When you want to protect your things, contents insurance is very important. It helps homeowners, renters, and students feel safe about their valuable items. It covers theft, natural disasters, or accidents that might damage your belongings. With contents insurance prices in NZ going up, it is crucial to find the right plan at the best price.
What is contents insurance?
Contents insurance protects your personal belongings provided by an insurer. This includes furniture, electronics, and jewellery. It helps pay for repair or replacement if something is lost or damaged. This can happen after events such as:
Theft or burglary
Accidental damage
Natural disasters (like earthquakes or floods)
For people who rent or own their homes, getting contents insurance cover in NZ is very important for your financial safety.
Why contents insurance is a must-have in Aotearoa
New Zealand has stunning landscapes. But, the weather can change quickly, which can cause natural disasters. Earthquakes, floods, and storms can damage homes and what is inside them. Contents insurance in New Zealand is helpful in these cases as it can support you in rebuilding and recovering.
Accidental damage can happen in any home. A drink can spill and harm an electronic device, or dropping something may break a favourite vase. These accidents can lead to financial loss and potential legal liability. With household contents insurance in NZ, you can feel safe knowing that these problems are covered.
Insurance does more than just protect your money. It gives you peace of mind. When you know your belongings are safe, you feel less stressed and worried. This allows you to relax and enjoy your home and your possessions without the fear of losing them
Choosing the right contents insurance policy
Finding the right contents insurance policy in New Zealand is simple with Quashed. It gives you real-time quotes and flexible options that fit your needs, even if you have a different policy wording. You won’t have to waste time comparing many providers. Quashed makes it easy by allowing you to manage important details and explaining everything in plain language.
With Quashed, you can:
Get real-time quotes: You can see the latest prices for contents insurance quotes in NZ from different providers in just a few minutes.
Select your sum insured and excess: Set these choices to fit the value of your belongings and your budget.
Compare policies side by side: Quashed provides a clear view of premiums, excesses, and coverage features from leading providers.
Focus on key features: You can quickly find benefits like accidental loss, worldwide coverage, and liability limits.
If you own special or old items, it's smart to get a professional valuation. A skilled appraiser can provide a precise estimate for insurance. This is really important for items that are very valuable.
How much is contents insurance in NZ?
Insurance costs can change depending on several factors, such as where you live, your age, and how much coverage you pick. A recent report from the Quashed Index shows that the average yearly cost for home contents insurance in NZ in the third quarter of 2024 is $844. This is an increase of 11.5% compared to last year. Here’s the breakdown by region:
Region | Yearly cost ($) | Difference to national average |
|---|---|---|
National | $844 | |
Auckland | $755 | -$89 |
Canterbury | $865 | +$21 |
Wellington | $1,054 | +$210 |
The cost of contents insurance varies based on where you live and your personal circumstances. For example, premiums in Auckland tend to be lower because of fewer natural disaster risks, while Wellington premiums are higher due to earthquake risks. In Christchurch, premiums are slightly above average due to ongoing rebuilding efforts after past earthquakes. Your region’s risk factors directly influence the cost of your coverage.
Age also plays a role—younger adults (25-30) often pay higher premiums due to more claims for accidental damage, while those in their 30s-40s typically enjoy lower premiums as their claims history improves. Seniors (50+) may see higher premiums due to insuring more valuable items, but can often find tailored policies that offer lower excess and more affordable options. The good news is that Quashed lets you compare quotes, helping you find the best deal based on your location and age.
Tips for valuing your stuff the right Way
When it comes to contents insurance, getting the right value for your belongings is key. Here are some quick tips to make sure you’re covered:
Take stock of what you own: Start by listing all your major items like electronics, furniture, and jewellery. Don’t forget about things like bikes or sports gear that can be easy to overlook.
Keep receipts or photos: Having receipts or photos of your stuff will help you know exactly how much it’s worth, especially if you need to claim
Think about replacement costs: Don’t just base the value on what you paid for something. Think about what it would cost to replace it today. That way, you’re not underinsured if the worst happens.
Review your policy regularly: As your belongings change over time, make sure your coverage reflects that. Review your insurance every year or after major purchases, like upgrading your tech or getting new furniture.
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!
What to think about when choosing contents insurance
When it comes to contents insurance, it’s about more than just picking the cheapest premium. You want to make sure you’re covered properly. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Excess: This is what you’ll pay when making a claim. A higher excess can lower your premium, but make sure it’s something you’re comfortable with if something goes wrong. Tip: Find an excess that works for your budget, but doesn’t leave you in a bind if you need to claim.
What’s not covered: Always read the fine print. Some policies won’t cover things like natural disasters or accidental damage, so make sure you know exactly what’s included. Tip: If you live in an area prone to earthquakes or floods, check that your policy covers these risks.
Valuables: If you’ve got items like jewellery, electronics, or artwork, make sure they’re fully covered. Tip: Ask if your policy has a limit for valuables—if so, you may need to add extra cover.
Theft and accidental damage: Check that your policy covers theft, vandalism, and accidents, especially if you have flatmates or kids who might cause a mishap. Tip: Accidental damage cover is a must for anyone with young ones or roommates!
Shop smarter with Quashed
Insurance just got way easier with Quashed. Compare, shop and track all your insurance in one place.
Sort your stuff the smarter way
Getting contents insurance doesn’t have to be a mission. It’s all about protecting your stuff—whether it’s from theft, damage, or those unexpected disasters we all hope never happen. And with the cost of insurance on the rise, making the right choice matters more than ever.
That’s where Quashed comes in. Forget the hassle of comparing policies yourself—Quashed gives you real-time quotes, lets you tweak your cover and excess to suit, and lines up all the options side by side. It’s insurance, the Kiwi way: quick, clear, and easy.
Whether you’re renting in Auckland, settling into your first home in Wellington, or just keen to save some cash, Quashed puts the power back in your hands. Don’t leave it to chance—jump onto Quashed, find your perfect policy, and protect what matters most.
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FAQs
Can I insure specific high-value items separately?
Yes, you can usually get insurance for valuable items like jewellery or artwork separately. It's a good idea to talk to your insurance company about the coverage options you can choose from. Be sure to ask about any exclusions or limits that might apply.
How much should contents insurance cover?
When deciding how much contents insurance you need, it’s all about knowing the value of your belongings. You want enough cover to replace everything if something happens—whether it’s a break-in, fire, or natural disaster.
Start by taking stock of your possessions—from furniture and electronics to your personal items like jewellery or bikes. Then, think about how much it would cost to replace everything at today’s prices, not what you originally paid for them. You want to make sure you’re covered for replacement value, not just the depreciated cost.
Tip: Use a contents calculator, available on most insurer websites, to help you figure out what level of coverage you’ll need. And remember, if you have valuable items, you might need to add specific cover for things like art or high-end electronics.
Got more questions about contents insurance? You’ll find all the answers right here.
