The Average Cost of Car, Contents & House Insurance in NZ
Are insurance bills burning a hole in your back pocket in 2025? If so, you're not alone.
Whether you're in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch, premiums have been climbing significantly in recent years, and Kiwis everywhere are asking the same question—what's happening, and why?
We look at the latest Quashed.co.nz data on car, house, and contents insurance premiums across New Zealand. Our insights highlight trends on insurance premium changes, based on our latest market data.
You'll discover in this article how much NZ consumers are paying on average for their car insurance, house insurance, and contents insurance. We also breakdown the costs of these insurance across the Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch region.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in New Zealand
The average cost of comprehensive car insurance across New Zealand is $1,271 per year (or $106 per month) as of our latest Q1 2025 Quashed Index data published in May 2025.
The cost of insuring motor vehicles in New Zealand has increased a lot over time, as shown below.
Average car insurance premiums (2022 - 2025)
Year Ended | Yearly Costs ($) | Year-on-Year Difference ($) |
|---|---|---|
Q1 2022 | $814 | - |
Q1 2023 | $950 | + $136 |
Q1 2024 | $1,311 | + $361 |
Q1 2025 | $1,271 | - $40 |
Regional differences in car insurance premiums
Car insurance costs vary by location. Auckland car owners now pay roughly $1,500 per year, or $125 per month on average, for comprehensive car insurance. In comparison, Wellington drivers pay about $1,200 per year ($100 monthly) for their car insurance, while in Canterbury, it is similar to Wellington where the average cost of car insurance is approximately $1,200 annually or $100 monthly. Q1 2025 data is shown below:
Average car insurance premiums (May 2025)
Region | Yearly Costs ($) | Monthly Costs ($) |
|---|---|---|
National | $1,271 | $105.92 |
Auckland | $1,508 | $125.70 |
Canterbury | $1,206 | $100.50 |
Wellington | $1,196 | $99.70 |
Source: Quashed. Actual costs will vary depending on the insurer, policy coverage, excess levels, and individual risk factors such as age, location, and driving history.
Why do car insurance costs vary so much by location?
According to Quashed CEO Justin Lim, it comes down to risk. "In densely populated cities like Auckland, where vehicle numbers have been increasing, there’s a higher likelihood of accidents, and this is reflected in car insurance premiums," explains Lim. He adds, "Areas with high rates of car theft or vandalism also face higher costs. Finally, natural disasters like floods, force insurers to adjust premiums to manage these risks more effectively."
Got questions? Be sure to check out our Car Insurance FAQs at the end of the blog.
How much could Kiwis save by comparing car insurance providers?
The gap between the average highest and lowest comprehensive car insurance premiums offered across insurers we display on Quashed has widened over time.
In Q1 2025, the average price difference (average potential savings) for comprehensive car insurance is $679 a year. This suggests that shopping around for your car insurance could potentially save you a lot of money.
For Kiwi car owners, the takeaway is simple—exploring different policies can help you find the most affordable policy that is right for you and your budget.
Average car insurance premium difference across insurers (May 2025)
Year Ended | Yearly Difference ($) | Year-on-Year Increase % |
|---|---|---|
Q1 2022 | $356 | - |
Q1 2023 | $447 | + 26% |
Q1 2024 | $756 | + 69% |
Q1 2025 | $679 | - 11% |
Source: Quashed. Actual costs will vary depending on the insurer, policy coverage, excess levels, and individual risk factors such as age, location, and driving history.
Want to save on your car insurance? Our Further Reading section at the end of the blog covers expert tips on car, house, and contents insurance.
Average Cost of House Insurance in New Zealand
The average cost of house insurance in New Zealand is $2,841 per year (or $237 per month) as of Q1 2025, based on Quashed Index data published in May 2025.
Let’s take a look at how house insurance costs have changed over the past few years.
Average house insurance premiums (2022 - 2025)
Year Ended | Yearly Costs ($) | Year-on-Year Difference ($) |
|---|---|---|
Q1 2022 | $1,856 | - |
Q1 2023 | $2,251 | + $395 |
Q1 2024 | $2,777 | + $526 |
Q1 2025 | $2,841 | + $64 |
That’s just the national picture—regional variations show notable differences.
Regional differences in house insurance costs (May 2025)
Homeowners in Auckland pay an average of $2,111 per year ($176 per month) for house insurance. While this may seem high, it’s actually below the national average of $2,841. Wellington homeowners pay significantly more, with an average annual premium of $4,589 ($382 per month)—more than twice that of Auckland. And Christchurch homeowners sit in the middle, with their average annual house insurance premiums at $2,757 ($230 per month).
Region | Yearly Costs ($) | Monthly Costs ($) |
|---|---|---|
National | $2,841 | $236.75 |
Auckland | $2,111 | $175.92 |
Canterbury | $2,757 | $229.75 |
Wellington | $4,589 | $382.42 |
Source: Quashed. Actual costs will vary depending on the insurer, policy coverage, sum insured levels, and location.
Want to learn more? Our Further Reading section at the end of the blog covers expert tips on car, house, and contents insurance.
How much could Kiwis save by comparing house insurance?
House insurance premiums aren’t one-size-fits-all—they vary a lot depending on your insurer and policy.
In Q1 2025, Quashed Index data showed an average gap of $1,143 between the average highest and lowest premiums across insurers. So, what does this mean for you?
If you’re not shopping your house insurance regularly, you could be paying hundreds, and sometimes thousands, more than other options available to you. With prices varying this much, comparing and shopping your policy regularly will likely mean you could find a better deal and keeping more money in your pocket.
Average house insurance premium differences across insurers (May 2025)
Year Ended | Yearly Difference ($) | Year-on-Year increase % |
|---|---|---|
Q1 2022 | $605 | - |
Q1 2023 | $799 | + 32% |
Q1 2024 | $975 | + 22% |
Q1 2025 | $1,143 | + 17% |
Source: Quashed. Actual costs will vary depending on the insurer, policy coverage, sum insured levels, and location.
Got questions? Be sure to check out our House Insurance FAQs at the end of the blog.
Average Cost of Contents Insurance in New Zealand
The average cost of contents insurance in New Zealand is $830 per year ($69 per month) as of Q1 2025, based on Quashed Index data. Prices have climbed over time, reflecting the broader insurance trends in NZ.
Average contents insurance premiums (2022 - 2025)
Year Ended | Yearly Costs ($) | Year-on-Year Difference ($) |
|---|---|---|
Q1 2022 | $596 | - |
Q1 2023 | $687 | + $91 |
Q1 2024 | $853 | + $166 |
Q1 2025 | $830 | - $23 |
Regional differences in contents insurance costs (May 2025)
Just like house insurance, contents insurance costs can vary depending on where you live. Aucklanders are paying an average of $732 per year ($61 per month), which is below the national average. Meanwhile, Wellingtonians face the highest contents insurance premiums, averaging $1,069 per year ($89 per month). Christchurch homeowners and renters can expect to pay roughly $836 per year ($70 per month) for their contents insurance.
Region | Yearly Costs ($) | Monthly Costs ($) |
|---|---|---|
National | $830 | $69.17 |
Auckland | $732 | $61.00 |
Canterbury | $836 | $69.70 |
Wellington | $1,069 | $89.08 |
Source: Quashed. Actual costs will vary depending on the insurer, policy coverage, sum insured levels, and location.
Got questions? Be sure to check out our Contents Insurance FAQs at the end of the blog.
How much could Kiwis save by comparing contents insurance?
Based on our latest data, we’ve found that premiums for contents insurance vary widely across insurers. In Q1 2025, the gap between the cheapest and most expensive quotes was $431 — down 6% year on year.
That’s why it’s so important to compare your options. Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, comparing policies can potentially help you save.
Average contents insurance premium differences across insurers (May 2025)
Year Ended | Yearly Difference ($) | Year-on-Year Increase % |
|---|---|---|
Q1 2022 | $267 | - |
Q1 2023 | $336 | + 26% |
Q1 2024 | $461 | + 37% |
Q1 2025 | $431 | - 6% |
Source: Quashed. Actual costs will vary depending on the insurer, policy coverage, sum insured levels, and location.
Quashed.co.nz's Quarterly Insurance Index
The Quashed Insurance Index is a quarterly publication. The aim of this is to provide NZ consumers and NZ agencies with a benchmark for the cost of insurance in and across New Zealand. The data and insights published is based on tens of thousands of insurance premiums and quotes our platform retrieves across insurance companies in NZ. Error and inconsistencies may exist but we do our best to avoid them. If you spot any possible errors, please get in touch with us and we'd be happy to correct where required.
Further reading
Car insurance
Car Insurance Guide: Learn the essentials of car insurance.
Saving on Car Insurance: Smart ways to lower your premiums.
Sorting Out Your Car Insurance Renewal: Stay on top of your renewal.
Cheapest Versus Best Car Insurance: Find the right balance.
Car Insurance Quotes: Get the best deal for you.
House insurance
House Insurance Guide: Understand the key basics.
Climate Change and House Insurance: How it impacts your cover.
Why Are House Insurance Premiums Increasing?: What's driving the rise.
House Insurance Key Considerations: What to look out for.
8 Budget Hacks for House Insurance: Save without cutting corners.
Contents insurance
Complete Guide to Contents Insurance: Everything you need to know.
Key Considerations with Contents Insurance: Find coverage options.
Saving on Contents Insurance: Simple tips to reduce costs.
Contents Insurance Tips for Kiwi Seniors: Special advice for senior Kiwis.
Insurance comparisons
Comparing Insurance 101: Why compare, how Quashed helps.
How Quashed Compares: See the differences in approaches.
Car insurance FAQs
Why have my car insurance premiums increased so much in NZ?
Premiums can rise due to factors like higher repair costs, inflation, and natural disasters. Even small claims or changes in your area can impact your premium. If you’re seeing a sudden spike, it’s a good idea to shop around to see if you can find a better deal.
Is shopping around for my car insurance really worth the effort?
Absolutely! Shopping around helps you find the best deal. At Quashed, we simplify this by providing real-time comparisons of various providers. It’s easy to find the right coverage at the best price with just a few clicks.
What factors should I consider when choosing an insurer?
Don’t just focus on price. Look at the coverage options, customer service, and how easy it is to make a claim. Consider the excess amount and whether the policy suits your needs. Make sure you're not paying for coverage you don’t need.
Do loyalty discounts actually make a difference in my premiums?
Not always. Insurers often offer the best rates to new customers. Long-term customers may not get the same deal, so it’s worth comparing prices each year to avoid paying the "loyalty tax."
What’s the impact of a claims history on my insurance premiums?
A history of claims can increase your premiums, as insurers view it as a higher risk. If you’ve been claim-free for a while, it could work in your favour when it’s time for renewal.
How does the value of my car or home affect my premiums?
The higher the value of your assets, the higher your premiums. This is because it costs more to repair or replace expensive cars and homes. Insurers base premiums on the potential cost to fix or replace your items.
Does my car’s safety rating impact the cost of my insurance?
Yes, safer cars with better ratings (like airbags and stability control) can lower your premiums. Insurers consider these features because safer cars are less likely to be involved in serious accidents, resulting in fewer claims.
House insurance FAQs
How can I avoid overpaying for house insurance?
Make sure you’re not over-insuring. Check that your sum insured reflects the actual cost of rebuilding your home, not the market value. Be mindful of unnecessary add-ons, and consider increasing your excess to lower premiums. Shopping around each year can also help ensure you’re getting the best deal.
How can I find discounts or better deals on my insurance premium?
Quashed makes finding discounts easy by providing real-time comparisons from different providers. You can also save by bundling policies, adjusting your coverage, or installing security systems.
Contents insurance FAQs
How do insurance providers determine the cost of my contents insurance?
The cost is determined by factors like the value of the items you're insuring and the risk associated with your location. Insurers consider whether your home is secure (e.g., alarms or security systems) and the likelihood of claims in your area, like crime rates or natural disaster risks.
Why should renters consider contents insurance?
Renters should consider contents insurance to protect their personal belongings from unexpected events like theft, fire, or accidental damage. Even if you're not responsible for the building itself, your possessions (furniture, electronics, clothing, etc.) are valuable, and contents insurance can help replace them if something goes wrong.
General insurance FAQs
How do natural disasters and global events impact insurance costs in NZ?
Natural disasters like floods or earthquakes can drive up premiums due to the increased risk. Global events, such as rising reinsurance costs from worldwide disasters, can also affect premiums in New Zealand.
Is it better to increase my excess to save on premiums?
Increasing your excess can lower your premium, but it’s important to find a balance. A higher excess means you pay more out of pocket if you need to make a claim. If you rarely claim, a higher excess can save you money, but if you expect to claim soon, keep it lower.
What do I need to know about regional variations in insurance premiums in NZ?
Premiums can vary depending on where you live. Areas prone to natural disasters, high crime rates, or higher repair costs typically have higher premiums. Even the cost of materials and labour can affect premiums based on location.
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.
