Banking and Household Insurance

[PrissyMissy]

Hi

This question is for those of you in Brisbane - we arrive in just over two weeks now.

1. Which bank do you use and why did you choose that bank and how are you finding the service overall.

2. Which household insurance company did you choose and what are the premiums like.

There are many banks to choose from, but we do need to transfer funds into our NZ account (so it would be great to know transfer fees) and some banks, you cannot check what purchases have been made until the next day (in NZ) we found that quite inconvenient - so hopefully the banks there are offering a better service.

With regards to household insurance - certain things will need to be specified, so we need a good insurance company, some companies tend to restrict min and max amounts that you are insured for whatever reason (we have had this problem now in NZ) when we decided to be insured for a lower amount while things are in storage.

Some help would be appreciated.

thanks.

[ShaunGibbs]

We all have accounts with Commonwealth Bank. No problems so far, and can transfer easily. Purchases show up almost immediately even if pending to come off the next day etc...

Don't have household insurance yet, but I reckon Suncorp insurance is the best. I would just sort the Bank accounts first and then look for household insurance later.

[MannyT]

Commonwealth Bank and Suncorp for Insurance. If you interested in a South African connection try YOUI for insurance, part of the Outsurance/RMB/FNB group. :)

[GarethDavies]

I got my home loan through Investec Bank! 4.52 % fixed for 2 years and great terms, My insurance is with Suncorp. I know a lot of people in Brisbane so usually know where the best places to go a re for the best deal and service.

[Sunnyskies]

Investec no longer has a retail licence, and has sold its private bank book to BoQ, who have kept the staff and systems in place (for now).

[GarethDavies]

Hi SunnySkies - Yes Investec was recently taken over by BOQ. Their division is Called BOQS (BOQ Specialists). I made the comment at a function we co-hosted that BOQS still sounded like the BOKS! Lol. I know a lot of staff at the Sydney and Brisbane Office and work very closely with hosting events with Deloitte and EY for South African accountants around the new FOFA reforms. I also work with a few top tier independant mortgage brokers. Investec still have a presence in Australia but more tailored for the highest end of the market such as coprorate aviation etc.