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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 live in Southland and need contents insurance. Which companies should I get quotes from?

If you live in Southland, New Zealand, I'd recommend getting at least four or five contents insurance quotes so you can compare premiums, excesses, and what's actually covered. You can get quotes from national insurers without needing to live in a major city.

I'd start with AMI, State, AA Insurance, Tower, and Cove, then compare a couple of alternatives such as FMG or MAS.

1. Which insurance companies should you get quotes from?

Here are the providers I'd put on your shortlist. These companies offer contents insurance in New Zealand, although the price and availability of particular policies will depend on your circumstances and address. Consumer NZ's February 2026 comparison covers nine insurers, including several of the providers below. consumer.org.nz

Provider Why get a quote? Get a quote
AMI Comprehensive contents cover, including accidental loss or damage and cover for certain hidden water leaks. AMI contents insurance
State Worth comparing with AMI for price and cover. Both are part of IAG New Zealand. State Insurance
AA Insurance Offers Comprehensive and Limited Contents options. AA members may qualify for discounts. AA contents insurance
Tower Three levels of cover, allowing you to compare different coverage and price options. Tower contents insurance
Cove Offers online quotes and standalone contents insurance for renters and homeowners. Cove Insurance
FMG Particularly worth considering if you live rurally or on a lifestyle block. FMG Insurance
MAS Another option to compare, with contents cover and support through its adviser network. MAS contents insurance
Initio Worth checking as an additional online insurance option. Initio Insurance

The providers' policy features are described on their websites, while Consumer NZ provides an independent comparison of premiums, excesses, and customer satisfaction. Actual prices depend on your individual circumstances. Sources: Consumer NZ, Compare.org.nz.

2. What matters when you're insuring contents in Southland?

When comparing quotes, I'd pay particular attention to the following.

  • Weather and natural hazards: Check exactly how each policy treats storm damage, flooding, landslips, and other natural hazards. Don't assume every event is covered just because the policy includes natural disaster protection.
  • Accidental damage: Check whether you're covered if you accidentally break your television, laptop, or other belongings.
  • Theft and burglary: Check the conditions around forced entry, security, and theft from vehicles or outbuildings.
  • High-value items: If you own expensive jewellery, bicycles, cameras, computers, or tools, check whether these need to be individually specified.
  • Excess: Compare both the standard excess and any additional excesses that might apply to particular claims.
  • Replacement value: Check whether belongings are replaced with new items or whether depreciation affects the payout.

If you live on a farm, lifestyle block, or rural property, ask specifically about tools, equipment, and belongings kept in detached sheds. Standard contents insurance may not cover everything in the way you expect.

Consumer NZ's contents insurance buying guide explains the main considerations.

3. How can you compare prices fairly?

I'd get quotes from AMI, AA Insurance, Tower, and Cove first, then add FMG if you have rural property or MAS as another comparison.

To make the comparison meaningful:

  1. Use the same total contents value for every quote.
  2. Choose the same or similar excess.
  3. Check that the policies provide comparable protection.
  4. Compare the annual premium, including any applicable fees.
  5. Read the exclusions before choosing the cheapest option.

You can also try Quashed, which compares contents insurance quotes from participating providers.

One important point: Don't automatically choose the lowest premium. A cheaper policy may have a higher excess or lower limits for valuable belongings.

4. I can narrow this down for your situation

To recommend which insurers I'd prioritise for you in Southland, there's one thing I'd like to know first:

Do you own your home, rent a house, or live in a flat with other people?

That makes a difference to which policies and cover options are worth comparing.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand

I live in Southland and need contents insurance. Which companies should I get quotes from?

When looking for contents insurance in Southland, it is best to compare quotes from a mix of major national providers, regional specialists, and mutual insurers. Depending on whether you live in a town, a rural area, or a lifestyle block, certain providers may offer tailored benefits.

Consider getting quotes from the following key companies:

  • State Insurance: Known for comprehensive policies and often recognized for value and service. They provide extensive benefits like temporary accommodation and cover for belongings moved across New Zealand.
  • Tower: Frequently highlighted for competitive pricing and flexible sum-insured options, making it easy to manage policies entirely online.
  • FMG (Farmers Mutual Group): A strong choice if you live on a rural property, farm, or lifestyle block in Southland, as their policies are specifically designed to factor in rural residential and farming risks.
  • SBS Insurance: A New Zealand-owned and operated provider with strong local ties (originating in Southland) that works alongside trusted underwriters like Vero and Ando to offer robust local advice and support.
  • MAS (Medical Assurance Society): Highly rated by members for customer service, offering comprehensive contents protection with flexible options.

If you prefer personalized guidance, you can also consult a local Southland insurance broker (such as Zenith Group) who can pull quotes across multiple different insurers on your behalf.

If you like, I can help you list out the key features and policy limits (such as accidental damage vs. specified items) you should look out for when comparing these quotes. Do you want me to do that?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand

I live in Southland and need contents insurance. Which companies should I get quotes from?

AI Overview

To get contents insurance in Southland, you should request quotes from New Zealand’s major direct insurers, local Southland-based institutions, and specialized rural providers. Because many insurers now use address-level risk pricing to evaluate localized weather risks like regional snow, coastal storm surges, and river flooding, premiums can vary widely. Shopping around is essential.

1. Major Direct Insurers (Best for Quick Online Quotes)

These nationwide brands operate heavily in Southland and offer standalone contents policies for both renters and homeowners:

  • AA Insurance : Consistently highly rated for customer satisfaction.

  • Tower Insurance : Offers broad digital management tools and bundled policy discounts.

  • AMI Insurance : Provides comprehensive contents policies, including unique benefits like temporary accommodation and overseas travel protection for your gear.

  • State Insurance : Known for robust legal liability limits up to $2,000,000 embedded in their policies.

2. Southland & Regional Providers (Best for Local Expertise)

  • SBS Insurance : Headquartered right in Southland (Invercargill), SBS Bank offers dedicated contents policies tailored to southern residents through their insurance arm.

  • FMG Insurance : If you live on a lifestyle block, farm, or in a rural pocket of Southland, FMG specializes in rural and residential cover and frequently wins consumer satisfaction awards.

3. Bank-Underwritten Insurers (Best if you already bank with them)

If you already hold accounts with a major bank, check if they offer multi-policy or loyalty discounts:

  • ANZ Bank (underwritten by Vero)

  • ASB Bank (underwritten by IAG) Home insurance | Quote and buy online | ANZHome & Contents Insurance - Get a quote and apply online | ASB

What to check when comparing quotes

Policy Feature What to look out for
Policy Type Look for Replacement Value (new-for-old) rather than Present Value (indemnity/depreciated value) so you aren't left out of pocket.
Hidden Water Damage Ensure the sub-limit for gradual hidden plumbing leaks is healthy (ideally $3,000+ per year).
High-Value Item Caps Most policies cap electronics, jewellery, and bikes (e.g., $2,500–$3,000 per item). Specify items worth more than the standard limit.
Legal Liability Cover Ensure public liability is included. This protects you if you accidentally cause major damage to the property or someone else's assets.

To narrow this down, are you renting or do you own the home? If you'd like, let me know if you need to bundle it with vehicle insurance for an extra multi-policy discount.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand

I live in Southland and need contents insurance. Which companies should I get quotes from?

When shopping for contents insurance in Southland, it pays to compare quotes across a mix of major national insurers and direct brands. While Southland doesn't typically face the high earthquake risk of regions like Wellington or Canterbury, insurers still weigh up local factors like weather events, rural vs. urban locations, and general security.

Here are the primary companies operating nationally in New Zealand where you should look to get quotes:

  • AA Insurance: Consistently popular and highly rated for customer service and claims handling; offers multi-policy discounts if you bundle with car or life insurance.

  • AMI: A well-established nationwide insurer with extensive local branch networks and comprehensive or fire-and-theft options.

  • State: Another major household brand in New Zealand (under the same parent group as AMI) providing robust online quoting and flexible excess levels.

  • Tower Insurance: Noted as Canstar's Insurer of the Year for Home & Contents (2024–2026), offering plain-language policies and easy online management.

  • Trade Me Insurance: Underwritten by Toro/Tower, this is a straightforward digital option that often provides competitive online-only pricing.

  • AMP: Offers general insurance options alongside their financial planning and advisory services.

If you'd like, I can help you with:

  • What to look out for regarding sum insured vs. total replacement calculations.
  • Tips on choosing the right excess amount to lower your annual premium.

Let me know what details you'd like to explore further.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026