Severe rain and weather: If you are a Vero customer and need to claim, fill out our online claims form Claims | Vero or contact your broker.
Vero Insurance today released the first New Zealand 'Vero SME Insurance Index', a research report into the insurance landscape for small to medium sized businesses (SMEs).
15 May, 2017
The purpose of the research was to identify challenges and opportunities faced by SMEs, and find ways to help brokers and advisers target and tailor their offering and provide the right kind of value to customers.
"97% of all businesses in New Zealand are SMEs with fewer than 20 employees, so it’s important we understand their needs and provide them with right solutions, so they can get on with running their business,” said Campbell Mitchell, Executive General Manager Customer Experience.
The report found that 69% of SMEs with six or more employees were more likely to purchase insurance through a broker or adviser, compared to 57% of SMEs with 1-5 employees
"What this tells us is that when small businesses grow, regardless of the type of industry they are in, they reach a point where their business becomes more complex, and they may need advice to understand the impact of change and growth on their insurance needs,” said Mr Mitchell.
Even if small businesses owners feel comfortable arranging their own insurance, Vero urges them to check in with a broker or adviser for advice, particularly if their business is growing.
"Although any business of any size can purchase insurance through a broker or adviser, that tipping point demonstrates the value that a broker or adviser can bring. They are able to provide advice on how to protect your business and income, and more important fill in knowledge gaps around insurance."
What do SMEs say about brokers and advisers?
- 58% use a broker to save time so they can focus on their business
- 45% rely on a broker or adviser's expert knowledge and advice
- 39% get added piece of mind by using a broker to find the right insurance
- Value is more important than price - only 22% of SMEs say they use a broker to get cheaper prices
- Over half of broker clients scored their satisfaction with their broker as 8 out of 10 or higher
About the research
The Vero SME Insurance Index 2017 surveyed 999 small to medium sized businesses about their attitudes to insurance and brokers and advisers. The research was conducted by BrandMatters.
For this research, a SME was defined as a business that employs between 1 and 19 people, including sole traders, according to the Statistics New Zealand definition.
The survey has been run in Australia for the last five years, but this is the first time it has run in New Zealand.
Media enquiries
For all media enquiries please contact:
Kimberley Cameron
Call Call027 208 1268 or EmailEmail Kimberley
Share this page
Keep reading
Suncorp New Zealand employees today moved into their new premises in central Christchurch, more than six years after the 2011 Canterbury earthquake.
Suncorp New Zealand, whose brands include Vero Insurance and Asteron Life, will take space in the new Te Urutī building at 48 Hereford Street, which has been developed by Ngai Tahu Property.
The information in this article has been compiled from various sources and is intended to be factual information only. Full details of policy terms and conditions are available from Vero Insurance New Zealand Limited or your financial adviser. For advice on product suitability, please contact your financial adviser. While we take reasonable steps to ensure that the information contained in this article is accurate and up-to-date, it is subject to change without notice. Vero Insurance New Zealand and its related companies does/do not accept any responsibility or liability in connection with your use of or reliance on this article.
