Here's what people are saying...

Four years ago, I was struck by a serious illness. At the time, my initial concern was for my family and how they would financially cope without me. Luckily, I had received sage advice in the past and had insured my healthcare, my business, my earnings and my life. However, being insured is one thing. Negotiating a pay-out with insurance companies is another. Some insurers were (and continue to be) fantastic. Others interpret policy wording differently and become intransigent. The problem is, when you are sick, you don’t have the energy to dispute and negotiate with insurance companies. This is where having (Brian Klee) a claims management expert made the difference. His knowledge of the insurance industry and the personalities within it ensured I received a fair pay-out in return for the years of premiums I had paid. I could not have achieved this without him; quite simply I didn’t have the knowledge or the energy. It makes a huge difference to recovery if you have peace of mind.

Mr. R.T. (Wairarapa)

My wife had been on a Disability Income Protection claim for about 12 years. She was not quite 50 and there was no possibility of my wife returning to her occupation. Even though she wanted to work, at least part-time, in another occupation it would have been financially detrimental so we asked the insurer about a lump-sum payment to end the claim, but this was initially declined. When I raised the matter with Brian, he offered to review the case and gathered all the relevant documentation, including the multitude of medical reports. He then suggested engaging the services of an independent actuary, who we all met to review everything. The actuary’s comprehensive report made recommendation regarding a fair lump-sum settlement to end my wife’s claim. The insurer eventually made a settlement offer, which we accepted. The agreed amount was considerably more than we would have accepted had the insurer made an offer in response to our first proposal for a lump-sum settlement. We are extremely grateful to Brian for expertly helping us bring this very long-standing claim to a conclusion. It has allowed my wife to focus on the future without the constant burden that goes with an on-going Income Protection claim. His wealth of experience and expert specialist contacts, such as the independent actuary, were invaluable in our case.”

Mr R.D. (Hastings)

I’m an Insurance Adviser and ACC Specialist and put some insurance in place for a young self-employed roofer. About two years later, just after the birth of their first child, he had a fall from a roof and sustained injuries to both arms. His mortgage repayment cover kicked in, but 20 months later he was still unable to resume his own occupation. In addition, ACC stopped paying as he could perform alternative work even though he had been roofing since age 16, so I submitted a Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD) claim for him. He was assessed by the insurer’s appointed Occupational Therapist (OT) and the report advised that he could still work 10 to 15 hours per week in his usual occupation – so the claim was denied. I was not happy, as I had done a lot of initial work on this myself getting more information from the client’s specialist. At this point I engaged Brian’s help on how we could present this claim again. To cut a long story short, the claim was paid at 2 years 6 months after the accident and resulted in making an enormous difference to the lives of a young couple and their now two children. Brian’s years of experience and knowledge was invaluable. Whilst I may have been on the right track in some areas, there were key points that Brian pointed out to me that really made the difference between the claim being paid or not. I learned so much going through this process with him. As an Adviser, I wouldn’t hesitate to go to Brian again. Whilst I got a lot out of going through the process myself, next time I would trust Brian to do what he does best – which would save a lot of my time and taking me away from my core business!

Ms T.J. (Kapiti)

I’d known Brian for over 10 years and been impressed with his professionalism, thoroughness and trustworthiness. I approached him because I was getting nowhere with an Income Protection claim. I was certain my insurer didn’t fully understand my condition and their usual medical contacts were not equipped with the specialist knowledge required in my case. Brian researched my medical condition and recommended a meeting with the insurer, but including the only local specialist who thoroughly understood my disorder. The insurer respected this collaborative approach and the manner it was conducted. This resulted in them agreeing to an appropriate rehabilitation programme, funded by them, involving my specialist and her advice. The outcome has meant I have received the proper treatment and they continue my monthly benefit. More importantly, I continue to make solid progress and no longer have the stress and struggle to get better, thanks to Brian’s guidance.

Ms H.C (Wellington)

"I am a Financial Planner specialising in investments. In 2008, I suffered a major heart attack. I was insured with two different companies, one of whom paid immediately and the other that declined to settle my claim. Because a heart attack removes your 'oomph', the ability to argue for a settlement is almost impossible. After a very stressful 18 months battling with the insurer, it left me with a feeling of being very disempowered and on the brink of giving up. My wife and I met with Brian, an experienced specialist, who was able to assist us renew discussions and mediate with the insurance company on the Income Protection claim. After many months of debate with Brian's assistance, we reached a settlement. I remain grateful and thankful that Brian was able to help us throughout this stressful period."

Mr. W.Mc. (Wellington)

"I met Brian four years ago, after finding myself in the most awful financial position after being denied my husband's life insurance following his suicide. For 3 years, Brian and a lawyer I first went to for help, fought in my corner when I had no strength to be able to do so myself. There were countless tears and times of absolute despair and incredible hardship over those years, but throughout it all, Brian remained constant, reassuring and kind. I would never have been able to have made it through to an eventual settlement had it not been for the support and wisdom, based on years of experience and a genuine care for humanity and justice, of Brian and my lawyer. I have absolutely no reservation in recommending him to anyone else held out to dry by one of the big faceless insurance companies out there!"

Dr. L.R. (Wellington)

"In late 2009 I realised that I was no longer able to work in my role as an Adviser due to serious stress and its ongoing effect on my health. It takes a person a long time to admit to the fact that they cannot handle things as they used to, particularly if self-employed and driven. My doctor advised me to cease work immediately. I had two Income Protection policies, one insurer was brilliant and immediately put in place various strategies to get me on the road to effective treatment. The other deemed I was still capable of working - I was barely able to answer the phone or check emails because I was very confused. Not only did I struggle to get this insurer to concede I unable to perform my duties but it caused additional stress personally as well as financially. I contacted Brian as I felt I was being personally targeted at a personal level as a Financial Adviser, rather than as a client. It is very difficult being your own adviser and client. Having the ability to refer to a third person, who is not emotionally involved in the process is very beneficial. The skill and knowledge of the number of years that Brian has in the industry is invaluable. He interceded on several occasions to ensure that I was being treated fairly and the matter brought to a resolution without having to go to arbitration - which we were prepared to do - but which would have been additional stress for me. I would recommend Brian to anyone who is looking for a fair impartial and competent handling of their claim. I found him to be empathetic and thorough in his research of my issues so that these could be addressed to the parties concerned."

Ms. N.W. (Hutt Valley)

"I was recommended to Brian by one of my support people because my rheumatoid arthritis had got so bad I was no longer able to work. I had some Permanent Disability insurance (TPD) attached to my superannuation scheme in Australia but I was frustrated trying to progress a claim. As soon as Brian took over, he was welcoming, friendly and professional. His people skills, knowledge and constant contact helped bridge the relationship with the insurer and my interests. He also came to two doctor's appointments as my support person, which was reassuring, but also to ensure the accurate information was supplied to the insurer. I couldn't have been happier with the help and service he provided."

Ms. M.M. (Upper Hutt)

“A friend recommended me to Brian and after a brief look at your web page, I knew it was critical that I got the right advice from an industry specialist. This was especially because of the international distances and time zones involved between the insurer and myself. The advice provided was clear, concise and progress was achieved at my pace with regular communication over the internet. Your service was prompt, professional and well targeted to my specific needs. I know my case was unique, being diagnosed and operated on in Japan when my insurer was in New Zealand. This meant I had a problem finding an adequate translation company. It would be useful for others if you could lead them with finding a suitable company to minimise time delay. Also, video conferencing is something you may like to consider in the future. I will certainly advise others of your service, thank you.”