Cancel Affinity: Step-by-Step Process

What is Affinity

Overview

Affinity refers here to companies using the Affinity name in New Zealand that provide insurance broking and related services.

Services typically include arranging policies, giving advice, and acting as an intermediary between you and insurers.

Scope of services

Affinity advisers usually handle policy placement, renewals, and customer support on behalf of insurers or clients.

Specific terms, commission arrangements and obligations are set out in each company's Terms of Engagement.

How to cancel Affinity

Step-by-step cancellation

• Provide written notice to the Affinity adviser or company stating you wish to terminate services. Written notice is required under the Terms of Engagement.
• Specify whether you also want any underlying insurance policy cancelled - termination of services does not automatically cancel policies.
• Send the written instruction to the adviser by email or registered post and keep proof of delivery.
• Request written confirmation that the adviser has processed your termination and any policy cancellation instructions.

Points to check before sending notice

Confirm whether any policy has a cooling-off (free look) period and whether you are still within it.

Check for cancellation penalties, non-cancellation clauses, or insurer approval requirements before finalising cancellation.

What happens when you cancel

Access and ongoing services

When you terminate services, the adviser will stop acting on your behalf for renewals and claims unless otherwise agreed.

You should confirm which services cease immediately and which may continue for a short transition period.

Insurance policy status

Cancellation of the adviser agreement does not automatically cancel your insurance policy; you must provide specific written instruction to cancel the policy.

Insurer approval may be required to cancel a policy, and some policies contain penalties or non-cancellation clauses.

Will I get a refund?

General refund rule

If you cancel during the initial 'free look' or cooling-off period after a policy is issued, you can generally cancel without penalty.

When a valid cooling-off cancellation is made, the premium paid is usually refunded, provided no claims were made.

Commission and exceptions

• Commissions are normally retained by the adviser even if the policy is cancelled, except when cancellation occurs within the free look/cooling-off period.
• If you cancel within the cooling-off period, the adviser may refund the commission, again provided no claim has been made.
• Check the Terms of Engagement for details on commission refunds and specific insurer requirements.

Affinity plans and pricing

Pricing summary

Below are known pricing entries related to Affinity-branded products and legacy licences; check vendor sites for current offers.

Prices and availability may change; legacy licence availability is uncertain.

Your consumer rights in New Zealand

Complaint handling process

If you have a complaint, first raise it with your Affinity + Co adviser so they can try to resolve it directly.

Affinity aims to resolve complaints within 10 working days as part of their complaints process.

External dispute resolution

If the adviser cannot resolve the issue, you may escalate to the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO).

IFSO provides an independent dispute resolution service for consumers in New Zealand; seek their guidance if local resolution fails.

Customer experiences

Common positive points

Customers often note helpful advisory support and convenience when the adviser actively manages renewals and claims.

When communication is clear, clients report smooth policy placements and prompt responses.

Common negative points

Issues reported include confusion about whether termination of the adviser cancels insurance and misunderstandings about commission refunds.

Delays can occur if written cancellation or insurer approvals are required; always keep records of communications.

Documentation checklist

Essential documents to prepare

• Written notice of termination addressed to your Affinity adviser or company.
• Policy number(s) and insurer details for any policies you want cancelled.
• Proof of identity and proof of address if the adviser requires verification.

Supporting documents to include

• Copy of the Terms of Engagement or service agreement you signed.
• Receipts for premiums paid and any correspondence about the cooling-off period.
• Evidence of any claims made on the policy (as this can affect refunds).

Common mistakes

Assuming termination cancels the policy

A frequent error is believing that ending the adviser relationship automatically cancels insurance policies.

You must give a separate written instruction to the insurer or adviser to cancel the policy; otherwise the policy may remain in force.

Not checking cooling-off or commission rules

Failing to confirm whether you are within the free look/cooling-off period can cost you refund eligibility.

Also check Terms of Engagement for commission retention or refund rules so you know what to expect.

Comparative recap

Quick comparison table

This table compares key points: cancellation steps, refund likelihood, and dispute options.

After cancelling

Confirmations to get

Obtain written confirmation that the adviser has terminated services and any policy cancellation has been actioned.

Keep receipts of any refunded premiums and confirmation of commission refunds if applicable.

Useful links and next steps

Review the Terms of Engagement for details on termination and commissions: Affinity Terms of Engagement.

For complaints information, see the complaints policy: Affinity + Co Complaints Policy.

Address

Provided business address

154a Onewa Road, Birkenhead‑Northcote, Auckland 0627, New Zealand.

Please verify the correct Affinity entity and contact details before sending any cancellation correspondence.

Verification recommendation

Because multiple organisations may use the Affinity name, confirm the adviser or company name on your paperwork before posting or emailing notices.

Retain proof of delivery and copies of all communications for your records.