Resources
Insurance broker
Why use a broker instead of going direct?
Most Kiwis buy insurance direct from the insurer or through a comparison website. There is a third option, though, and most people have no idea it exists. You can use an insurance broker.
A broker works for you, not the insurer. We read the fine print, check your cover protects what you own, and confirm you're not paying more than you should. The part that surprises people? It typically costs you nothing extra.
Three ways to buy insurance - compared
Each option gives you a different level of advice, choice and ongoing support. Here's how they compare.
Direct from the insurer
- - You deal directly with the insurance company
- - Limited to that insurer's products only
- - No independent advice on whether the cover suits your situation
- - No ongoing policy management
Comparison website
- - Shows prices from a range of insurers
- - Usually focused on price, not cover quality
- - No personalised advice or policy review
- - No ongoing policy management
Insurance broker
- ✓ Works for you, not the insurer
- ✓ Reads the policy wording, exclusions and limits
- ✓ Recommends cover based on your actual situation
- ✓ Reviews your cover every year so you're never caught short
How does an insurance broker work?
An insurance broker is a regulated professional who arranges insurance on your behalf. That distinction matters. Unlike an insurer's call centre rep, a broker's job is to understand what you own and find cover that fits, not just sell you a policy off a script.
Brokers are regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Whether you're in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch, that means the same thing: your broker is legally required to act in your best interests and follow a strict code of conduct.
So what does that look like day to day? We review what you have, recommend what fits, arrange the policy, then keep it up to date. That includes checking your numbers at every renewal.
What does a broker cost?
Usually nothing extra. Brokers are paid a commission by the insurer when they place a policy, and that commission is already built into the premium. You'd pay the same amount going direct.
Some brokers charge a small fee for certain types of work. At Kapi Insurance, we're upfront about how we're paid. We'll explain our fee structure before you commit to anything, so there are no surprises.
What you get in return is someone who reads the policy wording, spots the gaps, and keeps everything current year after year. Most of our clients end up with better cover at a comparable price. For many, the value far outweighs any cost.
Benefits of using a broker
Finding a policy is the easy part. Here's what our clients get beyond that.
Cover that fits your situation
We check that your policy covers what you think it covers. No gaps you missed. No exclusions buried on page 34. And no underinsurance surprises when you need to claim.
Annual policy review
Life changes. You renovate the kitchen, buy a new car, or pick up expensive camera gear. We review your cover each year to confirm it still fits what you own and how you live.
Underinsurance checks
A lot of Kiwi families are underinsured and have no idea. We check your sum insured, replacement values and cover limits. The goal is simple: you should not be caught short if something goes wrong.
Independent advice you can trust
Insurance policies are full of exclusions, conditions and fine print. We read the wording so you don't have to, then tell you plainly what's covered and what's not. That independent perspective is what separates a broker from buying direct.
Insurance we arrange
We arrange and manage car, home, contents, boat, motorcycle and trailer cover through trusted insurers.
Car Insurance
Comprehensive, third party and agreed value options for your vehicle.
Home Insurance
Cover for your property, including natural disaster and EQC top-up.
Contents Insurance
Protection for your family's belongings inside your home, and out and about.
Boat Insurance
Hull, motor and trailer cover for powerboats, yachts and jet skis.
Motorcycle Insurance
Comprehensive, third-party or fire and theft cover for bikes and scooters.
Trailer Insurance
Cover for boat trailers, box trailers, car trailers and horse floats.
Ready to try a broker?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from Kapi Insurance. We'll look at what you've got, tell you if anything is missing, and let you know whether we can do better.