Making a Crop Insurance Claim
CropInsurance.co.nz is a referral service, not an insurer or broker. We connect growers with licensed insurance advisers. For claims, contact your insurer or broker directly.
Step-by-Step Claims Guide
Contact Your Broker or Insurer Immediately
Notify your broker or insurer as soon as you identify crop damage. Most policies require notification within 24–48 hours of the event. Do not delay — late notification can affect your claim.
Document All Damage
Before touching or harvesting damaged crops, photograph everything thoroughly (close-up and wide-angle). Record the date, time, estimated area affected, and any weather bureau reports or news coverage of the event.
Do Not Harvest Without Permission
Insurers must have the opportunity to inspect damage before you harvest or remediate. Harvesting damaged crops without insurer approval can jeopardise your claim.
Loss Adjuster Assessment
An independent loss adjuster will be appointed to assess your claim. They will physically inspect the affected crop, review your production records, and assess the loss against your policy terms.
Settlement Offer
Once assessment is complete, the insurer will provide a settlement offer. Review it carefully — if you believe it is inaccurate, you have the right to dispute it and request an independent review.
Appeal if Needed
If you disagree with the settlement, refer first to the insurer's formal complaints process. If unresolved, escalate to FSCL or IFSO (details below). Your broker should support you throughout.
Insurer Claims Contacts
| Insurer | Claims Contact | Website |
|---|---|---|
| FMG – Farmers Mutual Group | 0800 366 436 | fmg.co.nz ↗ |
| AJG / Arthur J. Gallagher NZ | 0800 425 524 | ajg.co.nz ↗ |
| Aon New Zealand | 0800 266 276 | aon.co.nz ↗ |
| Farmcover NZ | Via broker | farmcover.co.nz ↗ |
| Howden Group NZ | Via broker | howdengroup.com/nz ↗ |
Complaints Process (ICNZ Fair Code)
Our partner advisers follow the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) Fair Insurance Code. Under this code:
- Your insurer must acknowledge your complaint within 5 business days
- Your insurer must respond substantively within 10 business days
Escalation options:
- • FSCL (Financial Services Complaints Ltd): 0800 347 257
- • IFSO (Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman): 0800 888 202
- • Service complaints about CropInsurance.co.nz: hello@cover4you.co.nz
Support for Vulnerable Customers
If you are experiencing financial hardship following a crop loss or need additional support, the following free services are available:
- • MoneyTalks (free financial advice): 0800 345 123
- • Lifeline (crisis support): 0800 543 354
- • Rural Support Trust: 0800 787 254