Auckland, 3 September 2018 – Small businesses generally don’t enjoy the same built-in resilience that larger ones do, so when trouble strikes it can hit them harder. To help small businesses be more resilient, they need insurance that’s tailored to fit them, not something cut down, pinned up and tucked in like a hand-me-down suit.
Following a successful pilot, AA Insurance is today introducing AA Small Business Insurance. It’s an insurance product purchased online and aimed at small businesses across 11 different types of industry - from builders, mechanics and lawnmowers, to musicians, designers and hairdressers.
“During our research, small business customers told us they didn’t need all the bells and whistles that bigger businesses do; they needed a customised approach,” says Simon Hobbs, Head of Claims and AA Small Business Insurance, AA Insurance. “With limited time to juggle actual work with paperwork, they also couldn’t afford to be bogged down with complicated products and processes.”
Customers deal with AA Insurance directly, rather than through an intermediary, to get the insurance they need for their specific circumstances by combining a range of products, or modules, with customised levels of cover.
Modules include cover for commercial vehicles, public, statutory and employer’s liability, portable contents, material damage, stock deterioration, equipment breakdown, and business interruption.
“Not all modules will apply to each business, so customers have the flexibility to pick and choose the insurance cover that fits their unique concerns – after all, no one wants to pay for things they don’t need,” says Simon.
“Research shows that small businesses drive our economy, making up an estimated 97 per cent of all Kiwi companies – from the self-employed to single-ownership structures with up to 19 employees,” says Simon.
“Yet despite business owners recognising the need for it, insurance for this market is often described as an ill-fitting suit which is tailored for larger commercial operations. One-size doesn’t fit all businesses.”
That’s why it was important for AA Small Business Insurance to provide a customer-focused, online quote and buy solution for time-poor business owners, supported by information about different insurance options, and clarity about what is and isn’t included. Inside AA Insurance, a dedicated Small Business team was created to make sure small business owners are speaking with the experts in this area.
“Kiwis who strike out on their own often face risks and responsibilities they may not even be aware of until it’s too late,” continues Simon. “We’re here to give them peace of mind with insurance that’s tailored specifially for them, so they can get on with taking care of their business.”
Industries AA Small Business Insurance covers:
Administration and Business Support
Advice and Consultancy
Construction Trades
Design and Technical
Education, Arts and Recreation
Hospitality, Food and Drink
Media and Information
Repair, Maintenance and Cleaning
Retail
Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
Wellness, Health and Beauty
1. Statistics New Zealand Business Demography, Feb 2016.
About AA Insurance
AA Insurance is an independently operated, New Zealand-based joint venture between the New Zealand Automobile Association Limited (NZAA) and Vero Insurance New Zealand Limited (VINZL). Since 1994 we have demonstrated trusted expertise in home, contents and car insurance in New Zealand, and in 2018 introduced commercial small business insurance. We underwrite our own policies and sell direct to New Zealanders. Our 1000+ employees look after 500,000+ customers with more than 1,000,000 policies.
We proudly partner with Variety New Zealand – the Children’s Charity (as the lead partner of its Beds for Kids programme), Student Volunteer Army and support grassroot school sports via our Big Little Sponsorship sports grant in partnership with Eden Park. We are consistently recognised in industry awards and honours, including being voted the Reader’s Digest Most Trusted General Insurer for 13 years running, named Canstar’s 2023 Home and Contents Insurer of the Year and Outstanding Value Award winner, and currently ranked 7th amongst 100 of New Zealand’s most successful companies in the Kantar Corporate Reputation Index (since 2015).
Find out more at www.aainsurance.co.nz
For more information please contact:
AA Insurance Media Team
mediacontact@aainsurance.co.nz
