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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

We're thinking about buying a house in Rotorua near a geothermal area. Is there anything unusual we need to check with insurance?

Yes. Buying near a geothermal area in Rotorua is one of the situations where you should do a more detailed insurance check before signing anything. The key issue is that “natural hazard cover” and normal house insurance do not necessarily mean every geothermal-related problem is covered. Natural Hazards Commission

Things I would specifically check:

1. Ask the insurer about geothermal exclusions (in writing)

Before you make an offer, give the insurer the exact property address and ask:

  • Will you insure this property?
  • Are there any geothermal-related exclusions?
  • Are damage from ground subsidence, hydrothermal activity, steam vents, hot ground, or geothermal gases covered?
  • Are there higher excesses or special conditions?
  • Will the insurer continue cover if the property develops geothermal issues later?

Some geothermal effects can be unusual compared with normal earthquake or weather damage. For example, ground movement, steam eruptions, and gas emissions can affect properties in geothermal zones. Natural Hazards Portal

2. Don’t assume NHC cover solves everything

In New Zealand, home insurance that includes fire cover generally gives access to Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake cover, which includes certain natural hazards such as volcanic and hydrothermal activity. However, the cover has limits, particularly around what parts of land are covered and the extent of repairs. Natural Hazards Commission

You still need to understand what your private insurer covers on top of that.

3. Check the property’s history

Ask your lawyer or conveyancer to review:

  • The LIM report
  • Council property files
  • Any previous insurance claims
  • Any NHC/EQC claims history
  • Any notices relating to geothermal activity, land movement, or hazards

The Natural Hazards Portal can show some hazard information and settled natural hazard claims associated with properties. Natural Hazards Commission

4. Look for signs that could affect insurability

During viewing, pay attention to things like:

  • Warm patches of ground
  • Steam coming from the ground
  • Cracked paths or driveways
  • Unusual vegetation die-off
  • Strong sulphur smells
  • Damp or unstable ground areas

These are not automatically a problem, but they are worth investigating. Hydrothermal hazards can include ground subsidence, gas emissions, and sudden releases of steam, water, mud, or rock. Natural Hazards Portal

5. Check rebuild costs carefully

A geothermal-area property may have extra considerations:

  • Foundation type and condition
  • Access difficulties if repairs are needed
  • Specialist building requirements
  • Whether your sum insured is enough to rebuild to current standards

Make sure the sum insured reflects a realistic rebuild cost, not just the purchase price.

6. Ask the seller specific questions

Useful questions include:

  • Has the property ever had geothermal damage?
  • Has the ground level changed or sunk?
  • Have there been any steam vents, hot spots, or gas issues on the property?
  • Has insurance ever been declined, restricted, or changed?
  • Which insurer currently covers it, and under what conditions?

A good practical step is to get an insurance quote using the exact address before you become unconditional. If one insurer will not cover it, that is important information before you commit.

If you are looking at a particular part of Rotorua (for example, near a named geothermal area or reserve), the risk profile can vary quite a bit from street to street, so the exact location matters.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand

We're thinking about buying a house in Rotorua near a geothermal area. Is there anything unusual we need to check with insurance?

Buying a home near a geothermal area in Rotorua comes with unique environmental characteristics, and yes, there are several important insurance and property-due-diligence factors you need to check.

1. Natural Hazards Cover (NHC / Toka Tū Ake) and Hydrothermal Activity

In New Zealand, residential property insurance is structured around a two-layer system: the government-backed Natural Hazards Commission (NHC) and your private insurer.

  • Hydrothermal Coverage: NHC specifically covers damage resulting from natural hydrothermal and volcanic activity, which is particularly relevant in Rotorua.
  • Prior Claims Check: Before purchasing, use the Natural Hazards Portal to check if there is a history of claims at that specific address. Previous natural hazard or hydrothermal claims can impact future coverage or flag recurring site instability.

2. Accelerated Wear and Tear Caused by Geothermal Gases

Geothermal environments feature elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide ($H_2S$) and other corrosive gases, as well as steam and moisture. Private insurers look closely at how these elements affect the physical structure of a home:

  • Corrosion of Metals and Electronics: Hydrogen sulfide gas is notorious for tarnishing and corroding metals, rapidly degrading electrical wiring, switchboards, plumbing fittings, appliance components, and roofing/spouting.
  • Exclusions for "Wear and Tear": Standard home insurance policies do not cover gradual damage, wear and tear, or corrosion. If a hot water cylinder, wiring, or roof fails prematurely simply because it was eaten away by corrosive geothermal steam over the years, private insurers will typically classify this as maintenance and decline the claim. You’ll want a thorough pre-purchase building inspection specifically checking the state of metals, wiring, and subfloor spaces.

3. Ground Stability and Subsidence

Geothermal zones can sometimes feature soft ground, unstable soils, or localized subsidence.

  • Private insurers use advanced risk-modeling data for ground movement, soil types, and natural hazard exposure.
  • Ensure you check the Land Information Memorandum (LIM) and property file from the Rotorua Lakes Council to see if the land has any noted historical land instability, geothermal hazards, or specific building restrictions.

4. Special Equipment (Geothermal Bores or Plants)

If the property utilizes private geothermal features—such as a geothermal bore for heating or hot water—this introduces additional layers to consider:

  • Plant and Machinery Breakdown: Standard house insurance covers the building structure and standard domestic contents, but it generally does not cover the mechanical or electrical breakdown of specialized private geothermal bore pumps, heat exchangers, or reticulation systems unless specifically endorsed or added to your policy.
  • Liability: If you share a communal bore with neighbors (often managed via a bore society or encumbrance), check what public liability or damage liabilities you might inherit regarding the collective infrastructure.

Next Steps:

  • Talk to Insurers Early: Do not wait until settlement day to secure insurance. Contact a couple of mainstream insurance providers with the exact property address to ensure they are willing to offer full standard cover without special geothermal exclusions.
  • Get a Specialized Inspection: Hire a building inspector familiar with Rotorua's unique geothermal conditions to check for hidden corrosion in the roof cavity, subfloor, and electrical systems.
Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand

We're thinking about buying a house in Rotorua near a geothermal area. Is there anything unusual we need to check with insurance?

AI Overview

Yes, buying a house near a geothermal area in Rotorua introduces several unique risks and regulatory nuances that you must carefully clear with an insurer before making an unconditional offer.

Because geothermal activity can cause ground subsidence, sinkholes, hydrothermal eruptions (like sudden mud pools opening up), and structural corrosion from hydrogen sulfide gases, private insurers scrutinize these properties closely.

1. The NHCover Layer and Private Top-Ups

In New Zealand, residential home insurance policies automatically include a levy for NHCover (administered by the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake—formerly the EQC).

  • What is covered: Under the Natural Hazards Insurance Act 2023, NHCover provides first-layer coverage for damage caused by hydrothermal/geothermal activity , earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic activity.

  • The Caps: NHCover generally caps structural home damage at $300,000 + GST per event. It also provides limited coverage for the land under and within 8 meters of your home.

  • The Private Insurer Catch: For any damage exceeding $300,000, you rely on your private insurance policy to "top up" to your total sum insured. However, because of the high risk, some private insurers may explicitly place exclusions on geothermal damage, charge significantly higher premiums, or decline coverage altogether. If you cannot secure standard private insurance, you will not have top-up cover, and getting a mortgage will be nearly impossible.

2. Crucial Geothermal Insurance Red Flags to Check

  • Look for Council "Notices" on the Title: Check the Land Information Memorandum (LIM) and the property title for Section 28, 51, or 72 notices under the Building Act. These notices indicate the property is subject to a natural hazard (like ground instability or geothermal risk). If a notice is present, an insurer has the legal right to limit, cancel, or entirely decline your natural hazards coverage.

  • Shared or Private Geothermal Bores: Over 400 homes in Rotorua utilize shallow geothermal bores for home heating or private hot pools. Most standard house insurance policies strictly exclude private utility plants, wells, or bore holes, including their pumps, casings, and linings. If the property has a bore, you will likely need specialized commercial or additional liability coverage to protect it, and you must check if there is an active resource consent and operational agreement with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

  • Corrosion Exclusions: Geothermal areas release hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), which accelerates the corrosion of metal wiring, plumbing, electronic appliances, and roofing. Check the fine print of the policy: gradual damage, wear and tear, or chemical corrosion caused by environmental gases are almost universally excluded from standard home insurance policies.

Next Steps for Due Diligence

Before finalizing any paperwork, you should:

  1. Request a LIM report from the Rotorua Lakes Council to view the mapped geothermal hazard zones and any registered ground stability issues for that specific plot.

  2. Contact an insurance broker or your preferred provider with the specific address to request an "in-principle" insurance cover note.

  3. Ask the insurer specifically: "Does this policy place any localized exclusions or premium loadings on hydrothermal activity, gas corrosion, or land subsidence for this address?"

If you'd like, let me know:

  • Does the property have an active geothermal bore or hot pool?

  • Have you already looked at the LIM report or noticed any nearby steam vents?

I can help give you more tailored advice on what to ask your lawyer or inspector.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand

We're thinking about buying a house in Rotorua near a geothermal area. Is there anything unusual we need to check with insurance?

Yes, buying a home directly adjacent to or in an active geothermal zone comes with specific environmental factors that private house insurers and statutory bodies look at very closely. While you can secure standard house insurance, there are a few unusual wear-and-tear exclusions, natural hazard considerations, and maintenance realities you need to verify:

  • Gradual Damage and Corrosion Exclusions: Standard New Zealand house insurance policies cover sudden and accidental damage, but they uniformly exclude gradual damage, wear and tear, rust, and corrosion. In active geothermal areas, airborne hydrogen sulphide gas and sulphur-laden steam aggressively corrode metals (such as electrical wiring, switchboards, spouting, roofing nails, window frames, and appliance internals like heat pump coils). Insurers will not pay to fix damage caused by this slow, ongoing chemical decay.

  • Appliance and Equipment Warranties: Beyond the house structure itself, check the fine print on warranties for whiteware, electronics, and heat pumps. Many manufacturers and extended warranties explicitly exclude or limit coverage for corrosion if equipment is installed in high-sulphur geothermal environments.

  • Natural Hazards Commission (NHC) Cover: Under the Natural Hazards Insurance Act 2023, the government-backed scheme (managed by the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake, formerly EQC) explicitly covers damage from hydrothermal and geothermal activity up to $300,000 (plus GST) per event. However, this is strictly for sudden catastrophic natural disaster events (like a sudden hydrothermal eruption or ground collapse), not for the continuous, localized emission of geothermal gases.

  • Specific Land and Council Restrictions: Insurers may request a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) or specific council reports. If the property sits in a known high-risk gas pooling zone or an area prone to sudden ground subsidence/thermal activity, an insurer might ask specialized questions about the foundation engineering or require specific risk disclosures before binding a policy.

If you'd like, I can help you with:

  • What specific questions to ask your insurance broker or provider
  • Tips on inspecting a property for hidden sulphur/corrosion damage
Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026