What items are automatically covered under your house insurance policy?
You know some items need to be specified, but what about everything else that might already be covered?
We’ve put together a list of common “am I covered?” questions our customers often ask. It’s not a full list, so it’s always best to check your policy wording for the full details. If you’re still unsure, you can reach out to us directly – or even use an AI chat tool to quickly search your policy for specific items – just remember to always double-check the results.
Please note: the items below relate specifically to our house insurance policy.
Are my solar panels and EV charger covered?
Yes — if they’re permanently installed at your home, your solar panels and EV charger are covered under your initio house insurance as part of the building. They’re insured for sudden and accidental loss or damage, subject to your policy’s standard terms and conditions.
If you have a portable EV charger that isn’t permanently wired in, it may be covered under your contents insurance instead, as long as it’s for personal use. Equipment used for business or income-earning purposes isn’t covered under standard house or contents policies and may require commercial insurance.
Do you cover outdoor sports equipment (like snowboards, skis, or surfboards)?
Yes — outdoor sports equipment such as snowboards, skis, and surfboards is covered under your initio contents insurance for sudden and accidental loss or damage, but payment limits apply. The policy has a maximum of $2,000 for any surfboard, windsurfer, paddleboard, kite surfer, surf ski, dinghy, kayak, or canoe (including their parts and accessories), unless the item is listed as a specified item on your policy.
If you have high-value gear, it’s a good idea to specify it on your policy to make sure you’re covered for its full replacement value.
If you own equipment worth more than the standard policy limit, it’s a good idea to specify it on your policy. This ensures the present value of that item is fully covered, rather than being capped at the policy limit.
Are my lawnmower and gardening equipment covered?
Yes, if you have initio contents insurance, your lawnmower, robotic mower and other domestic gardening equipment are covered as part of your “contents,” as long as they’re for personal use only. The policy specifically includes domestic garden appliances (such as lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, and similar tools) and their parts or accessories. They’re covered for sudden and accidental loss or damage, subject to your policy’s standard terms and conditions.
If your gardening equipment is used for business purposes — for example, if you run a lawnmowing service — it won’t be covered under your standard home contents policy. In that case, you’ll need commercial insurance to make sure you’re protected.
Is my home office equipment covered?
If you use a room in your home (or an outbuilding) solely as a home office for clerical work, our home policy covers that space, and your contents cover will extend to office furniture and equipment used for earning income—up to $10,000 at home and $1,500 while temporarily elsewhere in NZ. Learn more about when you need commercial insurance.
What about my spa pool or outdoor furniture?
Yes — if they’re portable and for personal use, your spa pool and outdoor furniture are covered under your initio contents insurance for sudden and accidental loss or damage, subject to the policy’s standard terms and conditions. Portable spa pools are included in the definition of “contents,” but fixed or built-in spa pools are considered part of the home and covered under your house insurance instead.
Outdoor furniture is also treated as contents, so it’s covered while at your home. However, like all contents, it won’t be covered if it’s used for business or income-earning purposes.
Is my medical equipment (including hearing aids) covered?
Personal medical equipment like hearing aids, mobility aids, and insulin pumps are automatically covered under our Own Home Contents policy. Learn more
If you’re ever unsure about whether something is covered under your policy, the safest option is to check your policy wording or get in touch with us. Our team can walk you through the details, explain any limits that might apply, and help make sure you have the right cover in place for your needs.
If you’re ready to start your journey with initio, you can get a quote online in just a few minutes — see your price, choose your cover, and get protected straight away. And if you ever need to make a claim, our simple online process through your customer dashboard means you can get it lodged quickly, without the usual paperwork headaches.
Ready to protect your house and contents? Get a quote in seconds and cover in minutes
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