How to cancel Ami Insurance in new zealand and avoid hidden fees
What Ami Insurance is and why you might cancel
Ami Insurance is a New Zealand-owned provider offering comprehensive car, home, contents, and roadside rescue cover to thousands of Kiwi households. You may have chosen Ami because they're established, competitive, or bundled with another product-but circumstances change, better offers emerge, and your insurance needs shift.
Whether you've found cheaper car cover elsewhere, sold your vehicle, or simply want to switch providers, cancelling with Ami Insurance is straightforward once you understand the legal framework and process. Yafee has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers navigate insurance cancellations without losing money or missing critical deadlines, and this guide will walk you through exactly what to do.
Ami Insurance products and cancellation scope
Ami Insurance sells several product types: comprehensive and third-party car cover, home and contents policies, combined packages, and standalone Ami Roadside Rescue membership. Each has slightly different cancellation rules and refund entitlements.
If you hold multiple policies with Ami, you can cancel one, some, or all of them independently. You do not need to cancel everything at once unless you choose to do so.
Your consumer rights under new zealand law
Before you cancel, know what the law protects you.
New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and Fair Trading Act 1986 set minimum standards for insurance cancellations, and Ami Insurance must comply with both. You have the statutory right to cancel most insurance policies mid-term and receive a refund of unused premium. This is not a favour from Ami-it is your legal entitlement under consumer protection law.
Your legal position on mid-term cancellation
The Consumer Guarantees Act entitles you to fair and transparent terms. If Ami refuses a refund or applies unfair cancellation penalties, you can escalate to the Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO), a free independent service that investigates consumer complaints about insurers at no cost to you.
IFSO can order Ami to refund you, waive fees, or compensate you if they breach consumer law. Keep all correspondence-emails, confirmation letters, and policy documents-as evidence if you need to lodge a complaint with IFSO later.
The 15-day cooling-off period for roadside rescue
If you buy or renew Ami Roadside Rescue as a standalone membership, you have 15 days from the purchase or renewal date to cancel and receive a full refund with no questions asked. This is your statutory cooling-off right under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
After 15 days, you can still cancel but will receive only a pro-rata refund for the unused months remaining in your membership year. Keep your purchase receipt or renewal confirmation email-you will need it to prove the purchase date if Ami disputes your 15-day window.
Cancellation methods for Ami Insurance
Ami Insurance does not offer online self-service cancellation through their website or mobile app.
You must contact Ami directly by phone or in writing to end your cover. Yafee recommends phone cancellation as the fastest method because you receive immediate verbal confirmation and a reference number.
Cancel by phone (fastest method)
Calling Ami is usually the quickest way to cancel and get real-time confirmation of your effective date.
- Call Ami Insurance on 0800 800 109 during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm NZST).
- Have your policy number ready. You will find it on your policy schedule, recent invoice, or renewal notice.
- Tell the operator clearly: "I want to cancel my policy effective [date]." You can choose an immediate cancellation or any future date that suits you.
- Provide your full name, date of birth, and the reason for cancelling (optional but speeds the process).
- Be specific: "I have found cheaper cover," "I have sold my car," or "I no longer need this cover."
- Ask the operator to email or post written confirmation immediately.
- Request a cancellation reference number and note the operator's name.
- Ask for the effective cancellation date in writing.
- Hang up only after you have confirmation in hand or a clear email sent to you.
Cancel by post (formal method)
Posting a cancellation letter to Ami is formal, verifiable, and creates a paper trail if a dispute arises later.
- Write a brief cancellation letter on plain paper or email template.
- Include the following information:
- Your full name and date of birth.
- Your Ami Insurance policy number (found on your policy schedule or recent invoice).
- The effective cancellation date (immediate or a future date).
- A clear statement: "I hereby cancel my Ami Insurance policy effective [date]."
- Your contact phone number and email address.
- Send your letter by registered post or tracked courier to Ami's head office:
- Ami Insurance, PO Box 311, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
- Alternatively, deliver to their corporate head office:
- Ami Insurance, George Street, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Request a delivery receipt and keep a copy of your letter.
- Allow 5-7 working days for Ami to process your cancellation after they receive your letter.
Cancel by email (documented method)
Email is a middle ground between phone and post-fast but still documented.
- Send an email to Ami's customer service address (check their website for the current email or call 0800 800 109 to confirm it).
- Use a clear subject line: "Cancellation Request-Policy Number [your number]."
- Include the same information as your post cancellation: policy number, full name, date of birth, and effective cancellation date.
- Request written confirmation of cancellation and refund status within 2 business days.
- Save the email receipt and any confirmation Ami sends back to you.
Your refund entitlements and timeline
Understanding what you will receive and when is critical to a smooth cancellation.
How Ami calculates your refund
Ami will refund the unused portion of your premium based on a pro-rata calculation. If you paid $1200 per year ($100 per month) and cancel after 3 months, you have used 3 months and are entitled to a refund for the remaining 9 months: $900.
Ami may deduct a reasonable administration fee for processing the cancellation, but this fee must be fair and proportionate to the work involved. If Ami deducts more than 10% of your refund without justification, this may breach the Consumer Guarantees Act. Yafee advises querying any deduction that seems excessive.
When you will receive your refund
Ami will process your refund within 10-15 working days of your cancellation request. They will return funds to your original payment method (bank account or credit card).
If you do not receive your refund within 15 working days, contact Ami again and ask for a specific refund date. If they cannot provide one or refuse to refund you, escalate to the Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO) by visiting www.ifso.org.nz or calling 0800 888 202.
Refunds if you are within the 15-day cooling-off period
If you cancel Ami Roadside Rescue within 15 days of purchase or renewal, you must receive a full refund with no deductions. Ami cannot charge administration fees or apply pro-rata calculations during the cooling-off period.
What happens after you cancel
Cancellation does not end the moment you receive confirmation-several important steps follow.
Verify your policy has ended
After Ami processes your cancellation, you should receive a final cancellation letter or email confirming the end date and refund amount. Verify that the cancellation date matches what you requested.
If you cancel on the 15th but the letter says the 20th, contact Ami immediately to correct the date. Your cover ends on the date stated, and driving without insurance after that date is illegal in New Zealand.
Update your insurance arrangements
If you are cancelling a car insurance policy, ensure your new insurer's cover starts on or before the day your Ami cover ends. There must be no gap in cover-even one day without insurance makes you liable to prosecution and unprotected in an accident.
If you are cancelling home or contents cover, follow the same rule: new policy effective date must align with or precede the Ami cancellation date.
Monitor your refund
Track your refund status by checking your bank account or credit card statement 10-15 working days after cancellation. If the refund does not appear, contact Ami with your cancellation reference number and ask for a refund status update.
Common cancellation mistakes to avoid
Many New Zealand consumers lose money during cancellation because they miss simple procedural steps-but all of these are avoidable with the right knowledge.
Mistake 1: cancelling without getting written confirmation
If you cancel by phone but do not ask for written confirmation, you have no proof of the cancellation date or your refund entitlement if Ami later disputes your cancellation. Always ask for a confirmation email or letter before hanging up.
Mistake 2: not checking your refund calculation
Ami may calculate your refund incorrectly or deduct unjustified fees. When you receive your cancellation letter, work through the maths yourself: number of days used divided by total days in your policy year, multiplied by your annual premium. If the refund is less than you expect, ask Ami to explain the deduction in writing.
Mistake 3: letting your old policy overlap with your new one
If you cancel Ami on the 15th but your new insurer does not start until the 20th, you have a 5-day gap. Conversely, if your new cover starts on the 10th and Ami does not end until the 15th, you are double-paying for 5 days. Coordinate your cancellation and new cover to start and end on the same date.
Mistake 4: cancelling without a valid replacement policy
Never cancel your Ami Insurance policy before you have confirmed that your replacement insurer's cover is active. Driving without insurance is illegal and leaves you personally liable for any accidents.
Mistake 5: ignoring the 15-day cooling-off deadline for roadside rescue
If you buy Ami Roadside Rescue and want out, cancel within 15 days for a full refund. After 15 days, you only get a pro-rata refund. Mark the deadline on your calendar and act within the window.
Refund and cancellation summary table
| Aspect |
Details |
| Cancellation method |
Phone (fastest), post, or email (all must be confirmed in writing) |
| Phone number |
0800 800 109 (Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm NZST) |
| Cooling-off period |
15 days for Ami Roadside Rescue; full refund with no deductions |
| Refund calculation |
Pro-rata (unused months or days, minus fair administration fee) |
| Refund timeline |
10-15 working days after cancellation request |
| Escalation contact |
Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO) - www.ifso.org.nz or 0800 888 202 |
If Ami refuses to cancel or refund you
In rare cases, Ami may refuse to process your cancellation or withhold your refund unfairly.
Step 1: request a written explanation
Email Ami and ask for a detailed written explanation of why they refuse to cancel or refund you. Keep a copy of this correspondence.
Step 2: reference the consumer guarantees act
In your email, state: "I am requesting cancellation of my policy in accordance with the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. I am entitled to a pro-rata refund of unused premium. Please confirm your refusal in writing with full justification, or process my cancellation immediately."
This formal language often prompts a rapid response because Ami knows you are aware of your legal rights.
Step 3: lodge a complaint with IFSO
If Ami still refuses after your written request, lodge a free complaint with the Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman.
- Visit www.ifso.org.nz or call 0800 888 202.
- Provide your policy number, copies of all correspondence with Ami, and a clear summary of your complaint.
- IFSO will investigate at no cost to you and can order Ami to cancel your policy and refund you, plus compensation if appropriate.
- IFSO decisions are binding on Ami unless they appeal, which is rare.
When to keep your Ami Insurance policy
Cancellation is not always the right choice-in some cases, staying with Ami makes financial or practical sense.
| Reason to cancel |
Reason to keep |
| Found cheaper cover elsewhere |
Ami's renewal price is competitive and stable |
| No longer need the cover (sold car, moved house) |
Still need cover and Ami meets your needs |
| Unhappy with customer service |
Satisfied with support and claims process |
| Policy has poor value add-ons |
Bundled discounts make overall cost attractive |
| Better offer from competitor |
Switching cost (admin fees, gap risk) exceeds savings |
Before you cancel, compare the total cost of switching (new insurer's premium plus any gap-cover costs) against staying with Ami. A 5% saving on premium is not worth the risk of a gap in cover or a claims dispute with an unfamiliar insurer.
Use the following contact details to cancel your Ami Insurance policy.
Phone cancellation
Ami Insurance Customer Service
Phone: 0800 800 109
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm NZST
Post cancellation
Ami Insurance (Head Office)
PO Box 311
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Alternative address:
Ami Insurance (Corporate Office)
George Street
Dunedin
New Zealand
Escalation contact
Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO)
Website: www.ifso.org.nz
Phone: 0800 888 202
Free service for consumers with insurance complaints
Summary and next steps
Cancelling your Ami Insurance policy is a straightforward process governed by New Zealand consumer law. You have the right to a pro-rata refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act, and Ami must process your cancellation within 10-15 working days.
The fastest method is phone cancellation on 0800 800 109, but always request written confirmation immediately. If you are within the 15-day cooling-off period for Ami Roadside Rescue, you are entitled to a full refund with no deductions.
Verify your refund timeline, ensure no gap in cover between your old and new insurers, and escalate to IFSO if Ami refuses to cancel or refund you unfairly. Yafee has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers cancel their insurance safely and recover refunds they were entitled to. Use this guide to protect your interests, and remember: your consumer rights are not negotiable-they are backed by law.