Am I covered for Natural Disasters?

All our house insurance policies include cover for natural disasters up to the replacement sum insured you select on your policy.

The Earthquake Commission Act 1993 means that the government’s NHC Commission (previously Earthquake Commission or EQC) will cover up to the first $172,500 inc gst of damage. We (your insurer) then covers repair costs over $150,000 and up to your replacement sum insured.  This is called ‘top-up cover’.

For policies starting or renewing on or after 1 October 2022, the maximum amount of Natural Hazards cover contribution will increase from $175,500 inc. gst to $345,000 inc. gst   The related levy will also change from this date and affects both monthly and annually renewing policies.   The annual NHC levy increases from $345 inc gst to $480 inc gst.  

The NHC Commission also provides some cover for land and land structures such as retaining walls, bridges and culverts.

If a Natural Disaster only damages your driveway, fence, patio, path, paving, tennis court or another artificial surface (i.e. not the house), this is not covered by the government NHC but may be covered by Initio. There is, however a $5,000 non-NHC excess that would apply.