If you're living in New Zealand, there’s a good chance you call either Wellington or Auckland home—or maybe you're considering a move between the two. When it comes to contents insurance, where you live can make a big difference in what you pay. This guide dives into a contents insurance comparison between Wellington and Auckland, exploring how your location influences your costs and helping you make the right choice. Let’s break it down and see how contents insurance differs in these two cities.
Why Location matters for contents insurance
When it comes to contents insurance premiums, the biggest factor is risk—the higher the risk, the higher the premium. And where you live plays a huge role in how your premiums are determined. Both Wellington and Auckland have their own unique challenges, meaning the cost of protecting your stuff can vary quite a bit depending on your location. Want to save on your contents insurance? Take a look at our handy guide for tips on cutting down your premium.
Average contents insurance premiums: Wellington vs. Auckland
Recent data shows that the average contents insurance premium in New Zealand is $844 per year. But where you live can significantly affect that number:
Wellington: On average, contents insurance premiums in Wellington are about $1,054 per year. This is largely due to the risk of natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, which increase the perceived risk for insurers.
Auckland: In Auckland, the average contents insurance premium is around $755 per year. While Auckland faces its own weather-related challenges, such as frequent storms and flooding, it doesn’t have the same earthquake risk, which keeps premiums lower.
Key risk factors affecting premiums
So why do premiums vary between Wellington and Auckland? Let’s break it down:
Natural Disasters
Wellington: One of the primary reasons for Wellington's higher premiums is the risk of earthquakes. Located on a fault line, Wellington is prone to seismic activity, which insurers factor into premiums. Earthquakes can cause significant damage to your belongings, even if the building structure holds up.
Auckland: Auckland doesn't face the same earthquake risk, but it’s still vulnerable to severe weather like storms and occasional flooding. While these events can still damage your belongings, the likelihood of catastrophic damage is generally lower compared to Wellington.
Crime rates
Auckland: Being New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland has higher crime rates, particularly for theft and burglary. The density of the population and high number of apartment complexes increase the risk of break-ins, which can impact contents insurance premiums.
Wellington: With a generally lower crime rate, Wellington enjoys a more affordable premium when it comes to burglary risk. This helps offset the higher premiums due to earthquake risk.
Population density and property type
Auckland: With a higher population density, many people in Auckland live in apartments or rental properties. These can sometimes reduce premiums thanks to added security features, like controlled entry or security cameras. However, shared walls and neighbouring tenants can increase the risk of accidental damage, which insurers take into account.
Wellington: Wellington has more older homes, especially in central areas like Mount Victoria or Aro Valley. Older homes can result in higher premiums due to the risk of damage during natural disasters, like earthquakes, and potential structural weaknesses.
How to lower your contents insurance premiums
Whether you're in Auckland or Wellington, here are some tips to help lower your contents insurance premiums:
Increase your excess: Opting for a higher excess can lower your premiums. Just make sure the excess is an amount you're comfortable paying if you need to make a claim.
Improve security: Adding security features to your home, like deadbolts, window locks, or security cameras, can help lower your premiums. Auckland renters can benefit from these improvements, especially with higher crime rates in certain areas.
Shop around: Different insurers weigh risk factors differently. Using Quashed to compare contents insurance prices in real-time can help you find the best deal, whether you're in Wellington or Auckland.
Review your coverage: Make sure you're not over-insuring. Check that your coverage level reflects the actual value of your belongings, and make adjustments as needed.
Trying to find affordable contents insurance? We’ve got tips to help you score the best deals.
Why Quashed for contents insurance comparisons?
When it comes to finding the best deal on contents insurance, Quashed makes it easy. Here’s how:
Real-time comparisons: Quashed lets you compare contents insurance quotes instantly. Whether you're in Auckland or Wellington, you can compare policies in real-time to get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.
Personalisation: Quashed helps you tailor your search based on your location and needs. Whether you're after affordable contents insurance in Auckland or comprehensive coverage in Wellington, Quashed personalises your results so you can find the right option.
Clear & easy-to-understand: No more complex jargon. Quashed breaks down your options in simple terms, making it easy to understand exactly what’s included in each policy.
Save time: Forget spending hours searching for quotes. With Quashed, you can quickly compare your options and find the best deal—saving both time and money
The average Kiwi household can save
$2,023.79 a year by shopping their insurance!
Find out how your renewal prices stack up against other options out there!
Be the boss of your insurance
When it comes to contents insurance, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you're in Wellington, you’ll likely face higher premiums due to the risk of earthquakes, but enjoy lower crime rates. Auckland, on the other hand, offers cheaper premiums but comes with higher theft and weather-related risks.
To get the best deal, assess your personal situation: Are you more at risk due to things like earthquakes or theft? Are you living in a secure apartment in Auckland or an older flat in Wellington? Understanding these factors will help you choose the coverage that’s right for you without paying for things you don’t need.
Sign up with Quashed today for real-time comparisons and personalised recommendations. Whether you're in Auckland or Wellington, Quashed helps you find the right coverage at the right price.
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FAQs
Why is contents insurance more expensive in Wellington than in Auckland?
Wellington’s higher costs are mainly due to the risk of earthquakes. Insurers factor in the likelihood of natural disaster damage, which drives premiums up.
What factors affect the cost of contents insurance?
The cost of contents insurance is influenced by several factors, including the value of your belongings, your location, the level of cover you choose, and any additional options or add-ons you select. Your insurance provider may also consider your claims history and the security features in your home. Find out more in our blog.
Are theft and burglary covered by contents insurance in both cities?
Yes, both Wellington and Auckland typically cover theft and burglary. However, premiums may be higher in Auckland due to the increased risk of break-ins.
How can I reduce my premiums if I live in Wellington?
You can reduce premiums by increasing your excess, improving security, and bundling policies. Be mindful of the earthquake risk and ensure you have the right coverage.
Does living in an apartment in Auckland affect my contents insurance premium?
Yes, apartments can have lower premiums due to added security features, but shared walls and higher density can increase the likelihood of accidental damage.
Should I get additional coverage for natural disasters in Wellington?
It’s a good idea to ensure your contents insurance includes adequate coverage for earthquake damage. Check with your insurer about specific add-ons for extra peace of mind.
What makes Quashed different to other comparison sites?
Quashed offers a unique insurance comparison experience by providing real-time comparisons across a wide range of insurers, giving you a clear, up-to-date view of your options in one place. To find out more read our blog.
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