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For self-employed Kiwis

Could a different ACC setup change what you pay?

Your free ACC cover comparison

  • Your estimated standard CoverPlus levy
  • An illustrative CoverPlus Extra comparison
  • The estimated levy difference
  • The difference in indicative weekly compensation

Free, 3 questions, less than 60 seconds

A different cover level can change both the levy you pay and the weekly compensation available if you have a covered injury.

CoverPlus Extra is optional and subject to ACC eligibility and approval.

Indicative comparison provided by Apex Advice. Apex Advice is not affiliated with or endorsed by ACC.

Question 1 of 3

How old are you?

We use this to estimate what private cover could cost. Nothing is shared.

Question 2 of 3

What's your line of work?

Your type of work affects your ACC levy. A sparky and a roofer can pay very different rates.

Question 3 of 3

Roughly what do you earn a year?

Your taxable profit before tax. A rough figure is fine.

$90,000

Mid range.

$30k$140k$250k+
Your indicative ACC comparison 1 Apr 2026 – 31 Mar 2027

Standard CoverPlus

Estimated annual levy$•••
Indicative cover / compensation basis$•••
Indicative weekly compensation$•••

Illustrative CoverPlus Extra

Estimated annual levy$•••
Agreed cover amount used in this illustration$40,401
Indicative weekly compensation$•••

Estimated levy difference

$•••

lower per year

Important trade-off

A lower agreed cover amount can also mean lower weekly compensation if you have a covered injury.

This comparison is an illustration only and is not a recommendation to change your ACC cover. The illustrative CoverPlus Extra comparison uses the 2026/27 minimum agreed cover level of $40,401, which is the lowest level ACC allows, not a level recommended for you.

What could you do with the difference?

Review your wider protectionACC generally covers eligible injuries caused by accidents, not time away from work caused by illness. An adviser can help you consider whether private insurance, ACC cover, or a combination may better suit you.
Keep the differenceYou may decide to put the difference toward your mortgage, business or KiwiSaver. The important step is understanding the reduction in cover before making that decision.

Your estimate is ready

Where should we send your ACC estimate?

It's free, and there's no obligation to do anything with it.

Please add your first and last name, a valid email and mobile.

After you submit, Lisa, Apex Advice's AI assistant, will call from 09 873 4866 to confirm a few details. A qualified Apex Advice adviser can then help you understand the estimate and review your options. There is no cost or obligation.

By submitting your details, you agree that Apex Advice may contact you about this enquiry. See our Privacy Policy. We will never sell your details. Indicative comparison only, not personalised financial advice.

Why your ACC setup is worth reviewing

01
Your circumstances may have changed

Your income, work, financial commitments and existing insurance may be different from when your ACC cover was originally set up.

If you have not applied for an optional ACC cover product, self-employed people are generally on ACC's standard CoverPlus cover.

02
Another cover structure may be available

Eligible self-employed people can apply for CoverPlus Extra, which allows an agreed level of cover within ACC's limits.

This can change both the levy you pay and the level of weekly compensation available if you have a covered injury and cannot work.

03
There is an important financial trade-off

A different agreed cover amount may reduce your ACC levy. But lower cover can also mean lower weekly compensation.

The purpose of this comparison is not simply to find the lowest levy. It is to help you understand the difference between the available structures before deciding whether your existing setup still suits you.

ACC is primarily injury cover, not general illness cover

ACC generally provides support for covered injuries and generally does not cover ordinary illness or conditions associated with ageing.

There are exceptions and specific circumstances where ACC cover may apply, so eligibility ultimately depends on ACC's rules and assessment.

This means your ACC levy should not be considered in isolation. If you were unable to work, the amount of income protection you may need could depend on your income, financial commitments, existing insurance, ACC cover and personal circumstances.

An Apex Advice adviser can help you understand the available options, the financial trade-offs, and how ACC cover and private insurance may fit together.

Free, 3 questions, less than 60 seconds

How this estimate is calculated

This tool provides an indicative estimate only and does not calculate your actual ACC invoice or determine your eligibility for CoverPlus Extra.

The estimate uses ACC's published settings for the 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 levy year. For a full-time self-employed person on standard CoverPlus, the calculator uses the applicable 2026/27 minimum and maximum liable earnings thresholds ($50,501 and $156,641), the Earners' levy of $1.52 and the Working Safer levy of $0.08 per $100 of liable earnings, plus the work levy for the occupation you select. All figures are shown excluding GST, which is claimable if you are GST registered.

The illustrative CoverPlus Extra comparison uses the 2026/27 minimum agreed cover amount of $40,401. That is the lowest agreed cover level ACC allows, used here to illustrate the widest possible difference. It is not a level recommended for you.

Your actual ACC levy can depend on factors including your correct Classification Unit, business activity, liable earnings, employment status, cover type, claims history and individual circumstances. Your actual weekly compensation and ACC entitlement will depend on ACC eligibility and your circumstances.

Reducing an agreed ACC cover amount can reduce the levy payable, but it can also reduce the weekly compensation available following a covered injury.

Figures shown are estimates only and should not be treated as:

  • An ACC quote
  • Confirmation of CoverPlus Extra eligibility
  • A recommendation to change cover
  • Personalised financial advice

Apex Advice is not affiliated with or endorsed by ACC.

Apex Advice Group Limited, FSP44869, holds a licence issued by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) to provide financial advice. A copy of our licence disclosure and publicly available information about our financial advisers is available at apexadvice.co.nz/licence or by calling 0800 809 009. This page provides general information only and is not personalised financial advice. Apex Advice is not affiliated with or endorsed by ACC. Rates and thresholds current for the 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 levy year.