Buying guide

Does home insurance cover natural disasters?

It’s worth getting your head around this stuff.

Al Hall
Last updated: 23 October 2024 | 3 min read
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In New Zealand, home insurance includes a mandatory Natural Hazards Insurance (NHI) levy. This is managed by the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC) and covers the first $300,000 + GST for home damage from disasters like earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Your private insurer covers costs exceeding this amount, up to your policy limit. It's crucial to know:

- Damage to your home from flooding or storms is covered by your private insurer.

- The NHC provides separate, limited cover for land.

What do we mean by “natural disasters” in the context of home insurance?

Natural disasters are many homeowners' worst nightmares.

Understanding home insurance and natural disasters: The Natural Hazards Insurance Levy (NHI)

What if the damage is more than $300,000?

Flooding can be a bit of a special case when it comes to home insuance.

What about insuring my land against natural disasters?

What about flooding or a storm?

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Author

Al Hall Al Hall
Content Writer