Welcome to Stamford Insurance – a journey that exceeded expectations from the very beginning.
When we came to New Zealand in 2010, my wife, Chris, and I both agreed that we would stay for 5 years and that, after 35 years as an insurance and financial adviser in the UK, I would do anything but insurance. Hmm
Our first challenge was to buy a home that was not a ‘leaky home’ – it was a strange idea for us that people built houses that were neither structurally sound nor weathertight.
Anyway, we did buy a house and we thought no more about it until a chance conversation over coffee a couple of years later led to a challenge – could I find an insurer who would cover homes against defects.
By this time, the legislation had changed, the construction industry had taken the issues on board and I was sure that something would be possible. So I did some research and set out to find an insurer who would recognize the potential in New Zealand.
We started in business with an ‘A’ rated insurer on January 1st, 2014 – it took me 5 months to sell my first policy – a humbling experience.
But gradually, the message got through – here was something different: a policy that covered every serious defect that could arise with a home, and one that actually worked.
Almost 10 years on and more than 12,000 policyholders later, I like to think we’ve made a difference.
It would not have been possible without some great people – our developers, builders, and surveyors trusted us, and our staff, including my co-director Deane Moyle, has been amazing.
Today, we are the only Insurance-backed Building Warranty provider in NZ, supported by one of the World’s largest reinsurers. We offer rock-solid, full-value insurance against building defects that may arise up to 10 years after the completion of the home. It’s a world-class level of insurance.
I’m pleased to have made that possible and to have provided peace-of-mind to so many people, safe and secure in their homes today.
Away from work, our 4 children and 7 grandchildren are always in our plans and thoughts, but 8 acres of garden and bush is my latest challenge – they say it’s not a lifestyle, it’s a life sentence – and I’m beginning to get the point!
Protecting native birds and bringing back the kiwi by catching possums was never in the plan either 🙂
Thanks for being part of this journey with us.
Warm Regards,
Duncan Colebrook
Founder and Director
Stamford Insurance