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Life Direct

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Life Direct homepage
Author Life Direct. Screenshot of Life Direct website.
[Accessed August 23, 2023]

About Life Direct

Life Direct is a Wellington-based group of financial advisers. Holding a licence from the Financial Markets Authority to provide financial advice, they're equipped to offer information and advice on an array of insurances including income protection.

Innovation and personal touch

Life Direct stands at the forefront of the digital revolution in the insurance industry. Their innovative 'self-service' platform empowers users to sift through and select the insurance plan that meets their needs, all at their own pace. At the same time, a human touch is never far away.

Handpicked squad of expert financial advisers

With Life Direct, you're never alone in your insurance journey. An experienced team of financial advisers stands ready to guide you through the advisory process, identifying specific needs, and helping secure the most suitable plan from the right insurance provider.

Their commitment also extends beyond just facilitating an insurance purchase. If you encounter any issues or have questions while exploring and applying online, a simple click can activate a live chat, or you could just give them a call for instant assistance.

Journey from a comparison tool to comprehensive insurance support

Life Direct's journey started in 2005 as an internet-based insurance comparison tool run by a pair of financial advisers. Over time, their dedication and client-focused approach helped them support thousands of Kiwis in comparing and purchasing their insurance policies. Their collaborative effort with a variety of New Zealand's largest insurance providers has allowed them to tailor services that simplify the process of obtaining insurance.

A transparent and value-oriented service model

Transparency forms the bedrock of Life Direct's services. Their assistance comes with no extra charges for clients. Compensation is derived from a commission from the insurer, a portion of the annual premium that you pay to your insurance company.

This commission is used to reward the financial advisers who work relentlessly to establish and manage your insurance policy. Life Direct also receives an annual commission for helping review coverage, answer questions, implement changes, and assist with claims. This structure ensures that your interests always remain a priority.

Life Direct Services

As New Zealand's foremost salary insurance comparison site, Life Direct strives to secure your income against the unexpected disruptions life might throw your way.

As you delve into the concept and workings of salary insurance, you'll learn how you can safeguard your earnings in the event of an unforeseen illness or injury preventing you from your usual job duties.

Understanding the essence of income protection

At the heart of Life Direct's mission is a product known as income protection. This recurring financial safety net is designed to replace a portion of your income if you find yourself unable to work due to a severe injury or health condition. The understanding is simple: life's uncertainties shouldn't put your financial stability at risk.

Tailoring your coverage to your needs

One of the strengths of choosing Life Direct is the flexibility it offers. The majority of policies aim to cover up to 75% of your salary. The power to decide, however, is in your hands. You can choose to insure a lower percentage if it suits your needs, offering an excellent strategy for keeping your premium costs manageable.

How long and how much?

Disbursement duration is an essential factor when considering salary insurance. With Life Direct, you'll find options ranging from 2 years, 5 years, and even up to age 65 or 70. For example, choosing an "until age 65" payout duration implies you will continue to get benefits until you attain that age, provided you remain unable to work throughout that period.

The significance of a deferral period

A critical aspect of your salary insurance is the deferral period. In essence, your benefits won't kick in until after this period, which you get to choose, typically with a minimum of a month. The right deferral period will largely depend on your situation and how long you can survive without a regular income.

Adapting to changing financial circumstances

Life Direct also recognises the fluid nature of personal income. If your earnings fluctuate, it's always wise to reassess the insured amount to ensure it still aligns with your current situation.

Life Direct – Income protection insurance

  • Product Income Protection Insurance
  • Self-service Platform
    Employs an innovative 'self-service' platform for user-friendly insurance selection.
  • Financial Advisors
    Provides access to experienced financial advisers for personalised guidance.
  • Claims Assistance
    Offers complete assistance in the claims process, liaising with insurance providers for a hassle-free experience.

Benefits of Life Direct

  • Access to comprehensive information and advice on income protection
  • Instant assistance through live chat and phone support
  • Collaboration with leading insurance providers for a variety of options
  • Flexibility to manage premium costs by choosing coverage percentage
  • Customisable deferral period to align with individual financial situations
  • Adaptability to changing income circumstances
  • Ease of application through a user-friendly online process

Unlocking peace of mind with Life Direct's income protection

In today's uncertain world, safeguarding one's income is a must. Life Direct, a top player in NZ's insurance industry, offers an accessible, user-friendly platform to secure your income protection.

Ease of application: One click away

The registration process at Life Direct is simple and user-friendly. From the comfort of your home or office, you can:

  • Obtain a quick estimate
  • Compare plans from NZ's top insurers
  • Navigate through the simple online application process

During the application, you'll provide key information including you gender, ge, occupation, income, and you desired monthly income cover amount and preferred payment period.

Calculating premiums: What you need to know

The cost of income protection primarily depends on your age, gender, occuption and health. Other factors that may be taken into account is the amount you need cover for, and waiting and payment periods.

Opting for a longer payment period provides better long-term protection, albeit at a higher premium. Life Direct's income protection premiums are tax-deductible, and the claim payments you receive are taxed as income.

Apply and relax: Life Direct's got your back

Once you've applied, Life Direct's experienced Wellington-based team ensures a smooth, hassle-free process. They also offer a 30% cashback on your first year's premium!

Understanding policy exclusions

Salary insurance policies have exclusions. These can vary from policy to policy, but common exclusions often include self-inflicted injuries, illegal activities, and pregnancy-related complications persisting for less than 90 days post childbirth. Therefore, it's essential to review the policy details for a comprehensive understanding.

Life Direct serves as a leading force in safeguarding your earnings, providing a versatile and responsive strategy to income protection insurance.

Complete assistance at your fingertips

When you anticipate the necessity of filing a claim, you can immediately reach out to Life Direct. Upon notification, Life Direct will swiftly liaise with your insurance provider, effectively initiating the claims procedure. Life Direct's friendly customer service team is always just a call or message away and their priority is to ensure a smooth, hassle-free process for you.

Life Direct Contact

Physical Address


Postal Address

  • Freepost 232299 PO Box 11050 Manners Street, Wellington, 6142, New Zealand

Opening Hours

  • not available