Affinity Insurance News

1st Fleet Shut Down

Thu, 03 May 2012 02:13:00 GMT

Administrators of the National Logistics Giant 1st Fleet have shut down operations of the company at 11:55pm on Wednesday after directors were unable to meet pre-arranged funding commitments.

The Transport Workers Union have suggested that the ever ongoing price war between Coles and Woolworths is responsible for squeezing margins on Transport Companies.

More information on this devestating news can be read here:

7 News

Transport Workers Union

Business Insurance for Pet Shops

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Have you insured your Animals and Livestock?

When a pet shop takes business insurance, they are often asked the question, do you wish to insure your stock? What most Pet Shop Owners dont know is that the definition of stock in many cases does not mean Animals or Livestock....

The following examples are very typical of an exclusion in the policy wording of a standard Business Insurance Policy:

"What we exclude: Loss of or damage to Livestock, Animals, Birds, Fish, Plants, Landscaping or Growing Crops"; or

"We will not cover loss or damage to (ii) Live Animals, Birds or Fish, or any other living Creature "

There are some policies, like the Business Insurance Package from Lumley General Insurance which adds and Inclusion to the end of the exclusion, "except ... or Stocks of a pet shop" which is great if you are a pet shop with Lumley... but what if you are not with Lumley... or maybe you are not a pet shop but have fish or animals in the shop?

This type of exclusion applies to any business that holds stock of Live Animals or animals that are on display. Regardless of whether you are a Dentist with a display tank for the benefit of your customers, or an exotic chinese restaurant with stock of Live Crabs, Lobsters and Crayfish. Unless you add this cover back in by endorsement, it may be excluded in the policy wording.

What if this was your Pet Shop... would you be confident that your insurance would respond?

Pet Shop Fire at Dural NSW

If you dont know, are confused, or would like an obligation free review, call us on 1300 429 707 or use the 'green quick call back' form to arrange for us to call you back.

Farmers Boycott Coles and Wesfarmers Group

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 05:50:00 GMT

The WA Farmers Federation (WAFarmers) has called for it's members to boycott Coles and all it's subsidairies over the $1 /litre milk pricing in Coles Supermarkets which has allegedly cost the WA Dairy Industry $25,000,000 in the past 25 months.

One of these subsidairies called for boycott is Wesfarmers Insurance who primarily insure farms and rural properties; but where else could these farmers look to obtain their insurance?

As a broker, we have access to a broad range of Rural Insurers including CGU, Allianz, QBE, and Insure That to name a few. So if you are one of those farmers and want to look at an alternative insurer, simply fill in the quick call back box on our home page or Contact Us and we will call you back within 1 business day. We can service farmers accross the country, no matter where you are, or what you do.

The original article can be read here: Insurance News

NSW Workers Compensation premiums set to increase by up to 5x

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 23:20:00 GMT

The current workers compensation scheme in NSW is in deficiet by $4 billion. This has left the NSW Government with a difficult task of recovering that debt and returning the facility to a surplus and making a choice on how to do so.

Reforming the Workers Compensation Scheme through consultation with Employers and Employee bodies will take time, and whilst reforms may stand a chance of retaining current premiums it is sure to be met with fierce opposition by the NSW Unions.

On the otherhand, keeping the scheme the same and trying to dig it's way out will mean an increase of premiums by 400% to 500% of the existing rates which is surely bad news for employers, particularly those in already high rated categories like the construction industry.

One thing both sides can agree on is that the NSW Premier, Barry O'Farrell has a difficult decision to make.

New Truck Guidelines

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 23:43:00 GMT

Guidelines to crack down on speeding trucks could be introduced in NSW within months to combat drivers who tamper with their speed limiters.

To find out more just follow the link below:

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8431771

Australian Catastrophe Figures for 2011

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:32:00 GMT

The Insurance Council of Australia have released updated details of the total number and value of claims for catastrophes during 2011. Excluding the Melbourne Christmas Day Storms, they are as follows:

Queensland Floods 58,463 claims $2.4Billion

Cyclone Yasi 72,203 Claims $1.33Billion

Perth Bushfires 410 Claims $35 Million

Victorian Floods 7,952 Claims $122 Million

Victorian Severe Storms 49,396 Claims $412.3 Million

Margaret River Bushfires 392 Claims $52.3 Million

This represents 188,816 claims for natural disasters in 2011 totalling more than $4.35 Billion AUD. The insurance industry has been vital to these communities in helping them recover after these disasters.

The ICA report can be viewed here:

Insurance Council of Australia

Trans Pacific Free Trade Agreement

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:24:00 GMT

The APEC summit in Hawaii has renewed talks of a possible Trans-Pacific Free Trade Agreement. With the 21 APEC members totaling 40% more GDP than the Eurozone, there are plenty of reasons why the member economies want to see the agreefment reached.

Our PM, Julia Gillard beleives that by participating in the Free Trade Agreement, we will be able to create more jobs in Manufacturing and Agribusiness in Australia. But is it really that simple; just sign the agreement and the exports will start flowing?

Dean Logan of SME Australia says that: “Before we see the Pacific Trade Agreement as a potential win for the Australian economy, we need to take a serious look at internal policies that have failed over the past 20 years to effectively invest into skills and innovation – the very skills and innovation that support a vibrant manufacturing sector, that if done right, can take full advantage of a trade agreement of this nature. There is still a lot of work to be done in Australia. The first place to start is the Germans, who instead of relying on extractive industries to support their economy, invested first and foremost in their children. ”

With Japan, Canada, China, America and Australia all strongly supporting their farming sectors and claiming to be a part of the agreement means more jobs and more exports; there is one guanrantee and that is the agreement will bring competition.

If the agreement is ever reached, It will be more important than ever before for Australian Small Business Owners to be a part of an Association or Political Group to gain access to international contacts and trade agreements that they may not have the opprtunity to participate in without; such as SME Australia

If you are a Manufacturer or Farmer in Australia and rely on Exports overseas, now may be a really good time to review your insurance programme by dealing with an Insurance Broker that understands your industry; call Affinity Insurance Services on 1300 429 707.

Are you Prepared for the Bushire Season?

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Now is the time to prepare for the upcoming bushfire season. Have you insured your Livestock, your fencing or your Home? Don't leave it until it is too late, call one of our professional brokers today on1300 429 707.

The 2011/2012 bushfire season is predicted to be a fierce season due to the recent wet winter creating a lot of grass and undergrowth. The NSW Rural Fire Service are currently campaigning to raise awareness that now is the time to Prepare.

Your Bushfire Survival Guide can be downloaded below or from www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.

Chemical Fire in Canberra

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 06:34:00 GMT

A factory fire overnight has caused alarm in Mitchell ACT over potential hazardous gas or chemical leaks. There was a spectacular fire with plumes of smoke and explosions as the fire blazed out of control last.

http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/huge-chemical-blaze-in-canberra/xj36qpr

http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/firefighters-continue-to-fight-chemical-blaze/x8mwss5

A fire like this highlights the importance of Insurance for Manufacturing Businesses. Aside from the Physical Damage that the fire creates and has the potential to create in neighbouring properties, there are often losses that are not thought of immediately; from the cost of restricted access to neighbouring businesses, temporary accomodation for evactuated residents, ongoing wages for staff whilst the factory is rebuilt, Pollution (fire foam and contaminants) cleanup, to the very real possibility of fines or penalties from government departments.

It is important that every manufacturer have the right insurance in place for their business; dont get burnt, call one of our brokers on 1300 429 707 to review your insurance programme.

Cafes and Restaurants may no longer need two Menus

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 03:48:00 GMT

Small Business Minister Nick Sherry has announced that the Federal Government is looking to amend legislation requiring Restaurants and Cafes to display a second menu. If the States and Territories agree to the proposed changes it will reduce the red tape of compliance for many small businesses in the hospitality sector.

There is an excellent article by Patrick Stafford on this topic which can be viewed here;

Liability Insurance for Tradies with 1 Month FREE Insurance?

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:39:00 GMT

In partnership with Calliden Insurance Limited, Affinity Insurance Services Pty Ltd is able to offer 12 months insurance at the price of 11 months to it's selected tradesman customers who take Calliden Trades Insurance through one of our offices between the 1st September 2011 and the 30th November 2011.

This can include Public Liability Insurance for Tradies, Tools and Equipment Insurance for Tradies and Insurance on your Workshop for those who are not home based or a mobile service.

This offer is only available to the following Tradies:

Bricklayer
Built in Wardrobe and Shower Screen Installation Contractor
Carpenter (but not a licensed builder)
Carpet and Tile Layers
Internal Ceiling Contractor
Cement Renderer
Concrete Contractor (No Formwork, Roads or Public Footpaths)
Electrician (Excluding QLD)
Fencing Contractor (Excluding Pool Fencing)
Flooring Contractors
Ground Level Formworkers
Gardeners and Landscapers
Lawn Mowing Services
Locksmiths
Painters (No Auto or marine)
Paving Contractors (No Roads or Public Paths)
Plasterer or Gyprocker
Plumber and Gasfitters (Excluding VIC)

To make the most of this offer, call your local office on 1300 429 707 today!

The offer only applies to policies issued between the 1st September 2011 and the 30th November 2011 with Calliden Insurance Limited for accepted customers. Clients who do not meet the insurability criteria of Calliden Insurance Limited may not be accepted for this offer. Quotations received during this time that are not accepted before the offer expires on the 30th November will not be valid after the 30th Nov 2011. This offer is made without taking into consideration your personal needs and objectives and is considered General Advice. The Product Disclosure Statement is available in the Construction Industry page Downloads Section.

Joanne Jones (Ex CGU Nowra) joins Affinity Insurance Services Pty Ltd

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 04:21:00 GMT

Joanne Jones joined Affinity Insurance Services Pty Ltd in the Kiama office on Monday 29th August 2011. Joanne brings to the team at the Kiama office a great deal of experience. Formally the Branch Manager of CGU Insurance Nowra, Joanne has 10 years experience in General Insurance. Joanne can be contacted on 02 4233 2879.

Bega Cheese Limited Handbook Released

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:43:00 GMT

The Bega Cheese Limited Co-operative have released their new supplier handbook. The insurance requirements have changed this year and are as follows:

Insurance Cover

The Company encourages all suppliers to hold suitable insurance to cover the liability created from any potential milk quality or milk safety issues arising from their milk. We strongly advise you to obtain advice from an insurance broker to ensure the appropriate insurance policies and levels of cover are obtained.

At Affinity Insurance Services we have a Milk Contamination Liability solution available to farmers who supply to the Bega Cheese Co-operative. For more information contact our Bega office manager Shannon Young on 02 6492 1921.

Affinity Vermont Office is to be managed by MGA Insurance Brokers

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:03:00 GMT

The Vermont office of Affinity Insurance Services Pty Ltd will be managed by MGA Insurance Brokers effective from the 1st September 2011. MGA Insurance Brokers are a Family Owned Business with a focus on strengthening their position in the Victorian Market.

Ben Everett will remain with MGA Insurance Brokers and continue to provide exceptional service to the existing customers. Ben will be joined by Garreth Morgan and Dennis Morgan of MGA to provide extra support and services in the office. The new direct phone number after the 1st September will be 03 9739 9466.

John Deere - Reducing theft of Agricultural Equipment

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:54:00 GMT

John Deere have deployed a new technology allowing owners of new 2011 John Deere Tractors to monitor their equipment. If someone takes the equipment beyond a pre-defined barrier, the tractor calls the owner to tell them it is no longer on their property. This is a fantastic technology, to find your nearest John Deere Dealer click here

For more information on the JD Link technology, watch this video.

JD Link