Farm Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Growing Mistrust in New Zealand Insurers Amid Rising Costs

Growing Mistrust in New Zealand Insurers Amid Rising Costs

Growing Mistrust in New Zealand Insurers Amid Rising Costs?w=400
Recent findings from a Consumer NZ survey highlight increasing skepticism towards insurers in New Zealand, as affordability remains a significant concern for many.
The survey noted that insurance now ranks as the fourth-largest financial pressure among respondents, trailing housing, food, and household debt, marking an upward shift from sixth place last October.
This change has negatively impacted the industry's reputation, with more individuals expressing distrust towards insurers.

Consumer NZ has issued a warning that the situation could deteriorate further unless the insurance sector demonstrates greater value, transparency, and fairness. Insurance, traditionally seen as a safety net, is becoming increasingly inaccessible for many, according to Rebecca Styles, the investigations team leader at Consumer NZ. She indicates that the rising costs and complex policies contribute to this growing mistrust.

A notable 65% of New Zealanders have identified the cost of living as their primary concern, further illustrating the economic challenges faced by consumers. Meanwhile, environmental issues appear to have shifted down the priority list, with only 12% of those surveyed citing climate concerns as one of their top three issues.

Consumer NZ plans to address these concerns further in an upcoming report on the affordability of home and contents insurance, aiming to shed more light on the barriers facing New Zealanders today.

Published:Tuesday, 17th Jun 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

AFCA Upholds Insurance Fraud Ruling Over Disputed Possum Accident AFCA Upholds Insurance Fraud Ruling Over Disputed Possum Accident
26 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

A motorist's claim that he crashed into a tree to avoid a possum has been denied by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), which supported the insurer's fraud decision. The incident involved the driver crashing his Jeep—insured for over $20,000—on a dimly-lit street, purportedly avoiding the rain-soaked motorway en route to the store. - read more
Code Watchdog Criticises Insurer for Misleading Rejection Letters Code Watchdog Criticises Insurer for Misleading Rejection Letters
24 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The Life Code Compliance Committee has recently reprimanded a life insurance provider for issuing misleading rejection letters to policy applicants. These letters were deemed 'ambiguous and contradictory' and failed to clearly inform applicants of their review options after being denied coverage. - read more
Insurer Ordered to Pay Full Claim for Confusing Patio Coverage Insurer Ordered to Pay Full Claim for Confusing Patio Coverage
23 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

A recent ruling mandates that an insurer must fully honor a storm-related claim due to ambiguous policy wording regarding items in open areas. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) determined that the insurer's restriction on coverage for items in a patio area was unfounded, as the policy's phrasing was not clear. - read more
Australia Sees Dramatic Drop in Catastrophe Losses Australia Sees Dramatic Drop in Catastrophe Losses
23 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

Last year saw Australia's insured catastrophe losses plummet to just $500 million, marking the lowest level since 2004, according to Aon's latest Climate and Catastrophe Insight report. Notably, the Insurance Council of Australia reported no disasters for the year, a situation not seen since 1982. This comes in stark contrast to 2023, when disaster-related insured losses soared to over $3.6 billion. - read more
Half a Million Australian Homes at Risk of Becoming Uninsurable, Climate Agency Reports Half a Million Australian Homes at Risk of Becoming Uninsurable, Climate Agency Reports
21 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

The Climate Change Authority has released a concerning report highlighting that, without immediate intervention, extreme natural hazards could cost Australians approximately $8.7 billion annually by 2050. The report urges the federal government to spearhead a comprehensive and well-coordinated national adaptation agenda to mitigate these risks. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

Are You Covered? Common Insufficient Coverage Mistakes in Farm Insurance Are You Covered? Common Insufficient Coverage Mistakes in Farm Insurance
Welcome to our discussion on farm insurance, a vital aspect for anyone involved in agriculture. Whether you run a smallholding or manage extensive agricultural operations, understanding your insurance coverage can make all the difference in safeguarding your livelihood. - read more
Unpacking the Fine Print: Common Misunderstandings in Farm Insurance Policies Unpacking the Fine Print: Common Misunderstandings in Farm Insurance Policies
Welcome to our discussion on farm insurance, a crucial subject for every Australian farmer. Whether you're seasoned in agricultural ventures or just starting out, the world of insurance can often seem daunting and complex. - read more
Understanding the Different Types of Farm Insurance Coverage Understanding the Different Types of Farm Insurance Coverage
In the world of farming, risks are an everyday reality. Whether you're dealing with unpredictable weather, pest invasions, or fluctuating market prices, the uncertainties can be overwhelming. This is where farm insurance comes into play. - read more
Farm Insurance Comparison: Secure Your Farm with the Right Coverage Farm Insurance Comparison: Secure Your Farm with the Right Coverage
As a farm owner, your livelihood depends not only on the hard work you put in but also on the protection you have in place against unforeseen events. Farm insurance is crucial in safeguarding your investments, ensuring that your operations can continue smoothly even when faced with unexpected challenges. - read more
Understanding Machinery Breakdown Insurance for Australian Farms Understanding Machinery Breakdown Insurance for Australian Farms
Welcome to our in-depth exploration of Machinery Breakdown Insurance—a safety net that's becoming increasingly important for the modern Australian farmer. Whether you're involved in cropping, dairy, or livestock, your equipment is the backbone of your operation. As farming technology evolves, the machinery becomes more sophisticated, and unfortunately, the more complex a system is, the more that can go wrong. This is where Machinery Breakdown Insurance comes into play. - read more
Custom Farm Insurance: Tailoring the Perfect Policy for Your Agricultural Needs Custom Farm Insurance: Tailoring the Perfect Policy for Your Agricultural Needs
Welcome to the world of farm insurance, where no two policies are the same, just as no two farms mirror each other in operations and risks. As a farmer, you are acutely aware that your agricultural endeavors bring a unique set of challenges and needs. Recognizing this diversity is the first step in protecting your livelihood. - read more
Unpacking the Fine Print: Common Misunderstandings in Farm Insurance Policies Unpacking the Fine Print: Common Misunderstandings in Farm Insurance Policies
Welcome to our discussion on farm insurance, a crucial subject for every Australian farmer. Whether you're seasoned in agricultural ventures or just starting out, the world of insurance can often seem daunting and complex. - read more
Comparing Insurance Options for Mixed Farming: What Rural Owners Need to Know Comparing Insurance Options for Mixed Farming: What Rural Owners Need to Know
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on comparing insurance options for mixed farming. As a rural farm owner, you face unique challenges that require specialized insurance coverage to protect your livelihood. - read more
New Technologies in Crop Protection: How Precision Agriculture Enhances Insurance Coverage New Technologies in Crop Protection: How Precision Agriculture Enhances Insurance Coverage
For generations, farmers have faced the challenge of protecting their crops from an array of threats, such as pests, diseases, and extreme weather. Traditional crop protection strategies have relied heavily on blanket approaches, as in using widespread pesticide application, or generalized irrigation systems, regardless of the varying needs across a field. While these methods have had their successes, they also come with limitations in efficiency, environmental impact, and the precision needed for optimal crop health and yield. - read more
Are You Covered? Common Insufficient Coverage Mistakes in Farm Insurance Are You Covered? Common Insufficient Coverage Mistakes in Farm Insurance
Welcome to our discussion on farm insurance, a vital aspect for anyone involved in agriculture. Whether you run a smallholding or manage extensive agricultural operations, understanding your insurance coverage can make all the difference in safeguarding your livelihood. - read more


Farm Type:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Occupational Hazard:
A risk associated with the nature of a particular occupation, which may affect insurance premiums.