auto will now provide stand-alone motor cover to brokers online. Its IT platform allows live access to systems for brokers and clients. The new venture is headed by MD Kevin Paxton.

Zurich NZ Manager Mike Poole says the establishment of Zurich Auto positions the company to become the leading commercial motor insurer in NZ by 2013 – even though the company only launched its NZ operations in April this year.