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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

How do NZ contents insurers generally settle a burglary claim and prove ownership?

In New Zealand, a contents insurer will generally treat a burglary claim as a process of proving (1) that the burglary/loss occurred, (2) what items were stolen, (3) that you owned those items, and (4) their value under your policy terms. The exact process depends on the wording of your policy, but the overall approach is similar across insurers. ICNZ | Insurance Council of New Zealand

1. Reporting the burglary and starting the claim

Usually you would:

  • Report the burglary to Police and obtain a Police file/report number.
  • Notify your insurer as soon as reasonably possible.
  • Take steps to secure the property (for example, repairing a broken door or window if needed).
  • Avoid disposing of damaged property or replacing major items before the insurer has had a chance to assess the claim, unless urgent action is needed. ASB Bank

The insurer will normally ask for:

  • A description of what happened.
  • A list of stolen or damaged items.
  • Dates, purchase details, and supporting evidence.
  • Details of any particularly valuable items. Westpac NZ

2. How ownership is usually proven

The strongest evidence is usually:

  • Receipts or invoices
  • Bank or credit card statements showing the purchase
  • Warranty registrations
  • Valuations (especially for jewellery, art, collectibles, or high-value items)
  • Photos or videos showing the item in your possession
  • Serial numbers, manuals, packaging, or retailer records (where relevant) ICNZ | Insurance Council of New Zealand

A photo of the item in your home can help show you owned it, but a generic internet picture of the same model usually will not prove that you owned that particular item. ICNZ | Insurance Council of New Zealand

If you do not have receipts, insurers may consider alternative evidence such as:

  • bank statements,
  • emails confirming an online purchase,
  • Trade Me transaction records,
  • retailer purchase histories,
  • photographs,
  • other documents showing the item existed and belonged to you. Consumer Protection

3. How settlement is usually calculated

The insurer will check your policy to determine whether the item is settled on a basis such as:

  • Replacement value — paying what it costs to replace the item (subject to policy limits and conditions).
  • Indemnity/market value — paying the value of the item immediately before the loss, taking age and wear into account.
  • Specified item value — where a high-value item has been separately listed with an agreed amount. Consumer Protection

The insurer may:

  • pay cash,
  • arrange a replacement,
  • repair an item (if applicable),
  • or settle part of the claim if only some items can be verified. Westpac NZ

An excess is normally deducted from the settlement amount. Consumer Protection

4. What happens if you have no proof of ownership?

A lack of receipts does not automatically mean the claim fails. Insurers generally look at the overall evidence. However, if you cannot reasonably show that an item existed, belonged to you, or had the claimed value, the insurer may reduce the settlement or decline that part of the claim. Consumer Protection

For example:

  • A stolen laptop with a bank statement, serial number, and photos is usually easier to verify.
  • A claimed designer watch with no records, no photos, and no valuation may be harder to substantiate.

5. Good preparation before a burglary happens

Many NZ insurers and consumer organisations recommend keeping:

  • photos/videos of your home contents,
  • receipts for expensive purchases,
  • serial numbers,
  • valuations for jewellery and collectibles,
  • a digital copy of important documents. ICNZ | Insurance Council of New Zealand

A simple home inventory spreadsheet with approximate purchase dates and values can make a large claim much easier to process. ICNZ | Insurance Council of New Zealand

If you are dealing with a specific insurer (for example, AA Insurance, AMI, State, Tower, Vero, AMI, or a bank-branded policy), the exact proof requirements and settlement rules can differ, so the policy wording is the final authority. @VERO

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ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand

How do NZ contents insurers generally settle a burglary claim and prove ownership?

In New Zealand, contents insurance claims resulting from a burglary are typically governed by the terms set out in your policy's Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and guided by industry standards (such as those overseen by the Insurance Council of New Zealand and the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman).

Insurers generally approach claim settlement and the proof of ownership through a structured process.

How NZ Insurers Settle Burglary Claims

  1. Police Reporting Requirement:
    Before an insurer processes a burglary claim, they will almost always require you to report the incident to the New Zealand Police and provide a Police Acknowledgement or Reference Number.
  2. Settlement Basis (Replacement Value vs. Indemnity Value):
    • New for Old (Replacement Value): Most standard New Zealand contents policies settle claims on a "replacement value" basis. This means the insurer will pay the cost to replace the stolen item with a brand-new item of similar type and quality.
    • Indemnity / Market Value: For certain older items, or if you selected a specific indemnity-value policy, the insurer will factor in wear, tear, and depreciation, paying what the item was worth immediately before it was stolen.
  3. Methods of Settlement:
    • Cash Settlement / Bank Deposit: Depositing the assessed value directly into your bank account. Insurers may sometimes apply a discount or initially pay a lower amount, releasing the full replacement cost only after you provide proof that you actually replaced the item.
    • Repair or Replacement via Preferred Suppliers: The insurer may arrange for replacement items to be delivered or sourced directly through preferred retail partners (e.g., electronic or appliance chains).

How Policyholders Prove Ownership

Insurers require you to establish that you actually owned the item and that it was present in the home at the time of the burglary. While formal purchase receipts are the gold standard, New Zealand insurers recognize that people rarely keep receipts for everything. They generally accept a tiered range of alternative evidence:

  • Primary Proof (Best Evidence):
    • Original purchase receipts or tax invoices.
    • Professional valuations (especially important for high-value items like jewelry, fine art, or antiques).
    • Warranty cards, guarantee certificates, or instruction manuals.
  • Secondary Proof (Alternative Evidence):
    • Digital footprints: Credit card or bank statements showing the purchase transaction, or online order history (e.g., TradeMe, Amazon, Mighty Ape emails).
    • Visual evidence: Background family photos or videos where the item is visibly present in your home.
    • Collateral items: Product packaging, matching accessories, remote controls, or spare parts belonging to the stolen device.
    • Serial numbers: Recorded manufacturer serial numbers for electronics, tools, or high-end gear.
  • What Happens Without Receipts?
    For everyday items (clothing, books, kitchenware) where receipts are naturally lost, insurers apply common sense. However, for expensive or specialty items claimed without a receipt, insurers may investigate further, reduce the payout, or decline that specific line item if no corroborating evidence can be supplied.
Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand

How do NZ contents insurers generally settle a burglary claim and prove ownership?

AI Overview

In New Zealand, contents insurers generally follow a structured process to evaluate burglary claims. They require policyholders to establish that the break-in occurred and that the claimed items were actually owned and present in the home.

Here is how New Zealand insurers typically approach proving ownership and settling claims :

1. Proving Ownership

New Zealand insurers have a legal right to request reasonable proof of ownership before paying out a claim. While original purchase receipts are the gold standard, insurers understand people do not keep every receipt and will accept alternative evidence:

  • Financial Records: Bank or credit card statements showing the transaction, or email order confirmations from online shopping (e.g., Trade Me, local retailers).

  • Visual Evidence: Photos or videos of you wearing or using the items, or general photos of your home's rooms that show the items in the background.

  • Product Documentation: Instruction manuals, original packaging, spare parts, or warranty certificates.

  • Serial Numbers: Unique identifiers, including logs kept on the SNAP website (a free asset-logging initiative supported by the NZ Police).

  • Professional Valuations: Crucial for high-value items like jewelry, watches, or artwork. Most NZ insurers require these items to be "specified" on the policy beforehand if they exceed a standard limit (often between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on the provider).

Note: If no proof can be provided at all, the insurer may decline the claim or reduce the payout amount.

2. How the Claim is Settled

Once a claim is accepted, the insurer will look at your policy wording to determine the settlement method. This is usually based on one of two types of coverage:

  • Replacement Value (New for Old): This is the most common approach for major items like electronics, appliances, and furniture. The insurer will pay the cost to replace the item with a brand-new equivalent model today, regardless of how old your stolen item was.

  • Present Value (Indemnity/Market Value): For specific item categories that depreciate quickly—such as clothing, shoes, sporting equipment, and older mobile phones—insurers often only pay the "present value". This is the estimated second-hand market value of the item immediately before the burglary occurred.

3. The Payout Mechanisms

Insurers generally fulfill the settlement using one of the following methods:

  • Direct Replacement: The insurer purchases the replacement item directly through their preferred retail supply chain partners and has it delivered to you.

  • Store Cards/Vouchers: You are issued a digital or physical gift card/voucher for a specific store (e.g., JB Hi-Fi or Harvey Norman) to purchase a replacement yourself.

  • Cash Settlement: The insurer pays out the cash equivalent to your bank account. This is typically done if the item cannot be easily replaced or if you choose not to replace it (though opting for cash may sometimes result in a lower payout if the insurer loses out on their supplier discount).

The Immediate First Steps Required

To successfully lodge a burglary claim in New Zealand, you must:

  1. Report the crime to the NZ Police immediately to obtain a Police Report/File Number, which your insurer will require.

  2. Pay your excess , which is your agreed-upon financial contribution toward the claim.

If you are currently preparing a claim, I can help you draft an organized schedule of loss or look into specific limits for high-value items under common New Zealand policies. Would you like to map out the details for specific types of stolen items?

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Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand

How do NZ contents insurers generally settle a burglary claim and prove ownership?

In New Zealand , contents insurance claims for burglaries are generally settled based on the terms of your policy (e.g., indemnity value vs. replacement value/new for old). When a burglary occurs, insurers require you to substantiate what was stolen and show that you actually owned the items before they disburse funds.

How New Zealand Insurers Settle Claims

  1. Replacement Value (New for Old): Most standard NZ policies settle on a replacement basis, meaning the insurer pays the cost to buy a brand-new item of similar kind and quality.
  2. Indemnity Value: For older or specified items, they may settle on present-day value after factoring in depreciation, wear, and tear.
  3. Cash Settlement vs. Repair/Replacement: Insurers often prefer to arrange replacement through their preferred suppliers or provide store credits, but they may offer a direct cash settlement if replacement isn't feasible or available.
  4. Deduction of Excess: Your agreed policy excess (the amount you pay towards the claim) is deducted from the final settlement payout.

How Policyholders Prove Ownership

Insurers in New Zealand require reasonable proof that you owned the lost property and that its value aligns with your claim. Relying solely on memory can make it difficult to establish a claim. Accepted proofs of ownership include:

  • Purchase receipts, tax invoices, or printed order confirmations from online retailers.

  • Bank, credit card, or finance statements showing the transaction to the merchant.

  • Photographs or video footage showing the items inside your home prior to the burglary.

  • Serial numbers, owner's manuals, warranty cards, or product packaging kept at the house.

  • Professional valuations or certificates of authenticity (especially critical for high-value items like jewellery, watches, or fine art).

  • Historical store records or reward/loyalty card purchase histories.

If you are missing receipts for certain items, you can check guidance from consumer resources like Canstar New Zealand or dispute resolution bodies like the Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO) regarding alternative evidence.

If you'd like, I can share tips on:

  • What to do immediately after discovering a burglary (including police reporting requirements in NZ)
  • How to compile a comprehensive schedule of loss for your insurer
Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026