Older homes in New Zealand have a special charm—whether it's a classic villa in Ponsonby or a heritage cottage in Dunedin. These properties carry history within their walls, but they also come with unique insurance considerations. The same goes for homes in challenging locations, from coastal areas facing rising seas to properties in earthquake-prone regions. This guide breaks down house insurance for heritage and high-risk properties in New Zealand, making it easier to stay informed and protected.
The unique world of heritage and high-risk property insurance
Insuring heritage-listed homes or properties in flood-prone or earthquake-prone areas in New Zealand requires specialised policies and careful consideration. Older homes often feature materials and construction methods that aren’t common today, while high-risk properties face challenges from climate impacts and geological risks. Understanding these differences is key to securing the right coverage—without blowing the budget.
Why older homes need special attention
When it comes to insuring older homes in New Zealand, several factors come into play. Native timber, traditional construction, and heritage restoration requirements can all impact your insurance options.
For heritage-listed homes, maintaining historical accuracy during repairs or renovations is crucial. Guidelines from Heritage New Zealand emphasise the need to use period-appropriate materials and adhere to preservation standards.
Heritage homes often require:
Specialised craftspeople for repairs
Period-appropriate materials
Compliance with heritage preservation guidelines
Additional documentation for insurance purposes
Want to explore more about home insurance? Check out our Further reading section at the end—it's packed with expert insights and practical tips!
How to insure homes in flood-prone or earthquake zones in New Zealand
Insurance coverage for climate-affected properties in New Zealand has changed significantly in recent years. According to the Insurance Council of New Zealand, climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, leading to higher premiums for high-risk properties.
Homes in flood-prone areas or earthquake zones face unique challenges. The Earthquake Commission (EQC), for example, emphasises the importance of seismic strengthening and risk assessments to qualify for comprehensive insurance coverage.
For flood-prone properties:
Detailed flood risk assessments
Specific policy clauses for water damage
Potential flood mitigation requirements, such as barriers or raised foundations
For earthquake zones:
Comprehensive house insurance for earthquake zones often includes specific structural requirements
Regular building assessments may be needed
Additional coverage for seismic strengthening might be necessary
When insuring high-risk properties, reviewing policies tailored to these unique challenges is essential. Platforms like Quashed make this process easier by providing transparent, easy-to-understand comparisons.
Smart ways to manage your premium costs
House insurance for heritage-listed homes or high-risk properties in New Zealand can be more expensive, but there are ways to manage costs.
Property improvements that matter
Certain property improvements may help lower your premiums—check with your insurer for details.
Installing modern safety features
Upgrading electrical and plumbing systems
Implementing flood prevention measures
Strengthening foundations and structural elements
Documentation is your friend
Keep detailed records of the following:
All maintenance and upgrades
Professional assessments and reports
Historical significance documentation for heritage properties
Risk mitigation measures implemented
Curious about more ways to protect your home? Check out our ‘Further reading’ section at the end for expert insights and actionable tips to guide you.
Tips for insuring older homes or high-risk properties
Don’t automatically accept your first quote for house insurance, especially if you’re insuring heritage homes or properties in flood-prone areas. Prices can vary significantly between insurers.
Consider bundling policies for potential discounts
Ask about specific heritage home restoration coverage if it’s relevant
Review flood and earthquake coverage details carefully
Understand your excess options and how they affect premiums
Ensure your home has the right coverage—review your insurance options today
Protect your heritage home's story—avoid costly insurance gaps today. Here's why Quashed:
Compare leading insurers: Easily compare policies from insurers—just enter your details and get personalised quotes that match your needs.
Transparent pricing: Get real, upfront pricing based on your details—no guesswork, just clear, personalised quotes with key cost factors explained.
Simplify your insurance management: Manage all your insurance policies in one place—making it easy to track coverage, renewal dates, and updates.
Further reading
Explore these articles to gain deeper insights into house insurance:
How Climate Change is Shaking Up House Insurance: Understand climate risk
The Ins and Outs of Insuring Your Rental Property: A practical guide to covering your rental property
House Insurance Cost Increases: Find out what’s driving premiums higher
Rethinking Insurance for First-Time Home Buyers: Helpful tips for new homeowners
How to Compare House Insurance Quotes in New Zealand: A simple approach to comparing quotes
Guide to House Insurance: A simple guide for Kiwis
FAQs
Can older homes still get affordable insurance?
Yes, especially if you've maintained the property well and can demonstrate regular upkeep. This could include fixing that leaky roof or updating old wiring, which insurers love to see. Using Quashed can help you find insurance options for your needs.
Does house insurance cover heritage-listed homes or high-risk properties like earthquake-prone areas in New Zealand?
Most policies will cover the basics, but for risks like floods or earthquakes, you may need a little extra protection. Some policies might require additional riders for comprehensive coverage.
What can I do to reduce premiums for high-risk properties?
Things like adding a fire alarm, earthquake straps, or keeping a record of upgrades can go a long way in lowering your premiums. Comparing policies on platforms like Quashed ensures you find the best value for your needs.
What makes a property ‘high-risk’ for insurance in New Zealand?
If your home is near a river, located on unstable ground, or has older wiring, insurers might classify it as high-risk.
Can I insure a heritage-listed home in New Zealand?
Yes, but you may need a specialised insurance policy. Heritage homes often require specific policies that cover restoration using original materials, which can increase premiums.
Does house insurance cover restoration costs for heritage properties?
Some policies include restoration, but they may require the use of original materials, which can be costly. Check with your insurer to ensure this is covered.
How can I check if my home is in a high-risk area?
Tools like council maps or LINZ can help you check if your home’s at risk from floods, quakes, or erosion.
What happens if my high-risk home is in a flood or earthquake zone?
Insurers may charge higher premiums or impose exclusions. Consider risk mitigation measures like installing drainage systems or strengthening the structure to reduce risks.
What are the typical exclusions for heritage or high-risk property insurance?
Common exclusions include damage from neglect, pre-existing conditions (e.g., outdated wiring), or specific risks like floods in high-risk zones.
