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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

Will house insurance cover a leak that's been getting worse for months? Do NZ insurers differ on this?

In New Zealand, a house insurance claim for a leak that has been getting worse over months is often difficult, but it depends on what caused the leak, whether it was hidden, and your insurer’s policy wording. NZ insurers do differ. AMP

The key distinction is usually:

  • Sudden and accidental damage (for example, a pipe suddenly bursts and floods part of the house) is commonly covered.
  • Gradual damage (for example, a slow leak that has been occurring for months, causing rot, mould, or deterioration) is commonly excluded unless the policy has a specific gradual/hidden damage benefit. AMP

A few examples:

  • Hidden leaking pipe inside a wall: Some NZ policies cover the resulting damage (such as damaged walls or floors), often with limits, but may not cover fixing the pipe itself. AMI Site
  • Leaking shower, failed sealant, roof leak, or maintenance issue: These are more likely to be treated as gradual damage, wear and tear, or lack of maintenance and may not be covered. AMP
  • You noticed the leak getting worse but did nothing: An insurer may argue you had a duty to minimise further damage, which can affect the claim outcome. Some policies expressly require you to take reasonable steps once damage is discovered. Home

Do NZ insurers differ?

Yes. Differences commonly include:

  • Whether they offer hidden gradual damage cover automatically or as an option.
  • The maximum amount they will pay (some policies have relatively low sub-limits).
  • What counts as a qualifying leak (for example, an internal water pipe versus a shower or roof).
  • Whether they cover costs to locate the leak, and under what circumstances. AMI Site

Examples of different approaches:

  • AMI Insurance policies include a hidden gradual damage benefit for certain hidden internal pipe leaks, subject to conditions and limits. AMI Site
  • NZI policies describe cover for hidden gradual damage discovered during the period of insurance, with limits and conditions. NZI Site
  • Tower Insurance also provides hidden gradual water damage cover in some policies, with limits and exclusions. Tower Insurance NZ

If you have a leak now, practical steps are:

  1. Stop or reduce the source of the leak if you safely can.
  2. Take photos/videos before repairs.
  3. Notify your insurer promptly (even if you are unsure whether it will be covered).
  4. Do not remove damaged materials unnecessarily unless needed to prevent further damage, and keep evidence.

If you tell me where the leak is coming from (roof, shower, pipe in wall, bathroom, window, etc.), how long you knew about it, and which insurer/policy you have, I can help you assess how it is likely to be treated.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand

Will house insurance cover a leak that's been getting worse for months? Do NZ insurers differ on this?

In New Zealand, house insurance policies are fundamentally designed to cover sudden, accidental, and unforeseen events (like a sudden pipe burst or storm damage). Because a leak that has been getting worse for months has occurred slowly over time, it generally falls under the category of gradual damage, which is a standard exclusion in NZ house insurance policies.

However, whether you get any payout depends heavily on specific policy provisions and how the leak happened.

Do NZ insurers differ on this?

Yes, NZ insurers do differ, specifically regarding "Gradual Damage Extensions" (or hidden water damage benefits).

While almost all mainstream insurers will exclude standard gradual damage if a leak is left unaddressed, many offer a limited sub-limit or extension for hidden internal water leaks.

  • The Catch with Extensions: If your policy includes a hidden water damage benefit, it usually comes with strict conditions:
    • The leak must be from an internal pipe, water reticulation system, waste disposal unit, or water tank (leaks originating from external sources, weather ingress through roofs, or waterproofing failures in showers/balconies are often completely excluded).
    • The damage must have been truly hidden (i.e., located inside a wall or under a floor where you could not reasonably have known about it immediately). If it has been getting progressively worse and visible signs (like rotting, discolouration, or peeling paint) were ignored for months, insurers may argue you failed to take reasonable care or maintain the property.
    • Capped payouts: Unlike standard claims that cover the full cost to rebuild, insurer extensions for hidden leaks are usually capped—typically ranging anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the provider and your specific tier of cover.
  • The Cost of Fixing the Leak vs. Resultant Damage: Standard insurance generally never covers the cost of fixing the leak itself or the pipe that caused it (that is maintenance). If an extension applies, it typically contributes toward the resultant damage (like ruined linings or structural framing caused by the water), and you will still have to pay your policy excess.

What should you do next?

  1. Check your policy wording: Look specifically for sections covering "Gradual Damage," "Hidden Water Leaks," or "Limited Water Damage Extension."
  2. Get a professional opinion: Insurers will usually require a report from a plumber or builder to determine the exact origin of the leak and how long it has been active.
  3. Talk to your insurer: Notify them as soon as possible. Delaying notification further can compromise any limited benefit you might otherwise have been entitled to under a hidden leak extension.
Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand

Will house insurance cover a leak that's been getting worse for months? Do NZ insurers differ on this?

AI Overview

Yes, but only partially, and only if the leak was completely hidden. Standard New Zealand house insurance policies do not provide full coverage for leaks that develop over months, as insurance is designed for "sudden and accidental" events.

However, most NZ insurers offer a specific policy extension called "Hidden Gradual Water Damage". This benefit provides a capped, limited payout to repair the resulting rot or mildew, provided the leak met strict criteria.

Critical Conditions for Coverage

To qualify for a hidden gradual damage claim, the situation must meet the following rules:

  • It must be genuinely hidden: The leak must be completely out of sight (e.g., inside a wall cavity, under floorboards, or in the ceiling). If the leak was visible—such as a dripping tap, a visibly molding wall, or a pooling shower tray—and it was ignored, the claim will be declined due to a lack of maintenance.

  • The source matters: The leak must originate from an internal plumbing system, waste pipe, hot water cylinder, or internal water tank. Leaks coming from roof degradation, blocked gutters, or worn-out silicone seals around a shower or bath are generally excluded entirely.

  • It does not fix the leak itself: Insurance only pays for the resultant damage (e.g., replacing the rotted framing or ruined drywall). The homeowner must pay out-of-pocket for the plumber to fix the actual broken pipe.

How New Zealand Insurers Differ

While most major insurance companies offer this extension, they differ significantly on the maximum payout limit. The policy excess is deducted directly from these sub-limits.

Insurer / Policy Gradual Damage Cap Notes / Exclusions
AMP Insurance Up to $5,000 High limit; excludes landlord policies which cap at $2,500.
AA Insurance Up to $5,000 Specifically excludes leaks from shower bases or recesses.
MAS (Medical Assurance Society) Up to $5,000 Comprehensive policy sub-limit.
State Insurance Up to $3,000 Per year cap for internal plumbing leaks.
AMI Insurance Up to $3,000 Standard policy limit (Note: some older or legacy AMI wording may restrict this to $1,500)
initio Insurance Up to $3,000 Standard house insurance cap.
Tower Insurance $1,000 to $3,000 Tiered: Standard ($1,000), Plus ($2,000), Premium ($3,000).

Because hidden water damage can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars to fully remediate, a $1,000 to $5,000 cap means the homeowner often has to fund the remainder of the rebuild costs personally.

If you are dealing with a live leak, it is best to capture clear photographic evidence before any emergency repair work begins, and contact your insurer or broker immediately to establish the timeline of the damage.

To help narrow down whether your leak might be covered, could you tell me:

  • Is the leak currently visible , or is it hidden behind a wall or under the floor?

  • Do you know the exact source (e.g., a pipe, the roof, or a shower tray)?

  • Who is your current insurance provider?

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand

Will house insurance cover a leak that's been getting worse for months? Do NZ insurers differ on this?

In New Zealand , standard house insurance is designed to cover sudden, accidental, and unforeseen events (like a pipe bursting abruptly). A leak that has been getting worse over months is generally classified as gradual damage (wear and tear, slow corrosion, rotting, or mildew), which is excluded from standard policies.

However, whether you get any payout depends heavily on the specific nature of the damage and how your particular insurer structures their policy.

Core Principles Across NZ Insurers

  • The Leak Itself vs. Resultant Damage: No New Zealand insurer will pay to fix the actual source of the gradual leak or replace the deteriorated pipe/fitting itself.

  • The "Gradual" Rule: If you knew about the leak and did nothing, or if it occurred openly over a long period, it is entirely uncovered. [Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ)]

  • Resultant Damage Caveat: Sometimes, if a sudden event causes subsequent damage, or if minor consequential damage applies, there can be grey areas. But a leak worsening over months firmly sits in the gradual exclusion zone.

Do NZ Insurers Differ?

Yes, insurers do differ , primarily through optional or built-in Gradual Damage Extensions (sometimes called hidden water leak cover): [Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ)+1]

  • Limited Sub-limits for Hidden Leaks: Many major NZ insurers (such as AA Insurance, AMP, and others) offer a limited extension for hidden gradual damage—for example, a slow leak from an internal pipe sealed behind a wall or under a concrete floor that you genuinely could not have known about. [Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ)+2]

  • The Catch on "Getting Worse for Months": These hidden leak extensions usually apply only if the damage was completely undetectable by normal inspection. If a leak has been visibly getting worse for months or is in an accessible area (like under a sink or an obvious ceiling stain you ignored), insurers will argue it was discoverable and fail the "hidden" criteria. [Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ)+1]

  • Payout Caps: Where cover does exist for hidden gradual damage, it is almost always heavily capped—typically ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on the tier of the policy—and it usually excludes the cost of opening up or repairing the wall/floor to find the leak itself. [Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ)+1]

If you'd like, share:

  • Where the leak is located (e.g., hidden inside a wall vs. under a visible sink)
  • When and how you first noticed it

I can help you understand how an insurer might classify the damage under New Zealand's Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) guidelines.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026