Cancel Assurant: The Right Way to Take Control

How to cancel Assurant in new zealand and reclaim your money

Why you're right to cancel Assurant now

Assurant is a global insurance company operating in New Zealand with products that cover device protection and motor insurance. You may have purchased an Assurant policy through a retailer, phone provider, or car dealership-often without fully understanding the ongoing cost or the terms you agreed to. Many New Zealand consumers discover months or years later that automatic renewal charges have added up far beyond what they expected to pay.

If you've decided to cancel, you're exercising your consumer rights and taking back control of your finances. Tocancel exists to guide you through this process with clarity and confidence. This guide walks you through every cancellation method available to you, explains your legal protections under New Zealand law, and shows you how to avoid the common mistakes that trap consumers into paying unwanted charges long after they've tried to cancel.

What Assurant products are available in new zealand

Assurant New Zealand offers motor insurance policies (comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, and third-party only coverage) and device protection plans, including Samsung Care+ products. All Assurant policies in New Zealand are subject to the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013, which means the company must treat you fairly and honour cancellation requests within a reasonable timeframe.

Why Assurant policies auto-renew and what that costs you

Assurant policies renew automatically unless you actively cancel. This means monthly or annual charges continue indefinitely, often increasing at renewal without clear advance notice. Over two years, a $15-per-month device protection policy can cost you $360 or more-even if you've never claimed. Tocancel helps thousands of New Zealand consumers identify these hidden renewal costs and eliminate them.

Your consumer rights when cancelling Assurant

New Zealand law gives you powerful protections when you cancel an insurance policy. Understanding these rights means you can confidently challenge any refusal to process your cancellation or refund.

Consumer guarantees act 1993 protections

Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, Assurant must supply insurance services that are of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and delivered with reasonable care and skill. This means if you were sold a policy under misleading circumstances-for example, through a retailer who didn't fully explain the ongoing cost-you have grounds to claim a refund or compensation, regardless of what the policy terms state.

Your legal position is straightforward: if the service didn't match what you were sold, Assurant cannot hide behind fine print. Document everything: the date you purchased the policy, how the sale was presented to you, any misleading statements, and the date you first raised a complaint. This paper trail is your protection in any dispute with the company.

Fair dealing and complaint escalation

Assurant's Fair Conduct Programme (effective 31 March 2025) commits the company to treating customers fairly, investigating complaints within 20 working days, and providing clear explanations if they decline your cancellation request. If Assurant refuses to cancel or denies you a refund, you can escalate your complaint to the Insurance and Savings Ombudsman (ISO), an independent body that investigates insurance disputes for free.

If you believe Assurant has engaged in misleading or unfair contract terms, you can also report this to the Commerce Commission, which enforces consumer law across New Zealand. Keep copies of all written communication with Assurant-emails, SMS confirmations, and dated notes of phone calls-because these form the evidence that strengthens your case if you need to escalate.

How to cancel Assurant by phone, email, or post

Assurant offers multiple cancellation channels. Choosing the right one and following up correctly can mean the difference between a clean cancellation and unwanted charges continuing to your account.

Cancel by phone (fastest method)

1. Call Assurant New Zealand on 0800 443 881 during business hours (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday).
   • Have your policy number ready (find it on your policy document or recent email statement).
   • Confirm your full name, email address, and phone number as they appear on your account.
   • Clearly state: "I want to cancel my policy effective immediately" or on a specific date.
   • Ask the agent for the exact effective cancellation date in writing.
   • Request a written confirmation email sent to your address within 24 hours.
   • Take a note of the agent's name, call time, and any reference number provided.
2. Hang up only after you have a confirmation email in your inbox, or ask for a callback within 2 hours.

Phone cancellation is fastest because you get real-time confirmation and can ask follow-up questions. However, always request written confirmation because phone records alone may not prevent re-billing if a system error occurs.

Cancel by email (create a paper trail)

1. Compose an email to Assurant's customer service address (check your policy documents or the main website for the correct email).
   • Write in the subject line: "Cancellation Request - Policy Number [your number]".
   • Include your full name, policy number, email address, and phone number.
   • State clearly: "I request immediate cancellation of this policy effective [date or 'today']."
   • Ask for written confirmation of the cancellation date and any refund due.
2. Send the email from an address you regularly use so Assurant can easily verify your identity.
3. Screenshot or save the sent email as proof you sent the cancellation request.
4. Wait up to 5 working days for a response; if you hear nothing, follow up by phone using the contact number above.

Email cancellation creates a documented record that protects you if Assurant later claims it never received your request. This is especially valuable if you're disputing a refund or late fees later.

Cancel by post (for registered proof)

1. Write a letter to Assurant's New Zealand office:
   • Include your full name, policy number, email, and phone number.
   • State: "I formally request cancellation of policy number [your number] effective [date or 'immediately']."
   • Ask for confirmation of the cancellation date and refund amount within 10 working days.
2. Send the letter via registered or tracked mail to:
   • Assurant New Zealand, Customer Service, Level 3, 155 The Strand, Parnell, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
3. Keep the proof of postage receipt and a copy of your letter.
4. Wait 10 working days for a response; if Assurant doesn't reply, contact them by phone with your proof of postage.

Registered post is the slowest method but provides the strongest legal proof that you sent a cancellation request on a specific date. Use this method if you've already tried phone or email without success.

Understanding refunds and cancellation timelines

Assurant must process cancellations and refunds fairly. Knowing the timeline and your entitlements protects you from unexpected bills and dispute complications.

When your cancellation takes effect

Your policy cancels on the date Assurant confirms, not necessarily the date you request. If you ask to cancel on the 15th of the month, Assurant may process the cancellation to take effect on the 1st of the following month, depending on the policy terms. Always confirm the exact effective cancellation date in writing-this date determines whether you owe outstanding premiums or qualify for a refund.

Refund eligibility and calculation

You're entitled to a refund if you've paid premiums in advance for a period after your cancellation date. For example, if you've paid $120 for a full year of cover and you cancel after four months, Assurant must refund you the $80 for the remaining eight months (minus any unused no-claims bonuses, depending on policy terms). The company has 20 working days to process your refund after confirming the cancellation.

Tocancel recommends you request a refund calculation in writing so you know exactly what to expect. If Assurant refuses to refund anything, ask them to cite the specific policy clause that denies a refund-then check that clause against the Consumer Guarantees Act to see if it's enforceable.

What to do after you've cancelled Assurant

Cancellation doesn't end your responsibility. Taking these steps protects you from unexpected re-billing and ensures Assurant doesn't claim you owe money you don't.

Monitor your bank account and statements

For at least two billing cycles after your cancellation date, check your bank statements and credit card to confirm no further charges from Assurant appear. If you spot a charge after your confirmed cancellation date, contact your bank immediately and report it as an unauthorized transaction. Your bank can reverse the charge while Assurant investigates.

Save all cancellation confirmations

Keep every cancellation confirmation email, letter, or SMS from Assurant in a dedicated folder. Include the agent name, date, time, and reference number from any phone calls. If Assurant re-bills you and denies receiving your cancellation request, these documents are your proof that you did everything right and the company failed to process your request.

Follow up on your refund

If Assurant promised a refund but hasn't processed it within 20 working days, contact them by phone and ask for a refund status. Request a refund reference number and expected payment date. If the company delays beyond 20 working days without explanation, escalate to the Insurance and Savings Ombudsman, which has the power to order Assurant to pay your refund plus compensation for inconvenience.

Common cancellation mistakes that trap new zealand consumers

Many people try to cancel Assurant but end up re-billed because they miss one critical step. Learning what these pitfalls are means you won't fall into them.

Forgetting to request written confirmation

Cancelling by phone without asking for a written confirmation email is the most common mistake. The agent may say "You're all set," but if no confirmation lands in your inbox, you have no proof you cancelled. Weeks later, another charge appears and Assurant claims your cancellation request was never logged. Always ask the phone agent to email a confirmation within 24 hours, and follow up immediately if it doesn't arrive.

Confusing cancellation date with effective date

You may cancel your policy today, but the effective cancellation date might be at the end of your current billing period. If you assume you're cancelled immediately and skip paying an outstanding balance, Assurant may report you as having defaulted or may re-bill you for the remaining period. Clarify and confirm the exact effective cancellation date in writing every single time.

Failing to check for automatic renewals

Some Assurant policies auto-renew at the end of the cancellation period if you don't confirm the cancellation was processed. Set a phone reminder for one week before your policy would have renewed, then log into your account (if available) or call to verify the cancellation went through. This is especially important if you cancelled more than two months in advance.

Not escalating when Assurant refuses to refund

If Assurant denies your refund claim, many consumers simply accept it and move on. Instead, ask Assurant in writing to explain which policy clause justifies the refund denial. If that clause contradicts the Consumer Guarantees Act or the company's Fair Conduct Programme, escalate immediately to the Insurance and Savings Ombudsman. You may be entitled to compensation, and most consumers who escalate win their cases.

When to escalate your complaint to the authorities

If Assurant refuses to cancel, delays your cancellation, or denies a refund you're entitled to, you have formal complaint channels outside the company.

Insurance and savings ombudsman (ISO)

The ISO is an independent disputes resolution service funded by the insurance industry but independent of any one company. You can lodge a complaint for free if Assurant has refused to cancel your policy or pay a refund you believe you're owed. The ISO investigates free of charge and can order Assurant to pay compensation up to $20,000 or recommend the company do so. Contact the ISO through its website or call 0800 888 202 to lodge a complaint.

Commerce commission

If you believe Assurant engaged in misleading conduct (for example, by hiding cancellation fees or misrepresenting the cooling-off period), you can report this to the Commerce Commission, which enforces the Consumer Law across New Zealand. The Commission investigates breaches of consumer law and can take enforcement action against the company if it finds evidence of unfair practices.

Your bank or credit card provider

If Assurant continues to charge your account after you've cancelled, contact your bank or card issuer and report the charges as unauthorized. Your bank can dispute the transaction and often reverse the charge while Assurant investigates. This protects your account and forces Assurant to explain itself to your financial institution-which usually speeds up resolution.

Checklist: cancelling Assurant step by step

Use this checklist to ensure you've completed every step and left no room for error or re-billing.

How tocancel helps you cancel Assurant faster

Tocancel is a consumer rights platform that simplifies cancellation. Many consumers struggle with Assurant because the cancellation process isn't clearly signposted on the company website, and customer service responses are slow. Tocancel has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers cancel insurance policies, subscriptions, and memberships by providing clear steps, tracking cancellation confirmations, and escalating complaints to the appropriate authorities when companies refuse to comply with consumer law.

When you use Tocancel, you get a timeline, checklists, and direct contact details for Assurant and the relevant oversight bodies. You also receive reminders to follow up on your cancellation and refund, so nothing slips through the cracks. Tocancel's mission is to make cancellation as simple and transparent as signing up-because your right to exit a contract is just as important as your right to enter one.

Your final steps and contact details

Cancelling Assurant is straightforward if you follow the steps above and keep written records. You have strong legal protections under New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act, and you can escalate any unfair refusal to cancel or refund to independent authorities who take your complaint seriously.

Contact Assurant directly using these channels:

• Phone: 0800 443 881 (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday)
• Post: Assurant New Zealand, Customer Service, Level 3, 155 The Strand, Parnell, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
• Email: Check your policy documents or website for the most current customer service email address

If Assurant refuses to cancel or delays beyond 10 working days, escalate to:

• Insurance and Savings Ombudsman: 0800 888 202 (free complaints service)
• Commerce Commission: Report misleading conduct at www.comcom.govt.nz

Tocancel has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers cancel unwanted policies, recover refunds, and avoid re-billing. Your right to cancel is protected by law, and this guide gives you the tools to exercise that right confidently. Take action today-don't wait for another charge to land in your account.