ChatGPT · New Zealand
A landslip damaged our house and the land underneath it. Do I claim through my insurer or the Natural Hazards Commission?
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 and NHC — natural hazards cover. Cover for storm, flood, and landslide damage :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū AkeAbout natural hazards cover :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake
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 AkeClaims process :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake
What you should do now
- Contact your home insurer promptly and lodge a claim for both the house and the landslip damage to the land.
- 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.
- Photograph the damage before clearing debris or starting repairs, provided it is safe to do so.
- 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.
- Keep copies of engineering reports, photographs, invoices and all correspondence. Claims process :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū AkeAbout natural hazards cover :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake
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
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.
ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.
Captured 11 October 2026