Many businesses only think about reviewing their insurances at renewal, however it is wise to review anytime where your business may be subject to change. 

It goes without saying that 2020 has forced change upon many businesses. Have you been affected? Has your income changed? Have you sold or purchased equipment or other assets? Have you changed the way in which you structure your business or distribute your products and services? 

If you have moved from cash to other methods of payment or have employees working from home you may be more at risk of a cyber attack. If you have reduced your staff but are engaging sub-contractors more you may have increased your liability exposure. 

These are just a few examples of changes that may have impacted your business. What hasn’t changed is that we are here when you need us most.
 
For a free review of your insurances, please contact one of our broking professionals on 07 4755 6100. 

If you are working from home, it’s important to understand the risks involved and what cover you may want to consider.
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Business equipment.
In the event of your business equipment (eg. laptop) being damaged or stolen, you will want to ensure your cover is adequate. If you damage a laptop, and if it is a company laptop, Is it covered by your current insurance arrangement? It pays to check the finer details of your insurance coverage:

• Is it covered if I am in transit? (For example driving from my home office to my usual office or visiting a client)
• Is it covered if the kids accidentally spill a drink on it away from the office?
• Is the data and software covered?

Information overload is becoming a bit of a thing right now and we are all trying to keep up. 
There is so much that we need to be on top of.  What is happening with the virus?  Where can I go, who can I see?  Should I send the kids to school? How much toilet paper do I have left? 

And what about the business?
What do I do when we can’t work in the office anymore? Can my staff work from home? Is this safe?

Is this safe? 
If my staff work remotely, what are the potential risks to my business?  Will I need to make changes to my insurance?  The cyber security in the office is high, do my staff have the same level of security on their home computers?  Will I be able to cover these risks to my business?   So many questions, so much information.  Where do I start?

At NQIB, we are being provided with a great deal of information daily.  Please don’t add to your concerns by worrying about your insurances.  Let us do that for you.  If you have any questions at all about your insurances, call our office on 07 4755 6100 and we will do all we can to assist you.

Below are just a few of the various information links that we have received.

Emergence - Maintain Remote Security to avoid Cyber attacks
Clyde & Co - Cyber security and COVID-19: Phishing scams on the rise with Coronavirus​
Cyber.gov.au - Cyber security is essential when preparing for COVID-19
​CyberScout.com - ​7 Tips to Protect Your Business from the Risks of Remote Work Environments
Insurance Business Magazine - How to prevent phishing emails from turning catastrophic
Insurance Business Magazine - What are deepfakes – and how do they impact businesses?
HubSpot.com - How to Work From Home: 20 Tips From People Who Do It Successfully

When you insure your Home and Contents you do not only insure your property and possessions, you also insure your personal liability. 

1 in 10 Australian small businesses with insurance don’t have enough cover to protect themselves against business disruption, legal liabilities or loss or damage to their assets. This is referred to as ‘underinsurance’ and it can greatly increase the risk of a business having to close down if something goes wrong. 
 
When you’re running a business, sorting out your insurance cover often drops to the bottom of your never ending to-do list. That’s where we can help. We do the hard work of reviewing your insurance strategy, adapting your cover as your business changes, and giving you peace of mind that your business is properly insured.

North Queensland Insurance Brokers is an established local General Insurance Broker serving North Queenslanders for over 33 years.  

We are looking for a team player who will actively contribute to the smooth running and continued success of our Kirwan office.  Applicants of all ages are encouraged to apply.

Duties will include but are not limited to:
·         Provide efficient and professional support to the broking team.
·         Daily contact with clients, brokers, insurance companies and other third parties.
·         Maintenance of client information using various computer programs. Training will be provided in this
           software.
·        Creating and checking policy documentation, processing renewals, endorsements and cancellations
          and raising invoices.
·         Assist with the claims management process.
·         Follow compliance processes.
 
The successful candidate will:
·         Have excellent attention to detail
·         Have sound communication skills
·         Have sound computer literacy and ability to learn new programs
·         Enjoy a diverse role and thrive in a fast-paced environment
·         Appreciate the opportunity to work to deadlines
·         Play an integral part in our dynamic support team
·         Be willing to continue learning and undertake industry specific education
 
This opportunity is suited towards a person looking for a full time position in the insurance broking industry.  Previous experience in the Financial Services industry will be well regarded, although not an essential requirement.  The successful applicant will be required to successfully complete an insurance broking qualification if one is not already held.

Applications for this position close at 4.00pm Friday 10th January and should be emailed to kerri@nqib.com.au.

If you require further information please telephone Kerri Skellern on (07) 4755 6100 during business hours or email to kerri@nqib.com.au. 

(NOTE: While our office will be closed from 12.30pm Tuesday 24th December until 8.30am Thursday 2nd January emails will be monitored.)

All of us at NQIB would like to thank you for your support over the past twelve months and look forward to continuing our association in the new year. We extend our best wishes to you and your family for the festive season and wish you a safe and prosperous new year.

​Our office will be closing at 12.30pm Tuesday 24th December 2019 and will re-open 8.30am Thursday 2nd January 2020.

To contact us over this period, please email us at:
townsville@nqib.com.au
ingham@nqib.com.au
ayr@nqib.com.au

These email addresses will be regularly checked, however for any urgent insurance assistance please call our Holiday Hotline on 07 4755 6199.

Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Senator the Hon. Linda Reynolds and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced the activation of Category C recovery grants for primary producers left devastated by widespread flooding in North Queensland. 

​​​The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has issued advice on what to do after a flood:
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• Return to your property when emergency services declare it safe to do so

• Only enter your property when you are certain you are not at risk