So, what’s the value of ‘human’ advice, when you can do your own research and take out insurance online? It’s a good question – and we have a good answer to it.

Here are six reasons to make an insurance adviser part of your financial support team.

1.    With insurance, there’s more than meets the eye

We’re obviously fans of Kiwis taking an interest in their financial future and scouring the world wide web for information (after all, that’s probably what brought you to this site in the first place).

Having said that, we also know that taking out insurance is not like buying a toaster or a new TV. It’s an important decision, one that you may thank yourself for years down the line. And with so much choice and jargon to navigate, it takes a fair share of planning and understanding.

The good thing is that you don’t have to go it alone. Advisers know insurance inside and out – it’s what they do and love – and they can save you time and give you peace of mind all the way through your decision-making journey (and after).

2.    Connecting needs and solutions

Insurance advisers live and breathe insurance. They have relationships with a wide range of providers, constantly keeping up to date with what’s available out there, as well as knowing and understanding the fine print of each policy.

On top of this, advisers really take the time to understand what you’re looking to achieve – your protection needs and goals.

This allows them to recommend insurance solutions that are appropriate for you and your budget. Not only that, but they will contact you once a year for insurance reviews – to check that your cover is still aligned with your ever-evolving needs.

3.    Guiding you through the application process

When applying for cover through an adviser, you’ll be asked to fill in some lengthy forms – and there’s a good reason for it. While online insurance may seem a quick and easy, with very few questions asked, extensive paperwork is what enables insurers to offer you a policy that considers your situation.

And once again, you’re not alone in this. Your insurance adviser can guide you through the application process and ensure that all the necessary details are in place.

Plus, by asking you questions, an adviser can help you avoid ‘unwitting non-disclosure’ about past and current medical conditions. What is non-disclosure? It’s when you omit details – for example, a broken leg, a condition you sought treatment for etc. It can be easy to forget something that’s happened in the past, particularly if it was a long time ago. But non-disclosure, no matter if intentional or not, can have serious consequences – including a possible declined claim in the future.

4.    Explaining the detail of your policy

Inclusions, exclusions, limits – all you need to know about your policy is written in the fine print. However, insurance is notoriously full of technical terms, so understanding what’s covered and what’s not may not always be the easiest (or most exciting) thing to do.

With this in mind, think of your insurance adviser as your personal ‘sense-maker’. Whenever you have a question about your policy, you can use them as your sounding board and they will go through the details with you.

5.    In your corner, from quote to claim time

With the amount of information that you need to provide, claim time can be quite stressful (even more so when you’re already dealing with an emotional situation). And this is another key area where an adviser can make all the difference.

They know you, your situation, and your policy. Plus, they know the claims process: if claim time comes, they will help you with the paperwork, once again taking the stress out of the process.

6.    They work for you, not the provider

As we said, advisers have relationships with a range of different providers, to ensure clients have access to a range of options. They’re typically paid a commission by the providers they work with, which allows them to provide their services at no charge to clients. And it’s important to note that they work for you – not the provider.

Being part of a regulated industry means that advisers must recommend solutions with your best interest in mind, based on what’s suitable for your unique needs. Also, they must disclose any possible conflicts of interest that they might have, so always feel free to ask any questions you may have: they’ll be happy to explain how it all works.

Looking for an adviser?

There are hundreds of insurance advisers across New Zealand, committed to helping Kiwis protect their financial future. Looking for the right adviser for you? Click here to find a financial adviser specialised in Personal Risk near you today.

Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current developments or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance.