State Blog

Protecting your ride: Insuring your bike with State Contents Insurance

Understand how contents insurance can help protect your bike.

Quirky Claims of 2023

Think something’s too quirky to claim for? Our team has discovered there is no claim too quirky after reviewing 2023’s most peculiar claims.

Cooking disasters soar as the festive season arrives

Check out State’s most popular claims during Christmas.

Updates to State Contract Works Insurance

Planning a summer reno? Check out the latest updates to State Contract Works Insurance to see if it might be right for you.

State Wild Weather Tracker – Issue 4

State Wild Weather Tracker – Issue 4: Insurance payouts top $1 billion for floods & cyclone.

When the temperatures drop, the risk of house fires goes up

When the temperatures drop, the risk of house fires goes up. Follow these 10 simple fire safety tips to help keep you, your whanau or flatmates safe.

How to prepare, stay safe and recover from storms and floods.

Learn how to prepare for storms and floods, stay safe during them, and recover when they have subsided. State is ready to get you on the road to recovery.

State Wild Weather Tracker – Issue 3

New Zealand’s stormy summer resulted in five times more insurance claims than last year, AMI, State and NZI Insurance reveal in their May Wild Weather Tracker.

The pitfalls and dangers of running a business

A guide to the hazards, pitfalls and dangers of running a business and how to plan for periods of disappointment when things don’t go to plan.

Tips for handling stress and personal wellbeing

A guide to the many ways you can look after your personal wellbeing during times of stress and anxiety such as going for a run or making sure you are being kind to yourself.

Tips for being more present for your children

From switching your phone to do-not-disturb to having fun rituals and routines, there are many ways parents can spend quality time with their children and give them their full love and attention.

A beginner’s guide to starting your own business

Turning your side hustle into a full-time gig might be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do, but where do you start?. Busy business owners Alice and Caleb Pearson help us understand when the time’s right to take the plunge - and what you need to know before you do.

The importance of sticking to a renovation budget

A guide to understanding how to create a budget for a residential property renovation, how to stick to it, and how to manage a project when costs blow out.

How to grow a business and take risks

A guide to growing your business and deciding when the time is right to expand based on risk factors and how to calculate those risks.

How to find renovation potential in a house

A guide to finding potential in a residential property and what to look for in terms of renovation, painting, DIY, glow-up, flow and landscaping opportunity.

How to renovate a house with glow-ups and small DIY projects

A guide to adding value to a property or house by investing time in smaller DIY projects such as glow-ups rather than full-scale renovations.

How to grow your money by starting small

How to invest and grow money with only small amounts of cash by using saving accounts and schemes such as KiwiSaver and learning about compound interest.

How to teach your children about money and saving

How to teach your children about money and the best ways to save their pocket money and encourage good financial habits.

How to manage your wellbeing when life gets too busy

A real-life guide to managing yours and your partner’s mental health and wellbeing in times of stress and anxiety when family life, business and jobs get overwhelming.

Changing your lifestyle to beat the cost of living

Not keeping up with the Joneses: How to beat the cost of living crisis in New Zealand by changing your lifestyle to help manage your financial stress.

The Simple Guide to Personal Insurance

Learn about how insurance works, common types and what to consider when choosing insurance that is right for you.

State Wild Weather Tracker – Issue 2

AMI, State and NZI Insurance’s latest Wild Weather Tracker shows claims for property damage up 34% but still not enough action being taken on climate change.

Small Biz Support

We’re incredibly proud of how New Zealanders have pulled together and helped keep our communities safe from COVID-19.

Three Tips To Improve Your Gut Health

Busy lives can become overwhelming and affect our wellbeing. Read Claire Turnbull’s three top tips to improve your gut health.

New Zealands Top Contents Insurance Claims

Find out about New Zealand’s most claimed for contents.

Why Saying No Can Be the Ultimate Self Care

Learn why saying no can be the ultimate hack for self-care.

How to Boost Your Energy and Fight Fatigue

Check out Claire Turnbull’s tips for boosting your energy and fighting fatigue.

Five Tips for a Better Nights Sleep

Check out Claire Turnbull’s five top tips for a better night’s sleep.

Three Tips for Better Health and Happiness

Read Claire Turnbull’s top three tips for better health and happiness.

Five Ways to Slow Down in a Busy World

Read Jacqui Maguire’s five top tips for slowing down your too busy life.

How to Take Care of Yourself so You Can Take Care of Others

Hey Small Spender! Teaching Children Financial Responsibility

Pocket money can be a great way to teach your children about financial responsibility.

How to Manage Distressing Situations

Learn how to manage distressing situations in your busy life.

The Simple Guide to Insurance for SMEs

Learn about how insurance for SME businesses works, common types and what to consider when choosing insurance that is right for your business.

Helping Our Kids Get Money Smart

Being smart with money is a great life skill for our children.

Riding the Money Wave With Your Partner

Life is full of challenges and change. Some are for good, some are not so good. It’s great to feel prepared for when life throws a curveball your way.

Setting Financial Goals With Your Partner

To help you and your partner get on the same page financially, having goals for your money is vital.

What To Consider When Combining Finances With A Partner

Getting on the same page as our partner when it comes to money helps us feel closer and more secure.

Helping Our Kids Understand Saving

Knowledge is empowering for children. They like to feel like they are 'in on things'.

How Does Business Insurance Work?

Learn more about business insurance – what it is, how it works and why you need it for your business.

How Do I Choose an Insurance Policy that is Right for Me?

While we can’t always prepare for absolutely everything, we can give ourselves a safety net for those times when life’s hurdles trip us up.

Understanding Common Types of Business Insurance

Learn more about some of the most common types of business insurance for SMEs.

State Wild Weather Tracker – Issue 1

State – helping New Zealanders prepare for more extreme weather.

Checklist For Busy First Home Buyers

Here’s some important things to look out for, to help you find that perfect home.

Top 10 Suburbs for Collisions

State is urging drivers to take extra caution on the road, as new claims data reveals parts of the country with the highest rate of vehicle collisions.

Spend Your Time Wisely

It's not an unlimited resource, so make the most of it.

How to Create Multiple Income Streams

Protect yourself from economic ebb and flow with additional income.

How To Stay On Top Of Your Wellbeing

We function better when we are healthy, but when we are busy we can forget to prioritise our wellbeing.

Do I Pay Off Debt or Save?

You are earning more than you spend - great! Now what?

Be Smart With Your Money

Managing your finances needn’t be a burden – do it right and you might even enjoy yourself.

Now is the Best Time to Plan for Retirement

The sooner you start putting aside money for retirement, the better off you'll be.

Sharing a Romantic Dinner for Two, at Home

A popular way for busy couples to reconnect is a nice dinner out - but the expense can prevent some families from making the time for these occasions.

Make Your Pantry Work for You

The most common mistake people make with their kitchen pantry is overstuffing it.

Five Family Dinners for $60*

Budget-food blogger Kathrine Lynch is known for her meal challenges - 62 cooked meals for $100 and Christmas dinner for $15 a head.

Creating A Wow Wardrobe

Everyone wants an attractive, well-organised wardrobe, but most of us live in a state of disarray.

How To Organise Your Linen Cupboard

Linen cupboards tend to get messy by degrees until, suddenly, you can't find what you’re looking for.

Feeding Fussy Kids

As a mother and food blogger, Kathrine Lynch has been there, done that and figured out a few tips and tricks.

Simple Mistakes that can Lead to Catastrophe

It is devastating to see cases where a simple mistake leads to a fire, terrible consequences and tragedy for some families.

Home and Contents Insurance Common FAQ's

Here we cover some of the most common questions about home and contents cover in New Zealand.

Protect and Polish Your Home

We’ve been home more than ever, but that doesn’t mean we’ve done more around the house.

Six Of The Best House Moving Tips

We all know it can be a stressful and logistical nightmare, even with that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow (new house!)

Protecting Your Ride

The cost of car insurance depends on a lot of things. Here are some of the things that can impact premiums.

Is Your Home Summer Ready

As the weather warms up, we get productive around the house in anticipation of New Zealand’s favourite time of year.

Updating Your Home the Sustainable Way

Sustainability is one of the world’s hottest topics. Here are our tips for getting a better-looking, better-functioning home without feeling guilty.

Getting Your Car Ready for a Summer Road Trip

So your leave’s approved, the summer bach is booked, your swimming togs still fit and it’s time to hit the road. But hang on! How’s your car’s health?

How to Stop Someone from Stealing Your Car

Protect your vehicle from car thieves. Anything you can do to slow down professional car thieves or joy-riders will make your vehicle a less appealing target.

Four of the Best South Island Road Trips

Whether you’re on four wheels or two, the South Island is a motoring paradise.

Severe Weather Tips

In times of flooding and stormy weather, it’s important to know how to keep yourself and your family safe before, during and after floods and storms.

Creating A Website For Your Micro Business

To help you get up and running quickly, we’ve put together a simple process for a ‘do-it-yourself’ professional website - at only a minimal investment.

Planning the Perfect Self-Driving Holiday

Really understanding what makes a country tick means spending more time getting to know the people and places.

Don't Let a Chip in Your Windscreen Stop You from Smashing the Silly Season

No time for a smashed windscreen, that's for sure. Especially when it could cost you the use of your car for a few days.

Coping with Too Busy Lives in the Run Up to Christmas

See some ways people cope when they’re too busy leading up to Christmas.

Two Sales And Marketing Strategies To Help Get Your Café Humming

The drive to keep customers and gain new ones is never-ending, but you can make it fun.

A Quick Guide To Social Media For Cafes And Restaurants

This guide is all about leveraging social media to keep your café front of mind in your neighbourhood.

Everything You Need To Know About Insuring Your Engagement Ring

If you're planning on getting down on one knee this holiday season, make sure your engagement ring is insured before you do. After all, you want to get hitched without a hitch.

Show Your Kitchen Some Love to Increase the Value

It’s no surprise that if you’re selling your home, the kitchen can be a big selling point - or a big red flag!

10 Essential Car Maintenance Tasks that Anyone Can Do

The best way to save on vehicle costs is to follow some basic tips to keep your car out of the garage and on the road.

Eight of the Best New Zealand Road Trips

New Zealand has a great range of gorgeous landscapes to explore, from volcanic mountains and native forests to rolling farmland and spectacular coastlines.

Tips to Get You Through Your Warrant of Fitness (WoF)

A warrant of fitness (WoF) determines that your vehicle meets required New Zealand safety standards.

Avoiding A Break In

The New Zealand Police reported that over 49,000 Kiwi homes were burgled over a 12 month period. So what can you do about it? Here are a few smart ideas.

Travel Tips for Holiday Makers

Planning an overseas get-away? Here are some quick tips for a well deserved chilled-out holiday – whatever happens.

Summer Road Trip Tips

Here’s how to transform a potentially tedious car ride into a smoothly-rolling adventure.

Business Vehicle Market Value

Business Vehicles: Things you should know about market value.

Business Farm Vehicle Market Value

What if your farm vehicle was damaged beyond repair, or stolen? Is it time to update your market value?

Running a Successful Café in New Zealand

Some cafés are more successful than others. Why? Often because they got it right from the start.

Top Tips For Getting Your Home Ready To Sell

There are countless ways to add value to your home before you sell it.

How Much Is Your Stuff Really Worth?

As we travel through life accumulating belongings, it would be great if there was a magic calculator adding it all up as we go.

How to Clear Your Home of Clutter

You know you want to do it and you know it will be liberating, but it’s not feeling at all easy.

Take the Stress Out of Entertaining

Being well prepared and armed with the right kitchen appliances can make entertaining a breeze.

Buying Your First Home To Get On The Property Ladder

Buying your first home will likely be one of the biggest investments of your life and the numbers will seem huge.

How To Grow Your Electrical Business With Smarter Marketing

Are you looking for ways to make your electrical trade business stand out in the market and grow.

Warming Your House Over Winter

There are a number of options for escaping the winter chills, but your choice needs to suit the size and construction of your home as well as your location and budget.

Car Buyers Guide

Whether your budget is a couple of thousand or substantially more, buying a new or used car is both exciting and stressful.

Smart Strategies for Selling Your Car

Handy tips on getting ready to sell your car, how to find a buyer in less time and a heads up on the forms you need to complete the sale.

Winter Road Trip Coming Up? Stay Safe with These Tips

During these times, drivers need to adjust their motoring behaviour to manage the added risks.

10 Easy DIY Home Renovations That Won't Break the Bank

Here are some quick and easy ways to refresh the look of your home, whether you’re getting ready to sell or simply looking for an uplifting makeover.

Smart Home Security Systems in New Zealand

Historically in New Zealand, to get a home burglar alarm you called one of the big security companies and they sent someone around.

Marketing Your Small Business

Most small business owners need to be across every aspect of their business, including marketing.

Bringing Your Idea To Life - Starting a Business in NZ

Here’s a starting out guide to the nuts and bolts of setting up a business in New Zealand.

Nine Tips And Techniques For Small Business Success

The trick with stories and advice is to separate the helpful stuff from the unhelpful stuff.

What is a Customer Persona and How It Can Help Your Business?

Customer personas are detailed descriptions of imaginary customers. Each one represents a type of customer your business wants to reach.

The Quick Guide to DIY Home Security Systems

New Zealand has seen a surge in wireless internet connected systems you can usually install yourself.

Give Your Home a Top-to-toe Fire Safety Check

The risk of a fire in the home increases in winter as you start to use fires and more appliances like dryers and heaters.

Moving Into a New Home? Here’s How to Make It Safe

Before you settle in, it's a good idea to think about security and safety in your new home.

Spring Clean Your House in a Day

Here’s a handy to-do list which includes all the spots you've likely neglected for the past year – and how to tackle them like a pro.

Climate Change and Managing Risk

New Zealand’s a risky place to live, and those risks will only increase as the climate continues to change.

A Quick Guide To Decluttering

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed while looking at your overstuffed wardrobe or struggled to find a place to store new items you’ve just bought, then this article is for you!

The Cure for Monday-itis

We’ve all dreaded Monday at some point in our lives. Here are our tips on how to deal.

How To Stretch Your Dollar Until Payday

Payday seems so far away and you’re trying to stretch your dollar as far as possible until then. Try these tips to tide you over until then.

How To Streamline Your Routines

Routines may get a bad rep but we think they’re essential for busy lives like yours.

Turning Your Side Hustle Into A Full-time Gig

If you're thinking about turning your side hustle into a full-time gig, here are some points to consider:

Easy Business Plan Template

We know you’re too busy doing everything else, so here’s a quick business plan template you can fill out to help you get started:

A Quick Guide To Insuring Your Business

Writing a business plan, product prototypes, and working out the nitty gritty stuff like your insurance.

Cool Things to Know About State's Car Insurance

We’ve made it easy for you to find out some interesting things you might not know about your car insurance.

Cool Things to Know About Contents Insurance

We get it. Life is busy. You don’t remember what you’re covered for with your contents insurance. We’re here to help.

Home Insurance : A Brief Lowdown on what You’re Covered for

Here’s a quick guide to some of the cool benefits of our home comprehensive insurance.

Excess Explained

Excess – it’s one of those tricky insurancey things that can cause confusion and frustration.

Don't Get Burnt In A Bedroom

With one in six fires starting in the bedroom, we've put together a list of things you can do to help prevent fires starting in your bedroom.

All About Windscreens

What may seem like a humble piece of glass, actually has a number of important features.

Heading Away to Recharge? Check Your Car Battery First

We Kiwis need to get into the habit of checking our car batteries more often.

Hot Tips to Survive a Heatwave

Here are the hottest tips around to keep cool during a heatwave.

Protect Your Home from Burglary

Good home security is one of the best ways to stop unwanted intruders coming into your home and taking your hard-earned belongings.

What Is Cybercrime

Cybercrime – it’s a term that is thrown around a lot, but what exactly is cybercrime? Why is everyone talking about it and how does it affect you?

The Different Cybercrimes & How to Prevent Them

Here are some common cyber threats and hacker habits; and what you can do to protect yourself from them.

Keeping Kids Safe Online

Kids are more connected than ever, but have you talked to them about the dangers online? Check out the tips here to make sure they're safe.

Social Media, Devices, and Security

It may seem like nothing, but living in a social media and technological world comes with threats to our security and privacy.

Staying Safe Online

Cybercrime is increasing - that’s a fact. In 2017, 1.14 million New Zealanders fell victim to some sort of cybercrime.

Do's & Don'ts of Office Parties

Office parties can be a lot of fun, but you don't want to be 'that person'. Read some do's and don'ts of office parties.

Keeping Your Furry Friend Safe

Household pets are responsible for over 1,000 house fires each year in the US.

Staying Alert on the Roads

It’s a tradition for many Kiwis to head away on a long weekend. But with long weekends comes long drives and driver fatigue.

Flooding and Water Contamination

Here’s how to identify and deal with water contamination after a flood.

Tips for a Successful Night Out Partying

Tips for a successful night out partying.

Everything You Need in an Emergency Kit

Here is our essential guide to your emergency kit – what you need and how to collect and store everything.

Don't Let It Burn

Did you know – it can take just 30 seconds for a small flame to become an out-of-control fire, and minutes for thick, black smoke to fill a home.

Lost Passport Overseas

Your passport is your ticket to the world, so when you lose one of the most important documents it can be a very stressful experience.

Black Ice - Not Nice

Black ice is often formed after a light rain, and when ground temperature is at zero degrees or lower.