Cory Bennett - Insurance advisor, 359 Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Penrose (2026)

16/09/2025

As a financial adviser, I often get asked: “Who’s the ideal client for insurance?”

The honest answer? Everyone (nearly).

Everyone has risks in their life, and those risks vary from person to person.

For a young professional, it might be ensuring they have income protection so bills are paid if they can’t work due to illness or injury. For a family, it’s about securing the mortgage and the children’s future in case something unexpected happens. For someone later in life, it may focus on protecting their wealth and ensuring their loved ones aren’t left with financial burdens.

Insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. It revolves around identifying the risks that matter to you and creating a plan to prevent those risks from disrupting your life or your loved ones’ future.

So when people ask who the “perfect” insurance client is, my answer is straightforward: it’s anyone who values peace of mind and wants to protect what matters most to them.

15/09/2025

Do I Have Insurance?

This is a question I often hear as a financial adviser. “Do you actually have insurance yourself?”

The answer is absolutely, and here’s why.

First, I have insurance for myself. Over the years, I’ve worked hard to build a lifestyle I’m proud of. Like many Kiwis, I’ve put in countless hours, made sacrifices, and taken steps to create something worth protecting. If I were to get sick, suffer an injury, or face a situation that stops me from working, I don’t want all that progress to slip away. Insurance allows me to focus on recovery instead of worrying about keeping up with the mortgage or daily expenses. It gives me the confidence that what I’ve built won’t just disappear due to life’s challenges.

But I also have insurance for my family. For me, this is probably the most important reason. If the worst were to happen, whether it’s a serious illness, permanent disability, or even death, I don’t want my family to face the financial burdens along with the emotional ones. I don’t want them to struggle to make ends meet, worry about paying bills, or lose the stability we’ve worked so hard to create. Insurance ensures they are taken care of, no matter what.

To me, insurance isn’t just about numbers on a policy; it’s about peace of mind. It’s knowing that I can continue living the way I want while also protecting the people I love most.

So yes, I have insurance. For myself. For them. For our future.

11/09/2025

You Don’t Need Insurance… Until You Do
I’ve had countless conversations with Kiwis who say: - “I’ll sort my insurance later.” - “I’m healthy, I don’t need it right now.” - “It feels like just another expense.”

Here’s the reality: Many people would pay anything in their final days to protect the ones they love. 
But by then, it’s too late.

Insurance is one of those things you don’t need…until you need it. 
And at that moment, you either have it in place, or you don’t.

Why Plan Ahead?
- It’s more affordable when you’re younger and healthier
- It gives your family certainty, not stress, if life throws a curveball
- It turns “I wish I had” into “I’m glad I did” 
Insurance isn’t about fear.

It’s about love, responsibility, and making sure your intentions become reality - no matter what happens.

09/09/2025

Recently, a client emailed to say they had received a cheaper deal from the bank and they decided to go ahead with them.

I’ll be honest; these situations sting. It’s not just about losing a client. It shows me I didn’t adequately explain the difference between working with a bank and working with an adviser.

Here’s what many people don’t realise:

It’s rarely a fair comparison. Cheaper coverage often means fewer benefits, exclusions, or weaker definitions that only become apparent during a claim.
It’s also highly unlikely they are comparing the same levels of cover as I had completed a full financial analysis of them so my guess is they have suggested less cover.

There’s no ongoing support. With a bank, your policy just sits idle. With an adviser, it gets reviewed as your life changes.

Support during a claim. An 0800 number can’t match having someone advocate for you and your family when you need it most.

So yes, the bank’s offer may seem cheaper (even if it’s not a fair comparison), but in the long run, it could end up costing much more when it truly matters.

In the end, I can’t win everyone over. Some people need to learn through experience. But it’s a good reminder that my job isn’t just about setting up insurance; it’s ensuring clients understand the real value of advice and support.

29/07/2025

At its core, insurance is just a contract.

Tick the right boxes, meet the conditions and the contract reacts.

Just like your employment contract. You turn up, do your job, you get paid. You don’t? You probably won’t.

Insurance works the same.

If you meet your end, the insurer meets theirs.

Yet somehow, it’s become this mysterious, overly complex thing.

And sure, there are times people get frustrated if a claim doesn’t pay out – but 9 times out of 10, it’s not because someone behind the scenes is trying to be difficult.

Believe it or not, the people working in insurance genuinely care. Most of them got into this industry because they wanted to help people through the worst times in their lives.

So instead of seeing insurers as the enemy – see them for what they are:
A group of people backing a contract you signed to protect your future.

Let’s bring it back to basics.

Understand your contract, know your responsibilities and trust that good cover will do what it’s supposed to do.

17/03/2025

Two financial advisory owners came to us with a thriving, growing business—one they’d poured years of hard work into. But like any good advisers, they knew that success isn’t just about growth; it’s about protection too.

Their biggest concern? What happens if one of them is suddenly out of action? Whether due to illness, injury, or worse, they wanted to ensure their families were looked after and their business stayed strong.

Through business valuations, financial forecasting, and a deep dive into their roles, we structured a comprehensive ownership buyout cover that not only protects them in the event of permanent loss but also some short term events, while also providing them Key Person Cover that provides cashflow for the business in short-term disruptions. This means:
✔️ The business can continue operating seamlessly if either owner is unable to work.
✔️ Families won’t be financially burdened in case of an unexpected serious event.
✔️ Their legacy and hard work will remain protected, no matter what.

Business protection isn’t just for large corporations—it’s for any business that values continuity, security, and peace of mind. If you haven’t reviewed your own business risk strategy, now is the time. Let’s chat.

13/03/2025

Lately, I’ve noticed more people looking at my hand. 🤚
Fair enough—it’s not every day you see a tattooed hand in business. But should that really matter? Some of the most genuine, hardworking, and kind people I’ve ever met are covered in ink. I think it’s time we stop looking down on it.

This tattoo isn’t just art. It’s my family. It’s on my right hand—the one I use for everything, but most importantly, for shaking hands, so your not just introduced, or locking in a deal with me, but my family too.

The daisy represents my mother—her joy, warmth, and the light she brings to everyone.

The rose is for my dad—a nod to his English roots and the way he’s always stood strong as our protector.

The falling petal is for my sister, who passed away far too early. A reminder that she’s always with me.

So before judging someone for their tattoos, ask about the story behind them. You might just go from thinking, “That was a dumb idea,” to “Wow, that’s powerful.”

19/12/2024

I was lucky enough to attend AIA‘s “What Happens on Tour” event, and wow! From stepping onto the team bus and riding into the heart of Eden Park, to walking out onto the field where legends have played, and finally enjoying a delicious three-course meal in the All Blacks’ changing room – it was amazing 🏉✨

Hearing stories from some true legends of the game while sitting in such an iconic space was the icing on the cake.

What made it even better was sharing the experience with Kirsten, some great mates, and a room full of incredible people who are doing amazing things for this industry. Events like these are not just memorable but inspiring, offering a unique chance to connect with the best in the business and share insights that push us all forward.

A huge thank you to AIA for making it happen – it’s always a privilege to be part of something like this. 🙏

05/05/2023

Content just falls into my lap these days in this industry and I don’t think we should hold any punches 👊 💥
It’s no wonder New Zealanders are confused with the Life Insurance industry … the picture says “compare the top options”…. Ever wonder why they are cheaper?…. 💭
As a quick example Pinnacle Life Trauma cover vs Partners Life Trauma cover is FAR inferior. It’s not a “top option” - if anything it’s a watered down option. Explain how one insurer has 30 more conditions/benefits than the other. Yes that’s right 30! 😮
- Paralysis
- Bowel disease
- HIV
- Cardiac arrest
Just to name a few
I would say the one with 30 less isn’t in the same ballpark. Sure it’s an option - but a top one?… not even close!
Don’t be fooled by the Facebook or Instagram ads for these companies - there’s a reason they are pushing them. Come talk to someone that can give you conflict free advice on how to best protect yourself by insurers with the best coverage 🎉
0211119277
[email protected]

01/05/2023

Do you want a month or two of free premiums on your new cover? Not mentioning any names (rhymes with Shmayeeeyeayyeee or Shuuub), but there are insurers out there that provide an initial incentive to putting cover in place. One or two months of free premiums can go a long way in the current environment. If you want to see how this could apply for you reach out!
0211119277
[email protected]

16/03/2023

Adviser 👨‍💼> Bank 🏦
I have just had a really unfortunate situation with a client that only highlights further the need to use a qualified adviser. My client had been approached by a bank to apply for insurance cover and was provided a quote for all the bells and whistles which is a great first step! The unfortunate reality is the bank clearly did not ask any pre-underwriting questions before providing them with this quote 📑
Following an initial meeting with the client where I got to know their financial and personal situation, I made a quick 5 minute phone call to a trusted underwriter at the biggest Life and Disability insurer in New Zealand… and unfortunately… based on the information provided, the only cover “potentially” available is Life cover (and with a large loading) 🥲
It is disheartening to think your everyday kiwi will see a quote and think everything is possible, take time out of their day to complete applications, satisfy all underwriting requirements to finally be told that quote put in front of you is not possible*💔 It is unfortunate that I had to break this news to the client, as you can imagine it would come as a shock and can even lead to some embarrassment. But these are the things good advisers do when putting their clients first and managing expectations.
This is just another real life example of the need and importance of a good adviser.
*Obviously full underwriting is required to determine the complete outcome for all clients - this is simply an ongoing example 👩‍🎓

14/03/2023

Free 30 second insurance adviser audit! If you placed your Life and Disability covers through an adviser, ask yourself a few of these questions to see whether they are doing their job: ⁉️
- Have you heard from your adviser in the last 1-2 years around reviewing your covers? 📓
- Do you know how your adviser is remunerated (salary, commission, both)? 💰
- Do you know the initial income generated by you arranging your policy through your adviser? 💴
- Do you know what they earn ongoing from your policy being in place? 💵
- Did they reach out recently following the Cyclone and floods and make you aware of premium relief that may be available? 🌀
- Are your covers strange numbers such as $88,960 rather than flat easy numbers like $200,000? 📊
- Do you understand what you currently have and why? 🤷‍♂️
- Did you feel educated to make an informed decision rather than being told what you have to have? 👩‍🎓

If you answered no to any of the above, it’s time for a review. Reach out for a no obligation, conflict free review of your current covers.
Best case scenario, you’ve had a second pair of eyes look at your risk and agree you are well protected, or worst case you are in need of some adjustments that I am happy to help with! 👀
And for the record - My clients would answer yes to all of the above 😉

[email protected]
021 111 9277

Cory Bennett - Insurance advisor

16/09/2025

15/09/2025

11/09/2025

09/09/2025

29/07/2025

17/03/2025

13/03/2025

19/12/2024

05/05/2023

01/05/2023

16/03/2023

14/03/2023

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