FMG Insurance New Zealand: Specialist Insurance for Farms, Businesses, and Lifestyles
FMG (Farmers’ Mutual Group) is New Zealand’s premier rural insurance provider, with a legacy dating back to its farmer-founded mutuals in 1905. FMG’s core mission is to “give rural New Zealand a better deal,” which has led to nearly 50% market share in rural insurance and a reputation for rural risk expertise. As a mutual, FMG is owned by its clients, with profits reinvested into services and community support—unique among insurers, especially in a sector dominated by offshore-owned firms.
Key FMG Products: Farm, Business, Rural Home, and Contents Insurance
- Farm Insurance: FMG offers comprehensive insurance for all farm operations, covering farm property, livestock, vehicles, machinery, crops, beehive losses, and even spoilage of farm milk. The farm contents policy also protects against disruption from natural disasters, theft (including by paying guests/tenants), and business interruption due to restricted access.
- Business Insurance: Tailored solutions for rural businesses, such as agricultural dealers, food producers, contractors, animal services, and wineries, providing business interruption, professional indemnity, and liability cover. Commercial vehicle and equipment policies ensure continuity in daily operations and protection of critical assets.
- Rural Home and Lifestyle Cover: Protection for rural dwellings, contents, and specific rural risks. FMG’s services also extend to urban and lifestyle block owners, offering home, contents, and vehicle insurance, including boats and equine cover for horses.
- Life and Personal Cover: Through partnerships, FMG offers personal insurance for injury, disablement, and death, with various risk plans focused on financial support for families and businesses through recovery or loss.
Why FMG is Popular Among New Zealand Farmers
- Specialist Rural Knowledge: FMG’s advisers possess deep expertise in the risks and challenges of farming, offering advice and tailored coverage not always available through mainstream insurers.
- Community Ownership and Loyalty: As a mutual, FMG focuses on service and value for members, not external shareholders. High Net Promoter Scores and significant client referrals show strong satisfaction and trust.
- Resilient Claims Support: FMG has demonstrated robust support during catastrophic events, like Cyclone Gabrielle and major floods, paying out significant claims and providing onsite assistance at a time when rural communities need it most.
- Community Investment: FMG invests profits into rural wellbeing initiatives, such as the Farmstrong partnership for farmer health and resilience, student scholarships, and agricultural event sponsorships.
What makes FMG the leader in New Zealand rural insurance according to AM Best?
FMG (Farmers’ Mutual Group) is recognized by AM Best as New Zealand’s leading rural insurer thanks to several key factors:
- Established Rural Profile and Market Leadership: FMG has a longstanding, trusted brand and a strong reputation within New Zealand’s rural sector, developed over more than a century. Its direct distribution model ensures a close relationship with clients and a deep understanding of rural risk.
- Geographical Diversification: FMG insures clients throughout rural and provincial New Zealand, effectively spreading insured risks and reducing exposure to localised disasters.
- Strong Risk Management and Balance Sheet: AM Best highlights FMG’s robust risk-adjusted capitalization, prudent capital management, comprehensive reinsurance programs, and appropriate enterprise risk management framework. These factors reinforce FMG’s ability to withstand high-severity events like major weather disasters.
- Consistently Positive Performance: FMG’s operating performance remains strong over time, aided by sound pricing strategies and solid investment returns. Even during challenging years with increased claims, FMG’s stability and pricing discipline help ensure long-term adequacy.
- Mutual Ownership Advantage: As a mutual insurer, FMG reinvests profits into services and support for rural communities, strengthening its client relationships and giving it a distinctly client-focused ethos compared to offshore shareholder-owned competitors
Dedicated Services for Expats and New Settlers in Rural NZ
FMG welcomes expats and new rural settlers with:
- Personalised advice to explain local risks and regulations.
- Flexible insurance for rural homes, smallholdings, and lifestyle blocks.
- Assistance with transitioning insurance from overseas providers and guidance through NZ-specific hazards, like earthquakes and agricultural biosecurity.
- English-speaking support staff familiar with the unique concerns of newcomers to rural New Zealand.
Claims Process and Customer Support Experience at FMG
FMG is recognized for fast, transparent, and supportive claims management:
- Easy Online Claims: Lodging and tracking claims is simple through FMG Connect, FMG’s online portal. Urgent queries can be made by phone for rapid response.
- Pre-Approved Repairers: Using FMG’s network of approved suppliers often means immediate repairs and guaranteed workmanship.
- Clear Communication: Members receive claim numbers, progress notifications, and clear requests for supporting documents.
- Human Touch: FMG staff are known for empathy and flexibility, especially during large-scale rural events, reinforcing trust at times of crisis.
How does FMG support ex-pats and new settlers in rural NZ through its services?
FMG is dedicated to making rural insurance accessible and supportive for ex-pats and new settlers in New Zealand through:
- Personalized Onboarding and Local Advice: FMG advisers provide clear, region-specific insurance guidance to newcomers, explaining local hazards (like earthquakes and biosecurity risks) and regulatory requirements, and helping transition existing cover from overseas.
- Broad, Flexible Coverage: FMG offers tailored policies for rural homes, lifestyle blocks, and hobby farms as well as vehicles, contents, and personal protection. This lets ex-pats bundle key protections under one adviser, ensuring comprehensive, easy-to-manage cover.
- Community-Focused Support: FMG invests in rural wellbeing initiatives, leadership programs, and agricultural communities, helping ex-pats feel welcomed and supported far beyond financial coverage.
- Exceptional Claims Experience: The FMG claims process is transparent, efficient, and empathetic—especially during disasters. Online claims tools, pre-approved repairers, and knowledgeable staff provide practical help to new arrivals who may be unfamiliar with local processes.
- Education and Risk Mitigation: FMG proactively shares risk insights, safety tips, and rural best practices, supporting new settlers in building resilience into their businesses and lifestyles.
With these initiatives, FMG ensures that ex-pats and new settlers in rural New Zealand receive tailored advice, comprehensive protection, and a strong sense of partnership—making their transition into rural Kiwi life much smoother.
Common FMG Insurance Questions Answered
Q: What makes FMG different from other NZ insurers?
FMG specializes in rural risks and is owned by members, with profits invested back into services and rural communities.
Q: Can FMG cover both my farm and home/lifestyle block?
Yes—FMG offers bundled solutions for farms, homes, contents, vehicles, and personal protection, all managed under one adviser.
Q: How do I submit and track a claim?
Use FMG Connect online, or call for urgent queries. Pre-approved suppliers help speed up the process, and you’ll receive frequent progress updates.
Q: Are services available if I move here from overseas?
Absolutely—FMG works with expats to establish suitable cover and understand New Zealand-specific risks.
Q: Does FMG support disaster recovery?
Yes—FMG is noted for strong disaster response, paying claims quickly and providing boots-on-the-ground help for customers after events like floods or storms.
Full Contact Details for FMG Insurance
FMG (Farmers’ Mutual Group)
PO Box 1943, Palmerston North 4440, New Zealand
Phone (Within NZ): 0800 366 466
International: +64 6 350 5850
Website: fmg.co.nz
FMG Connect Login: connect.fmg.co.nz
Business Hours:
Monday–Friday: 8am–5pm (NZT)
FMG Insurance remains the trusted rural partner for New Zealand farms, families, and rural businesses—offering unmatched expertise, mutual ownership, and community-focused support for both Kiwis and expats looking for safe, prosperous lifestyles in NZ’s provinces and countryside.
Read more:
NEW ZEALAND
Car Insurance in New Zealand – Car Insurance in New Zealand
Health Insurance in New Zealand – Health Insurance in New Zealand
Home and Contents Insurance in New Zealand – Home Insurance in New Zealand
Life Insurance in New Zealand – Life Insurance in New Zealand
Travel Insurance New Zealand – Travel Insurance New Zealand