Cyber Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Levies on Fire Services: New Approaches Could Impact Commercial Property Costs

Levies on Fire Services: New Approaches Could Impact Commercial Property Costs

Levies on Fire Services: New Approaches Could Impact Commercial Property Costs?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Upcoming modifications to New Zealand's emergency services funding methodology might result in notable levy increases for commercial real estate owners, consequently hiking non-insurance risks, according to industry experts.

According to projections by the Insurance Brokers Association of New Zealand (IBANZ), total levies across commercial properties could see a dramatic rise, potentially doubling under the current consultation proposals.

"Our members are already observing clients either cancel coverage or decrease their coverage level as they attempt to navigate prolonged high inflation and higher insurance premiums," says Mel Gorham, CEO of IBANZ.

"This new approach will likely make premiums less affordable, leading to more instances of underinsurance or decisions to forego insurance altogether," she further added.

The revised framework for the Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) levy is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026, but critical decisions regarding its collection methodology are required by December 2023 to give the insurance sector ample time to implement the changes.

The suggested revision includes switching the calculation base for the levy from the current indemnity value method to the sum insured typically used in insurance policies. Presently, the current levy for commercial building insurance is calculated based on indemnity value.

Gorham points out that for older or poorly maintained buildings, the indemnity value can sometimes be as low as 25% of the sum insured, and the proposed model hasn’t thoroughly considered the full impact of this shift.

"We have been highlighting the potential affordability issues if the disparity between sum insured and indemnity value isn't taken into account," she mentioned to insuranceNEWS.com.au.

IBANZ has raised alarms that building value increases could lead to levy spikes by up to 400% by the time the changes are fully implemented in July 2026 if properties are to stay adequately insured.

The consultation document notes that the non-residential property rate would decrease marginally to NZ11.51 cents per $NZ100 insured from NZ11.95 cents. However, Gorham maintains that this reduction falls short of mitigating the comprehensive impacts, which also include expanding the levy to currently exempt assets where FENZ services are less likely to be utilized.

  • Aircraft
  • Marine vessels docked at wharves or marinas, or tethered at sea
  • Crops and livestock situated far from fire stations
  • Water tanks and retaining walls typically not susceptible to fire damage

It's worth noting that several New Zealand airports maintain their own crash firefighting capabilities funded through landing fees. Levy application to search and rescue helicopters could also increase their insurance costs.

"Search and rescue helicopters often support FENZ with firefighting operations, so the levy might ultimately be passed back to FENZ through the fees charged for their services," IBANZ indicates.

FENZ stated that it will compile the feedback received to aid the Minister of Internal Affairs in making informed recommendations. The consultation paper’s submission period concluded last week.

Published:Monday, 27th May 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Rate this article

Sign in with Google to rate

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

Why Climate Risk Is Back on the Truck Insurance Agenda
Why Climate Risk Is Back on the Truck Insurance Agenda
13 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
A fresh round of insurance industry warnings about climate exposure is a timely reminder for Australian truck operators that weather risk is no longer a background issue. Floods, bushfires, severe storms and prolonged road closures can affect far more than a single damaged vehicle. For owner-drivers and fleet managers, the larger concern is often the chain reaction: stranded equipment, missed delivery windows, cargo complications, depot damage and extended downtime while repair networks are under pressure. - read more
Affordability Pressure Puts Trade Cover Back Under the Spotlight
Affordability Pressure Puts Trade Cover Back Under the Spotlight
13 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Fresh industry attention on insurance affordability is more than a household budget story. For Australian tradespeople, rising premiums, higher repair costs and uneven disaster exposure can flow directly into how clients fund work, how projects are scoped and how small trade businesses protect their own equipment, vehicles and liability risks. - read more
Why Claim Clarity Matters More Than Ever for Income Insurance
Why Claim Clarity Matters More Than Ever for Income Insurance
13 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent complaints reporting from Australia's financial dispute resolution system has put a practical issue back in front of workers: the value of income insurance is not only in the monthly benefit promised, but in how clearly a policy works when a claim is made. - read more
What electronic work diaries mean for truck insurance
What electronic work diaries mean for truck insurance
13 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent transport industry coverage has again put electronic work diaries in the spotlight, as more heavy vehicle operators look for practical ways to manage fatigue obligations without relying solely on paper records. For Australian trucking businesses, the shift is more than an administrative upgrade. It has direct implications for compliance evidence, driver management, incident investigation and the way insurers assess operational risk. - read more
Life Code Findings Put Income Protection Claims Back Under the Microscope
Life Code Findings Put Income Protection Claims Back Under the Microscope
12 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
The latest industry attention on Life Insurance Code compliance is another reminder that income protection insurance is not just about having a policy in place. For working Australians, the real test comes when illness or injury interrupts earnings and a claim needs to move from paperwork to practical financial support. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Cyber Insurance Articles

Before You Apply for Cyber Insurance: What You’ll Be Asked (and What It Really Means)
Before You Apply for Cyber Insurance: What You’ll Be Asked (and What It Really Means)
Cyber insurance is one of the most valuable business covers available today, but it is also one of the most confusing to apply for. Many business owners expect it to work like other insurance types, where you provide basic details such as turnover, industry, and location, then receive a quote. Cyber insurance is different. It behaves less like a simple application and more like a risk interview. - read more
From Phishing to Hacking: Examining the Coverage Options of Cyber Insurance Policies
From Phishing to Hacking: Examining the Coverage Options of Cyber Insurance Policies
In today's digital landscape, Australian small businesses face a myriad of cyber risks that can threaten their operations and financial stability. From sophisticated phishing scams to debilitating hacking attacks, the need to safeguard against such digital threats has never been more pressing. This introductory guide serves to illuminate the complexities of the cyber risk environment within Australia, focusing on the small business sector's unique vulnerabilities. - read more
Cyber Security Essentials: Steps to Secure Your Online Business in Australia
Cyber Security Essentials: Steps to Secure Your Online Business in Australia
As the digital economy flourishes, Australian businesses are enjoying the fruits of their own cyber-infrastructure but are also becoming increasingly susceptible to cyber threats. The era of the internet has ushered in a wave of new opportunities, yet it also demands vigilance in the face of growing cyber risks. With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated and frequent, the imperative for robust cyber security measures has never been more pronounced. - read more
Cyber Insurance: Safeguarding Your Business Assets and Reputation in the Digital Age
Cyber Insurance: Safeguarding Your Business Assets and Reputation in the Digital Age
Cyber Insurance is a type of insurance policy that protects businesses against internet-based risks and threats. This policy covers damages and losses caused by cyber attacks, such as theft of customer information, network downtime, and damage to reputation. - read more
Cyber Insurance Claims: What Small Business Owners Need to Know
Cyber Insurance Claims: What Small Business Owners Need to Know
Cybersecurity incidents are a growing concern for small businesses. These incidents can have disastrous consequences on the affected businesses and their customers. Cyber insurance policies provide a form of financial protection for small businesses in the event of a cyber-attack. This article will provide an overview of cyber insurance claims and its importance for small business owners. - read more

Knowledgebase
Underwriting:
The process by which an insurer determines the risk of insuring a client and decides the terms of coverage.

Quick Links: | Cyber Insurance | Business Cyber Insurance | Cyber Liability Insurance | Small Business Cyber Insurance | Cyber Risk Insurance | Commercial Cyber Insurance | Cyber Security Insurance | Data Breach Insurance | Cyber Attack Insurance | Cyber Insurance Coverage | Cyber Insurance Policy
This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.
IMPORTANT: We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party brokers, insurers, and lenders. We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should independently verify the credentials and licensing of any adviser or provider you engage. Visit the ASIC website for further information.