Step 1: Understand what house insurance covers

Before diving into quotes for house insurance, it’s important to understand the key parts of a policy. Here’s what you need to know:

• Rebuild costs: Covers the cost of rebuilding your home, including materials and labour. For example, if your home is destroyed, this ensures you can rebuild it to its original state.

• Temporary accommodation: Provides financial support if you can’t live in your home after an insured event, such as a fire or flooding. Many policies include up to $20,000 for temporary housing.

• Natural disaster coverage: Protects against damage caused by earthquakes, floods, or landslides—essential in regions such as Christchurch or Napier.

• Liability cover: Covers legal costs or damages if your property causes injury to someone or damages their property (e.g., a tree falling onto a neighbour’s house).

• Exclusions: Regular wear and tear, unconsented renovations, or maintenance issues are typically not covered. Always read the fine print!

Step 2: Key factors to consider when comparing house insurance quotes

When reviewing home insurance quotes, it’s essential to focus on value, not just cost. Here are the most important factors to consider:

• Sum insured: Make sure your policy covers the full cost of rebuilding your home, including materials and labour. Underinsuring could leave you out of pocket in a disaster.

• Add-ons: Look for options like gradual damage coverage (e.g., for slow leaks) or protection for retaining walls. These extras can save you significant money in the long run.

• Natural disaster coverage: Confirm whether the policy includes earthquakes, floods, or landslides—critical for homeowners in New Zealand.

• Excess amounts: Choose an excess that balances affordability and ease of claiming. For example, a lower excess means higher premiums but makes claiming less stressful during an emergency.

Step 3: Use Quashed to compare house insurance quotes

Let Quashed do the heavy lifting when it comes to comparing policies. It’s designed specifically for Kiwi homeowners, offering features that make the process simple and stress-free:

• Real-time quotes: Get personalised quotes by entering your details—compare multiple house insurance options side by side.

• Adjustable variables: Experiment with excess levels or sum insured amounts to strike the perfect balance between coverage and cost.

• Policy insights: Understand features like gradual damage limits or liability cover without wading through jargon-filled documents.

So, what makes Quashed different?

Other comparison sites provide helpful reviews and guides but don’t offer real-time or personalised comparison features. Quashed goes a step further, allowing you to adjust key variables like excess and rebuild costs and quickly see how these changes affect your premiums.

Step 4: Tailor policies to your unique needs

Every home is unique, so tailor your home insurance search to match your needs.

• New buyers: Bundling house and contents insurance could save you money and simplify your cover.

• Renovated homes: Ensure any upgrades or renos—like a new deck, kitchen remodel, or solar panels—are reflected in your policy’s rebuild value to avoid underinsurance.

• High-risk areas: If you live in a flood zone, make sure your natural disaster coverage includes floods and landslides.

• Landlords: Check out policies that cover tenants and protect your rental income.

Step 5: Evaluate cost versus value

When searching for house insurance quotes online, remember that the cheapest policies might not always be the best fit. Balancing cost with value is key. In New Zealand, it’s especially important to consider risks like earthquakes and volcanic activity, which could cause significant damage to your home. Understanding these risks can help you choose a policy that provides the right cover at a fair price.

Here are some factors to consider:

• Monthly premiums: Is the cost manageable within your budget?

• Policy features: Does the policy include essential cover, such as liability and gradual damage?

• Discount opportunities: Ask about discounts for bundling multiple policies (e.g., house and contents) or loyalty rewards.

Protect your home with Quashed

Compare house insurance quotes quickly and easily with Quashed:

• Explore your options: Find policies designed to match your needs.

• Compare costs: Review quotes side by side and choose cover that fits your budget.

• Get the right cover: Protect your home with a policy that works for you.

Ready to get started? Sign up today – it’s free and easy.

Further reading

Check out these related articles for useful tips and insights.

• House Insurance Guide: A complete overview of coverage options and what to consider.

• Why House Insurance Premiums Are Rising: Understand what's driving costs and how to manage them.

• The Average Cost of House Insurance in NZ: See what Kiwis are paying and how to get the best value.

• Climate Change & House Insurance: Find out how climate risks are affecting premiums.

• Budget-Friendly House Insurance Tips: Smart ways to lower your premiums without compromising cover.

FAQs

How does house insurance work?

House insurance protects your home from unexpected disasters like fires, floods, or earthquakes. It typically covers the costs to rebuild your home, pay for temporary accommodation, and cover liability if your property causes damage to others. For example, if a fire damages your home, your policy covers the rebuild costs and may even help with temporary housing.

What is included in house insurance policies in NZ?

Most house insurance policies cover:

• Rebuild costs: Protection for events like fire, storms, or accidents that require rebuilding your home.

• Temporary accommodation: Helps cover the cost of staying elsewhere while your home is being repaired.

• Optional Add-Ons: Includes gradual damage, retaining wall protection, or natural disaster extensions for added peace of mind.

How much does house insurance cost?

The average cost of house insurance in New Zealand is $2,702 per year—or $225 a month—as of Q3 2024. Factors like your home’s location, age, and rebuild value can influence the cost.

How can you get house insurance quotes?

You can get house insurance quotes by contacting insurers, working with a broker, or using online comparison tools like Quashed. Quashed makes it easy to:

• Save time: View multiple quotes from leading insurers in minutes.

• Customise your cover: Adjust coverage levels and features to match your needs.

• Make informed decisions: Understand policy details clearly, without jargon.

This article provides general information only and does not constitute insurance or financial advice. Insurance policies vary between providers, and you should check with your insurer or a licensed adviser for guidance specific to your situation. For full details, refer to Quashed’s terms and conditions.