Indexation is a way of keeping the amount of cover relevant to the cost of living. It is linked to the consumer price index (CPI). Most providers give you the opportunity to decline each year.

Yes, your premiums will go up every year. Most insurance policies go up in line with inflation, your age and underlying premium costs, however medical insurance, premiums generally increase at a higher rate due to increasing costs and investments in new technology.

ACC CoverPlus Extra is an optional product that lets self-employed people and non-PAYE shareholder employees negotiate a pre-agreed level of lost earnings compensation. This way you know exactly how much you’ll receive each week if you are injured and can’t work – whether the injury is work-related or not. If you choose ACC CoverPlus Extra, this will replace your standard ACC CoverPlus product.

The key difference is the amount of lost earnings compensation you receive. With ACC CoverPlus Extra you get 100% of the amount you negotiate. Because you have agreed cover, you may begin receiving compensation more quickly. Whichever option you choose, ACC will provide assistance with treatment and rehabilitation costs.

It depends on your situation. Once people leave school, they go on a variety of different paths through life. Some go to university, some go straight into the workforce, and others start their own businesses or a family. There is always a need for insurance at some level, it just depends on what your situation is.

The five big life events that trigger a need for insurance are:

• Getting married
• Starting a family
• Buying a property
• New job or promotion (increase in income)
• Buying a business

If you’ve been through one (or more) of these big five in the last year, then getting insurance is a smart move.

There are several reasons why using an insurance adviser is a better idea compared to the other ways of buying insurance. The three most common other ways are buying insurance online, buying from a major bank or self-insurance. Self-insurance is where you insure yourself. If something happens you use your own assets to protect yourself.

The real value of an adviser comes at claim time. Buying a policy directly from a bank or online means that you may have to go through the claim process yourself, An adviser is on your side and will have your best interests at heart.

Having the correct insurance is important. Having the wrong types of cover or incorrect amount of cover could lead to disastrous consequences. Having the right advice and cover that best suits your situation would be provided and prevents costly mistakes.

Insurance advisers specialise in insurance, have access to a wide range of providers and possess an in-depth understanding of the insurance market. They are able to offer professional and impartial guidance in assessing risk and exposures, as well as recommend the most cost-effective solutions tailored to your needs

When it comes to making a claim, people often attempt to claim for items or situations that are not actually covered by their policy.

Having an adviser can:

• Serve as the primary point of contact, helping to reduce any embarrassment or unnecessary costs.
• Act as your first port of call whenever there is a change in your condition or health, offering guidance on how such changes might affect your insurance.
• Liaise directly with the insurer to confirm whether your claim is eligible.
• Assist in pre-completing forms and advise on which documents or items should be prepared in advance.