What is the insurance response to Covid-19?
For many people, there won't be an insurance response until people are admitted to hospital.
Which also means that people are compromised in their ability to access advice and claims as isolation restrictions will reduce physical access and communication options.
Being prepared and understanding what you may be entitled to, or making preparations for your partners and family to respond is useful.
Not because there is a high-risk of this personally, more that if it does happen you don't create additional distress for you and your loved ones.
There are a number of things you need to address before you get to the sick and hospital stage:
* Address what insurance cover you have, this isn't necessarily about new cover, though we can help with this if it is needed, more that knowing what you have will make for better decision making.
* Sort out your Power of Attorney, somewhat challenging now in lockdown as it needs lawyers and witnesses, at the same time something that needs discussion and a chat with your lawyer.
* Sort your Will out, we know some 30-40% of deaths in New Zealand don't have a Will in place. It is a simple document to do and we do have a facility for very simple Wills can be done. Anything slightly complex will need a lawyer.
More specifically on the response from insurance, we put together the attached article at the beginning of March to help our clients understand how their insurance is going to respond, this is still relevant.
The only addition to this is now we are in lockdown some insurers have come to the party with premium holiday options that protect cover while enabling it to be claimed if you are faced with a need to claim. The specifics need to be discussed with your adviser or insurer, and some are better than others.
We are open online and by phone, happy to chat to answer questions, help people understand what they have, and arrange additional cover if it is needed. (We do have some heavy restrictions on placing new cover that will respond to Covid-19)
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
Aucklanders, we want to know: How are you feeling about the current property market?
New Zealand homeowners are now more likely to sell at a loss than at any time since 2013, and if you’re in Auckland or Wellington, the odds are even higher.
But there is a silver lining: buyers are still in a strong position when it comes to negotiating prices.
So we’re curious…
How are you feeling about the current property market?
If you’re keen to dive into the details, Deborah Morris breaks down all the latest insights.
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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