Temporary Accommodation Cover
Pays for alternative accommodation if your home is uninhabitable after an insured event — so you're never left without a roof.
About Temporary Accommodation Cover
Temporary accommodation cover provides protection for your belongings while you're living away from home for a temporary period. This might include your contents while you're renting a holiday home, staying in a hotel or motel for extended periods, living in temporary accommodation after your home has been damaged, or staying with family or friends while between properties. Your standard contents insurance typically only covers items at your permanent address, leaving you unprotected while living elsewhere.
New Zealand homeowners and renters sometimes find themselves needing temporary accommodation for various reasons. After an earthquake, fire, or serious storm damage, you might need to stay elsewhere while repairs are made. If you're renovating your home, you might rent accommodation temporarily. If you've just bought a new home but your current home hasn't sold, you might be in temporary accommodation. Without temporary accommodation cover, your belongings in that alternative location are unprotected.
The type of temporary accommodation matters. Holiday rental properties, rental apartments, hotel rooms, and even private homes have different risk profiles. Holiday homes are particularly important—many New Zealanders own baches or rent holiday homes for extended stays, and these need adequate coverage for the contents you bring with you.
Most temporary accommodation cover extends your standard contents insurance to protect your belongings at alternative addresses. The coverage typically applies for a limited period—usually up to 12 months, though this varies. You need to declare the temporary address and the expected duration of your stay when arranging cover.
One important consideration is that temporary accommodation cover might have different terms or sub-limits than your home cover. For example, your standard excess might be higher at a temporary address, or coverage for certain items might be more limited. Understanding these differences is important when you arrange the cover.
Documentation is particularly important with temporary accommodation. Make a detailed list of what you've taken to the temporary location, including approximate values. Take photos of the condition of furnishings and contents when you arrive. This documentation helps if you need to claim—the insurer will want to be certain about what you brought with you and in what condition.
Who Needs This Cover
- ✓All homeowners — especially in earthquake or flood-prone areas
- ✓Renters who would struggle to find alternative accommodation quickly
- ✓Families with children who need stable housing during repairs
- ✓People without a support network who could otherwise stay with family
- ✓Anyone in a high-weather-risk area (coastal, flood plain, etc.)
What's Covered
- ✓Hotel or motel accommodation costs
- ✓Short-term rental costs during repair period
- ✓Additional living expenses above your normal costs
- ✓Pet boarding costs if accommodation doesn't allow pets
- ✓Storage costs for undamaged contents
- ✓Moving costs to and from temporary accommodation
What's NOT Covered
- ✕Items left at the temporary address after the accommodation period has ended
- ✕Damage caused by the condition of the temporary accommodation (unless it was unexpected)
- ✕Items not declared to your insurer before the temporary accommodation begins
- ✕Coverage beyond the agreed temporary accommodation period
- ✕Items left in a locked vehicle or unattended in public areas
- ✕Damage from normal wear and tear or the temporary location being unsuitable
- ✕High-value items not specifically declared and covered
- ✕Items damaged by pests or poor maintenance of the temporary property
New Zealand Context
After significant earthquakes in Christchurch and other regions, New Zealand has seen many homeowners and renters needing temporary accommodation while repairs were made. The earthquake experience highlighted the importance of having comprehensive coverage for belongings in temporary locations. Many people discovered their contents insurance didn't extend to rental properties they stayed in while waiting for repairs.
The Residential Tenancies Act has specific requirements when renting temporary accommodation in New Zealand. As a tenant, you're responsible for protecting your belongings, and your landlord's insurance doesn't cover your contents. Having portable contents coverage or temporary accommodation cover is essential when renting anywhere in New Zealand, even for short periods.
The Insurance Council of New Zealand encourages customers to notify insurers of temporary moves and changes to their circumstances. Insurers must be informed promptly to ensure coverage is maintained. Failing to declare a temporary address or change of circumstances might result in your coverage being invalid if you need to claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my standard contents insurance cover my belongings while I'm in temporary accommodation?+
How long can I be in temporary accommodation and still be covered?+
What should I do before moving into temporary accommodation?+
Am I covered if something is damaged in the temporary property?+
Do I need different coverage for a holiday rental than for an apartment I'm renting?+
What happens to my coverage when the temporary accommodation period ends?+
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