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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

Recommend several NZ contents insurers worth comparing and explain why each made the list.

Contents insurance in New Zealand: 6 insurers worth comparing

If you're shopping for contents insurance in New Zealand, I'd compare a mix of established insurers and online-first providers rather than assuming one company is automatically the cheapest or best.

The right policy depends on what you own, whether you rent or own your home, how much cover you need, and whether you want protection against accidental damage as well as theft, fire and other insured events. Consumer NZ's February 2026 guidance recommends comparing premiums, cover limits, excesses and customer satisfaction rather than price alone. House and contents insuranceHow to get the best house and contents insurance

My shortlist

1. State Insurance

Best for a broad set of everyday benefits

State is worth comparing if you want comprehensive cover with accidental loss or damage, cover for belongings while travelling in Australia and the South Pacific, and temporary accommodation if your home becomes unliveable due to an insured event. Its published comprehensive cover also includes up to $3,000 a year for certain hidden gradual damage to contents. Contents Insurance | Compare, Quote & Buy Online

View State contents insurance

2. AMI

Best for comparing a mainstream all-round policy

AMI offers comprehensive contents cover with accidental loss or damage, temporary accommodation benefits, cover for certain hidden leaks, and protection for belongings on qualifying trips to Australia and the South Pacific. It's particularly worth checking if you also want to insure your home with the same provider. Contents Insurance | Get a Quick Quote & Buy OnlineHome & Contents Insurance

View AMI contents insurance

3. Tower

Best for choosing between levels of cover

Tower offers Standard, Plus and Premium contents policies, making it useful if you want to balance your premium against the amount of protection you need. Its higher tiers offer larger limits for items such as mobile phones and home-office equipment, while its policies include new-for-old replacement subject to policy terms. Compare Contents Insurance NZ - Quote & buy onlinePremium Contents Insurance Quote

View Tower contents insurance

4. AA Insurance

Best for comparing different cover levels and member benefits

AA Insurance has two levels of contents cover, so it's another useful quote to get alongside State, AMI and Tower. AA members may also qualify for insurance discounts. Check the specific policy's accidental-damage protection and item limits before comparing its price with a more comprehensive policy. Insurance from the AABest house and contents insurance

View AA Insurance

5. Cove

Best for an online-first alternative

Cove is worth adding to your shortlist if you prefer getting a quote and managing your insurance online. Its contents insurance can be purchased separately, including by renters, and is underwritten by Vero Insurance New Zealand. Compare its premium and policy limits with the established brands rather than assuming an online policy will be cheaper. Compare Contents Insurance Quotes NZ 2026

Visit Cove

6. MAS

Best for higher-value belongings and additional benefits

MAS is a particularly interesting option if you have valuable possessions, a home office or items you take travelling. Its replacement-value policy includes benefits for jewellery, bicycles, business-use items, and alternative accommodation, with specified limits. MAS is member-owned, and eligibility and policy conditions should be checked before applying. MAS Contents InsuranceContents Insurance

View MAS contents insurance

How I'd compare them

Don't choose on the annual premium alone. Get quotes using the same assumptions for each insurer and compare these five things:

What to compare Why it matters
Total contents sum insured Make sure it would cover replacing your belongings at today's prices, not just what you think they're worth second-hand.
Accidental damage Check whether spills, breakages and accidental loss are covered, and whether protection applies outside your home.
Valuables and electronics Jewellery, watches, bicycles, laptops and phones may have individual limits or need to be specified separately.
Excess A cheaper premium can come with a higher amount you must pay when claiming.
Natural hazards and exclusions Check the exact terms for flood, storm, earthquake-related damage, and any restrictions that could affect your belongings.

Consumer NZ's house and contents insurance guide is a useful independent starting point. How to get the best house and contents insurance

My recommendation

I'd start by getting quotes from State, AMI, Tower and Cove, then add AA Insurance and MAS to see whether their pricing or cover better suits your situation. This gives you a mix of policy structures, cover options and ways to buy.

One important distinction: contents insurance protects your belongings, not the building itself. If you're renting, check whether you need contents-only cover; if you own your home, consider whether you also need separate building insurance.

Premiums vary considerably by household, location, insured value and excess, so I wouldn't declare a cheapest provider without comparable quotes.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · New Zealand

Recommend several NZ contents insurers worth comparing and explain why each made the list.

When comparing contents insurance in New Zealand, looking beyond just the price tag to evaluate policy caps, excess options, and claims reputation is essential.

Several prominent New Zealand contents insurers stand out for comparison, each appealing to different consumer needs:

1. Tower

  • Why it made the list: Tower is a dominant player in the NZ market and was named Canstar’s Home & Contents Insurer of the Year. They operate on modern, address-level risk-based pricing, meaning your premium closely reflects the specific environmental and security profile of your exact location.
  • Standout features: They offer tiered cover levels (Standard, Plus, and Premium) with clear limits for high-value items like mobile phones and jewellery. They also feature a "one excess" policy if you bundle and claim across multiple Tower policies (e.g., car and contents) at the same time.

2. AMI

  • Why it made the list: AMI is one of New Zealand's most widely recognized household insurers (part of the IAG group) and consistently scores well in customer service and trust surveys (such as Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands). They are also recognized by Canstar for Outstanding Value in contents cover.
  • Standout features: AMI provides reliable, comprehensive policies with flexible options for optional extras (like accidental damage cover for your own items). They have an extensive network for physical branches and streamlined digital claims handling, making them a strong benchmark for everyday reliability.

3. AA Insurance

  • Why it made the list: A joint venture between the NZAA and Vero, AA Insurance has built a long-standing reputation for customer satisfaction and frequently tops general insurance trust rankings.
  • Standout features: They are well-regarded for transparency, straightforward policy wordings, and multi-policy discounts if you combine contents with vehicle or third-party lines. Their customer support structure focuses heavily on making the claims process painless.

4. FMG (Farmers Mutual Group)

  • Why it made the list: FMG is a mutual organization (owned by its policyholders) and is a frequent winner of the Consumer NZ People's Choice Award for general insurance.
  • Standout features: While historically focused on rural communities, FMG insures urban homeowners and renters alike. Because they operate on a mutual model, customer advocacy and service satisfaction are heavily prioritized over corporate dividends, often resulting in high marks for claims handling.

5. AMP / Initio / Trade Me Insurance (Alternative & Budget-Focused Options)

  • Why it made the list: Depending on your demographic, digital-savvy independent providers or alternative brands often surface as the most cost-effective.
    • AMP & Trade Me Insurance frequently surface as competitive alternatives offering structured 5-star value options.
    • Initio offers a streamlined, fast online experience targeted at tech-forward Kiwis wanting to configure policies quickly without fuss.

Key Tips for Comparing Contents Insurance in NZ:

  • Sum Insured Accuracy: Avoid underinsuring your belongings. Take time to do a room-by-room inventory; replacing clothing, tech, furniture, and kitchenware adds up much faster than most expect.
  • Agreed vs. Specified Items: Standard policies have sub-limits for high-value items (like high-end jewelry, watches, or specific electronics). If you own valuables exceeding these limits, you must "specify" them individually on the policy.
  • Use Comparison Platforms: Because premiums vary drastically based on your specific suburb, age, and claims history, running your details through comparison tools like Quashed or MoneyHub guidelines can instantly show which insurer is cheapest for your exact household profile.

Would you like advice on how to calculate an accurate "sum insured" amount for your home contents?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · New Zealand

Recommend several NZ contents insurers worth comparing and explain why each made the list.

AI Overview

When choosing contents insurance in New Zealand, the right provider depends on whether you prioritize top-tier customer service, specific policy perks, or maximum value. According to major consumer insights from

Consumer NZ

and independent industry ratings by

Canstar NZ

, several providers consistently stand out.

Here are the top New Zealand contents insurers worth comparing and the exact reasons they make the list:

1. FMG (Farmers Mutual Group)

  • Best For: Overall customer satisfaction and reliability.

  • Why it made the list: FMG consistently dominates customer satisfaction rankings in New Zealand. It secured the top spot for contents insurance in the

Consumer NZ Insurance Satisfaction Survey

, earning a 78% satisfaction rating and a consecutive People's Choice award. While originally built for rural communities, its personal contents policies are available to urban New Zealanders nationwide and are highly praised for easy-to-understand policy wording and supportive claims teams.

2. MAS (Medical Assurance Society)

  • Best For: Premium coverage and high-value customer service.

  • Why it made the list: Alongside FMG, MAS is a perennial favorite in consumer satisfaction reviews. It is highly regarded for its streamlined claim processes and communication. Though historically restricted to medical professionals, MAS has broader eligibility criteria today. It is widely considered an excellent benchmark for top-tier service, particularly if you are combining contents with a house insurance policy.

3. Tower Insurance

  • Best For: Digital convenience, multi-policy discounts, and rewards.

  • Why it made the list: Tower was named

Canstar’s Home & Contents Insurer of the Year

for three consecutive years. Tower utilizes address-level risk-based pricing, which can offer highly competitive rates depending on your exact location. They are also known for competitive sign-on incentives, clear online dashboards via

My Tower

, and multi-policy bundling options. tower.co.nz

4. State Insurance

  • Best For: Robust standard inclusions and regional coverage.

  • Why it made the list: State’s comprehensive contents policy provides strong baseline protections, winning it a

Canstar 5-Star Outstanding Value Award

. A major standout feature is its generous temporary accommodation cover of up to $30,000 if an event leaves your home unlivable. It also includes coverage for accidental loss or theft while travelling for up to three weeks in Australia or the South Pacific.

Key Comparison Elements to Watch For

When you begin gathering quotes from these providers, pay close attention to these common policy variations:

  • Single-Item Limits: Most NZ contents policies place a cap (typically between $2,000 and $5,000) on any single unnamed item, such as an engagement ring, high-end laptop, or custom bicycle. Ensure you specify luxury items separately.

  • Gradual Damage vs. Sudden Loss: NZ insurers strictly cover sudden and accidental damage (e.g., a burst pipe flooding a carpet). Wear-and-tear or slow leaks over time are generally excluded unless the policy specifies a hidden gradual damage extension (often capped around $3,000).

  • The "Flatmate" Exclusion: If you live with flatmates, standard policies typically only cover your personal belongings and will explicitly exclude items owned by people not listed on the policy.

To help me tailor pricing or special considerations, let me know:

  • Are you renting , living in a flatting situation , or insuring a home you own?

  • Do you have any specific high-value items (like jewelry, e-bikes, or cameras) that you need to cover?

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · New Zealand

Recommend several NZ contents insurers worth comparing and explain why each made the list.

When comparing contents insurance in New Zealand, looking at a mix of top customer-satisfaction winners, heavily trusted household names, and specialist mutuals provides a well-rounded view. Based on recent Consumer NZ satisfaction surveys, industry awards, and market reach via platforms like MoneyHub and Canstar, here are several prominent NZ contents insurers worth comparing and why they made the list:

  • FMG (Farmers' Mutual Group)

  • Why it's worth comparing: FMG consistently ranks at the absolute top for customer satisfaction in contents insurance (earning top scores in Consumer NZ surveys) and is a multiple-winner of the Consumer NZ People's Choice Award.

  • Why it made the list: As a mutual-style organization deeply rooted in New Zealand, they excel particularly in rural and provincial coverage, but their broad household policies and high claims satisfaction make them a standout choice for urban clients too.

  • MAS (Medical Assurance Society)

  • Why it's worth comparing: Like FMG, MAS frequently takes out the Consumer NZ People's Choice Award for house, car, and contents insurance, boasting exceptionally high customer satisfaction and loyalty over consecutive years.

  • Why it made the list: Originally tailored for specific professional communities (primarily health and professional sectors), they offer stellar policy terms and customer service, though membership/eligibility criteria apply. If you qualify, their dispute resolution, communication, and overall value ratings routinely outperform larger mainstream banks and insurers.

  • AA Insurance

  • Why it's worth comparing: A heavyweight in the general insurance market, AA Insurance has repeatedly won Reader's Digest Most Trusted Brand awards and scores very well in independent value comparisons.

  • Why it made the list: They are widely recognized for a transparent, customer-first claims approach and user-friendly policy benefits (such as coverage for items temporarily outside the home or specific allowances for e-bikes and temporary accommodation). They strike a strong balance between competitive premiums and reliable payout experiences.

  • State Insurance

  • Why it's worth comparing: State is one of New Zealand's most recognizable mainstream insurers, offering robust comprehensive policies that cover accidental loss, damage, or theft both at home and temporarily away (including across Australia and the South Pacific).

  • Why it made the list: State stands out for useful practical perks embedded in their policies, such as energy-efficient whiteware replacements, gradual hidden-leak damage allowances, and digital claim-tracking features via their app. They also offer handy multi-policy bundling discounts if you insure your car and house together.

  • Tower Insurance

  • Why it's worth comparing: Tower is a prominent digital-first challenger brand in NZ that has modernized the quoting and claims process, offering flexible monthly subscription-style contents policies.

  • Why it made the list: They are a great comparative benchmark if you prefer managing policies entirely online, tailoring your sum insured easily, or adjusting excess options to manipulate your regular premium costs.

If you'd like to narrow this down, let me know:

  • Are you looking to bundle contents with car or house insurance?
  • Do you have any high-value specialty items (like art, jewelry, or high-end bicycles) that require specific extensions?
Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026