# CL-H-06: A landslip damaged our house and the land underneath it. Do I claim through my insurer or the Natural Hazards Commission?

Collected 11 October 2026

[Home and contents insurance study](https://nzbrands.ai/research/insurance/home-contents-insurance)

## ChatGPT

Answer ID: a349a999-2d7f-4db3-9d26-76dd50c60372

I’m sorry this has happened to your home. In New Zealand, you should generally contact your home insurer first, and also make sure a claim is lodged with the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC).

When a landslip damages both your house and the land underneath it, responsibility can be shared between your private insurer and the NHC, depending on the type and extent of the damage and whether your property meets the scheme’s eligibility requirements.

The important distinction is that damage to the house and damage to the land are assessed differently. You shouldn't assume that your private insurance covers the land, or that the NHC will cover all of it.

## Who covers what?

| Damage | Who may cover it? |
| --- | --- |
| Damage to the house | NHC provides the first layer of eligible cover; your private insurer generally covers eligible costs above the NHC building cap, subject to your policy. |
| Land under the house and certain surrounding land | NHC may provide cover for eligible residential land damaged by a landslip. |
| Retaining walls, driveways and other structures | Cover depends on the structure, its location and your private policy. Some items may have limited NHC cover or private insurance cover. |

Sources: [NHC — landslide cover](https://www.naturalhazards.govt.nz/insurance-and-claims/cover-for-storm-flood-and-landslide-damage/) and [NHC — natural hazards cover](https://www.naturalhazards.govt.nz/insurance-and-claims/about-nhcover/). [Cover for storm, flood, and landslide damage :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake](https://www.naturalhazards.govt.nz/insurance-and-claims/cover-for-storm-flood-and-landslide-damage/)[About natural hazards cover :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake](https://www.naturalhazards.govt.nz/insurance-and-claims/about-nhcover/)

For eligible building damage, the NHC building cap is generally $300,000 plus GST, with your private insurer potentially covering additional costs. Land cover is subject to separate limits and eligibility rules, and may not cover the full cost of stabilising or repairing the land. [Cover for storm, flood, and landslide damage :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake](https://www.naturalhazards.govt.nz/insurance-and-claims/cover-for-storm-flood-and-landslide-damage/)[Claims process :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake](https://www.naturalhazards.govt.nz/insurance-and-claims/claims/claims-process/)

## What you should do now

1. Contact your home insurer promptly and lodge a claim for both the house and the landslip damage to the land.
2. Explicitly ask them to assess both the building claim and the NHC residential land claim. Your insurer will normally manage both on the NHC's behalf.
3. Photograph the damage before clearing debris or starting repairs, provided it is safe to do so.
4. Ask your insurer before beginning non-emergency repairs. If the house or land is unsafe, keep clear and follow advice from your local council or emergency services.
5. Keep copies of engineering reports, photographs, invoices and all correspondence. [Claims process :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake](https://www.naturalhazards.govt.nz/insurance-and-claims/claims/claims-process/)[About natural hazards cover :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake](https://www.naturalhazards.govt.nz/insurance-and-claims/about-nhcover/)

If your insurer does not handle NHC claims, or you're unsure who to contact, call the Natural Hazards Commission on 0800 DAMAGE (0800 326 243). Claims should be lodged as soon as practical; NHC encourages claims within three months of the event. [Claims process :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake](https://www.naturalhazards.govt.nz/insurance-and-claims/claims/claims-process/)

## One important question

Was the landslip caused by heavy rain or flooding, or did it happen after an earthquake?

That distinction can affect how the damage is assessed and which cover applies. If you tell me what triggered the landslip, I can explain the likely coverage for your house and the damaged land more specifically.

## Gemini

Answer ID: 6e6c9766-3fbc-4168-a7d5-396dc6b723c6

You should **contact your private home insurance company** to lodge your claim. 

Even though landslips are covered by the government's **Natural Hazards Commission (NHC) Toka Tū Ake** (formerly known as EQC), most major private insurance companies manage natural hazard claims on behalf of the NHC from start to finish.

### How the Process Works

* **Single Point of Contact:** Your private insurer acts as your single point of contact. They will handle and assess both your home damage (if applicable) and the NHC land cover portion of your claim together.
* **What is Covered:** Landslips generally trigger both NHC building/land cover and potentially your private policy (depending on the specifics of the event and your policy wording). The NHC covers specific residential land, such as the land under your home, land within 8 metres of your home, and main access ways up to 60 metres. 

### Immediate Steps to Take

1. **Prioritise Safety:** Ensure you and your family are safe. If the land movement has compromised the structural safety of your house, evacuate and contact your local council or Civil Defence.
2. **Take Photos:** Before you clean up or move anything, take thorough photos and videos of the landslip and any damage to your home. 
3. **Emergency Repairs:** You can arrange urgent repairs to make your home safe, secure, or weathertight, but keep records and receipts of any costs. Check with your insurer before undertaking non-urgent work.
4. **Contact Your Insurer:** Reach out to your private insurance provider online or via phone as soon as practical (ideally within 3 months of the event). They will record the claim and guide you through the assessment process.

## AI Overviews

Answer ID: d08195cf-6ddd-4c2a-9302-bc91d6f7dff1

You should **lodge your entire claim directly through your private insurance company**.

Even though a natural landslip qualifies for government-backed cover under the **[Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC)](https://www.naturalhazards.govt.nz/news/more-landslide-claims-than-ever-nhc-encourages-homeowners-to-get-prepared/)** , private insurers in New Zealand manage these claims on the NHC’s behalf. This means your private insurer acts as your single point of contact, handling the assessments for both your house and the land underneath it so you do not have to double-handle the paperwork.

How the Cover is Split

While you only deal with your insurer, the financial payout is shared behind the scenes between the NHC and your insurance policy:

 * **Your House:** The NHC provides the first layer of cover (called NHCover) for building damage up to a statutory cap of **$300,000 plus GST** per event. If the structural damage to your home costs more than this to repair or rebuild, your private insurance policy kicks in to cover the remaining balance up to your policy's sum insured.

 * **Your Land:** The NHC provides a limited contribution to fix or clear the residential land directly underneath and around your home. Private home policies generally do not cover land damage, making this NHC component vital.

What Land Area is Covered?

The NHC cover applies strictly to defined areas of your property:

 * The land directly underneath your home and any outbuildings (like a detached garage).

 * The land within **8 metres** of your home or outbuildings.

 * The land under your main access way/driveway, up to **60 metres** from the house.

 * Insured retaining walls, bridges, and culverts necessary to support the home or access ways.

 _Note: The maximum payout for land is capped at the market value of the damaged area or the cost of the repair—whichever is lower._

Immediate Steps to Take

 1. **Prioritise Safety:** Landslips can cause ongoing instability. Do not enter the property if local authorities or Civil Defence have issued an evacuation or deemed it unsafe.

 2. **Take Photos:** Document all structural cracks, internal shifts, and the path of the landslip thoroughly before any cleanup or emergency stabilization begins.

 3. **Call Your Insurer:** Contact them immediately. They will log the incident, explain temporary accommodation benefits if your home is unlivable, and coordinate geotechnical engineers to assess the land's safety.

 4. **Hold on Non-Urgent Repairs:** Only carry out urgent work needed to make the property safe, secure, or watertight. Keep every receipt and invoice for temporary repairs. Do not begin permanent rebuilding work without approval.

To help guide your next steps, are you currently **able to safely live in the property** , or has the landslip forced you to **evacuate**?

## Google AI Mode

Answer ID: 63135097-f83e-48df-8d4a-055cb8f77d19

You should **contact your private insurance company** to lodge your claim.

For standard residential property insurance policies in New Zealand, your private insurer acts as your single point of contact and will manage the entire process from start to finish. Even though the landslip damage falls under the natural hazard cover provided by the **Natural Hazards Commission (Toka Tū Ake NHC)** , your private insurer handles the NHC portion on behalf of the Commission as part of the public-private partnership.

What you should do next:

 * * **Contact your insurer or broker:** Let them know about the landslip affecting your home and land as soon as it is safe to do so.

 * **Document the damage:** Take comprehensive photos and videos of the landslip and any structural damage before any cleanup or changes are made, provided it is safe to do so. [Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake]

 * **Keep records of urgent repairs:** If you need to carry out urgent safety or essential repairs, talk to your insurer first and keep all receipts. [Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake]

 *

 _(Note: You would only contact theNatural Hazards Commission directly if you are a specific direct-cover customer or if your insurer does not partner with the NHC.)_ [Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake]

If you'd like, let me know:

 * **Which insurance company** you are with
 * Whether the damage is **primarily to the land/section** or if it has **affected the physical structure** of the house

I can give you more specific details on what to expect during the assessment process.