How to cancel your AAMI insurance policy in new zealand and protect your refund rights
Understanding AAMI and why new zealand customers cancel
AAMI is a general insurance provider offering motor, home, contents and landlord coverage to New Zealand customers. Many households rely on AAMI for roadside assistance and related protection services, but circumstances change-whether you have found a better rate, changed vehicles, sold a property, or simply want to consolidate your policies elsewhere.
Cancelling your AAMI policy should be straightforward, yet many customers encounter delays, lose track of refund timelines, or miss the cooling-off period entirely. At Yafee, we specialise in helping New Zealand consumers navigate cancellation with confidence and precision. This guide walks you through every step, flags the common pitfalls, and ensures you reclaim every dollar you are entitled to under New Zealand law.
Why you might choose to cancel AAMI
You might cancel because you have found cheaper cover, moved regions, sold a vehicle, or discovered gaps in your existing policy. Others cancel when life circumstances shift-for example, switching from car ownership to public transport or selling a rental property. Understanding your reason helps you choose the right cancellation method and timing. Some customers also cancel when they bundle multiple policies with a single provider for better value.
Common AAMI policies held by new zealand customers
AAMI typically offers comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, and third-party liability motor cover, alongside home, contents and landlord insurance products. Many New Zealand customers also hold separate roadside rescue membership, which operates independently and requires individual cancellation. Your policy documents will specify which products you hold and their renewal dates.
Your consumer rights as an AAMI customer in new zealand
New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and Fair Trading Act 1986 protect you throughout the cancellation process and beyond.
Your legal position
You have a statutory right to a 14-day cooling-off period under the Consumer Guarantees Act from the date your AAMI policy commences (or when you receive your policy documents, whichever is later). If you cancel within 14 days and no claim has been made, AAMI must refund your full premium without question or penalty. This is your strongest leverage point-use it immediately if you have just taken out a policy and changed your mind.
After the 14-day cooling-off period closes, you retain the right to cancel at any time, and AAMI must refund your unused premium on a pro-rata basis. AAMI may deduct only genuine administrative costs and any government charges that apply. The Fair Trading Act 1986 prohibits AAMI from charging penalties or unreasonable administrative fees simply because you have exercised your cancellation right. If AAMI refuses to provide a refund or imposes unfair charges, you can escalate your complaint to the Insurance and Mortgage Ombudsman (IMO).
What happens to your data after cancellation
Once AAMI processes your cancellation, the company retains your policy records for regulatory compliance and potential claims defence. Request written confirmation of your cancellation date in writing-this protects you if disputes arise later. Ask AAMI specifically how long records will be retained and whether future quotes will reflect your claims history. Under the Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to access your personal information held by AAMI within 20 working days.
Escalation pathways if AAMI refuses to cancel or withhold your refund
If AAMI delays your cancellation, withholds a refund you are entitled to, or makes cancellation unreasonably difficult, escalate immediately to the Insurance and Mortgage Ombudsman scheme (IMO). This free dispute resolution service investigates complaints and can compel AAMI to refund you. The IMO operates independently and has enforcement powers under the Financial Services Providers (Registration and Dispute Resolution) Act 2008. You can also contact the Commerce Commission if you believe unfair trading practices have occurred. Yafee recommends keeping detailed records of all correspondence with AAMI, including dates, times, names of staff, and confirmation numbers.
How to cancel your AAMI policy: step by step
Your cancellation method depends on when your policy started and your personal preference-Yafee recommends knowing all your options before you act.
Step 1: check your cooling-off period eligibility
Calculate the exact date your AAMI policy commenced by checking your policy documents or welcome letter. Count 14 calendar days from that date. If today falls within that period and you have not made a claim, you are within your cooling-off period and entitled to a full refund without penalty. If you are outside the cooling-off window, you will receive a pro-rata refund for unused premium.
Step 2: gather your policy documents and reference numbers
Locate your AAMI policy documents, renewal notice, or the email confirmation from when you took out the policy. You will need your policy number, customer reference, date of birth, and the email address or phone number associated with your account. Having this information to hand speeds up the cancellation process and reduces the chance of AAMI requesting additional verification.
Step 3: initiate cancellation by telephone
- Contact AAMI customer service on the phone number listed in your policy documents or on the AAMI website.
- Confirm your identity by providing your policy number, date of birth, and the postcode on your policy.
- AAMI may ask additional security questions to verify your identity-answer truthfully and completely.
- Clearly state that you wish to cancel your policy effective immediately (or specify your preferred cancellation date).
- If you are cancelling within the cooling-off period, state this explicitly-AAMI must process the cancellation without penalty.
- If you are cancelling after the cooling-off period, ask for confirmation of your pro-rata refund amount in writing.
- Request a confirmation number and the expected refund amount before you hang up.
- Ask when the refund will appear in your bank account-AAMI must process refunds within 20 working days under standard practice.
Step 4: confirm cancellation in writing
Do not rely solely on a telephone conversation. Send a follow-up email to AAMI customer service immediately after your phone call, restating your request to cancel and quoting the confirmation number you received. Include your policy number, full name, date of birth, and the date you wish the cancellation to take effect. This creates a written record that protects you if AAMI later disputes whether you actually requested cancellation.
Step 5: monitor your refund and follow up if necessary
Track the refund in your bank account. AAMI should process the refund within 20 working days of your cancellation request. If the refund does not appear within this timeframe, or if the amount is incorrect, contact AAMI immediately and ask for a written explanation. Ask specifically which fees or charges AAMI has deducted and why-they must be genuine and transparent. At Yafee, we recommend checking your refund amount against AAMI's published fee schedule to ensure you have not been overcharged.
Step 6: request written cancellation confirmation
Once the refund appears in your account, send another follow-up email to AAMI asking for written confirmation that your policy has been cancelled. Request a document showing the cancellation date, the refund amount, and the deductions applied (if any). This final confirmation protects you if you receive a renewal notice or if AAMI later attempts to charge you for cover you no longer hold.
AAMI offers multiple cancellation channels, each with different response times and documentation trails.
| Cancellation method |
Response time |
Documentation |
Best for |
| Telephone (phone number in policy documents) |
Immediate verbal confirmation |
Confirmation number provided; confirm in writing afterward |
Urgent cancellations; faster processing |
| Email to AAMI customer service |
3-5 working days |
Written trail automatically created |
Preference for written communication; legal record |
| Online customer portal (if available) |
1-2 working days |
Confirmation email generated |
Digital-first customers; 24/7 access |
| Registered mail to AAMI address |
5-10 working days |
Proof of posting + recorded delivery |
Maximum legal protection; formal record |
| In-person at AAMI branch (if available) |
Same day |
Receipt and written confirmation |
Immediate cancellation; face-to-face resolution |
| Through your insurance broker (if applicable) |
2-5 working days |
Broker confirms cancellation in writing |
Policies arranged via broker; streamlined process |
Refund calculation and timing
AAMI calculates your refund based on the number of days remaining on your policy at the cancellation date.
How AAMI calculates pro-rata refunds
AAMI divides your annual premium by 365 days and multiplies the daily rate by the number of days remaining. For example, if you paid NZD 600 for an annual policy and cancel after 200 days, AAMI owes you a refund for the remaining 165 days: (600 ÷ 365) × 165 = approximately NZD 271. AAMI then deducts only genuine administrative costs (typically between NZD 0 and NZD 40) and any government levies that apply. The final refund amount should never be less than zero.
Deductions AAMI may apply
AAMI is entitled to deduct only costs that are genuinely incurred and proportionate to the service provided. These include a modest administration fee for processing the cancellation (typically NZD 20-40), any government levies or taxes paid, and, in rare cases, a proportionate share of claims-handling costs if you made a claim during your ownership period. AAMI cannot deduct penalties, "early exit fees", or other charges designed to discourage cancellation-these breach the Fair Trading Act 1986.
Refund timing and payment method
AAMI must process your refund within 20 working days of receiving your cancellation request. The refund is typically returned to the bank account or credit card from which you paid your premium. If you paid by bank transfer, the refund appears as a transfer back to your account. If you paid by credit card, AAMI may refund to the card issuer, who then credits your account (this can take an additional 2-5 working days). Monitor your account statements carefully and contact your bank immediately if the refund does not appear within 25 working days.
Common mistakes when cancelling AAMI
Many customers stumble during cancellation and lose money or create confusion later. The good news is that all of these mistakes are avoidable if you follow a clear procedure.
Mistake 1: cancelling verbally without written confirmation
Never rely solely on a telephone conversation. AAMI staff may forget to process your cancellation, or disputes may arise later about whether you actually requested it. Always send a follow-up email or registered letter confirming your verbal request. This creates a written trail that protects you in disputes with AAMI or the Insurance and Mortgage Ombudsman.
Mistake 2: ignoring the cooling-off period deadline
Your 14-day cooling-off period runs from the date your policy commences, not from when you receive your first bill or when you first use the cover. If you miss this window by even one day, you lose your right to a full refund. Calculate your deadline immediately upon taking out the policy and act within that timeframe if you are unhappy with your cover.
Mistake 3: failing to check the refund amount
Many customers accept AAMI's refund without questioning it. Always compare the refund to your own calculation. Ask AAMI in writing to itemise the deductions-premium, administration fee, government levies, and claims costs if applicable. If the deductions exceed what is reasonable or transparent, escalate to the IMO immediately.
Mistake 4: cancelling without securing alternative cover first
Do not cancel your AAMI policy until you have confirmed that your new insurer's cover is active. A gap in insurance leaves you unprotected and can breach loan conditions if you are financing a vehicle. Arrange the changeover date carefully-typically, you cancel AAMI on the same day your new policy starts.
Mistake 5: not requesting written confirmation of cancellation
After your refund appears, you may still receive renewal notices from AAMI unless you obtain written confirmation that your policy is permanently cancelled. Request this document in writing and keep it safely. This prevents accidental renewal and confusion if you apply for insurance elsewhere.
What happens after cancellation
Cancellation does not end all your interactions with AAMI-you have obligations and rights that persist.
Your claims history and future insurance quotes
AAMI retains your claims history for up to six years. If you made a claim during your ownership period, future insurers may see this on your claims record and may charge higher premiums or impose exclusions. Your cancellation date does not erase your claims history. If you are unhappy with how AAMI reported your claim, you can dispute the record with AAMI directly or escalate to the Privacy Commissioner under the Privacy Act 2020.
Outstanding claims or refunds
If you cancel while a claim is pending, the claim does not automatically disappear. AAMI will continue to process your claim even after the policy is cancelled-you retain the right to pursue a valid claim. Conversely, AAMI may deduct the claim amount from your refund if it exceeds the remaining premium owed. Always clarify the status of any pending claim before you accept your final refund amount.
Receiving renewal notices or follow-up contact
If you receive a renewal notice from AAMI after your cancellation, do not ignore it. Contact AAMI immediately and provide your cancellation confirmation number. If AAMI continues to send renewal notices or attempts to charge your card for renewal premium, this is a breach of the Fair Trading Act 1986. Report this to the Commerce Commission and escalate to the IMO if necessary.
When to escalate to the insurance and mortgage ombudsman
The Insurance and Mortgage Ombudsman is your free dispute resolution service if AAMI refuses to cooperate.
When to involve the IMO
Escalate to the IMO if AAMI refuses to cancel your policy without legitimate reason, withholds a refund you are entitled to, imposes unreasonable deductions, or delays your refund beyond 20 working days. You can also escalate if AAMI provides misleading information about your cancellation rights or fails to acknowledge your written cancellation request. The IMO investigates complaints at no cost and can compel AAMI to refund you. At Yafee, we recommend escalating early-do not wait longer than 30 days after cancellation if AAMI has not fully complied with your request.
How to lodge a complaint with the IMO
Contact the Insurance and Mortgage Ombudsman scheme at [email protected] or visit their website. Provide your policy number, cancellation confirmation number, copies of all correspondence with AAMI, and a clear statement of what AAMI has failed to do. The IMO will acknowledge your complaint within two working days and will investigate within 20 working days. Include evidence of the dates you sent your cancellation request and the dates you followed up.
Contact details for the IMO and commerce commission
| Authority |
Contact method |
Use when |
| Insurance and Mortgage Ombudsman (IMO) |
[email protected] | www.imo.org.nz | Freephone 0800 884 633 |
AAMI refuses to cancel, withholds refund, or delays beyond 20 days |
| Commerce Commission |
[email protected] | www.comcom.govt.nz | (09) 302 0600 |
AAMI breaches Fair Trading Act (unfair fees, misleading information) |
| Privacy Commissioner |
[email protected] | www.privacy.org.nz | 0800 803 202 |
AAMI mishandles your personal data or retains records unfairly |
| Financial Markets Authority (FMA) |
[email protected] | www.fma.govt.nz | (04) 472 9830 |
AAMI breaches financial services regulations |
Key cancellation checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you have completed every step and protected your interests.
- Calculate your 14-day cooling-off period deadline and note the exact date.
- Gather your policy number, customer reference, date of birth, and account contact details.
- Contact AAMI by telephone and request cancellation; note the confirmation number.
- Send a follow-up email to AAMI confirming your cancellation request within 24 hours.
- Request written confirmation of the refund amount and the breakdown of any deductions.
- Confirm that your alternative cover is active before your AAMI cancellation takes effect.
- Monitor your bank account for the refund and check that it arrives within 20 working days.
- Verify the refund amount against your own calculation; dispute if it is incorrect.
- Request written confirmation that your policy is permanently cancelled.
- Retain all cancellation correspondence and receipts for at least six years.
- If AAMI refuses to cancel or withholds a refund, escalate to the Insurance and Mortgage Ombudsman immediately.
If you prefer a formal, documented approach or if AAMI has been unresponsive, send a registered letter to AAMI's cancellation address.
Send your letter to: AAMI Limited, Customer Service Department, Private Bag 92198, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
Your letter should include your full name, date of birth, policy number, the date you wish the cancellation to take effect, and a clear statement: "I cancel my AAMI insurance policy [policy number] effective [date]. I am entitled to a pro-rata refund for unused premium under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. I request confirmation of cancellation and a statement of the refund amount within 10 working days. Please confirm receipt of this letter and provide a contact number for follow-up."
Send this letter by registered mail and retain the proof of posting. AAMI must acknowledge receipt within five working days and process the cancellation within 10 working days. This formal approach creates an ironclad legal record and signals to AAMI that you are serious about your cancellation right.
Why you should cancel AAMI and compare alternatives
Cancelling AAMI makes sense if you have found cheaper cover, if your circumstances have changed significantly, or if you are unhappy with the service. Yafee recommends comparing at least three alternative quotes before you cancel-this ensures you are not simply moving to a more expensive provider. New Zealand has dozens of insurance providers, including State, AA Insurance, Tower, and Southfur, each offering different premiums and cover combinations. Use an independent comparison site to see side-by-side quotes, then cancel AAMI only once you have confirmed your new provider's terms and start date.
Getting help from yafee
Cancelling your AAMI policy is your right under New Zealand law, and Yafee has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers execute cancellations cleanly and reclaim every dollar of refund they are entitled to. If you are unsure about your cooling-off period, believe AAMI is charging unfair deductions, or simply want step-by-step guidance, visit Yafee (yafee.com) to access our full cancellation guides, calculators, and escalation templates. Yafee specialises in consumer contracts and insurance cancellation, and we are here to ensure you navigate the process with confidence.