Welcome to the Network: Stu Cooper & Teach First Insurance Brokers

Welcome to the Network: Stu Cooper & Teach First Insurance Brokers

For new IANZ broker Stu Cooper of Teach First Insurance Brokers, the crazy year that was 2020 gave him the impetus to start his own business. 

“If last year taught me anything, it’s that there are things in the world we can’t control. I’ve been teaching, coaching and managing for 15 years in the insurance industry. Now, more than ever, is the time to perform - for myself and my clients - when it actually matters,“ he says. 

Stu has spent the last eight years as a broker in Auckland. His last role was as GM of Certus Insurance brokers. 

In his new start-up based in Huapai, in Auckland’s northwest, Stu will focus on SME and domestic insurance. “For my domestic clients, I want to be the guy who makes insurance easy to understand, and to be the guy who accurately prepares them for a claim scenario so they get both what they expect, and what works for them in the event they need their policy. 

“For my commercial clients I want to partner closely with them, and consult with them on how they want to keep their business running when the worst happens, “ he says. 

Stu is well-versed in many aspects of insurance. His career began in a State Insurance call centre, and from there he says he “sold, managed, underwrote or paid claims on all personal lines products”. His next step was to Rothbury and then Certus. 

Like many brokers, certain jobs are hard to forget.   “My first total loss house fire claim as a broker is something that still teaches me things and is something I am proud of. 
Even though my client had to fly in from overseas, within a week we had the stress payment, and a cheque for the contents in the client’s bank account. We were also able to negotiate with the insurer to design and build the client’s dream holiday home. I have never seen a client so happy with the outcome from such a large claim, “ he says. 

As to the name Teach First, we were curious. Stu says it’s a play on the beginnings to his career.

“I was originally going to be a school teacher, studying a Bachelor of Education prior to joining the industry. It actually is almost my approach to insurance as well - I want to teach my clients about the ins and outs of insurance and hopefully they get better outcomes when needed, “ he says.

We’re delighted to have Stu and Teach First as part of the IANZ network. His vision for his business and desire to provide clients with transparent advice sets him up well for success. 

Contact Stu at stu@tfib.co.nz or 022 499 8342Follow Stu Cooper on LinkedIn.

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