QBE
Tailored Cyber Insurance for NZ Businesses
Company Overview
QBE Insurance Group, founded in 1886, has grown to become one of the world's top 20 general insurance and reinsurance companies. With a strong presence in New Zealand, QBE combines international expertise with deep local market knowledge to provide comprehensive cyber insurance solutions for businesses of all sizes.
The company's approach to cyber insurance is characterized by its focus on risk prevention and incident response, backed by decades of insurance expertise and a robust understanding of the evolving cyber threat landscape. QBE's New Zealand operations are supported by a global network of cyber security experts and resources.
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Cyber Insurance Coverage
Core Protection Features
- ✓First-Party Coverage
Protection for your business's direct losses from cyber incidents
- ✓Third-Party Coverage
Protection against claims made by others due to your cyber incident
- ✓Cyber Crime
Coverage for financial losses from cyber fraud and social engineering
- ✓Business Interruption
Compensation for lost income during system outages
Additional Coverage Options
- ✓Reputational Harm
Coverage for loss of income due to reputational damage following a cyber incident
- ✓System Failure
Protection against system failures not caused by cyber attacks
- ✓Contingent Business Interruption
Coverage for losses due to system failures at key vendors or suppliers
Risk Management Services
Prevention Services
- • Security awareness training
- • Vulnerability assessments
- • Penetration testing
- • Risk assessment tools
Incident Response
- • 24/7 incident reporting
- • Forensic investigation
- • Legal support services
- • Crisis management
Industry-Specific Solutions
Professional Services
Tailored coverage for law firms, accounting practices, and consultancies.
- • Professional liability integration
- • Client data protection
- • Regulatory compliance support
Retail and Hospitality
Comprehensive protection for retail businesses and hospitality providers.
- • PCI compliance coverage
- • Point-of-sale protection
- • Customer data security
Manufacturing
Specialized coverage for manufacturing and industrial businesses.
- • Industrial control system protection
- • Supply chain cyber risk
- • Operational technology coverage
Claims Process
Streamlined Claims Handling
QBE's claims process is designed to provide rapid response and efficient resolution of cyber incidents, with a focus on minimizing business disruption and financial impact.
Claims Process Steps
- 1. Initial incident reporting
- 2. Immediate response activation
- 3. Expert team deployment
- 4. Claim resolution and recovery
Support Services
- • Dedicated claims handler
- • Technical investigation team
- • Legal advisory services
- • Recovery assistance
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Tom Anderson
Legal Services Director
"QBE's cyber insurance coverage has been essential for our law firm. Their understanding of professional services risks and regulatory requirements is exceptional. The claims process during our recent security incident was handled professionally and efficiently."
"The risk assessment tools and training programs have helped us significantly improve our security posture. Their proactive approach to risk management sets them apart from other insurers."
Karen Williams
Retail Operations Manager
"As a retail business, we particularly value QBE's expertise in PCI compliance and point-of-sale security. Their coverage has given us peace of mind in handling customer payment data."
"While the claims process documentation can be extensive, their support team is always helpful in guiding us through the requirements. The preventive services have been particularly valuable."
Steve Johnson
Manufacturing Operations Director
"QBE's understanding of industrial control systems and manufacturing-specific cyber risks has been crucial for our operations. Their incident response team helped us recover quickly from a potential system breach."
"The coverage for operational technology and supply chain risks provides comprehensive protection for our complex manufacturing environment. Their technical expertise in this area is impressive."
Coverage Options and Pricing
QBE offers flexible cyber insurance solutions with coverage limits and premiums tailored to each organization's specific needs and risk profile. Pricing typically ranges from $500-$5,000 annually depending on business size, industry, and coverage requirements.
Essential Cover
per year
- ✓ Coverage up to $500K
- ✓ Basic cyber liability
- ✓ Incident response support
- ✓ Standard risk assessment
Perfect for small businesses (1-10 employees)
Get QuoteProfessional Cover
per year
- ✓ Coverage up to $2M
- ✓ Enhanced coverage limits
- ✓ Priority response service
- ✓ Advanced risk management
Ideal for medium businesses (10-50 employees)
Get QuoteEnterprise Cover
per year
- ✓ Coverage up to $10M+
- ✓ Comprehensive protection
- ✓ Dedicated response team
- ✓ Customized solutions
For large organizations (50+ employees)
Get QuoteFactors Affecting Your Premium:
QBE vs AIG vs Chubb: Which is Best for You?
| Feature | QBE | AIG | Chubb |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $500/year | $800/year | $1,200/year |
| NZ Local Support | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Good | ⚠️ Limited |
| Claims Response Time | 24-48 hours | 24 hours | 48-72 hours |
| Max Coverage | $10M | $50M+ | $100M+ |
| Best For | SMBs, Local businesses | Medium-Large enterprises | Large corporations |
| Customer Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 | ⭐ 4.3/5 | ⭐ 4.1/5 |
Our Recommendation: QBE offers the best value for NZ small to medium businesses with strong local support and competitive pricing. AIG is ideal for larger enterprises needing higher coverage limits, while Chubb suits multinational corporations with complex requirements.
Step-by-Step Claims Process
Immediate Incident Reporting (Within 24 Hours)
Contact QBE's 24/7 cyber incident hotline: 0800 QBE CYBER
- Provide incident details and policy number
- Describe the nature of the cyber event
- Receive immediate case number and assigned claims handler
Initial Assessment (24-48 Hours)
QBE's cyber response team conducts preliminary assessment:
- Coverage verification and policy review
- Deployment of approved incident response vendors
- Forensic investigation authorization
- Communication with legal and PR teams if needed
Incident Response & Containment (Week 1-2)
Active management and mitigation of the cyber incident:
- Forensic analysis to determine breach scope
- System containment and security patching
- Data recovery and system restoration
- Notification to affected parties (if required)
Claims Settlement (Week 2-6)
Financial resolution and recovery support:
- Review and approval of incident response costs
- Business interruption loss calculation
- Settlement of covered expenses
- Post-incident risk management recommendations
Average settlement time: 4-6 weeks from initial claim
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does QBE cyber insurance cost for a small business?
For a small business (1-10 employees) with annual revenue under $2M, QBE cyber insurance typically costs $500-$1,500 per year. Exact pricing depends on your industry, data types handled, existing security measures, and desired coverage limits. A retail shop with basic POS systems might pay $600/year for $500K coverage, while a professional services firm handling sensitive client data might pay $1,200/year for $1M coverage.
What does QBE cyber insurance actually cover?
QBE cyber insurance covers: (1) First-party losses like data recovery ($10K-$50K typical), business interruption ($5K-$200K), and ransomware payments ($5K-$100K); (2) Third-party claims including legal defense ($20K-$500K), regulatory fines ($10K-$1M), and customer notification costs ($2K-$50K); and (3) Incident response including forensics ($15K-$75K), PR/crisis management ($5K-$30K), and credit monitoring services ($3K-$25K per affected individual).
How quickly does QBE respond to a cyber incident claim?
QBE provides 24-48 hour initial response after claim submission. When you call their 24/7 hotline, you'll receive an immediate case number and assigned handler within hours. Approved incident response vendors are typically deployed within 24 hours. Full claims settlement averages 4-6 weeks, though emergency expenses (like forensics and immediate response) are often pre-approved within 48 hours.
Does QBE cover ransomware payments?
Yes, QBE cyber insurance covers ransomware extortion payments where legally permitted in New Zealand. Coverage typically includes: the ransom payment itself (subject to policy limits, usually up to $100K for SMBs), professional negotiation services ($5K-$15K), cryptocurrency transaction fees, and data recovery costs post-payment. However, you must notify QBE immediately and get approval before paying any ransom to ensure coverage.
Is QBE better than AIG or Chubb for NZ businesses?
For small to medium NZ businesses (under 50 employees), QBE is often the best choice due to: lower starting prices ($500 vs $800-$1,200), excellent local NZ support, faster claims processing for smaller claims, and better understanding of NZ regulatory requirements. AIG is better for larger enterprises needing $10M+ coverage limits, while Chubb suits multinational corporations. Compare all three providers here.
What security requirements does QBE require for coverage?
QBE requires basic cyber security measures: (1) Multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all admin accounts and remote access; (2) Regular backups stored offline or in secure cloud storage, tested quarterly; (3) Antivirus/EDR software on all devices, updated automatically; (4) Firewall protection for network perimeter; and (5) Employee security training at least annually. Higher coverage limits ($2M+) may require additional measures like penetration testing and incident response plans.
Can I get cyber insurance if I've been breached before?
Yes, but it depends on the breach timing and your response. QBE typically won't cover known incidents that occurred before policy inception or ongoing breaches at application time. However, if you had a breach 12+ months ago, fully remediated it, and implemented stronger security measures, QBE will usually provide coverage - though you may face a higher premium (10-30% increase) or a higher deductible. Full disclosure is required during application.
How long does it take to get QBE cyber insurance approved?
Small businesses ($500K-$1M coverage): 1-3 business days after completing the application and security questionnaire. Medium businesses ($1M-$5M coverage): 3-5 business days, may require brief security assessment call. Large businesses ($5M+ coverage): 1-2 weeks including detailed security review and possible on-site assessment. Start your application now to get covered within a week.
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