Buying guide
Home insurance in NZ: A simple guide
Understand your cover, avoid the pitfalls, and protect your place.
5 November 2025
AI summary
Protecting your home in NZ involves two layers: your private policy and Natural Hazards Cover from Toka Tū Ake – NHC. Most insurers use a sum insured model, the maximum rebuild cost that you must set. It's crucial to calculate this figure accurately to avoid being underinsured.
Your sum insured should include demolition, professional fees, and other structures like fences. Review this amount regularly. When choosing a policy, compare options, check financial strength ratings, and bundle for discounts.
What you’ll learn
House vs contents insurance: A quick clarification
What is and isn’t typically covered
Typically covered:
Common exclusions:
How much should you insure your house for?
What is sum insured?
Insurers changed their cover models following the Christchurch earthquakes.
Why insurers switched to the ‘Sum Insured’ model
Alternative models
Where does Natural Hazards Cover fit in?
Comparing home insurance options
Choosing the best house insurance provider
House Insurance NZ – FAQs
What is an excess in house insurance?
What is a financial strength rating?
Why are my house insurance premiums going up?
Does house insurance cover natural disasters in NZ?
Is my house covered while being renovated?
Can I get a discount for bundling policies?
What’s the difference between replacement value and market value?
Author
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