Whether you’re just starting out your professional life or are thinking of your family’s security in the future, getting yourself a solid insurance plan is a smart move to make. However, navigating insurance options can be tricky, so you’ll probably need an expert to help you out.

This list of the best insurance brokers in Christchurch is a handy guide on choosing the best adviser on your journey to financial security. We’ve based our picks on their reputations, the products they offer and what their clients have to say. 

Don’t worry about expenses – this won’t cost you anything! Let’s find out why.

How much do insurance brokers cost in Christchurch?

If you’ve been shopping around for insurance brokers, you probably have seen them advertise that their services are free. We’re here to confirm that yes, insurance brokers are free!

Brokers receive their compensation through a commission that is a percentage of the premium that you pay the insurer. This number can vary greatly among brokers but they are obligated to inform you exactly how much they will receive. 

Generally, insurance brokers make on average between 12.5% to 20% of the annual premium that you pay the insurer. However, brokers may also earn nothing at all or as much as 30%. 

To give you a general idea of how much brokers stand to make from your policy, we’ve summarized a few key points in the table below.

PRODUCT	INITIAL COMMISSION	ONGOING COMMISSION (PER ANNUM)
Personal, Business and Health Insurance	30% to 150% of the premium	0% to 7.5% of premium
Mortgages	0% – 1% of lending amount	0% to 0.20% of lending amount
KiwiSaver	up to $300	up to 0.40% based on KiwiSaver account balance, paid monthly
Managed Investment Schemes	$0	up to 0.40% based on account balance, paid monthly

Do take note though that brokers can charge you other types of fees, such as professional or service fees. Some examples of what you can be charged for are making changes to contract terms or drawing up a completely new contract. 

However, insurance brokers are obligated to inform you of their fees and you must agree to them before they can charge you. They are not allowed to have any undisclosed fees.

The Best Insurance Brokers in Christchurch

Since we have a better understanding of how much brokers receive their payment, we can now take a look at our picks for the best insurance brokers in Christchurch below.

1.  Apex Insurance

SERVICES	Body Corporate, Business Interruption, Commercial Motor VehicleCorporate Travel, Creative Industries ,Cyber Risk, Directors & Officers Liability, Education, Inland Marine, Management LiabilityMaterial Damage, Ocean Marine Cargo, Employment Practices, Liability, Fidelity & Crime, Film Insurance, General Liability, Personal Accident, Professional Indemnity, Sports & Leisure, Statutory Liability, Technology Sector , Trade Credit
WEBSITE	https://apexinsurance.co.nz/
ADDRESS	Grant Thornton House, Level 3/134 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	Toll-Free: 0800-273-903 Phone: (03) 983-7125 Email: [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 5:00pm

Apex Insurance is a non-corporate independent insurance company that started solely by protecting businesses. They were established over 25 years ago and have successfully expanded by purchasing other brokerages, allowing them to diversify their offerings.

They are a member of NZBrokers, which is a collective of other brokers that help each other. The main advantage of being a member is having the backing of $520 million in Gross Written Premium, which strengthens Apex Insurance’s financial standing.

In our opinion, one of the best reasons to choose this Apex Insurance is that they’re members of the Sustainable Business Network and are the first internationally accredited carbonzero-certified insurance broker. 

As an environmentally conscious business, they donate 20% of their policy commissions to the Million Metres Streams Project, which is a program dedicated to restoring New Zealand’s waterways. 

Another one of their unique services is Apex Marine, which is a joint venture with Brent Mullan that provides insurance advice and products dedicated to the marine industry.  They offer sustainable solutions to businesses that also protect travel, cargo, and trade, among others.

Even though the marine industry is one of their areas of expertise, Apex Insurance has a diverse array of products for a range of businesses. They can accommodate creative industries such as art, advertising, and film with policies that can cover anything from the cast to the crew, film negatives, and other production-related concerns.

Apex Insurance also covers more traditional aspects of businesses such as general liability, personal accidents, fleet insurance, and even protection from cyber threats. In our opinion, if you’re looking for comprehensive coverage for your business, this company is worth considering. 

With four offices around New Zealand, Apex Insurance is one of our top insurance brokers for Kiwis. As a start-up business themselves, they offer a wide range of options for a variety of industries. 

Customer Reviews

Great team culture all round

“The Christchurch team have been outstanding to work with. Excellent advice, supportive, responsive and knowledgeable. We have a tricky claims scenario and the technical expertise has been amazing, meaning a positive outcome for us. Everyone we have dealt with has been the same – a great team culture all round. Thanks!” – Rachel Wilson

Willing to go the extra mile

“I’ve just got my business insurances all sorted through Julian at Apex Insurance.  I cannot recommend Julian enough, he has been super helpful all along the way.  He was always friendly and willing to go the extra mile to get the right cover to suit my business and he did just that at a great price.  Thanks Julian!!!” – Steve Oskam

2. imsure Insurance Advisers

SERVICES	Key-Person, Buy-Sell Cover, Group Policies, Life, Trauma, Health & Medical, Income & Mortgage, Total Permanent Disability
WEBSITE	https://www.imsure.co.nz/
ADDRESS	2/31 Stevens Street, Waltham, Christchurch 8011
CONTACT DETAILS	Phone: (021) 954 754
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm

imsure Insurance Advisers was founded by Cameron Bryant in 2006 to give clients the most “personalized insurance experience” possible. He is a member and served as regional chair of the Million Dollar Round Table, an organization composed of the country’s leading financial advisers.

This company might only offer policies from 9 insurers, but they’ve picked some of the most popular in New Zealand. These are Partners Life, Asteron Life, Cigna, Fidelity Life, Nib, Southern Cross, Sherpa, The Mortgage Girls, and AIA.

Now, imsure has special partnerships or deals with some of their insurers so don’t be surprised if they might favor some over the other. For example, they may prioritize The Mortgage Girls for home loans and Sherpa for commercial insurance. 

Nevertheless, one reason to go with imsure is that they offer the option for Level premiums, which basically maintains the same price for your premium annually even though the coverage increases. While this policy scheme may cost more initially, it just might save you money in the long run.

We also like imsure’s life insurance policies because they offer unlimited cover and provide you the option of a single lump-sum payment or regular monthly payments. You can also adjust to increase your cover at any time during a life milestone, such as marriage or a new child, which is also known as “special events”.

They have two kinds of trauma cover products as well, whether you’re looking to acquire some for yourself or your business.  With Living Assurance or Progressive Care, you can opt for a one-off lump-sum or several payouts, respectively, in the event of injury or illness. 

imsure’s health and medical products are also quite enticing, providing your choice of provider and unlimited surgical cover. You can get up to $300,000 for cancer care and global cover for when you’re traveling abroad. 

If you’re interested in one of their products, you can reach out to any of their brokers directly! Each person’s contact information is conveniently listed on their website, so you can choose which broker you want to personally handle your financial plan.

Customer Reviews

Went above and beyond

Insurance is never a fun thing to deal with, and I was aware it may be tricky for me due to previous conditions.I dealt with Beck Metcalfe and she made the whole process so easy, not daunting, and really went above and beyond to deliver great service and secure me a great package. I would have no hesitations recommending Beck to anyone who needs to sort out their insurances.” – Sarah Wombwell

I wouldn’t go anywhere else

“I can’t speak highly enough of Darren who I spoke with regarding my insurances at Imsure. Darren was very genuine and knowledgeable and gave excellent advice around what level of cover I should have. In the past, I’ve always felt like I was being sold something I potentially didn’t need.  Darren took the time to understand me and my situation and recommended great solutions I could feel confident about. I wouldn’t go anywhere else for my insurance needs.” – Liam Flick

3. Advanced Mortgage & Insurance Solutions

SERVICES	Mortgage Services, Life, Medical, Disability, Trauma, Income Protection
WEBSITE	https://www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz/
ADDRESS	918 Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013
CONTACT DETAILS	Free Phone: 0508 466 356 Office Phone: 03 980 4541 Fax: 03 980 4571
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Sunday: 8:30am – 5:00pm

Advanced Mortgage Solutions was founded in 2008 by Scott Miller, a former property investor with over fifteen years of experience. Although they started by offering a comprehensive range of home loan options, they offer other insurance products as well.

This company claims they love a challenge and can accommodate the needs of a first home buyer, a property investor, or even those who have been declined by the bank. They can also assist senior citizens with Home Equity Release loan products.

Advanced Mortgage Solutions is an ideal choice to shop for mortgage insurance (as you might expect from the name), which provides security when you can’t make payments due to illness or disability. They can find you a policy that will offer up to a 110% payout of your monthly payments for each month you can’t work until you’re 65 years old if necessary. This is probably a little out of date as some will do up to 115% of mortgage payments or 45% of income.  But this does vary between providers.

Not limiting themselves to just mortgage, Advanced Mortgage Solutions offers several other insurance products as well. They cover all the basics that an individual may need such as life, medical, disability, trauma, and income protection insurance. We can also assist with Group Plans for Employers.

However, before you start considering their policies, take note that Advanced Mortgage Solutions doesn’t offer joint cover for your spouse or partner. This means that you would have to apply for separate policies that will have separate premiums as well. This is incorrect, we can absolutely offer joint cover, and always have.

Nevertheless, Advanced Mortgage Solutions can customize each insurance product according to your needs, providing you with a tailor-made package. For example, you can add special cover for terminal illness to your life insurance plan, which can increase the payout by 25%, while your partner can opt for Level Term Cover. This is also something that can vary between providers, probably not something I would list as a “selling point”

Their medical cover also offers some unique add-ons, letting you skip lines and choose how, where and when you get treated. You’ll also have better chances for getting advanced medical procedures without worrying about how to pay for your hospital bill.  All health insurance policies with all providers do this, this is not Advanced Specific.      

In short, Advanced Mortgage Solutions is one of our top picks in New Zealand, especially if you’re looking for an experienced mortgage broker and an insurance package along with it. 

In short, Advanced Mortgage Solutions is one of our top picks in New Zealand, especially if you’re looking for an experienced mortgage broker and an insurance package along with it. 

Customer Reviews

Would definitely recommend

“Scott was awesome to deal with, very knowledgeable in every aspect of our dealings, helped us with lawyer recommendation, insurance and kiwisaver advice and was a calming influence in a very stressful time.  We would definitely recommend Advanced Mortgage Solutions to others and will be back for more advice in the future ourselves.” – Mark & Vanessa Dunn

I wouldn’t go anywhere else

“We used Advanced Mortgage & Insurance Solutions for our first home and the service has been exceptional. Greg worked tirelessly to ensure we got our mortgage and Shane has been a great help with insurance as well. Maintained great communication thorough out.  I wouldn’t go anywhere else in the future.” – Jay Pachchigar

4. Become

SERVICES	Financial Planning, Personal Insurance, Investments, Structures &Estate Planning, Mortgages & Loans, General Insurance, Tax & Accounting, Business Strategy, Insurance, Loans & LendingTax & Accounting
WEBSITE	https://www.become.nz/
ADDRESS	Level 1/134 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	Phone: 508-232-663 Email: [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm

Become.nz was founded by Richard Clark, who is also the co-founder of Medcapital, an insurance brokerage built exclusively for health professionals. His newest venture aims to use the same successful business model to offer all New Zealanders options to secure their financial future.

Now, what makes Become a unique business is that they have a team of various experts, each specializing in a specific area – namely mortgages, insurance, and investments. This team then brainstorms on the best financial plan for you by analyzing and crafting your options from different angles. 

So each potential client at Become.nz gets a free 30-minute financial health analysis to discuss the basics of your current status and goals. This quick and preliminary assessment is conducted only over the phone.

After the free consultation, the whole team then meets to contribute to their area of expertise. They will draft an initial plan covering all major aspects of your financial future.

In short, with Become.nz you don’t just hire a single broker, you get the minds of multiple experts working for you.

They don’t just create any plan or dust one off the shelf – this team builds one specifically for you. They also try to achieve the best balance between a comfortable life in the present and for the future.

Now, while this customized plan seems like a dream come true, it does come at a cost. They charge $500 for their initial comprehensive plan, dubbed as a “membership fee”.

If you decide to pursue this plan, they may also charge a “portfolio fee” and “custody” fee which is the cost of managing your account to ensure that you stay on track. This means you essentially retain their long-term services to update your insurance or revisit your finances if you feel the need to do so. 

Now if you’re not satisfied with their customized financial plan, they offer a money-back guarantee. They claim that they’ve never issued a refund, which makes it an enticing offer worth considering. 

Customer Reviews

Approachable, smiling and friendly,

“Approachable, smiling and friendly, no pressure and arranging. They give you clear answers to your questions and clear instruction on what needs to be done. They have also put us in contact with the right persons outside of their business.” – Deborah Le Corre

Go above and beyond 

Such a great team to deal with, they go above and beyond and nothing is an issue.  Highly highly recommend!!” – Kate Thompson

5. Friendly Finance

SERVICES	Medical, Trauma, Income Protection, Business Medical, Business Key Man, Business Income Protection
WEBSITE	https://www.friendlyfinance.nz/
ADDRESS	407 Springs Road, Halswell, Christchurch 7676, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	Phone: (021) 186-2768 Email: [email protected]
OPERATING HOURS	Monday to Friday: 8:00am – 8:00pm Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm

Friendly Finance was established by Nigel Elson, who has over 12 years of experience as a financial adviser in the UK before starting his own company in New Zealand in 2017. He has a Level 5 Certificate in Financial Services and is an ANZIIF associate for general insurance.

Together with his wife Kelly, a mortgage specialist, they provide financial advice to help clients achieve their financial security and insurance plans. 

We like the relaxed atmosphere when consulting with Friendly Finance – it can even be done over a cup of coffee or tea.

They’re also not a one-off consultancy or brokership service. Friendly Finance can be in it for the long haul with you if you choose that, providing you with complimentary financial check-ups on demand. 

Friendly Finance can present you with options from some of the most premier lending and insurance providers in New Zealand. For your insurance needs, they’re partnered with Asteron Life, CIGNA, AIA, Partners Life, and Accuro.

Do take note that Friendly Finance doesn’t provide advice or offer products from insurers or lenders they’re not partnered with. So if you’ve got your eye on a specific company that’s not on their list, then it’s best to look somewhere else.

While Friendly Finance services are free, they may charge a “service fee” for their time if you repay, refinance or cancel a policy within 27 months or before they receive their commission. This fee will be calculated per hour of their time spent advising you, but will not exceed $2,500.

If you decide to take Friendly Finance’s advice, they can offer medical, trauma, and income protection products for your personal needs. Though they may not have a wide array of cover, they provide handpicked options that are curated for your specific needs.

Customer Reviews

Business without compromises

“I was unsure about his use of “Friendly” until I saw him going far beyond the extra mile and providing us with that support we are lacking in Today’s business and society. He really understands helping each other is  good for our souls and business without compromises. Thanks Nigel!” Cristian Szwarc

Great service

“Nigel made sure I understood what the process was in layman’s terms without making me feel small or inadequate, as i was finding it a daunting and very vulnerable position to be in. He made it straight forward and empowering. Nigel was always contactable and went above and beyond, even coming to open homes with me and helping me with my offers. Nigel has also been key in advising me about my Kiwisaver and investing in my future. I look forward to watching my investments grow and utilising Nigel in the future.

Many thanks for a great service.” – Michelle Appleton

6. Amicus Group

SERVICES	Insurance: Income protection, life insurance, health insurance, home & contents insurance, vehicle insurance, mortgage protection, trauma protection, disability protection, boat insurance, and travel insurance. Investment: Kiwisaver, general investment, income/retirement planning, and index funds.  Mortgages: Home loans, investment property, and fixed rate renewals.
WEBSITE	https://www.amicus.co.nz
ADDRESS	Domestic, Commercial & RuralLevel 1, 116 Wrights Road Addington, Christchurch
CONTACT DETAILS	+64 3 962 7744
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5 PM

If you’re looking for one of the leading insurance brokers in Christchurch, then Amicus Group might be the one for you.  They offer several services in the field of insurance, investment, and mortgage. 

They follow a stringent process in their services wherein they first provide a free consultation wherein they obtain information about your concern and goals. Afterward, they will research in order to make a personalized solution and they will present it to you. Lastly is the regular meeting to review your progress. 

Amicus Group holds a transitional financial advice provider license issued by the Financial Market Authority. With over 30 experts that are based in Christchurch, they offer their services nationwide. 

With everything they have to offer, we believe that Amicus Group is truly one of the best insurance brokers in Christchurch. They have over 25 years of experience and have excellent reviews.

Customer Reviews

Incredibly supportive

“I found my amicus experience incredibly supportive. Advisors made themselves available at all times and dealt with insurance issues promptly and successfully.” – Jean Pearce

Good financial advice

“Received good financial advice in an easy to understand format. All around a great team to work with who we know will look after our needs for the future”  – Pat Boyle

7. Rothbury

SERVICES	Business insurance, specialty insurance, and personal insurance.
WEBSITE	https://www.rothbury.co.nz
ADDRESS	Ground Floor/518 Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS	+64 3 366 7588
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5 PM

If you’re looking for one of the best insurance brokers in Churchland, then Rothbury might be the one for you. Rothbury established their humble beginnings as a majority-owned New Zealand company in 1950. Today they operate from 25 locations around the country and are now the third largest insurance broker in New Zealand.

With over 51,000 clients nationwide, they have made all their branches have dedicated claim advisers to help the clients with their entire claims process faster. They offer 3 main types of insurance namely business, specialty, and personal insurance. These main types of insurance also have sub-categories in order for the clients to pick their specific type of insurance. 

We particularly liked their childcare insurance package because it covers a wide range of situations you may face in this type of business. This insurance covers liability, medical malpractice, material damage, business interruption, sexual molestation, and terrorist cover.

Rothbury has proven over the years that they’re one of the best insurance brokers in Churchland. But don’t take our word for it, many of their customers have been partners with their brokers and on a lot of occasions, they have always been professional and efficient. 

Customer Reviews

Fantastic feedback

“I have dealt with Mel Gyde on many occassions and always had fantastic feedback from her. She is thorough and efficient so if you are looking for someone to get the job done call her, she is lovely and warm, friendly and holds a professional standard in her work. I like people who are empathetic and understand your needs she ticks all the boxes. Give her a call.” – Sharon Booth

Incredibly helpful and efficient

“Hamish was incredibly helpful and efficient. He was great at simplifying things to make it easy to understand. I will definitely be recommending Hamish’s services to others.”  – Jeremy & Charleen Chan

8. Avon Insurance Brokers

SERVICES	Public liability, business assets, professional indemnity. business interruption, contract works,  machinery breakdown,  commercial vehicle, and additional covers.
WEBSITE	https://avoninsurance.co.nz/
ADDRESS	Unit A, 5 Seven Mile Drive Belfast Christchurch 8051
CONTACT DETAILS	(03) 365 7171
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5 PM

Avon Insurance Brokers established in 1969 through the merging of several small broking companies. They are locally owned and are now based in Christchurch. They provide a variety of services throughout New Zealand such as insurance broking, financial management, risk management, and general consulting services to an extended client base.

Specializing in commercial property and liability areas, they have worked with all the major insurance underwriters and companies so that they can find the best commercial insurance products and solutions that meet your requirements. 

We particularly liked how they can personally visit you at your business in order to discuss your insurance requirements. This can heavily save up your time while the broker can also gauge up and help you decide on the best requirements to be used in your insurance. 

We highly recommend Avon Insurance Brokers for their experienced and efficient brokers. They have 24/7 support and are also not tied to any one insurance company. Thus they can transparently find you the best insurance products to suit your needs. 

Customer Reviews

Professional and easy to deal with

“These guys are so professional and easy to deal with, would highly recommend.  Always service with a smile” – Leeza Smith

9. Abbott Insurance Brokers

SERVICES	Business insurance Personal insurance Life & health insurance KiwiSaver & home loans
WEBSITE	https://abbott.co.nz
ADDRESS	Level 2 Abbott House 128 Kilmore Street Christchurch 8013
CONTACT DETAILS	TEL: 03 366 7536 FAX: 03 379 5395
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5 PM

An insurance broker specializing in risk advice and insurance solution for business, Abbot Insurance Brokers is made up of an experienced team of professionals. Their primary goal is to protect their client’s position and future financial well-being with the use of tailored insurance programs that suit the client’s needs and goals. 

Promising to be your advocate, they will identify your risks and the plans to protect you by placing your insurance, managing your renewals, and regularly reviewing your cover to ensure you have the best policies and competitive premiums. 

They have a particularly reliable life and health insurance. It can either be for businesses or for families. They cover everything from life insurance, income protection insurance, health insurance, trauma insurance, and total and permanent disability coverage. 

We highly recommend Abbot Insurance Brokers; they are client-based and are governed by an exceptional team of directors. They are also members of the Steadfast Group which is one of the largest general insurance brokers in Australia.

Customer Reviews

Professional and efficient

“As a client and having had a recent claim. I can honestly say the professionalism and efficiency they provided me was flawless.” – Axel Scheffel

Excellent service and communication

“Excellent service and communication- great to deal with, especially when working through claims with your insurer. Would recommend their services to everyone”  – Matt Loose

10.  The Insurance Ladies

SERVICES	Personal Solutions, Business Solutions, Women’s Solutions
WEBSITE	https://www.theinsuranceladies.co.nz/
ADDRESS	PO Box 36803, Merivale, Christchurch 8146.
CONTACT DETAILS	Email: [email protected] Phone number: 027 431 8895 or 0508 81 81 81
OPERATING HOURS	Monday – Friday, 9.00 AM – 7.30 PM

The Insurance Ladies is an independent firm that offers clients versatile and comprehensive insurance packages for both personal and business requirements. Qualified and confident, their services make sure that the individual needs of the client are met through every approach that they employ.

We like that their strategies and methodologies are highly versatile to both singular individuals to groups such as families all at affordable and valuable prices.

Furthermore, their process of communications and transactions is made easier for clients to follow in order to ensure all requirements and preferences are satisfied.

With their inclusive and valuable insurance packages, diversely flexible approaches, and highly reliable personnel, we recommend for clients looking for such services check them out.

Customer Reviews

Here are some reviews from their clients:

“Barbara-Lee made the daunting task of insurance very easy and straightforward. I had put off looking at my insurances and just didn’t understand what cover I needed. Barbara-Lee came to my house when it suited me and fully explained the different types of covers and recommended the appropriate covers that I needed. There was never any pressure and I never felt I was being sold the most expensive options. Barbara-Lee made it so easy and I highly recommend. “

“You provided great service and helped with the individual needs for myself and my husband. You offer no pressure, honest and great communication plus made it easy to understand all the terms and conditions.”

FAQs about Insurance Brokers

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And that’s our list of the best insurance brokers in Christchurch! We hope we gave you a great place to start looking for one of your own.

Do you already have an insurance broker who isn’t on our list? If you think we should add them, kindly send us a message and we’ll check them out!

Now, if you’re specifically looking for somebody to help you with a home loan, then you’re in luck! We’ve got a list of the best mortgage brokers in Christchurch to help you get started!