Chatswood serves the life and health insurance sector in New Zealand with market intelligence, data, and bespoke consulting services. Some of these are provided in conjunction with Quality Product Research Limited - a subsidiary that brings you Quotemonster.

We believe that good decisions are more likely to occur when we have good information about the market environment in which we operate. Intuitive leaps and creative decisions are always required, of course, but the more they are based on a firm foundation of observation, the better they tend to be.

Doreen Dutt Doreen Dutt

Website and research upgrades: what you need to know – website version v4.6.9 / QPR v16.8

Our updated version of the QPR database has been released and contains the following updates.

Our updated version of the QPR database has been released and contains the following updates: 

Researchmonster updates:

- Asteron Life product enhancements to personal and business  

Asteron Life has recently rolled out a series of enhancements across its Personal and Business Insurance products. These updates are now reflected in our research ratings.

One notable change is the addition of Guillain-Barré Syndrome to the list of covered conditions under Trauma Recovery with Early Trauma. To view this in Quotemonster, make sure you’ve selected Trauma Recovery with Early Trauma in your Product and Provider Settings.

Read more here: https://www.asteronlife.co.nz/insurance/product-enhancements

- AIA product enhancements to personal and business critical conditions

AIA has recently introduced enhancements to their AIA Living and ASB Critical Conditions products. These improvements are also passed back to existing AIA Living Critical Conditions and Sovereign TotalCare Max Living Assurance customers.

A significant update has been made to the Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest definition. The enhancement expands the accepted forms of evidence, making it easier for customers who have suffered a cardiac arrest to qualify for a claim. These updates are now reflected in our research ratings.

Another valuable enhancement has been made to AIA’s Optional Trauma Buyback which allows customers to reinstate both Life and Trauma covers within 60 days of their claim being paid – while still retaining the option to reinstate at the 12-month anniversary if they choose not to act immediately. Following a discussion with our Central Research Advisory Board, we’ve redesigned the functionality and research of both Trauma and Instant Buybacks. These updates are due to go live in the coming weeks.

Read more here: https://www.aia.co.nz/en/help-support/enhancements-and-policy-information.html

It's great to see insurers continuing to innovate – and as always, we're right there with them, evolving our research to support smarter advice.

Training sessions:

Our team hosts online training sessions on a regular basis and invites you and your colleagues to join us if you’re interested in learning more about our services.  

Our next sessions will be: 

  • Introduction to Quotemonster – Monday, 21 July 2025 11:00 am-12:00 pm

In this session, we will demonstrate the basic functions of our website, along with some handy tips and tricks along the way.

  • Demystifying Advicemonster - Wednesday, 23 July 2025 9:30 am-10:30 am

In this session, we will demonstrate how to use our needs analysis and statement of advice (SOA) tools.

  • Business Risk Research and SOAs with Quotemonster – Thursday, 24 July 2025 9:00 am-9:45 am

In this session, we will demonstrate how to use our business risk pricing, research, and SOA functionality.

  • Introduction to Kiwimonster - Tuesday, 22 July 2025 10:30 am-10:50 am

A session on our brand spanking new service – Kiwimonster.

  • QPR Research Deep Dive - Tuesday, 22 July 2025 10:00 am-11:00 am

A deep-dive session designed for advisers seeking in-depth knowledge across a range of research topics.

If you would like to join any of these sessions, please email your request to info@quotemonster.co.nz  

Happy Crunching!

 
Read More
Doreen Dutt Doreen Dutt

Recent rate changes on Quotemonster

We are pleased to confirm that the following rate changes are live on Quotemonster effective 1 July 2025.

Dear Quotemonster users,

We are pleased to confirm that the following rate changes are live on Quotemonster effective 1 July 2025.

  • nib Ultimate Health and Ultimate Health Max

  • Southern Cross Wellbeing 1 and 2

If you have any questions or comments on these changes please reach out to us on info@quotemonster.co.nz

Happy Crunching!

 
Read More
Doreen Dutt Doreen Dutt

June is packed with training opportunities—join us!

We're excited to invite you and your team to our upcoming online training sessions. Whether you're new to our tools or looking to deepen your expertise, we've got something for everyone.

We're excited to invite you and your team to our upcoming online training sessions. Whether you're new to our tools or looking to deepen your expertise, we've got something for everyone:

  • Introduction to Quotemonster – Monday, 23 June 2025 11:00 am-12:00 pm

In this session, we go over the basics of using Quotemonster and how to make the most of your Researchmonster subscription.

  • Tips and tricks on how to set up your account for new users

  • Overview of available documents and resources

  • How to do a quote from start to the finished report

  • How to see research for banks, direct providers, group medical, and legacy products

  • How to generate and interpret different types of research reports

  • Demystifying Advicemonster - Tuesday, 24 June 2025 11:30 am-12:30 pm

In this session, we will demonstrate how to use our needs analysis and statement of advice (SOA) tools.

  • Business Risk Research and SOAs with Quotemonster – Wednesday, 25 June 2025 9:30 am-10:15 am

In this session, we demonstrate how to use Businessmonster to generate quotes and conduct in-depth research on Business Risk products. It includes a detailed walkthrough of a business client scenario, showcasing the process of completing a Fact Find and Needs Analysis, and producing a tailored, professional Business Statement of Advice. The session will also cover how to customise Businessmonster to align with your business’s specific requirements and workflows.

  • Introduction to Kiwimonster - Wednesday, 25 June 2025 12:00 pm-12:30 pm

In this session, we demonstrate how Kiwimonster helps advisers meet their clients’ KiwiSaver needs using tools to assess risk profiles, compare funds, show retirement projections, and produce client-ready reports. Kiwimonster Research (coming soon) will enhance this process with in-depth fund research, tailored recommendations, and the ability to generate personalised KiwiSaver Statements of Advice—supporting more informed and professional advice delivery.

If you would like to join any of these sessions, please email your request to info@quotemonster.co.nz

Happy Crunching!

 
Read More
Doreen Dutt Doreen Dutt

nib Ultimate Waiver of Premium Rates

We are pleased to confirm that the rate changes for nib’s Ultimate Life & Living Waiver of Premium, effective 26 May 2025 are live on Quotemonster.

We are pleased to confirm that the rate changes for nib’s Ultimate Life & Living Waiver of Premium, effective 26 May 2025 are live on Quotemonster.

Happy Crunching!

 
Read More
Doreen Dutt Doreen Dutt

Upcoming Training Sessions – May 2025

We're excited to invite you and your team to our upcoming online training sessions. Whether you're new to our tools or looking to deepen your expertise, we've got something for everyone.

We're excited to invite you and your team to our upcoming online training sessions. Whether you're new to our tools or looking to deepen your expertise, we've got something for everyone:

  • Introduction to Quotemonster – Tuesday, 27 May 2025 9:00 am-10:00 am

In this session, we go over the basics of using Quotemonster and how to make the most of your Researchmonster subscription.

  • Tips and tricks on how to set up your account for new users

  • Overview of available documents and resources

  • How to do a quote from start to the finished report

  • How to see research for banks, direct providers, group medical, and legacy products

  • How to generate and interpret different types of research reports

  • Demystifying Advicemonster - Tuesday, 27 May 2025 11:00 am-12:00 pm

In this session, we will demonstrate how to use our needs analysis and statement of advice (SOA) tools.

  • Business Risk Research and SOAs with Quotemonster – Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:00 pm-12:45 pm

In this session, we demonstrate how to use Businessmonster to generate quotes and conduct in-depth research on Business Risk products. It includes a detailed walkthrough of a business client scenario, showcasing the process of completing a Fact Find and Needs Analysis, and producing a tailored, professional Business Statement of Advice. The session will also cover how to customise Businessmonster to align with your business’s specific requirements and workflows.

  • Introduction to Kiwimonster - Monday, 26 May 2025 12:00 pm-12:30 pm

In this session, we demonstrate how Kiwimonster helps advisers meet their clients’ KiwiSaver needs using tools to assess risk profiles, compare funds, show retirement projections, and produce client-ready reports. Kiwimonster Research (coming soon) will enhance this process with in-depth fund research, tailored recommendations, and the ability to generate personalised KiwiSaver Statements of Advice—supporting more informed and professional advice delivery.

If you would like to join any of these sessions, please email your request to info@quotemonster.co.nz

Happy Crunching!

 
Read More
Doreen Dutt Doreen Dutt

Website and research upgrades: what you need to know – website version v4.6.8 / QPR v16.7

Our updated version of the QPR database has been released and contains the following updates.

Our updated version of the QPR database has been released and contains the following updates: 

Researchmonster updates:

- Pricing and research available for AIA's $10,000 excess option

On 17 April, AIA introduced a new $10,000 excess option for Private Health, it is a valuable tool to help manage costs for a client group that can typically manage a bill of $10,000 provided the insurer can stump up the balance. Simply ensure you have selected the excess when quoting health cover.

Read more here: Policy Wordings and Enhancements Information

- Research and policy documents available for AA Life

On a quarterly basis, our research team searches through all our non-adviser and bank insurer websites to assess whether there have been any updated policy documents. In our most recent review, we found that AA Life had updated their life cover policy document in November 2024 and removed the Premium Holiday Benefit.

A rating for their June 2024 document can be found in our Standalone Head to Head.   

Other noteworthy updates:

- Updated research infographics

The following infographics have also been updated:

·         Insurer Pass Back Rules and Policy Terms

Training sessions:

Our team hosts online training sessions on a regular basis and invites you and your colleagues to join us if you’re interested in learning more about our services.  

Our next sessions will be: 

Introduction to Quotemonster – Tuesday, 27 May 2025 9:00 am-10:00 am

In this session, we will demonstrate the basic functions of our website, along with some handy tips and tricks along the way.

Demystifying Advicemonster - Tuesday, 27 May 2025 11:00 am-12:00 pm

In this session, we will demonstrate how to use our needs analysis and statement of advice (SOA) tools.

Business Risk Research and SOAs with Quotemonster – Thursday, 29 May 2025 12:00 pm-12:45 pm

In this session, we will demonstrate how to use our business risk pricing, research, and SOA functionality.

Introduction to Kiwimonster - Monday, 26 May 2025 12:00 pm-12:30 pm

A session on our brand spanking new service – Kiwimonster.

QPR Research Deep Dive - Tuesday, 24 June 2025 10:00 am-11:00 am

A deep-dive session designed for advisers seeking in-depth knowledge across a range of research topics.

If you would like to join any of these sessions, please email your request to info@quotemonster.co.nz

Happy Crunching!

 
Read More
Doreen Dutt Doreen Dutt

Upcoming training sessions

We are hosting online training sessions on all our services and we invite you and your team to join us if you’re interested in learning more about these our features.

We are hosting online training sessions on all our services and we invite you and your team to join us if you’re interested in learning more about these our features.

Our next sessions will be: 

  • Introduction to Quotemonster – Friday, 16 May 2025 10:00 am-11:00 am

In this session, we go over the basics of using Quotemonster and how to make the most of your Researchmonster subscription.

  • Tips and tricks on how to set up your account for new users

  • Overview of available documents and resources

  • How to do a quote from start to the finished report

  • How to see research for banks, direct providers, group medical, and legacy products

  • How to generate and interpret different types of research reports

  • Demystifying Advicemonster - Tuesday, 13 May 2025 9:30 am-10:30 am

In this session, we will demonstrate how to use our needs analysis and statement of advice (SOA) tools.

  • Business Risk Research and SOAs with Quotemonster – Tuesday, 13 May 2025 11:30 am-12:15 pm

In this session, we demonstrate how to use Businessmonster to generate quotes and conduct in-depth research on Business Risk products. It includes a detailed walkthrough of a business client scenario, showcasing the process of completing a Fact Find and Needs Analysis, and producing a tailored, professional Business Statement of Advice. The session will also cover how to customise Businessmonster to align with your business’s specific requirements and workflows.

  • Introduction to Kiwimonster - Monday, 12 May 2025 11:30 am-12:00 pm

In this session, we demonstrate how Kiwimonster helps advisers meet their clients’ KiwiSaver needs using tools to assess risk profiles, compare funds, show retirement projections, and produce client-ready reports. Kiwimonster Research (coming soon) will enhance this process with in-depth fund research, tailored recommendations, and the ability to generate personalised KiwiSaver Statements of Advice—supporting more informed and professional advice delivery.

If you would like to join any of these sessions, please email your request to info@quotemonster.co.nz

Happy Crunching!

 
Read More
Doreen Dutt Doreen Dutt

Website and research upgrades: what you need to know – website version v4.6.8 / QPR v16.5 and v16.6

We’ve released two database updates over the past two weeks in response to recent market changes, here are the changes we’ve recently made on Quotemonster.

We’ve released two database updates over the past two weeks in response to recent market changes, here are the changes we’ve recently made on Quotemonster:   

Researchmonster updates:

- Pricing and research available for Rural Key Person

Rural Key Person is available in our Advicemonster subscription, and the companies currently included in this comparison are:

-        AIA Rural Continuity

-        Asteron Life Farmers Disability

-        Chubb Life Monthly Disability: Revenue Replacement (For Farmers)

-        Fidelity Life Rural Key Person

-        Partners Life Loss of Revenue (For Farmers)

- Pricing and research available for nib Ultimate Life & Living

nib’s Ultimate Life & Living range launched on 2 April 2025 and offers cover for Life, Trauma, TPD, Income Protection and Mortgage Protection benefits. We also include pricing and research for their Early Cancer and Serious Condition Financial Support options, simply select these in your Product and Provider Settings.

- Pricing and research available for Chubb Life Moderate Trauma

Chubb Life’s Moderate Trauma Cover launched on 10 April 2025, it’s an affordable alternative to Trauma Cover and requires a higher level of severity to be met on eleven of the more common conditions to be eligible to claim. To include this product in your price and research comparisons, simply ensure they are selected in your Product and Provider Settings.

Research changes in response to Chubb Life’s trauma product enhancements are reflected in Quotemonster and we are working to update the relevant policy wording to align also. 

- Product changes for Partners Life 

The Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Benefit on monthly disability covers became optional on 15 March 2025.   

Research changes in response to Partners Life’s trauma product enhancements are reflected in Quotemonster and we are working to update the relevant policy wording to align also. 

- Pricing and research available for Booster SmartCover

Booster now offers cover for Life, TPD, and Trauma package.

- Updated wording for AIA Critical Conditions and Progressive Care

AIA enhanced their AIA Living trauma products where the three-month stand down will start from the date of receipt of application by AIA instead of the risk commencement date.

Other noteworthy updates:

- Recent rate changes

-        Southern Cross Wellbeing 1 & 2 effective 1 March 2025

-        nib Ultimate Health and Ultimate Health Max effective 1 April 2025

-        Fidelity Life effective 1 April 2025

-        Chubb Life specific injury effective 10 April 2025

-        Partners Life private medical effective 22 April 2025

- Updated research infographics

The following infographics have also been updated:

-        Personal Product Rating Map

-        Business Product Rating Map

Training sessions:

Our team hosts online training sessions on a regular basis and invites you and your colleagues to join us if you’re interested in learning more about our services.  

Our next sessions will be: 

Introduction to Quotemonster – Monday, 28 April 2025 2:00 pm-3:00 pm

In this session, we will demonstrate the basic functions of our website, along with some handy tips and tricks along the way.

Demystifying Advicemonster - Tuesday, 29 April 2025 9:30 am-10:30 am

In this session, we will demonstrate how to use our needs analysis and statement of advice (SOA) tools.

Business Risk Research and SOAs with Quotemonster – Tuesday, 29 April 2025 11:30 am-12:15 pm

In this session, we will demonstrate how to use our business risk pricing, research, and SOA functionality.

Introduction to Kiwimonster - Wednesday, 30 April 2025 9:30 am-10:00 am

A session on our brand spanking new service – Kiwimonster.

If you would like to join any of these sessions, please email your request to info@quotemonster.co.nz

Happy Crunching!

 
Read More
Doreen Dutt Doreen Dutt

Introducing our new Quotemonster Masterclass

We're excited to announce our brand-new Quotemonster Masterclass series designed specifically for experienced Quotemonster users who want to deepen their understanding of our tools and rating methodologies.

We're excited to announce our brand-new Quotemonster Masterclass series designed specifically for experienced Quotemonster users who want to deepen their understanding of our tools and rating methodologies.

Who Should Attend?

These sessions are ideal for advisers who have been using Quotemonster for a while and have already completed our "Introduction to Quotemonster" session.

Session Details

Date: Thursday, 17 April 2025

Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Location: Online via Microsoft Teams

What You'll Learn:

  • An overview of key research tools

  • Standalone Head-to-Head comparisons

  • Effective use of Checkmonster

  • Managing complicated quote scenarios

  • Deep dive into our rating methodologies

  • A behind-the-scenes look at our database

  • Insights into our rating review process

Don't miss the opportunity to join our inaugural session hosted by Russell Hutchinson!

How to Register:

To secure your spot, please email us at info@quotemonster.co.nz and our team will respond with an invitation link.

We look forward to seeing you there!

 
Read More
Doreen Dutt Doreen Dutt

Monsters in March – Registrations Now Open!

Advisers, don’t miss this must-attend event covering the latest research and tools for insurance and KiwiSaver. With limited seats, secure your spot now!

Advisers, don’t miss this must-attend event covering the latest research and tools for insurance and KiwiSaver. With limited seats, secure your spot now!

We are holding two in Auckland and one in Christchurch, dates and venues with links to register are below.

This event is a must-attend for advisers looking to refine their expertise, embrace new opportunities, and integrate cutting-edge research into their practice.

The events will each have three sessions – one on business insurance, one on personal insurance and one on KiwiSaver. You can choose whether to attend all three sessions or pick one or two.

Session 1: Business Insurance – Unlocking Growth & Overcoming Barriers

Explore the untapped potential of Business Risk Insurance and learn how to navigate this lucrative market. This session provides a deep dive into the New Zealand business landscape, highlighting key statistics on insurance uptake and identifying opportunities for advisers.

Session 2: Personal Insurance – Navigating Market Shifts & Research Innovations

Stay ahead of industry trends and leverage independent research to strengthen your advice process. This session covers critical developments in the personal insurance market and our research tools.

Session 3: KiwiSaver – Strengthening Advice for Better Retirement Outcomes

Enhance your KiwiSaver advice strategy with independent research and expert insights. This session highlights the importance of adviser-led KiwiSaver recommendations and the tools available to support better decision-making.

Benefits of attending this event include:

1.        Explore the latest new research and platform enhancements firsthand

2.        Gain insights from expert speakers and earn valuable CPD credits

3.        Connect with industry professionals through networking and enjoy complimentary catering

4.        Unlock exclusive access to extended free trials

18 March – Remuera Golf Club, Auckland Central

20 March – Addington Raceway, Christchurch

25 March – North Harbour Stadium, North Shore

Please reach out to us if you have any questions, we can’t wait to see you there!

 
Read More