IAG has been given the final regulator's tick to buy Wesfarmers' Lumley general insurance unit, adding to the dominance of NZ’s biggest general insurer.

The Earthquake Commission has been able to increase its reinsurance cover after securing better terms in its latest annual round of negotiations.

More than 100 insurance claims have already been lodged with AA Insurance today for damages to roofs, windows and fences from the overnight storm.

The head of this country's biggest insurer has welcomed regulatory approval for the New Zealand part of a A$1.85 billion ($2 billion) purchase although the Reserve Bank has not yet given the deal the green light.

People may be paying more for their own medical care in future, as health costs are set to almost double in the next 50 years, a public health expert says.

The Commerce Commission has cleared Insurance Australia Group to buy Wesfarmer's Lumley General Insurance unit.

One of the world's biggest and oldest insurers is underwriting a new building warranty insurance scheme being launched in New Zealand.

Southern Cross and Travel Insurance Direct joint winners with 'outstanding value' in survey of 29 providers.

Former children's television presenter Olly Ohlson lost his cool over the Government's handling of his red-zoned house in Christchurch and moved to Dunedin.

Sending Kiwis to India or Asia for major surgical procedures has been ruled out by the boss of New Zealand's biggest health insurer.

Moana Berry thought this year would bring a fresh start after a gruelling battle with breast cancer. Instead, the single mum has been "devastated" by an $11k debt she can't pay.

Ordinary travel insurance is full of fish-hooks, writes Diana Clement. Credit card travel insurance has even more nasty surprises.

New Zealand health insurers are offering cheap policies designed to tempt young people - but there are concerns that they may not be cost-effective in the long run.

A High Court insurance stoush has been parked to enable the Financial Markets Authority to enter into settlement talks with Hanover directors and promoters.

Pet owners are paying hundreds of dollars every year for insurance to ward off expensive vet bills.

Sitting down with his insurance company late last year, Proform Plastics' managing director Nick Smith weighed up the figure for fire cover.

Hanging a coat-hanger on a fire sprinkler caused a flood that damaged eight floors of an apartment building and left a group of students facing a $26k bill.

Last year was one of the most expensive years ever for storm damage, with $174m of insurance claims lodged for weather-related events.

A Netherlands-based travel agent has done what Queenstown's council would not - offered $1400 to two tourists whose car was crushed by a tree in the town.

Two German travellers whose car was written off after being crushed by a tree on council land aren't impressed by the offer of a free bungy in compensation.

A Texas restaurant owner is selling his business so one of his waitresses can afford surgery on her brain tumour.

New Faces: We find out who's new at the head of the New Zealand business world.