Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions that we receive about our products.
Click on the product that you are interested in to go straight to those FAQs.
Extended Mechanical Warranty
Motorcycle Insurance
Loan Protection Insurance
Auto Equity (GAP) Insurance
If your question isn’t answered here, please contact us and we’ll be happy to answer it for you.
Who can service my vehicle?
Our policy allows for any Registered Automotive Repairer to service your vehicle. If you are unsure if your service agent meets our criteria then give us a call and we’ll be happy to advise you.
Does this policy have servicing requirements?
We require that the vehicle is serviced to the manufacturer’s service specifications. If for any reason they haven’t specified service requirements our criteria is:
- Petrol vehicles - Every 12 months or every 10,000 km (whichever comes first).
- Diesel vehicles - Every 6 months or every 5,000 km (whichever comes first).
How do I make a claim?
We are committed to making the claim process as stress-free and easy as possible. Just give us a call on 0800 807 926 and we’ll get your claim underway.
What is an excess?
An excess is the amount that you are required to contribute toward the cost of any claim that you make on your policy.
How much is my excess?
This will depend on what excess you chose at the time you purchased your policy. You may have a nil excess or a $100 excess.
Can I transfer my warranty when I sell my car?
The warranty may be transferred to a new owner at Swann's discretion (subject to service and claims history). In this case a transfer fee of $60.00 (incl GST) is applicable. The warranty cannot be transferred if the vehicle is sold to a motor vehicle dealer.
The warranty cannot be transferred to another vehicle.
How do I cancel my policy?
Your policy can only be cancelled (and a refund issued) within the first 30 days from the date that you signed the proposal.
To cancel your policy, Swann must be notified in writing (see contact us) and all policy documents returned to Swann.
What payment options do I have?
We offer payment options that provide flexibility and convenience.
You can pay the full premium over the phone using your credit card, or by sending us a cheque.
Alternately you can take advantage of our monthly instalment plan; it’s as easy as setting up a direct debit.
Can I use my No Claims Bonus Discount from my car insurance, for my motorcycle policy?
If you are over 21 and hold a full motorcycle licence we will upgrade your no-claim rating for your insurance on the strength of your car insurance.
How do I make a claim?
We are committed to making the claim process as stress free and easy as possible. Simply call us on 0800 807 926 and we’ll get your claim underway.
Alternatively, download a claim form off this site and post or fax it to us.
How do I cancel my policy?
Simply advise us by mail, fax or email requesting that we cancel your policy, and we will action your request immediately.
What happens if I change my motorcycle?
If you have a Comprehensive policy and your replacement motorcycle is valued at less than $30,000 you will automatically receive 30 days cover for the replacement motorcycle. During this time you’ll need to contact us to finalise the paperwork.
If you have one of our other policies you can get a quote online 24 hours a day, and arrange a 14 day cover note for your new motorcycle.
What should I do if my circumstances change during the period of insurance?
While you have a policy with us it’s important that you tell us about any of these:
- changes to your motorcycle which increase its market value;
- anyone becomes a new rider of your motorcycle;
- any rider is charged with, or convicted of, any criminal or traffic offence.
You do not need to tell us about any speeding offence unless it results
in a loss of, or change to the terms of, that person’s driver’s licence; or
- any change of residential address by you or the person who uses your
motorcycle the most.
What is an excess?
An excess is the amount that you are required to contribute toward the cost of any claim that you make on your policy.
How much is my excess?
There are six types of excesses that can apply to a motorcycle policy. The excess payable is the total of these excess amounts added together.
Basic Excess: - applies to all riders: $250.00
Age Excess: - 21 years old and younger: $750.00
- 22 to 24 years old: $500.00
Licence Excess: - riders on a restricted licence, learner's permit or not holding a
full NZ licence: $500.00
Theft Excess: - Harley Davidson motorcyles: $250.00
- all other motorcycles: $250.00
Undisclosed
Rider Excess: - applies to all riders under 25 that are not declared on
the proposal: $500.00
Special Excess: - any additional excess imposed by Swann: $ amount shown
on the policy schedule
Age/Licence/Undisclosed Rider Excesses will not apply if the motorcycle was not being ridden at the time of the accident, or was stolen.
Is my motorcycle covered if I take it overseas?
No, the MaxiRider policy provides cover for your bike in New Zealand only.
What happens if I modify my motorcycle?
Modifications to your motorcycle will only be covered once we have been advised of them and agreed to them. If you are thinking of modifying your motorcycle, you’re welcome to give us a call and we can advise you of any likely implications to your insurance before you make the modification.
What if my motorcycle is over 20 years old?
If the age of your motorcycle is 20 years old or greater, Swann's InterMarque Classic Motorcycle Insurance policy has been developed to meet your specific motorcycling insurance requirements. To obtain a quote, please contact us on 0800 807 926.
Why are only four traumas covered?
Statistics from Health Information Service New Zealand show that these four traumas account for approximately 80% of all traumas. By providing cover for the main four traumas Swann Insurance is able to keep the policy premium to a minimum.
How do I make a claim?
Give us a call on 0800 807 926 and we will get your claim underway immediately.
Can I still make a claim if I am receiving ACC payments or sick pay?
Yes, you can. Your policy pays over and above any other income. However, to qualify for Disability cover you must be in paid employment at the time of taking out the policy.
What happens if my doctor says I can return to work for reduced hours?
Once you are able to return to work for 20 hours or more per week, your claim will end.
If I take out a joint cover policy, and only one of us is claiming, what will you pay?
We will pay the full benefit, except in event of Involuntary Employment (Redundancy), in which case 50% of the benefit will be paid.
What is a Pre-Existing condition?
A pre-existing condition is any illness, injury or condition present in the six months prior to the commencement date of the policy.
What is full time employment?
Full time employment means that you are working on a permanent and continuous basis for wages and/or income for a minimum of 20 hours every week, and you are not in employment of a Seasonal, Casual, Temporary or Non-Renewable Contract nature.
Does Loan Protection Insurance have an excess?
Yes, for claims under certain benefits there is an excess. Under a Loan Protection policy, excesses are a set number of days, rather than a dollar amount.
For the Involuntary Unemployment Benefit the excess is the first 28 days following the insured event. What this means is that the 29th day is when we will start to calculate your 90 days claim payment from.
How do I cancel my policy?
Simply advise us by mail, fax or email requesting that we cancel your policy, and we will action your request immediately.
How does GAP work?
A GAP policy pays the shortfall between the payout received from the motor vehicle insurer (in the event of a total write-off) and the amount of finance owing on the vehicle. Our policy also pays an additional cash sum of $1000, whether or not there is a shortfall.
Why do I need a comprehensive motor vehicle policy to get a GAP policy?
If there is no motor vehicle insurance policy, there cannot be any shortfall from the motor insurer.
What is a Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy?
This is a policy that covers you against theft and accidental loss or damage to the vehicle, and your liability for third party property damage.
How do I make a claim?
Give us a call on 0800 807 926 and we will get your claim underway immediately.
How much is my excess?
There is no excess payable under the Auto Equity Shortfall policy.
How do I cancel my policy?
Your policy can only be cancelled (with a full refund) within the first 14 days from the date that you signed the proposal.