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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

I'm buying a Canterbury house that had earthquake repairs. What paperwork should I see before arranging insurance?

If you're buying a Canterbury house that has had earthquake repairs, I’d treat the repair history as a key part of your insurance due diligence, not just a building-inspection issue.

The main thing is to establish what earthquake damage occurred, exactly what was repaired, whether the repairs were properly completed and documented, and whether an insurer will cover the house on acceptable terms.

In New Zealand, a property can look perfectly sound but still have insurance complications because of its earthquake claim history, land damage, incomplete repairs or uncertainty about the repair standard.

1. Paperwork to request before arranging insurance

Use this as your checklist when dealing with the seller, real estate agent, lawyer and insurer.

  1. Complete earthquake claim file

Ask for the original damage assessments, all later assessments, the scope of works, repair estimates, variation records and settlement documents. Include records from EQC (now the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake), as well as any private insurer.

Check: Does the original damage list match the repairs that were actually carried out?

  1. Proof that repairs were completed

Request the builder's completion documents, invoices, receipts, producer statements from relevant trades or engineers, and any final inspection or practical completion certificates.

Check: Are structural and foundation repairs documented, rather than just cosmetic work? If the claim was cash-settled, establish how the money was used.

  1. Council building records

Obtain the Land Information Memorandum (LIM) and the full council property file. Look for building consents, approved plans, inspection records, a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) where required, and any outstanding notices.

Check: Were consent-required repairs signed off? Not every repair requires consent, so a missing CCC is not automatically proof of defective work.

  1. Structural, foundation and land reports

If the property suffered foundation movement, liquefaction, lateral spreading or significant cracking, request relevant structural engineer and geotechnical reports, foundation repair designs and inspection records.

Check: Do the reports explain the original problem, the repair method and any remaining limitations or recommendations?

  1. Claim settlement and outstanding issues

Request the settlement deed or agreement, final financial summary where available, details of any open or disputed claims, known defects, repair guarantees and correspondence about incomplete work.

Check: Is there any unresolved damage, uncompleted repair work, or limitation that could affect future cover?

These document types are consistent with New Zealand government guidance for buyers of properties with previous natural-hazard damage. Buying a house after a natural disasterRequest information :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū AkeBefore you make an offer on a house :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake

2. Where to get the paperwork

If the property was repaired through the Canterbury Home Repair Programme, specifically request its works orders, variations, completion inspections, producer statements and any defects-liability documentation.

3. The insurance checks I would not skip

Before you commit to the purchase, give the available documents to your intended insurer or insurance broker and ask for written confirmation of the following.

  • Can the house be insured? Specifically, can you obtain cover for the building and natural hazards on acceptable terms?
  • Are there exclusions or special conditions? Ask about existing damage, foundations, land movement and any unresolved repair concerns.
  • What excesses apply? Ask whether any excesses or limits differ for earthquake or natural-hazard damage.
  • Are there outstanding claims? If so, establish whether any claim rights need to be transferred to you and whether the transfer has been agreed.
  • Is the rebuild sum insured adequate? Check the cost to rebuild the house, not just its market value.

The Natural Hazards Commission advises buyers to discuss previous claims with their insurer and lawyer. Claim rights may need to be transferred through a deed of assignment or the sale and purchase agreement. Buying or selling a home with previous claims :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū AkeBefore you make an offer on a house :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake

4. Warning signs to investigate before proceeding

Pay particular attention if:

  • The seller has only a short EQC/NHC assessment, but no evidence of the actual repairs.
  • The claim was cash-settled and there are no invoices, receipts or other proof of the work.
  • The scope of works describes foundation or structural repairs that aren't reflected in the completion records.
  • There are missing consent records for work that required consent, or unresolved council notices.
  • The property has ongoing cracks, uneven floors, drainage problems or signs of foundation movement.
  • An insurer will only offer restricted cover, or won't confirm terms until further reports are supplied.

A settled earthquake claim is not, by itself, a reason to reject a house. What matters is the quality and extent of the repairs, any remaining risk, and the insurance terms available to you. Buying or selling a home with previous claims :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū AkeBuying or selling a home in Canterbury :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake

5. My recommended order of action

  1. Request the complete claim file and repair evidence from the seller.
  2. Order the LIM and council property file, and request any missing historic claim information from the Natural Hazards Commission.
  3. Arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection, with a structural or geotechnical engineer if the repair history warrants it.
  4. Send the documents to your insurer or broker and obtain confirmation of acceptable cover before your purchase becomes unconditional, where possible.
  5. Have your property lawyer review outstanding claims, title notices and any necessary assignment of claim rights.

Official starting points: NHC — buying or selling a home in Canterbury and Consumer Protection — buying after natural disasters.

One important question: Do you know whether the house was repaired under the EQC/Canterbury Home Repair Programme, or did the previous owner receive a cash settlement and arrange the repairs privately? That distinction changes which documents are most important to obtain.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand

I'm buying a Canterbury house that had earthquake repairs. What paperwork should I see before arranging insurance?

When buying an earthquake-repaired home in Canterbury, getting private house insurance can sometimes be complex. Insurers will want proof that the property has been fully and correctly restored to a sound standard before they issue a policy or provide full coverage.

Before arranging your insurance (and ideally as part of your pre-purchase due diligence), you should ask the vendor or your lawyer to provide the following key documentation:

1. Scope of Works and Damage Reports

  • What it is: The official assessment detailing what earthquake damage was identified and the approved plan for how it was to be fixed.
  • Why insurers need it: Insurers want to cross-reference the original damage against the completed work to ensure no structural or underlying issues were left unaddressed or cash-settled without being fixed.

2. Sign-Offs, Producer Statements, and Invoices

  • What it is: Code Compliance Certificates (CCC) from the local council (if building consents were required), engineering sign-offs, producer statements (PS3/PS4) from qualified tradespeople, and final contractor invoices.
  • Why insurers need it: Insurers require objective proof that structural, foundation, or framing repairs were inspected, met the New Zealand Building Code, and were signed off by competent professionals.

3. EQC / Natural Hazards Commission (NHC) and Private Insurance Claim Files

  • What it is: The complete claims history showing how previous claims were settled (e.g., whether through a managed repair program or a cash settlement).
  • Why insurers need it: If the previous owner received a cash settlement, insurers will scrutinize whether the payout was actually spent on fixing the damage. Unfixed or poorly managed cash-settled damage is a common reason insurers decline cover or exclude earthquake damage. You can check the property’s public claim status via the NHC claims map or request the full history.

4. Land Information Memorandum (LIM) Report

  • What it is: The official council report for the property.
  • Why insurers need it: It highlights historical permits, consents for earthquake repairs, and any council notes regarding land stability, zoning, or natural hazards (such as liquefaction risk).

Next Steps for Insurance

  1. Contact insurers early: Do not wait until unconditional purchase. Approach insurance companies with the property address and repair documentation before your finance or LIM condition dates expire. Some insurers have strict underwriting criteria for Canterbury homes.
  2. Disclose everything: Ensure your prospective insurer has full visibility of the past damage and repair history. Failing to disclose known earthquake repair history can jeopardize future claims.
Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand

I'm buying a Canterbury house that had earthquake repairs. What paperwork should I see before arranging insurance?

AI Overview

When buying an earthquake-repaired house in Canterbury, insurers are highly risk-averse. To secure unconditional standard home insurance, you must prove that all natural disaster damage was officially identified, properly remediated to the Building Code, and legally signed off.

Failing to provide this paperwork can result in insurers refusing cover entirely, or enforcing strict "earthquake exclusion clauses," which will prevent you from securing a bank mortgage.

1. Official Claim & Assessment History

You need a full paper trail from the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC, formerly EQC) and any private insurance companies involved.

  • Full NHC/EQC Claim File: Request this via the seller or an official information request. Check the address on Canterbury Maps to verify every accepted claim number.

  • Original Scope of Works (SoW): The detailed checklist showing exactly what damage the assessors found.

  • Private Insurer Documents: If the damage went "over-cap" (above the EQC limit), you need the private insurer's assessments, costing breakdowns, and payout details.

2. Proof of Repair Completion & Legal Sign-Offs

Insurers need absolute proof that the work outlined in the Scope of Works was actually finished by qualified professionals.

  • Certificate of Practical Completion / Final Account: Signed by the project management office (like Fletcher EQR) or the independent main contractor.

  • Producer Statements (PS3 / PS4): Written warranties from the specialized tradespeople or engineers certifying that the structural fixes comply with the NZ Building Code.

  • Council Code Compliance Certificate (CCC): For major structural or foundation work, look for building consents and final CCC sign-offs on the local council files or Land Information Memorandum (LIM) report.

3. Engineering and Specialist Reports

If the house suffered structural or foundation damage, standard building reports are not enough. Insurers will ask for:

  • Structural or Geotechnical Engineer Reports: Post-repair reports confirming the land is stable and the foundations have been successfully re-leveled or rebuilt to design specifications.

  • CCTV Drainage Report: Earthquake damage to under-slab wastewater and stormwater drains is incredibly common. Insurers want to see a clean, modern drainage camera report verifying the pipes are intact.

4. Settlement & Legal Assignment Papers

  • Cash Settlement Advice Letters: If the previous owner took a cash payout instead of opting for managed repairs, you need receipts proving the cash was entirely spent on fixing the home, rather than pocketed.

  • Deed of Assignment of Claims: This is a vital document prepared by your conveyancing lawyer. It legally transfers the rights of all past and any open NHC/private insurance claims to you. Without this, if you uncover hidden, substandard earthquake repairs down the track, you cannot claim compensation to fix them.

To help you navigate your next steps, let me know:

  • Was this home repaired under the official Managed Repair Programme , or did the owner receive a cash settlement?

  • Have you already ordered a LIM report or an independent pre-purchase building inspection?

I can guide you on how to cross-reference the repair scope against the physical state of the house.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand

I'm buying a Canterbury house that had earthquake repairs. What paperwork should I see before arranging insurance?

When purchasing a Canterbury home with a history of earthquake repairs, insurance companies will want to verify that the damage was fully and professionally fixed to code. Providing the right paperwork upfront makes the insurance approval process much smoother.

You should aim to gather and review the following key documents before finalizing your insurance policy:

  • EQC / Natural Hazards Commission (NHC) Scope of Works: This details the specific earthquake damage identified by the commission and what repairs were authorized and funded.

  • Private Insurer Scope of Works & Settlement Details: If the damage went "over-cap" and involved a private insurer, get the corresponding scope of repairs and final settlement summary.

  • Builder's or Contractor’s Invoices and Completion Receipts: Proof that the cash settlement or repair allocation was actually spent on the physical repairs rather than left incomplete or done sub-standardly. [Consumer Protection NZ]

  • Council Code Compliance Certificates (CCC) and Building Consents: Essential for verifying that structural or major repair works (like foundations or framing) were signed off by the local territorial authority as compliant with the New Zealand Building Code.

  • Engineer's Reports or Structural Certifications: If structural elements (foundations, retaining walls, or chimney repairs) were engineered, obtain the producer statements (PS1/PS4) or specific structural integrity reports from a chartered professional engineer.

  • Land Information Memorandum (LIM) and Council Property File: Useful for cross-referencing past consents, permits, and recorded natural hazard notations or notices.

  • Natural Hazards Portal / EQC Claims History: You can check the property's official record through the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake to see what claims were logged and settled for the address.

Would you like me to share what specific questions your insurer or conveyancing lawyer will typically ask regarding these repairs, or how to check the Natural Hazards Portal for past claims?

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026