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Evidence · Home and contents insurance

Every question, every answer, every source

Explore all 372 home and contents insurance questions and the 1,476 answers saved on 11 October 2026. Read the original responses and download the tables behind the study’s comparisons, sources, sentiment and factual checks.

questions
372
answers saved, of 1488 planned
1476
consumer situations
12
named regions
16
AI platforms
4

01

Every question, with its answers

Each question went to the four AI platforms. All were collected with a New Zealand setting. Open a question to read every captured answer in full.

Showing 20 of 372 questions

Show all 372

02

The tables behind the study

Every figure on the study page comes from these tables. They are CSV files, which open in any spreadsheet.

  • Questions

    questions.csv

    One row per question, with its exact saved wording.

    Question ID, source references, question, consumer situation, named regions, question group and collection setting

    372rows

    Download questions (CSV)

  • Answers

    answers.csv

    One row per captured answer, with its full text.

    Answer ID, question ID, platform, collection setting, consumer situation, named regions and full answer

    1,476rows

    Download answers (CSV)

  • Sources by answer

    sources.csv

    One row per website recorded as a source of an answer.

    Answer ID, question ID, assistant, collection setting, website and publisher type

    9,014rows

    Download sources by answer (CSV)

  • Checks against primary sources

    checks.csv

    One row per stated assertion checked, for one platform.

    Check, question and answer IDs, assistant, exact passage, verdict, primary-source finding, URL and date

    97rows

    Download checks against primary sources (CSV)

  • Consumer recommendation coding

    consumer-recommendation-coding.csv

    One row per reviewed provider role in a consumer-selection answer.

    Answer ID, question ID, consumer, platform, provider, role, counted recommendation, exact passage and conditions

    659rows

    Download consumer recommendation coding (CSV)

  • Consumer selection membership

    consumer-selection-membership.csv

    One row per answer in the matched consumer-selection comparison.

    Answer ID, question ID, consumer, platform, question group and full text; twelve home and twelve contents selection questions, with missing captures preserved

    94rows

    Download consumer selection membership (CSV)

  • Ongoing support coding

    support-coding.csv

    One row per reviewed named-provider role in an eligible support answer.

    Answer ID, question ID, consumer, platform, provider, role, support-preference decision and exact passage

    75rows

    Download ongoing support coding (CSV)

  • Ongoing support membership

    support-membership.csv

    One row per answer in the actual consumer-support group.

    Answer ID, question ID, consumer, platform, question group and full text; acquisition validation is excluded

    71rows

    Download ongoing support membership (CSV)

  • Regional recommendation coding

    regional-recommendation-coding.csv

    One row per reviewed provider role in a region-named selection answer.

    Answer ID, question ID, named consumer region, platform, provider, recommendation decision and exact passage

    1,017rows

    Download regional recommendation coding (CSV)

  • Regional selection membership

    regional-selection-membership.csv

    One row per answer in the matched regional comparison.

    Answer ID, question ID, named consumer region, platform and equal-comparison membership; four home and three contents platform answers per region

    112rows

    Download regional selection membership (CSV)

  • Insurer sentiment

    insurer-sentiment.csv

    One row per unique saved claim about an insurer in a selection answer.

    Claim, question and answer IDs, insurer, saved stance, exact passage and original-answer offsets

    3,828rows

    Download insurer sentiment (CSV)

  • Recorded source URLs

    source-urls.csv

    One row per recorded answer, website and URL association.

    Answer ID, question ID, platform, website, URL, source records and presence in the captured answer text

    13,048rows

    Download recorded source urls (CSV)

  • Matched consumer platform membership

    platform-membership.csv

    One row per answer in the identical-question platform comparison.

    Answer ID, question ID, product, consumer and platform; 22 identical questions per platform

    88rows

    Download matched consumer platform membership (CSV)

  • Matched regional platform membership

    regional-platform-membership.csv

    One row per answer in the identical-question regional platform comparison.

    Answer ID, question ID, product, region and platform; 31 identical questions per platform

    124rows

    Download matched regional platform membership (CSV)

Use these tables to trace findings back to the original questions and answers. The full text of each answer is also on this page, under its question.

03

Read in full and checked

Some answers were read in detail or checked against official sources. Those appear on the study page, beside the findings they support.

ChatGPT · New Zealand

What eligibility or exclusions should I check for outbuildings, private access roads and rural water systems?

If you are checking eligibility or exclusions for outbuildings, private access roads and rural water systems in New Zealand, the main things to verify are usually building consent exemptions, district/regional planning rules, engineering requirements, and servicing constraints. The exact requirements depend on the project, site and local council rules. Building Performance

1. Outbuildings (sheds, barns, garages, storage buildings)

Check eligibility

  • Size and type of structure
    • Some small detached buildings may be exempt from building consent if they meet specific limits and conditions. Building Performance
    • Rural structures such as certain pole sheds and hay barns may qualify for exemptions if they meet conditions such as size, height, use and professional involvement requirements. Building Performance
  • Location on the property
    • Check setbacks from:
      • boundaries
      • existing dwellings
      • waterways
      • roads
      • easements
      • hazard areas
  • Use
    • Confirm whether it is:
      • storage only
      • workshop
      • animal housing
      • vehicle storage
      • accommodation
      • commercial use
        Some uses trigger extra rules.
  • Construction requirements
    • Even exempt work must still comply with the Building Code and other applicable rules. Building Performance

Common exclusions/red flags

  • Sleeping accommodation or a dwelling use.
  • Plumbing, toilets or wastewater systems being added.
  • Public access or commercial/public-facing use.
  • Being too close to a boundary or another building where exemption conditions are not met. New Zealand Legislation
  • Earthworks, retaining, drainage or foundations that introduce separate approval requirements. Building Performance

2. Private access roads and farm tracks

Check eligibility

  • Ownership and legal access
    • Confirm you have legal rights to build and use the access:
      • title boundaries
      • right-of-way easements
      • shared access agreements
  • Council rules
    • Check whether earthworks, culverts, crossings or vegetation clearance require resource consent under your district/regional plan.
  • Design requirements
    • Consider:
      • drainage and stormwater management
      • slope stability
      • flood risk
      • vehicle loads (cars vs farm machinery vs emergency vehicles)
      • turning areas and visibility where the access connects to a public road

Common exclusions/red flags

  • Building across:
    • waterways
    • wetlands
    • protected areas
    • unstable land
  • Creating an access that does not meet council standards for a subdivision or future development.
  • Altering natural drainage in a way that affects neighbouring land.

3. Rural water systems (wells, tanks, pumps and supply networks)

Check eligibility

  • Water source
    • Identify whether supply comes from:
      • roof catchment
      • bore
      • spring
      • stream take
      • shared rural scheme
  • Water take rules
    • Check regional council requirements for taking water from groundwater or surface water.
  • Potable water needs
    • If the water is for drinking, check:
      • treatment requirements
      • testing
      • storage
      • contamination risks
  • System capacity
    • Confirm:
      • tank size
      • pump capacity
      • pressure requirements
      • seasonal reliability

Common exclusions/red flags

  • A water source that requires a consent but has not been authorised.
  • Contaminated catchments (for example, agricultural runoff risks).
  • Insufficient separation between:
    • wells and septic systems
    • livestock areas
    • chemical storage
  • Using a system intended only for stock water as a household drinking supply.

General checks before proceeding

  • Check your district plan and regional plan with your local council for land-use, earthworks, water and access rules. Building Performance
  • Confirm whether you need:
    • building consent
    • resource consent
    • engineering sign-off
    • plumbing/drainlaying approval
    • professional design input
  • Keep records of:
    • site plans
    • titles/easements
    • approvals
    • contractor details

If you mean these items in relation to a rural property purchase, subdivision, insurance, or a specific exemption/grant scheme, the eligibility checklist may be different.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand

What eligibility or exclusions should I check for outbuildings, private access roads and rural water systems?

When planning outbuildings, private access roads, and rural water systems in New Zealand, you must check specific eligibility and exclusion criteria under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 (for building consent exemptions) as well as your local council’s District Plan (under the Resource Management Act).

1. Outbuildings (Sheds, Garages, and Rural Structures)

  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Small Detached Buildings (e.g., sheds, sleepouts): Single-storey structures up to $30 m^2$ can be exempt from building consent if they use lightweight materials and meet height and location restrictions.
    • Rural Sheds / Pole Sheds / Hay Barns: Single-storey farm buildings in a designated rural zone are exempt up to $110 m^2$ (Importance Level 1—low risk, no public access or hazardous substances).
    • Height and Span: Typically restricted to a maximum height of 4m (or 3.5m for residential outbuildings) from the floor, with a floor level no more than 1m above ground. For rural sheds, the maximum unsupported span is 6m.
  • Exclusions & Traps:
    • Plumbing/Sanitary Facilities: Adding a kitchen, bathroom, or sleeping facilities often voids standard outbuilding exemptions and triggers a building consent (or specific granny flat rules).
    • Boundary Setbacks: While recent rule updates have relaxed boundary distances for small detached buildings (e.g., down to 1m or 0m depending on size), rural pole sheds generally require a boundary setback equal to the building's height unless specifically engineered otherwise.
    • District Plan Overlays: An outbuilding being exempt from building consent does not exempt it from resource consent. Check for district plan rules regarding earthworks, maximum site coverage, and character overlays.

2. Private Access Roads and Bridges

  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Short-span Bridges: Certain low-risk, short-span bridges on private land (designed or reviewed by a Chartered Professional Engineer) have specific exemptions under Schedule 1.
    • Driveways and Accessways: General formation of private flat-surface accessways typically does not require building consent, provided they do not involve complex structural retaining or drainage changes that impact public infrastructure.
  • Exclusions & Traps:
    • Retaining Walls & Surcharges: If your private access road runs along the top of a retaining wall (creating a "surcharge"), standard retaining wall exemptions (which normally allow up to 1.5m high walls without consent in urban areas) do not apply.
    • Stormwater Runoff: Altering access roads can significantly change stormwater flow. If runoff is redirected onto neighboring properties or public roads, it violates building code and regional council rules.
    • Right-of-Way (ROW) Legality: Ensure accessways comply with legal width, vehicle crossing permits from the local council, and fire appliance turnaround requirements if servicing a dwelling.

3. Rural Water Systems

  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Water Storage Tanks and Bladders: Standard above-ground water storage tanks (and flexible water storage bladders) connected to a permitted system are often exempt from building consent, provided they meet volume, foundation, and location parameters.
    • Pipe-supporting structures: Minor structures supporting water pipes can fall under low-risk exemptions.
  • Exclusions & Traps:
    • Potable Water & Backflow Prevention: If the rural water system supplies a dwelling or is cross-connected to a commercial/public supply, it must comply with the New Zealand Building Code (Clause G12 - Water Supplies) regarding backflow prevention and contamination safety.
    • Plumber Licensing: While maintaining or installing rural lines can sometimes be done by landowners, any sanitary plumbing or connection to potable drinking water infrastructure must legally comply with competency and plumbing regulations.
    • Water Take Consents: Under the Resource Management Act (RMA) and regional council rules, taking water from a stream, river, or bore for irrigation or heavy stock use often requires a resource consent (water permit), separate from any building or plumbing considerations.

Are you currently dealing with a specific district council's plan rules for one of these projects?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand

What eligibility or exclusions should I check for outbuildings, private access roads and rural water systems?

AI Overview

In New Zealand, government-backed natural hazard insurance is administered by the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC) under the Natural Hazards Insurance Act 2023 (for events on or after 1 July 2024).

When assessing eligibility and exclusions for a rural property, standard building and land policies apply strict physical distance caps and use-case criteria :

🏡 1. Outbuildings & Separate Structures

  • Eligibility (Household Use): Outbuildings (like detached garages, sheds, sleepouts, or pergolas) are covered under your building policy only if they are used for the day-to-day household purposes of the occupants.

  • Land Perimeter: The land directly underneath and within an 8-metre perimeter extending out from the outbuilding is covered for land damage (e.g., landslips or floods).

  • 🚫 Exclusions: Any outbuildings or structures used exclusively for commercial purposes, farming operations, or business (e.g., milking sheds, commercial workshops, crop barns) are entirely excluded from residential NHC cover.

🛣️ 2. Private Access Roads & Driveways

  • Eligibility (The Land Only): NHC covers the land underneath or supporting your main accessway from your property boundary to the house.

  • Distance Cap: This cover is capped at a maximum distance of 60 metres from the residential home.

  • Bridges and Culverts: Any bridges or culverts that form part of this main accessway are covered, though the 2023 Act introduces specific financial caps (e.g., up to $25,000 plus GST).

  • 🚫 Exclusions: The artificial surfacing of the driveway (such as asphalt, concrete, chip-seal, or paving) is completely excluded from land claims. Secondary access routes, farm tracks, or sections of the road passing over council or neighbouring property (unless a formal easement applies) are not covered.

🚰 3. Rural Water & Infrastructure Systems

  • Eligibility (Services Serving the Home): Underground and above-ground infrastructure—including water supply lines, tanks, pumps, drainage, sewerage, gas, and electricity—are covered under the building claim.

  • Distance Cap: These systems must be owned by the homeowner and fall within 60 metres of the residential dwelling.

  • 🚫 Exclusions: Water infrastructure that exclusively serves farm stock, paddocks, irrigation networks, or commercial assets is excluded. If a water system serves both the home and the farm, cover may be apportioned or limited strictly to the residential capacity.

To ensure your lifestyle or rural property is fully protected, check with your private insurer to see if your commercial farm structures, extensive driveways, and livestock water systems are properly accounted for under a separate rural or commercial policy wrap.

If you are dealing with a recent event or auditing a policy, let me know:

  • Have you recently experienced natural hazard damage to any of these areas?

  • Are you checking this for a standard lifestyle block or a larger commercial farm?

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand

What eligibility or exclusions should I check for outbuildings, private access roads and rural water systems?

When checking eligibility and exclusions for outbuildings , private access roads (driveways) , and rural water systems under New Zealand's statutory natural hazard scheme (governed by the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake via NHCover), coverage splits strictly between what is insured as part of the building/services versus what falls under restricted land cover.

Review the specific criteria and exclusions for each category below:

1. Outbuildings (e.g., Sheds, Garages)

  • Eligibility Check:

  • Separate buildings are generally eligible if they are used by the occupiers of the insured home (e.g., a domestic garage or household shed).

  • They must be insured under a valid private residential fire insurance policy that triggers NHCover.

  • Exclusions to Check:

  • Commercial or purely farming/agricultural outbuildings used for a business rather than appurtenant to the residential dwelling are typically excluded or limited.

  • Uninsured structures or buildings not associated with the residential dwelling do not qualify. [Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake]

2. Private Access Roads and Driveways

  • Eligibility Check:

  • The Land Underneath: The actual land forming your main accessway (driveway) is eligible for land cover, but only up to 60 metres from the home. It can include a legal right-of-way over a neighbouring property if it serves as the main access.

  • Bridges and Culverts: Specific structures like bridges and culverts situated along that eligible main access way are also factored into the cover.

  • Exclusions to Check:

  • Artificial Surfaces: Artificial driveway surfaces—such as asphalt, concrete, paving, or gravel/metal surfacing—are excluded from natural hazard land cover. NHCover pays for the damaged underlying earth/soil stability, not for repaving or resurfacing the driveway.

  • Access ways extending beyond 60 metres from the residential building are completely excluded.

3. Rural Water Systems (Services)

  • Eligibility Check:

  • Private service infrastructure (such as water supply pipes, cables, and drainage serving the home) is eligible under the building/services claim rather than the land claim.

  • Distance limit: The infrastructure must be within 60 metres of the home.

  • Ownership: The system must be owned by the homeowner (not a council, co-op, or neighboring scheme).

  • Exclusions to Check:

  • Reservoirs, swimming pools, spa pools, open water tanks, or water towers sitting outside the immediate structure definitions are generally excluded from standard building/service provisions.

  • Pipes, pumps, or infrastructure located beyond the 60-metre radius from the dwelling.

  • General wear and tear, corrosion, or pre-existing mechanical failure unrelated to a certified natural hazard event. [Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake]

You can review full details and definitions directly via the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake portal.

If you want to check a specific scenario, tell me:

  • Are these systems commercial/farm-use or strictly residential?
  • What is the approximate distance of the outbuilding or water tank from the main house?

I can give you a more tailored breakdown of your coverage limits.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026