Top tips for keeping your house warm this winter Top tips for keeping your house warm this winter Contact Us Opening the curtains during the day is also a good idea. We often think that open curtains during daylight hour means losing all your precious heat during the day, but opening the curtains makes the most of the sun - the most effective and affordable heater known to man. Just make sure you remember to close them when the sun goes down. Closing unused rooms is another effective method to prevent your precious heat being wasted. If you're not intending to use certain rooms for the rest of the day, close the doors. That way your heat stays where you want it to be. Bear floor boards are a welcome invitation for the cold, and account for as much as 10 percent of heat loss. Wooden floors are the worst for leaking heat, but this can be prevented, or at least minimised, by placing rugs and blankets over the floor. This also has the added bonus of keeping your feet warmer too. If you're keen to know how you can further prevent heat loss in your home, get up and walk around on a cold evening. Are there drafts coming from outside? From beneath doors? From between the floorboards? Have a think about what you could do to keep your house warmer this winter without splashing the cash! Reference NZFSG Keeping your house warm over winter can be hard. It can cost a small fortune to generate enough heat to get your house warm, and then there are so many ways for cold air to take its place. Luckily there are some affordable and simple ways to keep your house warm this winter that don't require a big budget or a degree in rocket science. Thick curtains are great for trapping your heat inside, and curtains with thermal lining are even better. But if you have only got standard curtains in the house, there are a couple of tricks you can use to maximize their heat retention. Thermal lining can be expensive, but other materials, such as cheap fleece, can be almost as effective. Just line the backs of your curtains with some fleece from your local fabric shop, and you'll be able to see the difference. In fact, you can even use an old PVC shower curtain to do the same thing. And it's not just the windows that need to be covered. Doors are notorious for leaking heat, so putting a curtain over your door might be a good idea too. And why not put a rug or folded towel at the foot of the door to stop your precious heat leaving the room. View next post At Futurisk, we work for you, not the insurer. So when it’s time to make a claim, we’ve got your back. We’ve got your back Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

Ensure your loved ones are financially protected with our customisable life insurance policies. Explore options with Futurisk Insurance in New Zealand. Life Insurance Our Solutions > Personal Insurance > Life Insurance > A plan that takes care of your loved ones when life doesn't go to plan. Life Insurance Enquire Now Types of Life Insurance Lump Sum – can be used to settle debts, pay for final expenses, create an investment fund to generate ongoing income, enable business ownership to be restructured, or provide an inheritance or donation, amongst other things. Monthly Payment – Designed to minimise impact on the lifestyle of your family after your death through a monthly payment. Benefits of Life Insurance Lump Sum Payment Worldwide Cover No Expiry Age What can it cover? Life Insurance pays a lump sum (or a fixed monthly amount) if you die as a result of either accident or illness, or upon diagnosis of terminal illness likely to result in death within 12 months. Having Life Cover in place will ensure that your debt and funeral costs are covered so that your family or your business are able to carry-on after your death. Life Insurance helps you minimise the financial impact of death or terminal illness for you and your family, and gives you peace of mind that you can provide security for a wide range of financial commitments. Fixing Life Insurance Premiums You can fix your life insurance premiums. There are several options available, with different premium structures including: Yearly Stepped – Your premium are based on your current age and sum insured. They start out relatively low, but will increase each year with age. Level Term – Premiums are fixed for the life of the policy. At the start they will be more expensive compared to yearly stepped. But in the end you may be better off as yearly stepped premiums keep increasing. Chat to one of your local advisers today to organise a personalised Life Insurance plan. Talk to an adviser Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

Find tailored business insurance solutions to safeguard your company. Get coverage for liability, assets, and business continuity with Futurisk Insurance. Business Insurance Our Solutions > Business Insurance > Protecting your business’s ability to keep on making money. Business Interruption Enquire Now Insurance Benefits Cover your business to keep running after an unexpected event Covers the turnover that is lost so you can recover and rebuild Covers ongoing operating expenses Covers relocation costs What can it cover? Business interruption insurance can help your business to keep running after a claimable event. Business Interruption insurance can get you through a temporary crisis by protecting your cashflow, wages and unexpected claims related costs – so you can pay these expenses and help ensure the future of your business. It may also include: Ongoing operating expenses, such as electricity and rent Relocation costs for moving to, and operating from, a temporary location. Wages and Payroll Claims preparations costs; and more Cover insures a business owner against loss or damage to physical assets including buildings, contents, plant and equipment, and stock. Material Damage Enquire Now Insurance Benefits Protects business owners against loss or damage to their physical assets including building, plant, stock and fitout What is material damage? Cover insures a business owner against loss or damage to physical assets including buildings, contents, plant and equipment, and stock. Whether caused by accident, fire, theft, vandalism or natural disaster. Covers most vehicles used in business throughout New Zealand. Commercial Motor Vehicle Enquire Now Insurance Benefits Cover your business to keep running after an unexpected event Covers the turnover that is lost so you can recover and rebuild Covers ongoing operating expenses Covers relocation costs Don't let your vehicle become a liability Commercial vehicles are an important business asset. Their protection along with associated vehicle liability cover, is essential to the success of any business. You and your team may be good drivers and take all precautions to protect your vehicle, however your own driving habits are only one part of the equation. Accidents can occur due to other people’s driving, weather events or other natural disasters. We can offer cover for your business and commercial vehicles. Full comprehensive cover Third party fire and theft cover Third party only Important cover for commercial, industrial and domestic builders, sub-contractors, and property owners against damage, natural disasters, theft and product or public liability. Contract Works Enquire Now Cyber Insurance helps to protect your electronic data Cyber Insurance Enquire Now Insurance Benefits Protects your electronic data Covers you against external hacking or breaches of website or confidential data Protecting your business information and privacy from cyber attacks is vital, as everyone is a potential target. Cyber Insurance Includes: Protects against human or system error Reputational damages (business interruption) Post-event consulting costs Third party claims for data leaks Access to a team to support when an attack is happening. Freephone 0800 17 18 19 Other isurance options If you have specific insurance needs and have not seen what you are after on our website then please contact us. We have a range of options and may be able to meet your needs. Our advisers are here to help. Enquire Now Liability Insurance Options Public Liability: Covering your legal liability and the costs of defence for to third party property or personal injury where you may be found to be liable. Statutory Liability: Covering unintentional breaches to most statutory acts including legal defence costs, reparation costs and in some cases fines. Employers Liability: Cover for accidents and illnesses to employees during the course of their employment which are not covered by ACC and the costs of legal defence. Professional Indemnity: Cover designed to protect against economic loss sustained by third parties as a result of the performance of your professional services and advice. Management Liability: Provides cover for Directors & Officers Liability, Entity, Employment Practices Liability, Trustees Liability and Crime. Talk to an adviser Chat to one of your local advisers today to organise a tailored business insurance plan. Enquire Now Insurance Benefits Protects your business on construction sites Protects the building under construction from natural disasters or damages caused by theft or vandalism the turnover that is lost so you can recover and rebuild What can it cover? Depending on your policy, contract works insurance can cover you against: Natural disasters Damage to property Broken glass Defects Liability Liability Insurance Enquire Now

Understanding Changes to Liability Insurance in New Zealand Understanding Changes to Liability Insurance in New Zealand Contact Us What to do if you face a liability claim? Liability claims are often complicated, involving multiple parties and significant costs. Alongside resolving the issue itself, there’s usually the added challenge of protecting your company’s reputation. Reaching a resolution typically requires input from legal and technical experts —fortunately, these costs are generally insurable. Your insurer is experienced in managing these types of claims and is best placed to guide you through the process. To achieve the best possible outcome, it’s essential that we’re involved early. As soon as you become aware of a potential claim — whether it’s legal action, an allegation of wrongdoing, or a demand for compensation — get in touch with your insurance adviser. Importantly, do not admit liability or offer any form of settlement before speaking with your adviser . Early communication gives us the best chance to protect your business and secure the right support from your insurance cover. For more information on changes to the RMA and liability insurance for your company’s protection, contact your Futurisk Insurance Adviser today. If your business relies on liability insurance (and most do), there are some important regulatory changes you need to know about. It’s particularly important to note the changes to statutory liability . Under recent Resource Management Act (RMA) updates, fines have increased significantly, and soon it will not be possible to insure against them. This is a significant shift for businesses that previously relied on insurance to cover regulatory penalties. However, insurance can still cover legal and expert costs if your company faces an RMA prosecution. This operates much like the cover available for breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act. View next post At Futurisk, we work for you, not the insurer. So when it’s time to make a claim, we’ve got your back. We’ve got your back Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

Fixing or Floating Your Home Loan: What’s the Right Choice? Fixing or Floating Your Home Loan: What’s the Right Choice? Contact Us The benefits of a floating mortgage rate Floating rates, on the other hand, are constantly adjusted according to market interest rates and the Official Cash Rate (OCR). While they are usually higher than fixed rates, floating loans offer greater flexibility. You can make lump‑sum repayments, restructure your loan, or refinance without penalty. This can suit borrowers who expect changes in income, plan to sell or refinance soon, or want to pay their loan down faster. However, floating rates can rise at any time, which can make your regular repayments less predictable. Something else to consider When refixing, it’s important to think beyond the interest rate. Consider how long you plan to stay in the property, whether your income is likely to change, and how much flexibility you may need over the next few years. Here’s one answer Many borrowers choose a split‑loan approach, especially in times of economic uncertainty. This involves fixing a portion of your mortgage for stability while keeping the remainder on a floating rate for flexibility. This can help balance the different characteristics of a fixed versus a floating mortgage rate. Refixing is an opportunity to review whether your mortgage still supports your wider financial goals. That’s why it makes sense to contact your Futurisk Mortgage Adviser. We will provide you with information that enables you to properly consider your options and ensure your home loan remains fit for purpose, even in uncertain times. A perennial question for New Zealand homeowners, especially during times of uncertainty in global financial markets, is, “What should I do when my home loans come up for refixing: Should I lock in a fixed rate, move to a floating rate, or consider a combination of both?” The answer Unfortunately, there is no one‑size‑fits‑all answer. The best decision for you depends less on trying to predict where interest rates might go next, and more on your personal circumstances and cash flow, and how comfortable you feel with whatever decision you make. The benefit of a fixed mortgage rate Fixed rates provide certainty. By fixing your interest rate for a set period, your repayments remain the same regardless of market movements. This can make budgeting easier and offer peace of mind, particularly if your household budget is tight or you would struggle to absorb higher repayments. While fixed rates are often lower than floating rates, they typically come with less flexibility. Making extra repayments or breaking the loan early can result in fees. View next post At Futurisk, we work for you, not the insurer. So when it’s time to make a claim, we’ve got your back. We’ve got your back Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

Car Insurance hiccups Car Insurance hiccups Contact Us 3. Taking your vehicle off-road Most would assume this rule doesn't apply to them – when was the last time you took your hatchback 4-wheel driving? However, off-road doesn't just mean doing jumps and doughnuts in the mud. If you try to do a U-turn in a paddock and a stampede of cows damages your car, that’s counted as driving off-road. If you park on the beach and your car gets damaged, that’s also counted as off-road, and is all the insurer needs to decline your claim. 4. Driving in unroadworthy conditions If you have an accident and upon assessment your tyres are declared to have had insufficient thread, your claim can be denied. It doesn't matter if you have a Warrant of Fitness, or if bald tyres had nothing to do with your accident. 5. Driving recklessly Burnouts and hand-brakies are a favourite past-time of many young folk these days, but attempting to do a manoeuvre in a car that goes wrong is means to have your claim declined almost immediately. There are a number of key things to remember when driving a car: always put on your seat belt, give way to traffic on the right, and make sure you've read the fine print of your insurance policy documents. These days you’d have to be pretty foolish to drive around without insurance. Damaging your car, or even worse, someone else’s, without insurance is a fast-track to debt. But something so many drivers forget is that even having insurance is not always a get-out-of-jail-free card. Your insurance policy will have so many special clauses and exclusions to give your insurer all they need to deny your claims, and put you out of pocket. Here are a few key exclusions to remember. 1. Breaching license conditions If you’re on a restricted license, and you have an accident while illegally carrying a passenger, your insurance claim can be declined. Even though your passenger had nothing to do with the accident, it still gives your insurer all they need to decline your claim. 2. Not securing your vehicle If your vehicle gets stolen, but you’d left the door unlocked or the window down, that’s another reason to have your claim declined. This one can get a bit tricky because there’s often nothing for the insurer to go on other than your word, so you could say it was locked – but that wouldn't be honest. View next post At Futurisk, we work for you, not the insurer. So when it’s time to make a claim, we’ve got your back. We’ve got your back Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

Frequently asked questions when buying a home Frequently asked questions when buying a home Contact Us Should I get an appraisal? Yes. An appraisal is an opinion of the value of the property you are planning to purchase. It's one of the requirements needed to apply for a home loan. Should I pay for a home inspection to check the house? Yes. It is a must to have a professional house inspector check the house first before you decide to buy to get your money's worth. We all want some peace of mind when buying something important like buying a house. Should I use an Agent to buy a house? Yes and No. Yes, because an agent can help you with finding a home that will suit you by giving you a list of available homes within your price range and can also give you some information about the housing market. However, be careful to choose by comparing background, experience and agencies. Or you can ask someone you can trust. No, if you want to do it personally and are ready to take on some house shopping yourself. Should I go directly to the bank or other mortgage lenders to borrow? You can go directly to your bank and ask about their mortgage lending criteria. Or you can let us help you by getting the best offer without the hassles of going through the all the rudiments of getting a home loan. How much can I afford? The answer to this depends on your income and your liabilities (debt). Ideally, most home buyers purchase a house that costs between 1 ½ to 2 ½ times their annual income. However sometimes, there are no houses available in your ideal price range. If this is the case, you may need to spend a bit more. Just keep in mind that your monthly mortgage repayment can't exceed 29% of your gross monthly income and your total debt payments (mortgage payments, car payments, credit cards and hire purchases) can't exceed 40% of your gross monthly income. How much can I borrow? It depends on a number of factors and these may include: The value of the home Your income and your ability to repay the mortgage How much you have saved towards your deposit If you are eligible for a First Home Loan Type of home you are planning to purchase How much should I offer for a house? Each property is unique on its own and the ideal offer will depend on how the buyer perceives the value of the property. If a particular house is overpriced an offer below the listing price would be appropriate. If it's just within the ideal price range, an offer at the asking price or just below the listing price will be fine and if it's priced below the actual value, then you are in for a good bargain (get it while you can soonest!). View next post At Futurisk, we work for you, not the insurer. So when it’s time to make a claim, we’ve got your back. We’ve got your back Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

Six Credit Card Traps to avoid Six Credit Card Traps to avoid Contact Us 4. Missing payments Be careful, with some credit cards, if the bank does not get full payment the day it is due or before you will be charged interest in the full balance. The best way to ensue this does not happen is to arrange to have your credit card bill paid monthly by direct debit or internet banking, that way you never miss a payment. 5. Purchasing goods overseas When you use your credit card overseas you will usually incur two fees: the first is the bank's fee. The fee is often associated wit currency conversion and may be called something like a "currency conversion fee." The second fee is charged by the credit card company. When combined, thee fees can add up to 3% (perhaps a little more) onto your purchase price. It doesn't seem much, but 3% added onto your overseas trip can become quite a large sum of money. 6. Lodging security Sometimes, when you use your credit card to book overseas travel-related items,you will be charged interest immediately; e.g. if you use your card to book a hotel room for a trip you are to take three months' time, you may be charged interest from the time of booking rather than the time of staying in the hotel. In a similar way, if you rent a car overseas the trader ma reserve an amount of credit to secure their payment or to cover any possible damage to the car etc. That means, you may find when you use the card it has less credit on it than you expected despite you having actually bought anything. Most people know nothing about the lodging security until it's too late. If you are travelling overseas with your credit card, or using it overseas with your credit card, or using it overseas from within New Zealand, it pays to find out first, what the various conditions of use are. So, these are Futurisk's six credit card traps. One thing we cannot stress enough- avoid credit card debt. What if I'm already in debt? If you find yourself struggling with debt right now, contact the team at Futurisk. We may be able to restructure your debt in a way that savs you hundreds, even thousands of dollars. Credit card can be dangerous! Many people in New Zealand today find themselves buried by inescapable debt that can be traced back to being overzealous in the use of their credit card. Sure, credit cards are handy. They provide an easy way to purchase things online or if you don't want to carry cash around with you, but it's so easy to forget when you buy something with your card, you are incurring a debt. And, once you get into credit card debt, it can be very difficult to get out of. That's why the team at Futurisk want to remind you of the six credit card traps you need to watch out for: 1. Extra Credit Every credit card will have a credit limit - that's a maximum amount you can have owing on your credit card at any one time. When you first received your card the issuing bank will told you what credit limit is. As time goes by, the bank will offer to increase this limit for you - particularly if you have been paying your card off each month before the interest payment clicks in. BEWARE: this increased limit will immediately increase the chances of you overspending. That's what the banks are hoping for....to get you into debt so that they can make money off the interest you owe. There was a time when banks didn't even give you a choice about the increased credit, they just put it on your card and called it a, "privilege." The law has changed, however. These days banks should ask if you want the extra credit. If the bank approaches you to ask if you want to increase your credit limit, decline their offer 2. Cash advances Here's something a lot of people don' realise. When you buy goods with your credit card there is usually a one month credit free period, BUT, when you get cash out on your credit card you begin to pay interest immediately. A void using your credit card to et cash out of the bank. 3. Card payment surcharges Have you ever gone to use your credit card and had a vendor tell you it will cost you extra to put purchases on a card? That used to be illegal. These days it's considered acceptable provided the vendor tells you about the surcharge before you use your card. I still think it's a bit on the nose, however, and I refuse to pay such surcharges. Wether you do or not is up to you, but be aware, the surcharge is usually a percentage of the purchase price of our goods. That means, on a large item the surcharge can be quite high and can easily wipe out any saving you thought you were making. View next post At Futurisk, we work for you, not the insurer. So when it’s time to make a claim, we’ve got your back. We’ve got your back Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

Explore KiwiSaver investment options and managed funds with Futurisk Insurance. Secure your financial future with expert guidance in New Zealand. Managed Funds Our Solutions > Kiwisaver/Investments > Managed Funds > Our Qualified Fund Managers, can help you choose the right funds to invest your money in, based on your Investor Profile. Managed Funds Enquire Now Why use our Fund Managers? Get specialised help to create an investment strategy – our Fund Managers can help you choose the right funds to invest your money in. Achieve your savings target – be supported to reach your savings goals. Enquire Now About Managed Funds Managed Funds are a great way for you to invest any surplus income and utilise the skills and experience of a qualified Fund Manager, who will choose the right funds to invest your money in, based on your Investor Profile. Your money will be pooled with other investors’ money and invested in various investments. Minimum account balance is $1,000 and you can make regular deposits and withdrawals (minimum amounts apply). Fees are based on the net asset value of your Funds and you can get the same returns as a good performing KiwiSaver fund, but your funds will not be locked in until you reach retirement age, and you are able to move your investment between the Funds at any time. If you are saving for a large expense in 5 – 20 years’ time, this could be the perfect option for you to watch your money grow and help you reach your financial target. Contact Futurisk to find out more and complete your Investor Profile. Or you can work out your own risk profile at https://sorted.org.nz/tools/investor-kickstarter . We offer honest and genuine advice with your best interests at heart. Our passion lies in discovering the best solutions tailored just for you. Talk to an adviser Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19

Access essential information, policy documents, and disclosures related to our insurance services at Futurisk Insurance in New Zealand. Important Information Important Information > Manawatu Disclosure Download Privacy Policy Dowload Waikato Disclosure Download Complaints Policy Download Kāpiti Disclosure Download General Insurance Disclosure Download General Insurance Kāpiti Disclosure Download Freephone 0800 17 18 19

Protect your business with tailored insurance solutions from Futurisk Insurance. We offer coverage for various industries across New Zealand. Business Insurance options with Futurisk Our Solutions > Business Insurance > Book a free appointment here Business Insurance options Business Interruption Contract Works Material Damage Cyber Insurance Commercial Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Rural Insurance Chat to one of your local advisers today to organise a personalised Business Insurance plan. We are local financial advisers who live and work in your community Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19 Why choose a Futurisk Adviser? At Futurisk, we work for you, not the insurer or the bank. We are local financial advisers who live and work in your community. We guide you to the right solution, at the right price. And when it’s time to claim, we’ve got your back. Find out more

Get in touch with Futurisk Insurance for personalised insurance and mortgage solutions in New Zealand. Contact us today to discuss your financial needs and secure your future. Contact Futurisk Contact Us > Contact Our Team For Personalised Insurance Solutions - servicing Wellington through to Kapiti, Palmerston North, and Waikato. Our locations Futurisk Manawatu 0800 17 18 19 +64 6 358 3400 enquiries@futurisk.co.nz 178 Broadway Ave Palmerston North 4410 PO Box 5252, Terrace End Palmerston North 4441 Futurisk Waikato 0800 17 18 19 +64 7 929 2296 enquirieswaikato@futurisk.co.nz Unit 4, 310 Tristram Street, Hamilton PO Box 1419, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3240 Futurisk Kāpiti 0800 367 467 +64 6 364 6123 enquirieskapiti@futurisk.co.nz 153 Main Highway Otaki PO Box 134, Ōtaki 5542 Contact Us Our financial advisers are dedicated to providing exceptional service to our clients when it comes to health and life insurance, business insurance cover, home and contents insurance, and travel insurance coverage. Name* Phone* Email* Message* Submit We offer honest and genuine advice with your best interests at heart. Our passion lies in discovering the best solutions tailored just for you. We've got your back Enquire Now Freephone 0800 17 18 19