Compare house insurance quotes from NZ's top providers side-by-side. Find the right cover for your home - including EQC natural disaster protection. 100% free.
Choose the level that suits your home.
Estimated sum insured (not market value).
Your region significantly affects your premium.
A guide to how house insurance works in New Zealand, including the role of EQC/Toka Tu Ake.
House insurance covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home if it is damaged or destroyed by an insured event - such as fire, storm, flood, earthquake, or accidental damage. It protects the physical structure of your home, including walls, roof, foundations, fixed floor coverings, and permanent fixtures like kitchens and bathrooms.
In New Zealand, house insurance works in two layers. The first layer is provided by EQC (Toka Tu Ake), which covers natural disaster damage (earthquake, natural landslip, volcanic eruption, hydrothermal activity, and tsunami) up to $300,000 + GST per dwelling. The second layer is your private insurer, which covers damage above the EQC cap and also covers events that EQC does not, including fire, storm, flood, burst pipes, and accidental damage.
To have EQC cover, you must hold a current house insurance policy with a private insurer. If you don't have private insurance, you don't get EQC cover either. This is one reason why maintaining house insurance is critical in New Zealand, even beyond the mortgage requirement.
Key point: Most NZ house insurance policies are now sum insured, meaning you set the maximum rebuild amount when you take out the policy. If your home is destroyed and the rebuild costs more than your sum insured, you pay the difference. Use a rebuild cost calculator (like the Cordell Calculator) to set your sum insured accurately, and review it every year to account for rising building costs.
House insurance does not cover your personal belongings (furniture, clothing, electronics). For that, you need a separate contents insurance policy. Many providers offer discounts when you bundle house and contents together.
If you have a mortgage, your bank will almost certainly require you to have house insurance as a condition of the loan. Even without a mortgage, your home is likely your most valuable asset, and the cost of rebuilding without insurance would be financially devastating for most households.
The main types of house insurance cover available in New Zealand.
The most common type. Covers your home against a wide range of events up to your nominated sum insured amount. Includes accidental damage, fire, storm, flood, earthquake (via EQC + top-up), theft damage, and more.
Covers your home only for specific named events listed in the policy (e.g. fire, storm, earthquake). Anything not specifically listed is not covered. A lower-cost option but with gaps in protection.
Minimal cover for fire and natural disaster only. Meets the basic mortgage requirement but leaves significant gaps. Not widely available as a standalone product.
Key factors to consider when comparing house insurance policies in New Zealand.
A side-by-side comparison of every major house insurance provider in New Zealand.
| Provider | Cover Type | Online Quotes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AA Insurance | Comprehensive | ✓ | All-rounder |
| AMI | Comprehensive | ✓ | Families |
| State | Comprehensive | ✓ | Multi-policy |
| Tower | Comprehensive | ✓ | Competitive pricing |
| Vero | Comprehensive | Broker only | Via broker |
| FMG | Comprehensive | ✓ | Rural / farming |
| Cove | Comprehensive | ✓ | Digital-first |
| Trade Me Insurance | Comprehensive | ✓ | Budget |
| Ando | Comprehensive | ✓ | Digital simple |
| MAS | Comprehensive | ✓ | Medical professionals |
| Co-operative Insurance | Comprehensive | ✓ | Mutual |
| Initio | Comprehensive | Broker only | Via broker |
Disclaimer: Features and cover options may change. Always verify details directly with your insurer before purchasing. If you've noticed something incorrect, please let us know.
In-depth look at New Zealand's most popular home insurers.
Cove is New Zealand's fastest-growing digital insurance brand. Get a house insurance quote in minutes, manage everything online, and enjoy clear policy wording with no hidden surprises. No lock-in contracts, cancel anytime.
One of NZ's largest insurers. Joint venture between AA NZ and Suncorp. Strong house insurance offering with included natural disaster cover and EQC top-up.
Originally a mutual insurer, now owned by IAG. One of NZ's most trusted brands with strong nationwide presence. Popular family-focused house insurance.
Long-standing NZ brand under IAG. Strong multi-policy discounts when bundling house, contents, and car insurance together.
NZ's largest NZX-listed insurer. Uses address-level risk pricing, meaning your premium reflects the specific risk at your property. Strong digital experience.
Major insurer operating through broker networks. Part of Suncorp Group. Comprehensive house insurance with strong cover options available through your broker.
New Zealand's leading rural insurer. Mutual insurer owned by its members. Particularly strong for rural and lifestyle property insurance with personal local advisors.
NZ's fastest-growing digital insurance brand. 100% online house insurance with clear policy wording, no lock-in contracts, and the ability to cancel anytime for free.
Mutual insurer exclusively for medical professionals and their families. Consistently high customer satisfaction ratings and competitive premiums for eligible members.
A detailed breakdown of what's typically included in NZ house insurance policies.
| Feature | Comprehensive | Named Perils | Basic/Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire, lightning, explosion | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Earthquake (via EQC + top-up) | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Storm & wind damage | ✓ Covered | ✓ If named | ✗ |
| Flood & rainwater | ✓ Covered | ✓ If named | ✗ |
| Accidental damage | ✓ Covered | ✗ | ✗ |
| Burst pipes & water damage | ✓ Covered | Varies | ✗ |
| Theft & burglary damage | ✓ Covered | ✓ If named | ✗ |
| Vandalism & malicious damage | ✓ Covered | Varies | ✗ |
| Volcanic eruption & tsunami | ✓ EQC + top-up | ✓ EQC + top-up | ✓ EQC + top-up |
| Landslip (natural) | ✓ EQC + top-up | ✓ EQC + top-up | ✓ EQC + top-up |
| Temporary accommodation | ✓ Included | Varies | ✗ |
| Retaining walls & fences | Some providers | Varies | ✗ |
| Outbuildings (garage, shed) | ✓ Often included | Varies | ✗ |
| Glass & sanitary fixtures | ✓ Covered | Varies | ✗ |
Sum insured: you set a maximum rebuild amount when you take out the policy. If the rebuild costs more, you pay the difference. This is now the standard in NZ after the Canterbury earthquakes showed the risk of open-ended full replacement policies. Full replacement: the insurer pays whatever it costs to rebuild, with no cap. Very few NZ insurers still offer this. If you have a sum insured policy, review your amount annually - building costs in NZ have risen significantly since 2020.
Understanding what is not covered is just as important as knowing what is.
Damage that happens slowly over time - such as rot, rust, mould, rising damp, or deterioration from lack of maintenance - is generally not covered. Insurers expect you to maintain your home in good condition. Some policies offer limited gradual damage cover as a benefit, but with caps and conditions.
Normal ageing of your home is not covered. If your roof fails because it is 40 years old and has never been maintained, that is wear and tear, not an insurable event. Keeping your home maintained is both a policy requirement and protects your investment.
While burst pipes and storm damage are usually covered, water damage from gradual leaks, poor drainage, or rising groundwater may not be. The distinction between "sudden" and "gradual" water damage is one of the most common areas of dispute in house insurance claims. Check your PDS carefully.
If your home was built or renovated using substandard materials or methods, resulting damage may not be covered. This is particularly relevant for homes with weathertightness issues (leaky buildings). Damage caused by defective design or construction is typically excluded.
Any damage you cause intentionally to your own home is not covered. This includes damage caused by tenants acting deliberately (though some landlord-specific policies may cover this). Arson by the policyholder voids the policy entirely.
If your home is left unoccupied for an extended period (typically 60 days or more), your cover may be restricted or voided. If you plan to leave your home empty - for example during extended travel or renovation - notify your insurer in advance.
Damage caused by tree roots, ground subsidence, or soil movement that is not the result of a natural disaster (earthquake, landslip) is often excluded. Settling of foundations over time is also not covered as it falls under gradual damage.
If you have carried out building work without the required building consent, your insurer may decline claims related to that work. Always obtain proper consents and code compliance certificates for any building or renovation work.
Understanding these factors can help you find a better deal.
The single biggest factor. Wellington attracts higher premiums due to earthquake risk. Flood-prone areas, coastal properties, and areas with high crime rates all cost more to insure.
The higher your sum insured, the more you pay. Make sure it accurately reflects rebuild cost - not too high (overpaying) and not too low (underinsured).
Timber frame, brick, concrete, or steel? Roof material (tile, iron, concrete)? Older homes or unusual construction may attract higher premiums or be harder to insure.
Older homes may cost more to insure due to outdated wiring, plumbing, or building methods. Homes built before the 1990s may have specific exclusions or conditions.
A history of claims on the property or by you personally can increase premiums. Claim-free years may earn discounts with some providers.
Alarm systems, deadlocks, security cameras, and smoke detectors can earn discounts. Some insurers require minimum security standards.
Choosing a higher voluntary excess lowers your premium. Standard house insurance excess is $500 - $1,000. You can choose $250 - $5,000+.
Bundling house + contents + car with one insurer often earns a 5 - 15% discount across all policies. Most major NZ insurers offer this.
Properties in flood zones, near fault lines, on hillsides, or in tsunami-risk areas pay more. Tower uses address-level risk pricing.
Indicative annual premiums for a standard three-bedroom home with no recent claims.
Disclaimer: All prices shown are indicative estimates based on publicly available data as of early 2026. Actual premiums vary significantly based on your property's location, construction, sum insured, and claims history. These figures are not quotes. Always obtain a personalised quote from the insurer directly.
Practical tips that could save you hundreds of dollars every year.
Don't auto-renew without checking alternatives. Premiums can vary by 20 - 40% between providers for the same property. Use comparison tools and get at least 3 quotes.
Raising your excess from $500 to $1,500 can reduce premiums by 10 - 20%. Only do this if you can afford the excess out of pocket when needed.
Combining house, contents, and car insurance with one insurer can save 5 - 15% across all policies. Most major NZ insurers offer multi-policy discounts.
Make sure your sum insured is accurate - not too high (overpaying on premiums) and not too low (underinsured). Use the Cordell Calculator annually.
Monthly payments include instalment fees that add up. Paying your premium upfront once a year is almost always cheaper overall.
Installing alarm systems, deadlocks, security cameras, and smoke detectors can earn premium discounts and reduce your risk of claims.
Regular maintenance prevents claims and keeps your insurer happy. Fix leaks promptly, maintain your roof, clear gutters, and address issues before they escalate.
Some insurers offer long-term customer discounts. However, Consumer NZ notes that loyalty doesn't always mean cheaper - always compare.
If you're building or renovating, materials matter. Concrete tile roofs may attract different premiums than long-run steel. Ask your insurer what construction choices affect pricing.
Some providers offer discounts for years without claims. Unlike car insurance NCBs, these are less standardised for house insurance, so ask each provider directly.
Your renewal date is the best time to review your cover and compare prices.
Most house insurance policies renew automatically. Your insurer will send a renewal notice 2 - 4 weeks before renewal showing next year's premium and updated sum insured. House insurance premiums have risen sharply across NZ in recent years, so checking alternatives at renewal is more important than ever.
Start comparing 2 - 3 weeks before your renewal date. You'll need your property address, construction details, year built, sum insured, and claims history. Most providers offer online quotes in under 10 minutes. Get quotes from at least 3 - 4 insurers.
Don't just compare price. Check what's included: natural disaster excess, temporary accommodation limits, retaining wall cover, gradual damage benefits, and any specific exclusions. A cheaper policy with significant gaps may cost more in the long run.
Start your new policy from the day your old one expires to avoid a gap in cover (your mortgage lender requires continuous insurance). If you cancel mid-term, check for cancellation fees. Ensure your EQC cover transfers seamlessly with your new insurer.
Step-by-step guide to the claims process in New Zealand.
Make sure everyone is safe. If the home is structurally damaged, do not enter. Call 111 for emergencies.
Take photos and video of all damage before any cleanup. Keep damaged items if possible. Note the date and circumstances.
Call your insurer's 24/7 claims line or lodge online. For natural disasters, your insurer coordinates with EQC on your behalf.
A loss adjuster assesses the damage. For large claims, this may involve engineers or quantity surveyors. Emergency repairs can proceed.
Repairs are completed by approved contractors, or you receive a cash settlement. Temporary accommodation is arranged if needed.
Key NZ-specific facts about house insurance and natural disaster cover.
EQC (Toka Tu Ake) provides the first $300,000 + GST of natural disaster cover per dwelling for earthquake, natural landslip, volcanic eruption, hydrothermal activity, and tsunami. You must have private house insurance to receive EQC cover. Since April 2024, your private insurer manages all EQC claims on EQC's behalf, so you only deal with one company. The EQC excess is $250 per event.
New Zealand sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is exposed to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunami, and severe weather events. The Canterbury earthquake sequence (2010-2011) caused over $40 billion in damage. Cyclone Gabrielle (2023) and the Auckland Anniversary floods highlighted flood risk. These events have significantly shaped NZ's insurance landscape and pricing.
After the Canterbury earthquakes, NZ insurers moved from full replacement to sum insured policies. This means homeowners must accurately estimate their rebuild cost. Sorted.org.nz and the Insurance Council of NZ both stress the importance of regularly reviewing your sum insured to avoid being underinsured.
All NZ insurers must be licensed by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and registered on the Financial Service Providers Register. The IFSO provides free dispute resolution. The FMA regulates conduct in financial markets including insurance.
NZ building costs have risen sharply since 2020, driven by supply chain issues, labour shortages, and increased regulatory requirements. This means sum insured amounts set a few years ago may no longer be sufficient. The Cordell Calculator and MBIE building cost data can help you estimate current rebuild costs.
The NZ house insurance market is dominated by IAG (AMI, State, NZI, Lumley) and Suncorp (Vero, AA Insurance), together holding around 65 - 70% of the market. Tower is the largest NZX-listed insurer. Digital entrants like Cove and Ando are growing but still hold smaller market shares for house insurance than car insurance.
Every NZ insurer must provide a Product Disclosure Statement. Here's what to look for.
A Product Disclosure Statement outlines everything about your house insurance policy: what's covered, what's excluded, your obligations, and how to claim. Under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013, all NZ insurers must provide one. Read it before you buy, not after you need to claim.
When you apply, you must provide accurate information about your property: age, construction, previous claims, known issues (e.g. weathertightness problems, subsidence), and any building work done without consent. Under the Insurance Contracts Act 2024, disclosure rules are being modernised, but honesty remains essential.
Let your insurer know about any changes during your policy period:
Answers to the most common questions about house insurance in New Zealand.
Key terms explained in plain language.
Find house insurance information specific to your city or town. Compare cover options, local risks, and tips for every major location in New Zealand.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, insurance, or legal advice. All pricing shown is indicative and based on publicly available data as of early 2026. Actual premiums will vary based on your property's location, construction type, sum insured, and claims history. These figures are not quotes - always obtain a personalised quote directly from the insurer.
Note: Compare.org.nz earns referral fees from some providers featured on this page. Sponsored content is clearly labelled and does not affect the completeness or order of our comparisons. Features, pricing, and policy terms may change without notice - always verify directly with the insurer before purchasing. For personalised financial guidance, consider consulting a licensed financial adviser.
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