Search studies, brands and more…⌘ KExplore research

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 are the most important questions to ask before buying my first home insurance policy?

Buying your first home is a big milestone, and choosing insurance is about more than finding the cheapest premium. In New Zealand, the most important thing is to understand what your policy will actually pay for if your home is damaged or destroyed, what you could have to pay yourself, and which risks aren't covered.

Here are the questions I'd ask every insurer before choosing a policy, particularly if you're buying your first home and haven't dealt with home insurance before.

1. The 10 most important questions to ask

  1. What exactly am I insured for if my home is destroyed?

Ask whether the policy provides full replacement cover or a fixed sum insured, and whether different limits apply to events such as earthquakes, fires or storms.

  • Is the payout capped at a dollar amount?
  • Will you pay to rebuild to a similar size and standard?
  • What happens if rebuilding costs more than my cover limit?

Why it matters: Underinsurance can leave you paying a substantial shortfall yourself. How to get the best house and contents insuranceHouse & Contents Insurance: Sum Insured Explained

  1. How much would it cost to rebuild my particular home?

Ask how to calculate your sum insured, and whether the estimate includes:

  • Demolition and debris removal.
  • Builders, architects, engineers and council consent fees.
  • GST, labour and materials.
  • Garages, decks, driveways, fences and retaining walls, where applicable.
  • Extra costs caused by difficult site access or a sloping section.

Don't use the purchase price, council valuation or market value as your rebuild estimate. These measure different things. Ask the insurer how to account for inflation and rising building costs. Home Sum InsuredICNZ Consumer Guide 2025 – Sum Insured: What it is and why it matters

  1. What natural disasters and land damage are covered?

New Zealand buyers should ask specifically about:

  • Earthquakes and aftershocks.
  • Flooding and surface water.
  • Landslips, subsidence and erosion.
  • Storms, wind and coastal hazards.

Ask what the insurer covers for the house versus the land, retaining walls, driveway and access. Also ask about any special excesses or exclusions for natural hazards.

Important: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake cover (NHCover) provides a first layer of eligible cover, subject to statutory limits and conditions. Your private policy generally provides the additional building cover above that layer. Land cover is limited, not comprehensive. About natural hazards cover :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū AkeGet to know your natural hazards cover :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake

  1. What is specifically excluded from the policy?

Ask the insurer to identify the exclusions most relevant to your property. For example:

  • Existing damage, wear and tear, and gradual deterioration.
  • Leaks, rot, mould and water ingress.
  • Faulty or unconsented building work.
  • Unoccupied homes or renovations.
  • Damage caused by poor maintenance.

Don't assume that because something is damaged, the insurer will pay for it. Ask for examples relevant to the house you're buying. What Home, Contents & Car Insurance Don't Cover (NZ)Before you make an offer on a house :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake

  1. What excesses would I have to pay when I make a claim?

An excess is the amount you contribute towards a claim. Ask:

  • What is the standard excess?
  • Are earthquake, flood or other event excesses higher?
  • Do separate excesses apply to the same event?
  • How much would my premium change if I chose a higher excess?

Choose an excess you could comfortably pay from savings, even at a stressful time. How to get the best house and contents insuranceInsurance Basics: How Policies, Premiums & Excess Work

  1. Will you pay for somewhere else to live if my home becomes uninhabitable?

Ask whether temporary accommodation is covered following an insured event, and:

  • What is the maximum amount or time period?
  • Are rent, storage and moving costs included?
  • Does the cover apply while the home is being repaired or rebuilt?

This can make a major difference if you still have a mortgage and must also pay for temporary housing.

  1. Does this policy cover my specific property and its construction?

Tell the insurer the home's age, materials, roof type, condition and any unusual features. Ask whether it will insure the property as it stands.

Mention any known issues, such as:

  • A history of flooding, landslips or earthquake damage.
  • An older roof, foundations or plumbing.
  • Unconsented alterations or a heritage listing.
  • A cross-lease, shared driveway or body corporate.

Before committing to the purchase, get confirmation that suitable cover is available. A property that is difficult to insure can create financial and lending complications.

  1. Do I need separate contents insurance?

Home insurance generally covers the building and specified fixtures, while contents insurance covers belongings such as furniture, clothing, electronics and other personal possessions.

Ask whether you can bundle both policies, what is covered away from home, and whether high-value items need to be listed separately.

  1. What will my total annual cost be, including levies and fees?

Ask for the full amount payable, not just an advertised starting premium. Check:

  • All applicable taxes, levies and fees.
  • Monthly versus annual payment costs.
  • Whether discounts expire.
  • How premiums might change at renewal.

Compare policies at similar cover levels and excesses, rather than choosing the lowest headline price.

  1. What happens when I need to make a claim?

Ask:

  • How do I lodge a claim, and how quickly is it assessed?
  • Who chooses the builder or repairer?
  • Can I choose a cash settlement instead of repairs?
  • How are disputes handled?
  • What documentation or evidence should I keep?

Also ask what happens if the insurer disputes the cause of the damage or the amount needed for repairs.

2. Five extra questions first-home buyers often forget

These are particularly useful to ask before you sign up.

  • Can I get cover from the settlement date? Confirm the exact date cover begins and whether you need insurance in place to satisfy your mortgage lender or sale-and-purchase agreement.
  • What if I discover damage that existed before I bought the home? Ask how the insurer treats pre-existing damage and what inspections or disclosures it requires.
  • Are renovations covered? If you're planning to renovate, ask whether ordinary home cover is sufficient or whether you need separate building-work cover.
  • What if I rent out a room or work from home? Explain how you intend to use the property and ask whether that changes your cover.
  • Will my cover and premium change at renewal? Ask how the sum insured is updated, whether the premium can increase and what you need to review each year.

Be completely accurate when answering the insurer's questions. In New Zealand, failing to disclose relevant information can affect a claim. InsuranceWhat Home, Contents & Car Insurance Don't Cover (NZ)Before you make an offer on a house :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake

3. Compare policies using this checklist

Use this when you request quotes from two or three insurers.

My insurance checklist

0 of 10

Rebuild cover and sum insured confirmed

Earthquake, flood and landslip terms checked

Excesses for different events compared

Retaining walls, fences and driveways checked

Temporary accommodation limits compared

Exclusions and existing damage discussed

Annual premium, levies and fees confirmed

Contents insurance needs assessed

Start date and lender requirements confirmed

Full policy wording saved and reviewed

Copy checklist

4. Where to get reliable New Zealand guidance

These are useful independent resources to consult before choosing a provider:

My biggest piece of advice

Prioritise adequate rebuild cover, natural-hazard protection and an affordable excess before focusing on the cheapest premium. A policy that saves a little each month but leaves you with a large rebuilding shortfall may be poor value.

One important question before going further: Are you buying a standalone house, a townhouse, or an apartment? The ownership structure can significantly affect what you need to insure yourself versus what may be covered by a body corporate or shared policy.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand

What are the most important questions to ask before buying my first home insurance policy?

Buying your first home insurance policy is a major milestone, and getting it right ensures you are fully protected from day one. In New Zealand, insurance considerations involve unique factors like natural hazard risk profiles, sum-insured calculations, and specific policy exclusions.

The most important questions to ask yourself, your broker or insurer, and the vendor before locking in your first policy include:

1. Questions About the Property & Its History

  • What is the property's insurance and claims history?
    • Why it matters: Ask the vendor if the home has ever suffered major damage (such as land slips, structural flooding, or earthquake damage) or if previous insurers placed special terms or exclusions on the property.
  • How do the location and building materials impact my risk profile?
    • Why it matters: Insurers in New Zealand look closely at risk street-by-street and house-by-house. Being on a slope prone to slips, a low-lying flood zone, or an area with high earthquake risk (like Wellington) will heavily impact your availability and premiums.
  • Are there any non-consented alterations or aging materials?
    • Why it matters: Insurers generally do not cover damage resulting from unconsented building work or historical, failing materials (such as old-style plumbing systems like Dux Quest or outdated electrical wiring).

2. Questions About Coverage & "Sum Insured"

  • How was my "Sum Insured" calculated, and does it cover all-inclusive rebuild costs?
    • Why it matters: Most NZ policies use a fixed sum-insured model, which is the absolute maximum the insurer will pay out to rebuild. Ensure your figure includes demolition, debris removal, professional fees (architects/engineers), and outbuildings (decks, fences, driveways, and retaining walls). Tools like the Cordell Sum Sure calculator can help.
  • How does the policy interact with the Natural Hazards Commission (NHC/EQC)?
    • Why it matters: Natural disaster cover for land damage, earthquakes, and storms is structured alongside the NHC (formerly EQC). Understand how your private insurer coordinates claims with the NHC cap.
  • Is temporary accommodation included if the house is uninhabitable?
    • Why it matters: If a fire or severe weather event forces you out of your home while it is being repaired, check whether the policy covers the cost of renting alternative accommodation.

3. Questions About Policy Terms, Exclusions, and Costs

  • What are the exact exclusions for gradual damage and maintenance?
    • Why it matters: Standard policies exclude normal wear and tear and long-term, slow leaks (like a leaking pipe hidden inside a wall). Check if your policy offers any limited gradual damage sub-limits.
  • What is the waiting period or stand-down rule for weather events?
    • Why it matters: Many New Zealand policies enforce a stand-down period (often 72 hours) from the start date of a new policy during which damage from storms, floods, or natural disasters is excluded to prevent last-minute panic buying of insurance.
  • How can I adjust my excess to balance my premium?
    • Why it matters: Asking about higher voluntary excesses (e.g., raising it from $500 to $1,000 or $2,000) can lower your annual premium, provided you have that cash set aside in case you need to make a claim.

Crucial Tip for Settlement Day: Your bank will typically require proof of house insurance before granting a mortgage settlement. Make sure your policy officially begins on settlement day (the moment legal ownership transfers to you), even if you aren't physically moving in on that exact day.

Are you currently comparing quotes for a specific property type or looking at how to bundle your house and contents insurance?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand

What are the most important questions to ask before buying my first home insurance policy?

AI Overview

When buying your first home insurance policy in New Zealand, the most critical step is ensuring you are not underinsured while securing cover that satisfies your bank's mortgage settlement requirements. In New Zealand, house insurance operates on a unique layered system.

The most important questions to ask your insurer, broken down by critical themes, include:

1. Rebuild Valuation & "Sum Insured"

Most NZ policies are sold on a "sum insured" basis—meaning the maximum amount the insurer will pay to completely rebuild your home.

  • "What exactly is included in my Sum Insured limit?"

  • Why it matters: Your sum insured should match the cost to rebuild , not the market value. Ensure it captures demolition, clearing debris, council compliance fees, and GST.

  • "Do you offer any 'Replacement Cover' or buffer features?"

  • Why it matters: Some insurers (like AA Insurance) provide a conditional "replacement cover" top-up if you used an approved calculator to estimate your home's size. Others offer a 10%–15% inflation buffer.

  • "Are detached structures covered under the primary limit?"

  • Why it matters: Check whether fences, retaining walls, separate garages, or driveways share your primary sum insured or have individual cap sub-limits.

2. Natural Hazards & Localised Risks

Because New Zealand is prone to earthquakes, floods, and landslides, understanding disaster cover is essential.

  • "How does this policy interact with the Natural Hazards Commission (NHC) Toka Tū Ake?"

  • Why it matters: The NHC provides a first layer of building cover capped at $300,000 + GST ($345,000) for major natural disasters. Your private insurer provides the "top-up" cover up to your sum insured. You need to confirm your policy triggers this automatically via your natural hazards insurance levy.

  • "Are there specific exclusions or higher excesses for flood, storm, or land slip risks at my address?"

  • Why it matters: Insurers increasingly use risk-based pricing. If the property sits in a flood zone or near a cliff, it can sharply impact your premium, trigger exclusions, or carry a vastly higher natural hazard excess.

  • "Does this policy cover the land itself, or just the house?"

  • Why it matters: Private home insurance generally covers the structure, not the land. However, if you hold a valid private policy, the NHC provides some limited land cover near your home's footprint.

3. Policy Policy Exclusions & Specific Benefits

  • "What is your policy on 'gradual damage' from hidden leaks?"

  • Why it matters: Standard home insurance covers sudden events (like a pipe bursting) but excludes ongoing wear and tear. Most NZ insurers offer a small, capped benefit (e.g., $1,000 to $3,000) for hidden gradual water leaks, but it is vital to know the exact threshold.

  • "What are my temporary accommodation benefits if the home becomes unlivable?"

  • Why it matters: If a fire or natural disaster forces you out, you want to know how much the insurer will pay for temporary rent and for how long (e.g., capped at 12 months or a specific dollar amount).

  • "Is methamphetamine or intentional tenant damage covered?"

  • Why it matters: If you plan to rent out a room or the whole property eventually, standard homeowner cover changes, and specialized landlord protections or testing requirements will apply.

Summary Checklist for First-Time Buyers

Before signing, ask for a Certificate of Currency —your mortgage lender will require this document to prove the property is fully insured before they release your loan funds on settlement day.

Key Feature What to Double-Check
Sum Insured Based on building costs calculated via tools like Cordell Sum Sure , not the purchase price.
Excess Options Can you raise your standard excess to lower your premium payments?
Mortgage Clause Ensure your bank is listed as an interested financial party on the policy.

To help me give you more relevant details, what region is the home located in, and how old is the house? Knowing if it has any special features (like a clifftop view or retaining walls) would also help.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand

What are the most important questions to ask before buying my first home insurance policy?

Buying your first home insurance policy is a major milestone, but the fine print can catch you off guard if you aren't prepared. To make sure you're properly protected without paying for things you don't need, here are the most important questions to ask your insurer or broker:

  • What is my sum insured, and does it include demolition and rebuilding costs?
    Make sure your policy covers the actual cost to completely rebuild your home from the ground up at current construction rates (including professional fees and debris removal), not just the market or government capital value.

  • Is it a sum insured or a total loss/specified-sum policy, and is there an inflation adjustment?
    Check whether your cover automatically adjusts for inflation each year so your coverage doesn't fall short by the time you need to renew or claim.

  • What is the definition of natural disaster or natural hazard cover?
    In New Zealand, standard policies include a statutory levy for the Earthquake Commission (EQC/Natural Hazards Commission), but private insurers handle the excess or additional top-up cover above that cap differently. Clarify how natural disaster excesses and caps work.

  • What excesses will I have to pay, and can I adjust them?
    Ask about the standard excess for general claims, as well as any special excesses for specific events (like earthquake or plumbing leaks). Adjusting the excess can lower your premium, but make sure it remains affordable if you need to claim.

  • Am I covered for temporary accommodation if the house is unliveable?
    If a fire, storm, or severe damage forces you out of your home while it's being repaired, check if the policy pays for you and your family to rent somewhere else in the meantime.

  • Are there exclusions for specific risks or construction types?
    Ask if there are exclusions regarding the age of the house, the building materials used (e.g., specific claddings or older plumbing), or environmental risks like landslips or flood zones.

  • What is the process for making a claim?
    Find out how quickly they typically process claims, whether you have a choice of your own repairers/contractors, and how emergency temporary repairs are authorized.

  • Are there any hidden discounts or bundling options?
    Check if combining your home and contents insurance (or adding vehicle insurance) unlocks multi-policy discounts.

If you'd like, let me know:

  • Is the home standard timber/brick or a unique/older architectural style?
  • Are you planning to bundle your contents insurance too?

I can help you tailor these questions further or explain how the Natural Hazards Commission (EQC) interacts with your policy.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026