ChatGPT · New Zealand
I own a Wellington apartment. Does the body corporate cover earthquake damage, or do I need my own insurance too?
In New Zealand, your apartment’s body corporate insurance will generally cover earthquake damage to the building, but you may still need your own insurance. The key distinction is between the shared building and your personal belongings, contents, and any gaps in cover.
If you own an apartment in Wellington, it's worth checking exactly what the body corporate policy covers rather than assuming you're fully insured.
What insurance covers what?
| Type of damage or loss | Usually covered by |
|---|---|
| Earthquake damage to the shared building structure | Body corporate building insurance |
| Damage to common areas, such as lifts, stairwells and shared walls | Body corporate building insurance |
| Your furniture, clothes, electronics and other personal belongings | Your own contents insurance |
| Temporary accommodation if your apartment becomes uninhabitable | Depends on your own policy and the body corporate policy |
| Damage to apartment fixtures, fittings or improvements inside your unit | Depends on the building policy and your own cover |
| Earthquake excesses, uninsured losses or shortfalls in rebuilding costs | May fall partly on individual owners through levies or other costs |
These are general guidelines, not a guarantee of what your particular policies cover. The wording of both policies matters.
What you should check as a Wellington apartment owner
The Unit Titles Act 2010 generally requires a body corporate to insure the buildings and other improvements to their full insurable value. There are exceptions, including certain stand-alone units. Unit Titles Act 2010Unit Titles Act 2010
I recommend taking these four steps:
- Ask for the current insurance policy and certificate of currency. Confirm earthquake damage is covered and check the building's insured value.
- Check the earthquake excess. Ask how much the excess is and how it would be allocated between owners after a major earthquake.
- Check for a shortfall in rebuilding cover. An insured value that is too low can leave owners facing additional costs.
- Arrange your own contents insurance. Make sure it includes natural disaster cover, and check whether it covers temporary accommodation and your personal liability.
The Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake explains the insurance arrangements for apartments and shared properties in its official guidance. Apartments and shared property :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū AkeAbout natural hazards cover :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake
One important point: Your body corporate may have building insurance, but that doesn't automatically mean every cost arising from an earthquake will be paid by the insurer.
Can I help you check your specific situation?
The most useful next step depends on whether you're living in the apartment or renting it out.
Are you living in your Wellington apartment yourself, or is it a rental property?
That makes a difference to the additional insurance I'd suggest checking.
ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.
Captured 11 October 2026