Insurance Adviser in Sutherland Shire

James Hayes AFP with his dog headshot

Most people only look at insurance forms when a broker slides them across the table or something has already gone wrong. I help clients across the Sutherland Shire and Greater Sydney set up personal cover that fits their income, debts, dependants, and long-term plans.

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Not Sure Where to Start with Insurance?

There’s “cover” everywhere – in super, from the bank, bundled into loans – and half the time no one remembers what they signed. In one session, we sort out what you have, what you’re paying for, and what you’d need if life took a bad turn.

Kindly Note: I focus on personal insurances only: life, TPD, income protection and trauma. I don’t handle health, car, home and contents, travel, add-on, or funeral insurance.

What Insurance Advice Do I Offer?

Personal insurance advice helps you choose the right types and amounts, so that your family and income are properly covered without overspending. These are the areas I most often help with:

  • Set benefit levels so debts are cleared, kids are provided for, and your partner isn’t forced to sell the family home to stay afloat.

  • Structure lump-sum cover to deal with medical costs, adapt living arrangements, and replace income if a serious injury or illness stops you working for good.

  • Replace a portion of your income if sickness or injury keeps you off work, with waiting periods and benefit periods set around your job, savings, and household expenses.

  • Provide a defined lump sum on diagnosis of major conditions like cancer, heart attack, or stroke, so you can focus on treatment rather than scrambling for cash.

  • Decide which policies should sit inside super for cash-flow reasons and which are better held personally for flexibility, tax, and claim outcomes.

  • Audit current cover, cut junk or duplicated policies, and improve terms where possible, so you know exactly what would happen at claim time.

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Why Do Clients Choose Me for Insurance Advice?

Most people don’t want to become experts in insurance. They just want to know that if something serious happens, the money will turn up and the bills will be paid. Here’s how I approach personal cover:

Strategy Before Product

We start with your numbers (income, debts, kids, super) and work out how much cover you need before looking at any insurer brochures.

Clear Explanations of Fine Print

I explain waiting periods, definitions, exclusions, and premium options in plain English so you know what’s covered, what isn’t, and what that means in real life.

Independent of Insurers

I’m not tied to a bank or a single product provider. Recommendations are based on your situation, not on hitting a sales target, and I’ll tell you frankly if existing cover is fine.

Ongoing Check-Ins

Cover that made sense when the kids were toddlers may be overkill at 60. I review insurance as your income, debts, and goals change, so you’re not stuck with outdated settings.

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Client Experiences

Nothing speaks louder than the experiences of people who’ve sat where you’re sitting now.

  • I was attracted to James's business by the online referees and comments and have since been very happy with the choice. James has been very patient and professional in rebuilding my superannuation portfolio and the results are pleasing. I very much appreciate his depth of knowledge and his personal skills.

    Geoffrey Todd

  • We have found dealing with James a worthwhile experience as he listens to what you require and that investments are reviewed and information to us is clear. We found James helped our transition into retirement an easy experience and very grateful for his expertise. 5 stars all the way !!

    Craig Pullen

  • James was incredibly helpful and prompt in his responses. Very accurate in the analysis of the real estate market and my personal, financial circumstances. In just a few hours we understood the best-case scenario, in my situation, and he guided me towards positive and reassuring final decisions to be made. He really placed my personal and financial needs first and we went from there. I really appreciated the honesty in his judgment and of course his valuable knowledge.

    Marta Lentisco

  • I have referred James to other colleagues as I find him to be very open and honest. He understands my husband's and my needs and is always on top of everything. He has great knowledge of superannuation and financial matters. James is always a pleasure to deal with, and we highly recommend his services.

    Jenelle Edwards

  • Having been referred to James by a colleague, I found his industry knowledge exceptional. His approach to my financial plan was holistic as he took consideration of what was happening in my life with a short to medium set up. James is also a great people person and very personable whilst maintaining strong professionalism. I can thoroughly recommend James Hayes without hesitation.

    Robert Stewart

  • I contacted James for advice with my superannuation policies, he put my mind at rest from the first phone conversation, I appreciated his support and advice in making a decision. No attempt was made to pin me down, allowing me time to consider my options. When a date was made to call me back, he did. He continues to stay in touch and offer guidance. I’m happy with the advice and the results I’m benefiting from.

    Allan Cavanagh

  • James has been my family’s financial advisor for the past 6 years. He has looked after our super and life insurance and provided invaluable financial advice. We have used other advisors previously; however, none have offered James’s understanding of our situation and what options might be available to us that we are not aware of. He is a pleasure to deal with, and I would highly recommend him.

    Matt Woodroffe

  • James has looked after my family and me for many years. I trust James and he has really helped us understand what we need to do to reach our financial goals. I can’t recommend anyone more than James!

    Andrew Rockliff

  • I have been working with James for almost 20 years. I've always been happy to make fun of the financial planning game, but my God we were grateful to have it in place when things went wrong. Thank you, James, for your hard work and diligence in helping with the claim and with establishing a great network of financial support and advice, which I've been leveraging for years.

    Rhys Baker

  • James exhibits the essential attributes and qualities required to be an asset on any person's path to financial freedom and security. Working with James, I have seen clients benefit from his interactions and instruction and I’m sure many more will.

    Mark Cameron

  • Very knowledgeable, tailors an approach and advice to suit each individual's needs and goals. Great communication, never "too busy", whether it's a chat over coffee or a meeting in the office, James' expertise coupled with a friendly approach is refreshing for those of us who sometimes get lost in the complexities of the industry!

    Nigel

  • I would like to express my thanks and appreciation for the work and expertise you have done and provided over the past years. I not only consider you my advisor, but we have become friends over the years and again I appreciate the help you have given me. You have gone on to extend the same help to my now adult children. May you prosper along with your clients.

    Jeremy Bressick

  • James Hayes managed my super and investment portfolio for 5+ years, and I couldn't be happier with not only the results, but the communication and overall professionalism provided. I highly recommend.

    Joe Boy

  • I've been lucky enough to have James looking after my financial affairs for many years and couldn't be happier. Genuine guy with exceptional industry knowledge.

    Pietro Di Ciaccio

  • I’ve been using James as my financial planner for just over 5 years now. He’s done an amazing job with my super and would recommend him.

    Laura Stevenson

  • Really great advice and explained to a non-financial person so well! Happy to recommend.

    Lyn Bradshaw

I’m based in Caringbah, and most of the people I work with live right here in the Sutherland Shire. If you’re nearby, chances are I already have clients in your suburb, which makes it easy to catch up in person when you need to.

What Sutherland Shire Suburbs Do I Serve?

Alfords PointAudleyBangorBarden RidgeBonnet Bay
BundeenaBurraneerCaringbahCaringbah SouthCaravan Head
ComoComo WestCronullaDolans BayEngadine
Grays PointGreenhills BeachGundamaianGymeaGymea Bay
HeathcoteIllawongJannaliKangaroo PointKareela
KirraweeLilli PilliLoftusLucas HeightsMaianbar
MenaiMirandaOyster BayPort HackingRoyal National Park
Sandy PointSutherlandSylvania HeightsSylvania WatersTaren Point
WarumbulWaterfallWooloowareWoronoraWoronora Dam
Woronora HeightsYarrawarrahYowie BayKurnell

If you don’t see your suburb listed, that doesn’t rule you out because I also work with clients across Sydney and the CBD who prefer an advisor close to home in the Shire.

Need Help with Anything Else?

Superannuation

Making the most of your super, from regular contributions through to withdrawals and tax-free pensions so you feel confident at every stage of life.

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Transition to Retirement

Structuring your income streams as you ease out of work, while keeping your lifestyle and tax planning on track.

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a man inspecting shares and ETF charts

Shares & ETFs

Building and managing portfolios of shares and ETFs, with strategies designed to balance growth potential against sensible risk.

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a laptop with finance written in big on a piece of paper

Property Investments

Guiding you on when and how property can play a role in your broader financial plan, including super and tax considerations.

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An old man standing on a pile of coins

Pensions

Setting up reliable tax-free retirement income streams that give you security today while protecting your financial future.

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four people discussing plans for aged care homes

Aged Care Planning

Supporting families through the complexity of aged care decisions, from costs and entitlements to long-term sustainability.

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A young couple with two children using their hands to show their home

First Home Buying

Helping younger clients step into the property market with clear strategies on saving, borrowing, and long-term planning.

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a couple discussing investment options with a financial advisor

Ethical Investing

Designing investment strategies that align with your personal values while still focusing on growth and financial outcomes.

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An older couple discusing wills on a laptop with their advisor

Wills & Estate Planning

Ensuring your assets are protected, your wishes are carried out, and your loved ones are supported into the future.

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Sort Your Cover Out While You’re Still Healthy

James Hayes Headshot

The best time to get insurance right is before there’s a diagnosis, injury, or scare. Medical history, age, and job changes can all affect what cover you can get and what it costs. Don’t wait for “someday”. Lock in suitable cover now, while the choice is still yours.

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Insurance Advice FAQs

  • I look at your income, debts, dependants, super and existing cover, then map what would happen if you died, were disabled, or couldn’t work. From there, we set the right mix and level of cover, cut junk policies, and structure premiums sensibly around cash flow and tax.

  • I focus on personal risk cover: life insurance, total and permanent disability (TPD), income protection, and trauma/critical illness. I don’t handle health, car, home and contents, travel, add-on, or funeral insurance. The goal is to protect income and family, not insure every possible minor inconvenience.

  • We run the numbers: loans, kids’ schooling, everyday expenses, partner’s income, existing super and insurance. Then we look at “what if” scenarios and calculate the lump sum needed to clear debt and support the household over time. The result is a figure based on maths, not guesswork.

  • TPD pays a lump sum if you’re unlikely to work again under the policy definition. Trauma pays a lump sum on diagnosis of specific major conditions. Income protection replaces a portion of your income while you’re off work. They solve different problems and often work best in combination.

  • Holding cover in super can help with affordability, but it can affect claims, tax, and how benefits are paid to family. We decide case by case which policies are better inside or outside super, based on your cash flow, dependants, estate planning, and retirement plans.

  • The only commissions I may receive are on certain insurance products, mainly risk cover. Any commission is fully disclosed, and I’ll explain alternatives such as fee-for-service. My advice process starts with your needs and numbers, not a particular insurer’s product list or sales target.

  • At minimum, every few years, or when big changes happen: new child, major pay rise, new mortgage, business changes, or health events. Reviews check if sums insured, ownership, and premiums still make sense, or if cover can be reduced, reshaped, or replaced on better terms.

  • Group cover in super can change or end when you move funds or employers. Before switching, we check what you’ll lose, what replacement options look like, and whether medical issues could make new cover harder to obtain. In some cases, keeping an old policy is critical.

  • Yes, but sequence matters. We usually apply for any new cover first, wait for acceptance, then scale back or cancel old policies. That way you’re never uninsured in the middle. I also check waiting periods, exclusions, and loadings so the “upgrade” is genuinely an improvement.

  • Premiums for income protection held personally are usually deductible. Life and TPD generally aren’t, though deductibility can apply at fund level if inside super. Parts of advice fees linked to producing assessable income can sometimes be deducted. I often coordinate with your accountant to confirm treatment.

  • Ideally your latest super statements, any existing insurance schedules, mortgage and loan balances, rough household budget, and details of dependants. If you’ve had health issues, key dates and diagnoses help. With that, we can map out realistic scenarios and design the appropriate insurance cover.