News

See updates and articles from a range of publications about insurance and financial services, including industry updates and consumer tips.

How to avoid insurance hiccups

As we head away on holiday, Susan Edmunds takes us through some common mistakes, from IFSO Scheme complaints, and tips for a smooth insurance claim.

Story from Stuff: 28 December, 2019

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Government insurance shake-up

Proposed changes resulting from the insurance contract law review will place the onus on insurers to ask the right questions, rather than consumers to know what to disclose.

Story from NZ Herald: 4 December, 2019

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Why complaints are gold dust

Nobody likes to be on the receiving end of a complaint. But Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Karen Stevens encourages the industry to regard complaints as a learning opportunity.

Story from Insurance Business Online: 23 November, 2019

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Risk Insurance complaints

If the industry is serious about changing conduct and culture for better customer outcomes, complaints are a good place to start.

Story from Adviser Focus, 21 November, 2019

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Karen Stevens on non-disclosure, RNZ

Over 24 years, the IFSO Scheme has dealt with hundreds of non-disclosure complaints. Law change is imminent and Tower is making changes already.

Listen to the Radio NZ interview with IFSO Karen Stevens: 10 July, 2019

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Financial adviser complaint

Last year, the IFSO Scheme received only three cases about financial advisers. In this case there was no evidence to show the adviser had misled their client.

Story from Good Returns: 4 September, 2019

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Policyholder unhappy with payout

Insurance provides cover for accidental and sudden (not gradual) damage. Gradual damage is a common insurance complaint.

Story from Insurance Business Online: 8 November, 2019

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Gradual damage and insurance

Insurance complaints can arise due to misunderstandings or unmet expectations. Gradual damage is a common complaint issue, highlighted in this case.

Story from Stuff: 7 November, 2019

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No insurance for man who skipped flight to make cruise

Concerned a flight would be cancelled and they’d miss their cruise, a couple decided instead to 10-hour train trip. Their claim for the cost was declined and they complained to the IFSO Scheme.

Story from Stuff: 12 September, 2019

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Two-year insurance battle over pool

An Aucklander wasn’t covered for the damage to his neighbour’s land after his swimming pool collapsed. His complaint was one of 322 to the IFSO Scheme last year. Policy exclusions were the most common issue.

Story from NZ Herald: 12 September, 2019

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Alcohol and insurance

From Vegas to Kuala Lumpa, wherever you are, it pays to be safe and to check your insurance policy before you might need it. Alcohol often plays a part in declined claims and subsequent complaints to the IFSO Scheme.

Story from Stuff: 22 September, 2019

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Declined claim for couple who left car keys for gang

The car, the boat and the white powder. Not a standard example of a standard requirement: take care of your property. Having insurance doesn’t mean you’re automatically covered.

Story from Stuff: 25 September, 2019

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