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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

We're looking at a cheaper house policy that seems to cover only certain types of damage. How do we know what we'd be giving up?

The key is to compare what the cheaper policy would actually pay for when something goes wrong, rather than just comparing the premiums.

In New Zealand, a cheaper house insurance policy may cover only specified types of damage, such as fire, storm or flood. Another policy may offer broader cover for sudden, accidental damage, subject to exclusions and conditions. The difference can matter a lot if your home is damaged in a way you hadn't anticipated.

I'd look at three things: what is no longer covered, how much you'd have to pay yourself, and whether the policy leaves you exposed to a large repair or rebuilding bill.

1. What you might be giving up

Consumer NZ explains that basic policies may cover specified major events, while comprehensive policies can also cover accidental damage caused by you or your family. Limits for extra benefits can differ, too. How to get the best house and contents insurance

Here is a practical checklist to use when comparing your two policies.

Type of damage or cost What to check in the cheaper policy
Fire and explosion Are these covered, and are there any special conditions?
Storm, flood and water damage Which events are included? Is water entering through a roof or window covered?
Accidental damage If you accidentally damage a wall, floor or fixed fitting, will it pay?
Leaking pipes Is resulting damage covered? What about hidden, gradual leaks?
Wear, rot and mould Usually excluded, but check how the policy treats resulting damage from another event.
Retaining walls, fences and driveways Are they included, and what are the dollar limits?
Temporary accommodation How much will the insurer pay if you cannot live at home?
Demolition and rebuilding Are demolition, debris removal, professional fees and consent costs covered within the rebuild limit?

These are common areas to investigate, not a list of benefits that every comprehensive policy includes. See the Insurance Council of New Zealand guide to common insurance exclusions. What Home, Contents & Car Insurance Don't Cover (NZ)

2. Pay special attention to these three risks

Water damage

Ask what happens if a pipe bursts, a shower leaks, or rain enters through a damaged roof. The cause of the damage and whether it developed gradually can determine whether a claim is accepted.

Everyday accidents

If someone puts a hole in a wall, damages a fixed fitting or accidentally breaks something structural, check whether the policy covers the resulting damage. A specified-events policy may leave you paying for some accidents yourself.

A major loss

Check the maximum payout and whether it would cover rebuilding the house, demolition, professional fees and other necessary costs. A policy with a lower premium is not a bargain if its payout limit is inadequate.

For New Zealand homes, also check how private insurance works alongside natural hazard cover through the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake. Read its guide to NHCover. About natural hazards cover :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū AkeHome Sum Insured

3. Compare the actual policy documents, not just the summaries

Get the full policy wording and the policy schedule for both options. Then compare:

  • Insured events: Is the policy limited to named events, or does it cover accidental damage more broadly?
  • Exclusions: Which causes of damage are specifically excluded?
  • Excesses: How much must you pay per claim, including any separate excesses for particular events?
  • Limits and sublimits: Are there caps on temporary accommodation, retaining walls or other property features?
  • Rebuild cover: Is it replacement cover or a capped amount, and is the sum insured realistic?

The Consumer Protection insurance guide explains why exclusions, policy conditions and disclosure obligations matter. Insurance'Sum Insured' cover for household insurance - what are the risks?

4. Is the saving worth the risk?

For example, suppose the cheaper policy saves you NZ$400 a year. Over five years, that is NZ$2,000 in premiums saved, before allowing for premium changes.

That saving may be worthwhile if the lost benefits are minor and you could comfortably afford the repairs they leave uncovered. It may not be worthwhile if you could be left paying tens of thousands of dollars for a major repair.

I can help you compare your two options

The most useful next step is to look at the actual policies side by side.

Can you tell me the names of the two insurers and the policy types you're comparing? If you have the policy summaries or wording, you can also paste them here or upload the documents. I'll identify the specific cover you'd lose, the important exclusions and limits, and which differences are most financially significant for your home.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand

We're looking at a cheaper house policy that seems to cover only certain types of damage. How do we know what we'd be giving up?

When looking at cheaper house insurance policies in New Zealand, the lower price tag almost always means a significant trade-off in what is covered and how claims are paid out.

To figure out what you are giving up, you need to look past the marketing and carefully dissect the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and policy wording.

1. "Accidental Damage" vs. "Named Perils" (Defined Events)

  • Comprehensive Policy: Usually covers accidental damage (e.g., if you accidentally put a hole in a wall moving furniture, or a tap is left running and ruins a floor).
  • Cheaper Policy: Often restricted to named perils (or "defined events"). This means the policy only pays out if the damage is caused by a specific listed event, such as a fire, storm, flood, or theft. If an incident doesn't fit neatly into one of those listed categories, you carry 100% of the cost.

2. Temporary Accommodation Benefits

  • Comprehensive Policy: If your home becomes uninhabitable due to a major event (like a severe storm or fire), standard comprehensive plans typically cover the cost of temporary accommodation for you and your family while repairs are carried out.
  • Cheaper Policy: Basic policies frequently exclude or heavily cap temporary accommodation. If your house needs a four-month rebuild, you could be left paying rent or motel costs out of your own pocket on top of your mortgage.

3. Sub-Limits and Excluded Extras

Cheaper policies often reduce costs by trimming coverage on structural "extras" attached to your property. Look closely at how they treat:

  • Retaining walls and fences: Often excluded entirely or capped at a very low limit unless specifically upgraded.
  • Paths, driveways, and outbuildings: Basic policies may exclude standalone sheds, carports, or non-standard driveways.
  • Gradual damage: Standard and budget policies strictly exclude wear and tear, rot, and slow leaks. However, some comprehensive plans offer a small sub-limit benefit for hidden gradual water damage (like a leaking pipe inside a wall), which budget policies may leave out entirely.

4. Indemnity Value vs. Full Replacement

  • Check how the policy calculates payouts. A standard comprehensive policy usually operates on a sum insured / total replacement basis.
  • A budget policy might factor in indemnity (present-day) value for certain components or older parts of the home, meaning they factor in depreciation (what the item or material was worth just before it broke), leaving you with a major cash shortfall to complete repairs.

Key Questions to Ask Your Insurer Before Buying

  1. "Is this an accidental damage policy, or a named-perils/defined-events policy?" (If it's named perils, ask for the exact list of what is covered).
  2. "Does this include temporary accommodation if our home is uninhabitable?"
  3. "What are the sub-limits on retaining walls, fences, and outbuildings?"
  4. "Will this policy still trigger eligibility for the Natural Hazards Commission (NHC Toka Tū Ake) cover?" (Note: In NZ, you generally need a valid house policy that includes fire insurance to qualify for NHC earthquake/natural disaster cover, but checking the fine print on specialized stripped-back policies is essential).

Would you like to compare specific differences between a standard policy and a budget policy you are currently looking at?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand

We're looking at a cheaper house policy that seems to cover only certain types of damage. How do we know what we'd be giving up?

AI Overview

To find out exactly what you would be giving up with a cheaper policy, you need to compare its specific exclusions and policy limits against a standard comprehensive insurance policy. Lower premiums almost always mean the insurer is taking on less risk by shifting it to you.

Here is exactly how to audit the policy and identify the coverage gaps.

1. Check the Cover Type: Total Sum Insured vs. Indemnity

Cheaper policies often change how they pay out a claim:

  • Sum Insured: Standard policies pay the actual cost to rebuild your home up to a set maximum dollar amount.

  • Indemnity Value (Market/Present Value): Many budget policies only cover "indemnity value." This means if your house is damaged, they pay the value of the house just before the damage happened , taking into account its age and wear-and-tear. You will likely have to pay a massive shortfall out of pocket to actually rebuild.

2. Scan the "Exclusions" Section

Every policy has a section detailing what it will not pay for. In a cheaper policy, this list is usually much longer. Look for the exclusion or restriction of:

  • Gradual damage: Standard NZ policies often include a limited buffer (e.g., up to $2,000–$5,000) for hidden water leaks that cause damage over time. Budget policies often exclude this entirely.

  • Natural disasters / EQCover shortfall: In NZ, the Toka Tū Ake EQC covers the first portion of natural disaster damage, but your private insurer covers the rest. Cheaper policies may have higher natural hazard excesses or lower top-up limits.

  • Accidental damage: Cheaper policies often shift from "All Risks" (covers accidental damage you cause) to "Defined Events" (only covers specific things listed, like fire or storm).

3. Review the Policy Limits and Sub-limits

A budget policy might say it covers an event, but cap the payout at a very low amount. Check the limits on:

  • Alternative accommodation: If your house burns down, standard policies usually pay for you to rent a similar home for up to 12 or 24 months. Cheaper policies may cap this at a very low dollar amount or a short timeframe (e.g., 3 months).

  • Landlord extensions: If it is a rental property, cheap policies often exclude cover for tenant damage or loss of rent if the property becomes uninhabitable.

  • Retaining walls and special structures: Check if fences, driveways, or retaining walls are excluded or capped at a low value.

4. Look at the Excess Structure

A lower monthly premium often hides a much higher excess (the amount you pay upfront when you make a claim). Check if there are separate, higher excesses for specific events like earthquakes, flooding, or water damage.

How to do a direct comparison

  1. Ask the budget provider for their Key Facts Sheet or Policy Wording document.

  2. Open a standard "Comprehensive" policy wording from a major NZ insurer side-by-side.

  3. Search both documents for keywords like Gradual damage , Alternative accommodation , Excess , and Indemnity to see where the cheap policy cuts corners.

If you want to share a few specific details, I can help you figure out if the trade-offs are worth it. For instance:

  • What is the name of the policy or the insurer?

  • Is this for an owner-occupied home or a rental property?

  • What are the specific types of damage it says it does cover?

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand

We're looking at a cheaper house policy that seems to cover only certain types of damage. How do we know what we'd be giving up?

When looking at a restricted or basic house insurance policy (often called a "fire and peril" or limited-cover policy) compared to a standard comprehensive one, you are trading a lower upfront premium for significantly higher financial risk if the unexpected happens.

To figure out what you'd be giving up, you need to look at the gap between accidental damage and named perils.

1. The Core Difference in What is Covered

  • Comprehensive / Standard Cover: Typically covers accidental damage. If you, a family member, or a guest accidentally put a hole in a wall, smash a basin, or break a built-in feature, it’s generally covered.

  • Limited / Restricted Cover: Usually only covers specific named events (like fire, lightning, explosion, storm, flood, or manchmal earthquake/natural disaster depending on the wording). If an event isn't explicitly listed on the policy schedule, you have zero cover.

2. Key Benefits and Protections You Typically Give Up

  • Accidental Breakage & Damage: Everyday "oops" moments—like a heavy tool slipping through a ceiling, a vehicle backing into your own garage door, or a DIY mishap that damages the structure—are excluded under limited policies.

  • Gradual Damage: Many comprehensive policies offer limited sub-limits for hidden, gradual damage (like a slow-leaking pipe behind a wall). Basic or limited policies almost always exclude gradual damage entirely, meaning you pay out of pocket for the rot or mold repair.

  • Temporary Accommodation Limits: If a fire or major storm makes your home uninhabitable, comprehensive policies usually offer a generous temporary accommodation allowance (often $25,000 to $30,000+). Basic policies often slash this limit drastically (e.g., $15,000 or less) or omit it.

  • Additional Extras: Comprehensive policies often bundle or allow add-ons for things like sustainability upgrades, landscaping/retaining wall repairs, or matching materials during partial repairs. Limited policies strip these out to the bare minimum legal/structural rebuild.

  • The Natural Hazards Commission (NHCover) Link: In New Zealand, your entitlement to the government's natural disaster levy protections (Toka Tū Ake NHCover) is tied to having a valid private fire insurance policy. While a basic policy will still trigger the statutory natural disaster framework for earthquakes or floods up to the cap, check carefully whether secondary supports (like extra land or structure indemnities) are curtailed.

How to Evaluate the Policy Side-by-Side

  1. Request the full Wordings Document: Do not just look at the summary of cover. Ask for the "Policy Wording" PDF, which details the exact definitions, exclusions, and conditions.
  2. Scan the "Exclusions" and "What is NOT Covered" sections: Look specifically at words like accidental loss , unintentional damage , and gradual process.
  3. Check the Sub-limits: Compare the dollar caps for temporary accommodation, removal of debris, and legal liability against a standard policy. [Consumer NZ]
  4. Run a Risk vs. Reward calculation: Estimate how much you save annually on the premium versus the cost of repairing a major accidental structural mishap out of your own savings.

If you'd like, let me know:

  • What specific events or exclusions are highlighted in the cheaper policy's brochure?
  • Roughly how old the house is?

I can help you weigh whether the specific gaps in a limited policy make sense for your situation.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026