Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme
We resolve complaints about insurance and financial services.
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News
General insurance enquiries rise, complaints drop
"The best time to understand insurance is before you need it - every day we hear about problems that could have been avoided if people had been better informed. That’s why we’re sharing real stories about real complaints.” Karen Stevens, IFSO.
Story from Insurance Business NZ: 16 September, 2020
Rise in complaints about consumer credit, loans
458 (12%) of all contacts to the IFSO Scheme last year were about loans or credit contracts. Responsible lending involves protecting consumers against substantial hardship.
Story from Stuff: 14 September, 2020
IFSO Scheme releases Annual Report
The IFSO Scheme received 3,922 enquiries over the past year and has investigated 282 complaints about insurance and financial services. Misunderstanding and miscommunication continue to be common complaint issues.
See the IFSO Scheme Annual Report 2020
The future possibility of pandemic cover?
Covid-19 has highlighted the vulnerability of individuals and businesses. An ICNZ-led panel discuss the difficulties and possibilities of pandemic insurance cover, and a private-public approach.
Story from Insurance Business NZ: 19 August, 2020
Featured Case Studies
An excess is paid when claims are accepted. If there is more than one event, more than one excess can be applied.
Viv’s claim, for carpet damaged by dog vomit and diarrhoea, was accepted. But three policy excesses were applied.
See the case summary
Check your exclusions. Most travel policies exclude global pandemics.
Barry cancelled his Bali trip due to Covid-19. His insurance claim was declined due to the pandemic exclusion.
See the case summary
Check for exclusions and limitations. Travel exceeded 90-day limit on credit card
The credit card travel insurance policy had a 90-day limit. The watch was stolen on day 57 of the 100-day trip.
See the case summary
Your full medical history must be disclosed when you apply for insurance.
Jin had life and trauma insurance. After his stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis at age 31, he made a claim.
See the case summary