Gillian Vaughan
BP&RM
Chief Executive
View profile
About us
Our mission is to make Life Insurance simple, affordable, and accessible.
We understand the key challenges people face when seeking life insurance.
Our solution:
- Simple Products: We offer one straightforward policy for Life Insurance, Income Protection, Critical Conditions, and Disability Cover – all written in plain English with no hidden fees or clauses.
- Accessible: You can do it yourself, online, at your own pace, and our customer service team is here to help if needed.
- Affordable Premiums: Our online model eliminates unnecessary costs, allowing us to pass the savings on to you.
- Fast and easy: Get a quote in 30 seconds and be covered in just 10 minutes, giving you peace of mind in no time.
Our story
Pinnacle Life began in 1998 with a simple idea: make life insurance easy and accessible for all New Zealanders. We were the first to offer online life insurance, a novel concept then, and today we continue to lead the way.
Our founder, Noel Vaughan, envisioned a world where Kiwis could easily buy the life insurance they need, without the hassle. This vision drives us to this day.
We're proud of our awards for design and innovation, and we continuously invest in technology to deliver the best possible experience. We've been doing this longer than anyone else, and we believe we're pretty good at it.
Awards
Award winning service
January 2025
Gold Trusted Service Award, Feefo 2025
August 2024
Most Trusted Online Life Insurance Company, NZ, 2024
March 2024
Most Innovative Life Insurance Company, NZ, 2024
November 2023
Most Trusted Online Life Insurance Company, NZ, 2023
January 2023
Trusted Service Award, Feefo, Global, 2023
November 2022
5-Star Insurance Innovator, Insurance Business, NZ, 2022
October 2022
Best Online Life Insurance Company, Pan Finance Awards, Global, 2022
July 2022
Most Innovative Insurance Company, International Finance, Global, 2022
September 2021
Innovation of the year, ANZIIF, NZ
March 2021
Insurance Business Awards, NZ
August 2009
WriteMark Plain English Awards, Wellington, NZ
Over the years, Pinnacle Life has been recognised both locally and internationally for its innovative approach and passion for creating great customer experiences.
Values
Everything we do, we do with our values in mind.
Value
We keep value and affordability at the forefront of everything we do. And, we keep our costs low with a pricing structure to beat the market for the best value.
Belief
We believe in the products we sell and that they meet the needs of our customers. We have a deep passion to help our customers in the best way we can, when they need it the most.
Care
We are a people to people business. Our staff are at the centre of our organisation, our customers at the centre of our business. Care and support of our people is at the centre of our service.
Challenge
We challenge ourselves and we challenge the status quo. We are always asking “is there a better way?” It means being bold, taking risks and stepping out.
Ease
Effortless, efficient and effective. We provide insurance that is accessible and easy.
Protection
We come alongside people and help them understand what needs protecting. We deliver on our promises, providing a safety net to our customers and protecting them when they need it the most.
Our team are passionate about what we do, and being there for our customers when they need it most.
Our Team
Who we work with
Building a better Aotearoa New Zealand
We collaborate with others to build a better Aotearoa for today and tomorrow. Whether that be helping to grow stronger families, supporting our elders, or helping communities thrive, we are here to help. Tap a logo to learn more.
Your security
Why you're safe with us
Pinnacle Life has been a trusted provider of Life Insurance in New Zealand since 1998.
Insurers in New Zealand are comprehensively regulated through a twin peaks model — a form of regulation that separates prudential regulation and conduct regulation.
Reserve Bank
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) is the prudential regulator. The RBNZ regulates which businesses can operate as insurers in New Zealand. Pinnacle Life holds an insurance licence issued by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) under the Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Act 2010.
Find out more about the RBNZ here or read our disclosure statement below
Financial Markets Authority
The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) is the conduct regulator. The FMA regulates which businesses can provide financial advice and operate as financial institutions. Pinnacle Life holds a Financial Advice Provider (FAP) licence and a Financial Institution (FI) licence (effective from 31 March 2025) issued by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013.
Find out more about the FMA here or read our disclosure statement below
Hannover Life Re
Pinnacle Life is reinsured by Hannover Life Re of Australasia Ltd, which is part of the global group Hannover Re, one of the five largest reinsurance groups in the world. Reinsurance is important because it allows insurance companies to spread risk, meaning they are unlikely to get overwhelmed if claims are unusually high.
Hannover Re’s financial strength rating can be found here.
Our customers say the loveliest things
View all5 / 5
Staff are very friendly and professional.
5 / 5
Amazing online platform and awesome follow up from the pinnacle team. Should be an example to all other insurance companies
5 / 5
Excellent service fast efficient and no mucking around.
5 / 5
The Service lady was absolutely wonderful. And understood what I was requiring about.
5 / 5
Very easy and very reasonably priced, an easy decision to go with Pinnacle!
4.4/5
Average Customer Rating