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 ACM
Ahlers has changed computer systems, with the previous ACM
locations now using the same programme that Ahlers has used
for some years. We have been working towards this for over a
year now, as it will affect every part of our daily "broking"
lives. The new application is called eGlobal, a dedicated
insurance broking programme used by many of the world's
leading brokers both in New Zealand and internationally. What
we know is that it will allow us to deliver broader and better
solutions, be more effective, and provide us with greater
capability for the future.
Iain
McKenzie, Director, October 2009.
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Our Economy; Insight
from Rod Oram |
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 The NZI
Business Breakfast offers an opportunity for NZI's brokers to
meet, share ideas over breakfast with other leaders in the
insurance industry, and then listen to an economic
presentation from our Key Note Speaker. The annual event held
in late July has been running for the last three years, hosted
in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Rod Oram has been presenting since 2007 and
in 2009 was available to present at all locations nationwide.
NZI are fortunate to have such an accomplished speaker,
offering insightful economic commentary to our broker
audience. We look forward to an ongoing relationship with Mr
Oram in years ahead.
Please see Rod Oram's summary of his 2009
presentation.
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Most people
think it won't happen to them and therefore, can't justify the
cost of obtaining a building valuation. However, the
cost of obtaining a building valuation every two years is
nothing compared to the financial loss you will have if you
don't insurer the building correctly.
The potential
for commercial property under-insurance is a very real issue,
especially if property insurance valuations that are supposed
to represent the full rebuilding costs are not reviewed at
least every two years.
The
Insurance Council is aware that a number of commercial
buildings that were damaged in the December 2007 Gisborne
earthquake were under-insured.
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Cell phones and
insurance |
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From
November 2009 it will be an offence to talk
or text on a handheld cell phone while
driving.
This
raises some interesting questions in relation to motor vehicle
insurance, and an opportunity to explain how breaches of the
Transport Regulations would affect insurance
coverage.
With
the exception of drink driving, most insurance policies do not
specifically exclude cover simply because the person driving
or in charge of the vehicle is in breach of the Transport
Regulations. Unless insurers amend policies to specifically
exclude cover for accidents arising whilst the driver is
texting or talking on a handheld cell phone, there will be no
legal basis for insurers to decline simply because someone is
talking on a cell phone whilst driving. And even with such
exclusion, the claim could only be declined if the use of the
cell phone contributed to the accident.
And
what does this all mean?
It
certainly does not mean that texting or talking on a hand held
cell phone is to be condoned or encouraged. But it does mean
that the proposed changes in the law will not in themselves
have any effect on your insurance. With or without a specific
regulation banning the use of handheld cell phones, it is
unlikely that your insurance company could decline your claim
if you were unlucky enough to have an accident.
In
summary: · In the
unlikely event that you have an accident whilst using your
handheld cell phone whilst driving your car, don't panic, your
insurance will not necessarily be invalidated.
· So don't
be tempted to hide that from your insurance company. Because
if you do the insurer may be able to decline on other
grounds.
Andrew Hooker,
October 2009.
Andrew Hooker is a senior associate with Turner Hopkins
solicitors in Takapuna. He has 19 years experience as an
insurance and civil litigation specialist, including three
years as a partner of a boutique insurance litigation
firm. Andrew now acts extensively for insureds and
brokers across New Zealand.
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On 1st November 2009 a radical new
system will be in  place
regarding District Court proceedings.
The beginning of this process involves:
1. The plaintiff serves a notice of claim on the
defendant setting out the details of the claim;
2. The defendant has 30 working days to respond by
providing details of its defence;
3. The plaintiff then has 30 working days to serve a
comprehensive information capsule which includes statements of
evidence from all witnesses for the plaintiff and a list of
all documents the plaintiff will rely on in proving its
case;
4. The defendant then has 30 working days to provide
its own capsule which also must contain the evidence of its
witnesses and all documents it intends to rely upon.
This essentially means both parties have to fully prepare
and present their case within a short time of the plaintiffs
serving a notice of claim. It means defendants, which
invariably will be the insurer, will need to move fast to
ensure they are able to:
- identify witnesses;
- take statements from
them;
- instruct expert witnesses;
- consider expert
reports; and to
- identify and locate all necessary
documents.
It is extremely important that service of a notice of a
claim on our client is immediately brought to our attention so
we can ensure the best possible defence on their behalf is put
forward. Any delay in notifying a claim will prejudice our
ability to defend the claim which may affect cover under their
policy.
Kenvin Paxton, General Manager, Zurich Auto,
September 2009
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ACM
Ahlers now offers a one stop shop for all
your needs!
In addition to insurance broking we also provide Life
Planning and Home Loans.
ACM
Ahlers Life PlanningACM Ahlers Life
Planning provides a range of life insurance, financial and
investment planning services.
Click here to find out how ACM Ahlers Life Planning can help you
or call:
Tony Walker or Wendy Hamilton on 09 486
0852.
ACM
Ahlers Home Loans
More than a
mortgage broker!
New Loans, refinancing, self employed, commercial
finance, mortgage reduction planning, and loan structuring
advice.
We design
our service to meet our customer's needs. |
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Pleasure Craft Insurance
Could this be a first time boat
owner?
Remember to insure the car along with the new boat!
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We welcome your comments and if you have any suggestions
for specific topics or issues that you
'enews'
in the subject line.
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Whats age got to do with
it? |
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Whatever age
you are there will be financial issues for you to grapple
with. Of course, the details are different for each person,
but some of the underlying trends are common across the
population.
We
have built a picture which provides an interesting perspective
of how all this fits together. And throughout life there are
finances to plan. Wherever you are, make sure that you build a
wall to protect you against anything that happened in the
past, and develop a plan for what might happen in the
future.
Tony
Walker, Director, ACM Life Planning Ltd,
October
2009.
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