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If you’re buying contents insurance in Wellington, I’d pay particular attention to earthquake damage, flooding, water leaks, and how much you’d actually receive if you had to replace everything you own. The cheapest policy isn’t necessarily the one that protects you best.

In New Zealand, contents insurance generally covers your belongings rather than the building itself. If you rent, that distinction is especially important: your landlord’s insurance usually covers the building, not your furniture, clothes or electronics.

The main things to check

1. Earthquake and landslip cover

Wellington’s earthquake exposure makes this worth checking carefully. Confirm that your contents policy covers belongings damaged by earthquakes and related landslips, and ask whether any exclusions or special excesses apply. Don’t assume the government’s natural-hazards scheme automatically insures your belongings; its core cover is for eligible residential buildings and certain land, not general household contents. About natural hazards cover :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū AkeNatural Hazards Insurance Act :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake

2. Flooding, stormwater and water leaks

Check whether the policy covers floodwater entering your home, surface water, storm damage, and water escaping from a burst pipe or appliance. These can be treated differently. Ask specifically about gradual leaks, rising groundwater, seepage and damage caused by poor maintenance, which may be excluded.

3. The total sum insured and replacement value

Estimate what it would cost to replace everything you own at today's prices: clothes, furniture, appliances, computers, kitchenware, tools and other everyday items. Check whether the policy pays replacement value or depreciated value for each category, and whether expensive items have individual limits. Contents Insurance PolicyDistinction Contents Insurance / Policy wording

4. Jewellery, bikes and electronics

Jewellery, watches, bicycles, cameras and portable electronics may have per-item or category limits. Check whether you need to list valuable items separately, provide valuations, or buy optional cover for items taken outside the home.

5. Temporary accommodation and liability

If an insured event makes your home unliveable, check whether temporary accommodation, moving and storage costs are included, and what dollar and time limits apply. If you rent, ask about personal liability cover for accidental damage to the landlord's property and any excess you could be responsible for. Contents Insurance PolicyInsurance » Tenancy Services

Other policy traps worth checking

• The excess: Check whether earthquake, flood or other claims have a higher excess than ordinary claims. Choose an amount you could comfortably afford to pay after a disaster. InsuranceHow to get the best house and contents insurance
• Accidental damage: Dropping a laptop, spilling a drink on a sofa or breaking a television may not be covered by a basic policy. Check whether accidental-damage cover is included or optional.
• Belongings outside your home: Check the limits for items stolen from your car, taken overseas, or damaged while travelling.
• Working from home: Tell the insurer if you keep business equipment or stock at home. Business property can be excluded or subject to special conditions. What Home, Contents & Car Insurance Don't Cover (NZ)How to get the best house and contents insurance
• Vacant-home rules: If you travel for an extended period, check how long your home can be unoccupied before cover is restricted.
• Your answers on the application: Answer questions about previous claims, property conditions and security accurately. Incorrect or incomplete material information can affect a claim. InsuranceWhat Home, Contents & Car Insurance Don't Cover (NZ)

My checklist for comparing policies

Before choosing an insurer, I'd want clear answers to these six questions:

Policy comparison checklist

0 of 6

Earthquake and landslip damage to contents is covered.

Flood, stormwater and sudden water leaks have acceptable cover.

The total contents sum insured is enough to replace everything.

Valuables and items away from home have adequate limits.

Temporary accommodation and personal liability are included at useful limits.

The standard and natural-disaster excesses are affordable.

For further guidance, Consumer NZ's house and contents insurance buying guide is a useful starting point. For natural-disaster cover, see the Natural Hazards Commission.

One question that would help me narrow this down: Are you renting a property in Wellington, or do you own your home? The main cover considerations differ, particularly for liability and the boundary between contents and building insurance.