Average NZ Car, House, and Contents Insurance Costs in 2026

Average Cost of Car Insurance in New Zealand

The average cost of comprehensive car insurance across New Zealand is $1,268 per year (or $106 per month) as of our latest Q3 2026 Quashed Index data published in October 2026. The data in this section covers comprehensive policies only. Costs for third party, fire and theft (TPFT) or third party only (TPO) policies is lower. The cost of comprehensive car insurance in New Zealand has increased significantly over recent years, as shown below.

Average comprehensive car insurance premiums (2023 - 2026)

Important trend: Car insurance premiums are trending back up in the latest quarter compared to the same time last year. Shopping around remains as important as ever, if you're looking to save money.

The bigger picture: Comprehensive car insurance costs 11% more than it did three years ago in Q3 2023, when the national average was $1,140. That's an extra $128 per year that Kiwi drivers are now paying compared to 2023, per vehicle.

Average regional differences in comprehensive car insurance premiums

Comprehensive car insurance costs vary by location. Auckland car owners now pay roughly $1,505 per year, or $125 per month on average, for comprehensive car insurance. In comparison, Wellington drivers pay about $1,154 per year ($96 monthly), while in Canterbury, the average cost is approximately $1,173 annually or $98 monthly. Q3 2026 data is shown below:

Average comprehensive car insurance premiums by region (Q3 2026)

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 this article.

How much could Kiwis save by comparing comprehensive car insurance providers?

The gap between the average highest and lowest comprehensive car insurance premiums offered across insurers we display on Quashed is huge. In Q3 2026, consumers who shopped their existing comprehensive car insurance on Quashed Market Scan found a cheaper policy 80% of the time, with average savings of $379 per year per vehicle.

Average comprehensive car insurance premium differences across insurers (2023 - 2026)

Overall in Q3 2026, across all comprehensive car insurance comparison on the platform, the average price difference between the most expensive insurance option found on Market Scan and the cheapest is $704. This means that a car owner could be paying 75% more for a similar cover.

Want to save on your car insurance? Our Further Reading section at the end of this article 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 $2,946 per year (or $246 per month) as of Q3 2026, based on Quashed Index data published in October 2026. Let’s take a look at how house insurance costs have changed over the past few years.

Average house insurance premiums (2023 - 2026)

Important trend: Over the past three years, home insurance premiums have increased by 28%, driving more homeowners to shop around. To cope with these rising costs, homeowners are increasingly opting for higher excess, raising their average excess by 33% - from $900 to $1,200.

Regional differences in house insurance costs (Q3 2026)

Homeowners in Auckland pay an average of $2,046 per year ($171 per month) for house insurance. While this may seem high, it’s actually below the national average of $2,946. Wellington homeowners pay significantly more, with an average annual premium of $4,486 ($374 per month), more than twice that of Auckland. And Christchurch homeowners sit in the middle, with their average annual house insurance premiums at $2,997 ($250 per month).

Want to see how your house insurance costs compare? Use the Quashed's FREE Market Scan tool to compare a wide range of insurance providers in 90 seconds. Our Further Reading section at the end of this article also 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 Q3 2026, more than 6 in 10 Quashed users who shopped their house insurance with the Quashed Market Scan found a cheaper policy, with an average savings of $893 per year. If you haven't compared your house insurance recently, it's worth running a scan to see where you stand.

Average house insurance premium differences across insurers (2023 - 2026)

In Q3 2026, across all house insurance comparison on the Quashed platform, the average price difference between the most expensive insurance option found on Market Scan and the cheapest is $1,225. This is a significant 54% price difference, so shopping around still matters even though the gap narrowed this year.

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 $853 per year ($71 per month) as of Q3 2026, based on Quashed Index data. Prices have climbed over time, reflecting the broader insurance trends in NZ, though contents premiums have recently started to ease.

Average contents insurance premiums (2023 - 2026)

Important trend: After rising for the previous two years, contents insurance premiums dropped 2% from Q3 2025 to Q3 2026. This is good news for renters and homeowners looking to keep costs in check.

The bigger picture: With consecutive years of increase, contents insurance is 13% higher than it was in Q3 2023, when the average premium was $757. That's an extra $96 per year. The recent easing is welcome, but premiums have not returned anywhere near pre-2024 levels.

Regional differences in contents insurance costs (Q3 2026)

Aucklanders are paying an average of $727 per year ($61 per month). Meanwhile, Wellingtonians face the highest contents insurance premiums, averaging $980 per year ($82 per month). Christchurch homeowners and renters can expect to pay roughly $924 per year ($77 per month).

Wondering if you could get a better deal on your contents insurance? Compare providers with the Quashed Market Scan. And be sure to check out our Contents Insurance FAQs at the end of this article.

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 Q3 2026, consumers who shopped their contents insurance with the Quashed Market Scan found a cheaper policy 80% of the time, with average savings of $364 per year. Run a free scan on Quashed to see if you could be paying less.

Average contents insurance premium differences across insurers (2023 - 2026)

The average price difference between the most expensive contents insurance option found on Market Scan and the cheapest is $545 in Q3 2026. This is a large 93% price difference, and the increasing gap highlights the impact of insurance providers implementing risk based pricing. Contents insurance shoppers looking to save will increasingly benefit from shopping around and exploring their options.

How Insurance Costs Vary by Age Group

Not all Kiwis are feeling the same pinch. The Q3 2026 Quashed Index reveals a clear pattern: over 61 & 40-50 age groups have experienced the highest increase in the premium over the past year, in both dollar and percentage terms.

Average general insurance costs by age group (Q3 2026)

Premium costs rose year-over-year for consumers 31-50 and over 60, maintaining the steep upward trend seen over the last three years. This raises a critical question: are Kiwis paying a price for their loyalty?

If you’re over 30, it’s especially worth running a Quashed Market Scan to check whether you could be paying less. The data suggests that younger, more active shoppers may be keeping their premiums in check by comparing more often.

Combined Insurance Costs by Region

When you add up house, car (comprehensive), and contents insurance, the regional differences become stark. Here’s what the average Kiwi household is paying across all three policies in Q3 2026:

Average general insurance costs by region (Q3 2026)

Wellington households are paying $6,620 per year for general insurance, $2,342 more than Auckland households pay. This gap is driven primarily by Wellington’s significantly higher house insurance costs, which reflect the region’s earthquake and weather-related risk profile. Auckland, despite being the most expensive region for car insurance, actually has the lowest combined general insurance costs of the three main centres.

Wherever you’re based, comparing across multiple insurers is one of the most effective ways to manage these costs. Use the Quashed Market Scan to see how your premiums stack up.

What Kiwis can do to keep insurance costs affordable

1. Shop for insurance across 4-5 insurers

Comparing more options increases the likelihood you’ll find a cheaper and/or better policy. For example, comprehensive cover for a 2020 Toyota Corolla in Auckland can cost between $960 and $1,790. That’s a significant $830 difference across five insurance providers. Use the Quashed Market Scan to compare your options in minutes.

2. Reduce your sum insured and increase your excess

Reducing your sum insured to reflect current value (as appropriate) and increasing your excess to a higher amount you can afford will lower your premiums. For example, adjusting the sum insured for the Toyota Corolla from $24,000 to $22,000 and the excess from $500 to $1,500 reduces premiums to between $673 and $1,258, saving up to 30%. You can do this easily using the Quashed Market Scan and instantly see potential savings!

3. Switch to a lower tier of cover

If you’re thinking about cancelling your policy due to cost, consider switching to a lower tier of cover instead. It can significantly reduce costs while keeping some level of insurance in place. For example, switching from comprehensive to third party, fire and theft insurance reduces premiums on average by 40-60%. A third party, fire and theft policy would cost $580 to $690 for the Toyota Corolla.

Quashed’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 are based on tens of thousands of insurance premiums and quotes our platform retrieves across a wide range of insurance providers in NZ.

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.

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.