Average Car, House, and Contents Insurance Cost NZ 2026: Monthly Payment Guide

Average Cost of Car Insurance in New Zealand

The average cost of comprehensive car insurance across New Zealand is $1,298 per year (or $108 per month) as of our latest Q4 2025 Quashed Index data published in February 2026. The cost of insuring motor vehicles in New Zealand has increased a lot over time, as shown below.

Average car insurance premiums (2022 - 2025)

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.

Important trend: While car insurance premiums dropped 2% year-on-year, they actually increased 6% (+$75) from Q3 2025 to Q4 2025, suggesting premiums may be rising again after a brief decline.

Average regional differences in car insurance premiums

Car insurance costs vary by location. Auckland car owners now pay roughly $1,510 per year, or $126 per month on average, for comprehensive car insurance. In comparison, Wellington drivers pay about $1,152 per year ($96 monthly) for their car insurance, while in Canterbury, the average cost of car insurance is approximately $1,215 annually or $101 monthly. Q4 2025 data is shown below:

Average car insurance premiums (Q4 2025)

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.

The gap between the average highest and lowest comprehensive car insurance premiums offered across insurers we display on Quashed has widened over time. In Q4 2025, consumers who shopped their car insurance with the Quashed Market Scan found a cheaper policy 80% of the time, with average savings of $367 per year.

Average car insurance premium differences across insurers (2022 - 2025)

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 $2,815 per year (or $235 per month) as of Q4 2025, based on Quashed Index data published in February 2026. Let's take a look at how house insurance costs have changed over the past few years.

Average house insurance premiums (2022 - 2025)

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.

That’s just the national picture—regional variations show notable differences.

Regional differences in house insurance costs (Q4 2025)

Homeowners in Auckland pay an average of $2,004 per year ($167 per month) for house insurance. While this may seem high, it's actually below the national average of $2,815. Wellington homeowners pay significantly more, with an average annual premium of $4,394 ($366 per month)—more than twice that of Auckland. And Christchurch homeowners sit in the middle, with their average annual house insurance premiums at $2,778 ($232 per month).

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 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 Q4 2025, Quashed users who shopped their house insurance found a cheaper policy 61% of the time, with average savings of $673 per year.

Average house insurance premium differences across insurers (2022 - 2025)

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.

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 $847 per year ($71 per month) as of Q4 2025, based on Quashed Index data. Prices have climbed over time, reflecting the broader insurance trends in NZ.

Average contents insurance premiums (2022 - 2025)

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.

Regional differences in contents insurance costs (Q4 2025)

Aucklanders are paying an average of $710 per year ($59 per month). Meanwhile, Wellingtonians face the highest contents insurance premiums, averaging $1,094 per year ($91 per month). Christchurch homeowners and renters can expect to pay roughly $896 per year ($75 per month).

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.

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 Q4 2025, consumers who shopped their contents insurance with Quashed found a cheaper policy 78% of the time, with average savings of $311 per year.

Average contents insurance premium differences across insurers (2022 - 2025)

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.

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.