Compare NZ Home Contents Insurance

Q: Does home contents insurance cover earthquake damage?

No — NHC covers the building structure but NOT your contents. Private insurers offer optional earthquake cover for contents.

Q: How much should I insure my contents for?

Insure at full replacement value — the cost to buy everything new today. Walk room-by-room and total up furniture, electronics, clothing, and valuables. Most NZ households sit between $25k and $75k.

Premiums for identical cover can vary by $400–$700 between insurers. See every major insurer side-by-side.

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Indicative Premium Comparison

Scenario: Auckland, $25k sum insured, $250 excess (Q1 2026). Prices illustrative — your quote will vary.

AMP

~$507/yr

Trade Me

~$643/yr

AA Insurance

~$664/yr

MAS

~$720/yr

AMI / State

~$850/yr

Tower Standard

~$1,253/yr

Green = most competitive. Red = most expensive for this scenario. A broker can identify which insurer offers best value for your situation.

Feature Comparison

Coverage features across NZ's major home contents insurers

Strong feature Limited / add-on Standard

Feature	Tower Premium	Tower Plus	Tower Std	AA Insurance	AMI	State	AMP	Trade Me
Replacement value (new-for-old)	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Personal liability	Included	Included	Included	$2M	$1M	$1M	$1M+	$1M
Temporary accommodation	Included	Included	$15k	$20k	$20k/12mo	$20k	$20k	$20k
Keys & locks	$2k	$1k	$500	✓	$1k	$500	✓	✓
Mobile phone cover	$10k	$1k	$500	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Jewellery per-item limit	$10k	$2.5k	$1k	See policy	See policy	See policy	See policy	See policy
Away-from-home cover	Full NZ	Full NZ	$5k	✓	✓	✓	✓	Limited
Accidental damage	✓	✓	Basic	✓	Add-on	Add-on	Add-on	Add-on
Moving house cover	14 days	14 days	14 days	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Standalone contents (no house policy needed)	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓

✓ = Included as standardAdd-on = Available as optional extraSee policy = Refer to policy wording

Important: This comparison is general information only, based on publicly available policy information as at May 2026. Actual coverage, limits, and premiums vary by tier, location, and individual circumstances. Always verify details directly with the insurer or your adviser. HomeContentsInsurance.co.nz is a referral and lead generation service. We are not a licensed financial adviser, insurer, or insurance broker. The information on this website is general in nature and does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation to purchase any insurance product. The advisers we refer enquiries to are NZ-licensed financial advisers regulated under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 (FMCA). Before proceeding with any insurance product you will receive a disclosure statement from your adviser outlining their licensing, commissions, and any conflicts of interest.

Why Premiums Vary So Much

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Location

Auckland averages $676/yr, Wellington $995/yr, Christchurch $790/yr. Urban risk, disaster history, and local claims all affect pricing.

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Sum Insured

Insuring $50k of contents costs significantly more than $25k. Get this wrong and you could be underinsured — or overpaying.

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Excess Level

A $500 excess can save $50–$100/yr vs a $100 excess, but you absorb more of any claim. Match your excess to your cash reserves.

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Claims History

Recent claims increase your premium significantly. Most insurers reward claims-free periods with discounts.

Common Questions

Does home contents insurance cover earthquake damage to my belongings?▼

No — NHC (National Hazard Commission, formerly EQC) covers the building structure but NOT your contents. Private insurers can cover contents for earthquake, typically as an optional add-on. This is especially important in Wellington, Christchurch, and other seismic areas.

How much should I insure my contents for?▼

Insure at full replacement value — what it would cost to buy everything new today, not the depreciated value. Walk room-by-room and total up furniture, electronics, clothing, and valuables. Most NZ households sit between $25k and $75k. Underinsuring is a common and costly mistake.

Should I use a comparison tool or a broker?▼

Comparison tools work well for straightforward situations. But if you have high-value items, are a landlord, rent out via Airbnb, have a history of claims, or live in an earthquake-prone area, a licensed broker will identify policies and endorsements that a comparison tool may miss.

Can I get standalone contents insurance without a house (building) policy?▼

Yes — all major NZ insurers offer standalone contents policies. Renters need contents-only cover. Homeowners typically have a separate building policy. You don't need to bundle with the same insurer, though some discounts apply if you do.

Your Adviser Can Compare All of These — For Free

No spreadsheets needed. A NZ-licensed adviser will match you with the best insurer for your specific situation and present your options within one business day.

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