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:

• 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!

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: 

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!

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.

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!

Quality Product Research: Research Advisory Board – Northern

Last month we held our first Research Advisory Board meeting of the year with our Northern Representatives and as usual returned to Quotemonster HQ with lots of valuable feedback. 

Board members: Allan Gillbanks (Owner, Director of The Quantum Group) and Katrina Church (Director, Head of Client Engagement of Insurance People)

Independent Chair: Tony Dench

Insurer Observers: Laura Fitzpatrick (Asteron Life)

Research Team: Russell Hutchinson, Doreen Dutt, Sara Alani and Kim Oliver

The research advisory board reviewed the following topics:

• Interim Cover: based on discussions, QPR will look to create some educational material on interim cover.

• The Addition of Legacy Research to our Standard Quote Flow: for improved clarity, we’ll review renaming ‘Legacy products’ to ‘Closed products’ and look to include a workflow to help advisers handle legacy products.

• Specific injury add-on compared to built-in for IP: we will review the value of Specific Injury as a built-in item vs a standalone item.

• Finalised Rating for Rural Key Person: we announced the launch of rural key person cover ratings for five providers - AIA, Asteron Life, Fidelity Life, Chubb Life, and Partners Life. Based on discussions, we will review the rating differences for some specific features. We’ll also gather feedback on the weighting for home modifications and vocational rehabilitation to ensure the ratings accurately reflects their value.

• The Proposed rating of disclosure: this is all about how easy it is to find policy documents on insurers’ websites and for customers to access all required documentation easily. We plan to review and rate this feature across all products in future.

• The Proposed rating of Waiver of Premium: members liked the idea of splitting up the different types of premium waivers and having them as separate items (injury {traditional WOP}, parental leave, unemployment, and redundancy being the main 4 categories). Our research team will look to implement these changes in our database in the next few months.

• Quote Functionality - Error Message / Exact Match vs Near Match: we’re looking into whether we’ll be able to implement near matches (rather than just exact matches) for products that are similar but not the same.

As always, the feedback from our Research Advisory Board meetings has been very valuable to our Research team and allows us to strengthen our research ratings by getting more insight into the adviser perspective. We look forward to meeting with our Central and Southern Advisory Boards later in the year.

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:   

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!

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.

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!

nib to roll out life insurance offering next month

nib’s new Ultimate Life and Living products, which include life, trauma, TPD, income protection and mortgage protection will be available from next month. nib are currently running roadshows outlining its new products, but pricing will not be released until closer to the policies being in the market. QPR has rated the products, and they have come out favourably.

New customers buying bundled health insurance and Ultimate Life and Living policies will qualify for a 10% premium discount, while current members can qualify for multi-cover discounts ranging from 10% – 15%.

More news:

Fidelity Life increasing the underlying premium rates from 1 April

Partners Life’s QFA Phase 2 upgrade is now live

Financial Advice NZ Community of Practice: Central District 25 February

Willis Towers Watson will carry out the first independent investment review of ACC

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!

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!

Website and research upgrades: what you need to know – website version v4.6.6 / QPR v16.4

Our team have made some monstrously good updates to Quotemonster recently. If you’ve noticed we’re running a bit slower than usual, please refresh your page and scroll down to ensure that you’re on our latest version – QUOTE ENGINE V.3.0 B1 | QPR V.16.4 | WEB V4.6.6.   

Researchmonster updates:

- Pricing and research available for SBS Home Loan Repayment Cover  

SBS Insurance launched a new mortgage protection product on 1 February 2025.
To include the company in your price and research comparisons, simply ensure they are selected in your Product and Provider Settings.

- Upgrade to Multi Trauma Functionality 

We have made an update to how Fidelity’s Multi Trauma product is quoted, and this is a direct result of adviser feedback. When Instant Trauma Buyback is selected, Fidelity Life’s Multi Trauma product will now automatically be quoted in your comparison, alongside the following products:

Asteron Life and Chubb Life’s Continuous Trauma, and Partners Life Immediate Buyback.   

- Minor review of the following items:

Trauma - minor sub-item review for Inflation Adjusted Benefit (personal) and Life Cover Buyback (personal & business)

TPD - minor sub-item review for Counselling & Support (personal & business)

Income and Mortgage Protection - sub-item review for Reduction in Wait Period (personal)

Other noteworthy updates:

- Updated terms and conditions pop-up

We’ve updated our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy to keep things fresh, legal, and slightly more interesting than watching paint dry.

What's changed? Some boring but important updates about Kiwimonster, data protection and slick new tools like API’s—because the future is coming, and our policies need to keep up!

Before you start crunching, please read our new terms and click Agree and Continue. Once accepted, you won’t see the pop-up again. However, if you’re in front of a client we will allow you to skip once, but you’ll need to agree the next time around or you will no longer be able to login.

This will appear on all logins including PA logins the next time each user tries to log in.

- Recent rate changes

- nib Ultimate Health and Ultimate Health Max effective 1 February

- Chubb Life & Living rates have been added into our Estimates section

- Kiwimonster is live

Our free KiwiSaver comparison tool, Kiwimonster is now live. We have collaborated with Morningstar and Investment News New Zealand to help deliver fund and fee comparisons to help elevate your KiwiSaver advice process. Research is coming soon…

If you’re an existing user, all you need to do is log in to your Quotemonster account and click on the Kiwimonster logo on the top left.

If you’re a new user, please head over to www.kiwimonster.co.nz and click the orange sign up button on the top right to have access to this new feature.

Join now with a free trial and you can also check out the research and advice services available with a subscription.

- Updated research infographics

Research on previous policy document versions (if applicable) can be found in our Standalone Head to Head.

The following infographics have also been updated:

·        Personal Product Rating Map

·        Standalone Head to Head Product 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 – Tuesday, 18 February 2025 9:30 am-10:30 am

In this session Kelly Pulham, our National Partnerships Lead, will demonstrate the basic functions of our website, along with some handy tips and tricks along the way.

Demystifying Advicemonster - Tuesday, 18 February 2025 11:00 am-12:00 pm

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

Business Risk Research and SOAs with Quotemonster – Wednesday, 19 February 2025 10:30 am-11:15 am

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

Introduction to Kiwimonster - Monday, 24 February 2025 11:30 am-11:50 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!

Introduction to Kiwimonster on Wednesday, 29 January

Kiwimonster free service now available to Quotemonster users.

Check out free KiwiSaver scheme and fund data comparisons at  www.kiwimonster.co.nz - if you already have a quotemonster login then you can get immediate access. Explore the free comparison tools and let us know how to keep improving the reporting. Soon KiwiSaver research will be available bringing comparisons in categories such as service, support, and facilities research to financial advisers to support your advice process.

If you’re interested in learning more about Kiwimonster, we have an in-dept training session scheduled on Wednesday, 29 January 2025 12:00 pm-12:20 pm, please email us on info@quotemonster.co.nz if you are interested in joining us.

We look forward to seeing you there!