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For a homeowner in a storm-prone area of New Zealand, the key is to check exactly which storm-related hazards are covered, what exclusions apply, and how much you would have to pay yourself if you make a claim. A policy may cover some storm damage but exclude particular causes, types of damage or parts of your property.

What to check in your home insurance policy

• Storm and flood exclusions: Check how your insurer defines storm, flood, surface water, storm surge and coastal inundation. These events can be treated differently, and cover for one does not necessarily mean cover for the others.
• Wind and rain damage: Confirm whether damage from high winds, wind-driven rain, fallen trees and flying debris is covered. Check whether rain entering through a damaged roof is treated differently from water entering through existing gaps, poor seals or inadequate maintenance.
• Landslips and erosion: If your property is on a slope, near a cliff or close to the coast, check the exclusions and limits for landslip, subsidence, erosion and retaining-wall damage.
• Gradual damage and maintenance: Look for exclusions involving existing leaks, rot, corrosion, worn roofing, blocked drains and neglected maintenance. A storm may trigger damage, but the insurer may distinguish between sudden damage and a pre-existing problem.
• Outbuildings and outdoor property: Check cover for fences, retaining walls, sheds, garages, decks, swimming pools, gardens and other structures. These may have separate limits or exclusions.
• Temporary accommodation and debris removal: Find out whether the policy covers reasonable alternative accommodation if your home becomes uninhabitable, plus demolition, debris removal and urgent repairs.

Check the excesses carefully

An excess is the amount you contribute towards an accepted insurance claim. Storm-prone properties may have more than one excess, so check the schedule as well as the policy wording.

• Standard excess: The amount payable for an ordinary house-damage claim.
• Storm, flood or water-damage excess: Check whether these claims attract a separate or higher excess.
• Per-event versus per-claim excess: Ask whether damage from one storm affecting several parts of your property will be treated as one claim or multiple claims.
• Multiple excesses: Check whether different excesses can apply to one incident, particularly if both the house and land are damaged.
• Voluntary excess: If you have chosen a higher excess to reduce your premium, make sure you can comfortably afford it after a major storm.
• Special terms for high-risk properties: Check whether your insurer has imposed specific exclusions, restrictions or excesses because of your property's location or claims history.

For New Zealand homeowners, there is an additional consideration: the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC) provides statutory cover for certain natural hazards. Storm and flood damage to the house is generally dealt with under private home insurance, while NHC cover can apply to eligible residential land. Landslide damage may qualify for NHC cover for both the home and eligible land. About natural hazards cover :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū AkeCover for storm, flood, and landslide damage :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake

For eligible NHC claims arising from damage first occurring on or after 1 July 2024, the standard excess is $500 for a building claim and $500 for a land claim. If both are claimed, both excesses may be deducted. Your private insurer's excess is separate and depends on your policy. Natural Hazards Insurance Act :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū AkeAbout natural hazards cover :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake

Questions to ask your insurer

Before renewing or purchasing cover, ask:

1. Is my specific property covered for storm, surface-water flooding, river flooding and storm surge?
2. Are there any exclusions or special excesses based on my property's hazard exposure?
3. What is the total excess I would pay after a severe storm that damages both my home and land?
4. Are retaining walls, drainage systems, fences, driveways and detached buildings covered, and under what conditions?
5. Would existing damage, deferred maintenance or a previous claim affect my cover?
6. Is my sum insured sufficient to rebuild the house, including demolition, professional fees and current construction costs?
7. If my property becomes uninhabitable, what temporary accommodation benefits and limits apply?

A practical final check

Keep a copy of your current policy wording, policy schedule and any written confirmation of special terms. Photograph the roof, gutters, drains, retaining walls and other vulnerable areas, and maintain records of repairs. The Insurance Council of New Zealand also provides a useful guide to common policy exclusions. What Home, Contents & Car Insurance Don't Cover (NZ)

The most important step is to get written confirmation of any unclear exclusions or excesses before a storm occurs. A cheaper premium may not be good value if a major hazard is excluded or the excess is unaffordable.

Useful official resources:

• Natural Hazards Commission — storm, flood and landslide cover
• Insurance Council of New Zealand — common insurance exclusions