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Contents cover with initio protects the things you own inside your property, but what’s included (and how it’s covered) depends on the type of policy you have.

Whether it’s your own home, a rental, or a holiday home, the level of cover and the items it applies to are different.
This guide explains each type so you can choose the right cover and set an accurate contents sum insured.

Own home contents cover (Owner Occupied)

If you live in the home yourself, contents cover protects your personal belongings from sudden and accidental loss or damage – whether they’re inside the home, in transit, or temporarily away from home.

Key features:

• Repair or replacement – Most items are covered on a replacement basis, meaning we’ll repair or replace them with new (if it’s economical to do so). Items like clothing, books, and certain electronics are covered for their present value.
• Coverage away from home – Your contents are covered when temporarily removed, whether they’re in storage with prior approval, travelling anywhere in New Zealand, or on short overseas trips to Australia and the South Pacific (up to $5,000 per trip).
• Extra benefits – Includes cover for things like alternative accommodation, contents in transit, home office equipment, hidden gradual damage, keys and locks, frozen food, and stress payments after a total loss.
• Limits for certain items – Jewellery, watches, cash, and similar items have set limits unless specifically listed on your policy.
  See our guide on what’s a specified item and when you should list it for more details.

Landlord contents cover

If your property is rented out, landlord contents cover is for the household items you own that stay at the property for tenants to use – for example, curtains, whiteware, or furniture. Cover is limited to the insured property address.

Key differences:

• Cover type – Items less than 5 years old are replaced with new equivalents; older items are covered for their present value.
• Location-specific – Contents are covered while they’re at the insured rental property or in transit to it (with prior approval if in storage).
• Tenant-related risks – Includes extended protection under your landlord’s policy for intentional acts, theft, or vandalism by tenants (up to $25,000 combined for the home and contents, within which the contents sum insured applies).
  Learn more about landlord’s protection and intentional damage cover.
• Meth contamination – Covers loss to contents caused by contamination, within the overall limit for meth claims shown on your schedule.
  See our meth contamination cover guide for details.
• Natural disaster – Covered on the same terms as the home, up to your contents sum insured.

Common landlord contents examples:

• Curtains, blinds, and other window coverings
• Carpets, rugs, and floor coverings not permanently fixed
• Light fittings and lamps that aren’t part of the building structure
• Whiteware like fridges, freezers, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers
• Freestanding stoves or microwaves
• Furniture such as couches, beds, tables, and chairs (if the rental is furnished)
• Heat pumps or portable heaters that aren’t fixed to the property
• Outdoor furniture and BBQs provided for tenant use
• Small appliances like kettles, toasters, and vacuum cleaners

Examples of what’s not covered: Owner’s personal belongings, vehicles, watercraft, pets, or items not kept at the insured address.

Holiday home contents cover

Holiday home contents cover works much like landlord contents cover – it applies to the items you keep at the holiday home for your own use or for guests. Cover is limited to the insured property address.

Key points:

• Similar cover to landlord contents – Replacement for items under 5 years old, present value for older items and certain categories.
• Guest or short-term rental protection – If your holiday home is rented out at times, tenant-related intentional acts or theft may also be covered under the same landlord’s protection and meth contamination benefits.
• Seasonal occupancy rules – To maintain cover while the home is unoccupied, the home must be inspected regularly and basic security and maintenance steps followed.
  See our holiday home insurance tips for keeping cover valid.
• Natural disaster – Covered up to your contents sum insured, with the same EQC top-up process as for landlord policies.

Common holiday home contents examples:

• Bedding, linen, and towels
• Kitchenware (pots, pans, utensils, cutlery, crockery, glassware)
• Whiteware (fridges, freezers, ovens, microwaves)
• Furniture for living areas, bedrooms, and dining rooms
• TVs, stereos, and entertainment equipment
• Outdoor furniture, umbrellas, and BBQs
• Hobby and leisure gear typically kept for guest use (e.g. board games, puzzles, books)
• Small appliances like coffee machines, blenders, and toasters
• Décor items like lamps, cushions, wall art

Examples of what’s not covered: Owner’s personal belongings, high-value sporting equipment not kept for guest use, vehicles, watercraft, pets, or items not kept at the insured address.

Tip: When setting your contents sum insured, think about what’s actually at the property. For your own home, this means everything you own. For a rental or holiday home, it’s just the items you provide for tenants or guests.

If you’re unsure where to start, use the CoreLogic contents calculator to help estimate the replacement value of your belongings.

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 details – just remember to always double-check the results!

Ready to begin your journey with initio?  Start with a quote

Can I get contents insurance by itself?

It’s worth noting that initio does not currently offer stand-alone contents insurance. To get contents cover, it must be added to an active insurance policy for the same property. If you only need to insure your contents, such as when you’re renting or not insuring the home itself, initio is not able to provide contents cover.

Related articles:

• What items are automatically covered under house contents insurance?
• Are there limits to how much I can claim for my contents?
• Guide to landlord insurance
• Do I have contents insurance?
• How do I add contents insurance to my policy?

You’ve found your dream house: it’s a gorgeous bungalow from the 1920’s. It’s picture perfect, but will it be hard to get insurance?

Why are older houses harder to insure?

Before 1935, New Zealand had no unified set of building standards. Some councils had their own bylaws, but many had no standards at all. The 1931 Napier earthquake was a wake-up call; the scale of damage made it clear that many popular construction methods were unsuitable for a country built on active fault lines.

In 1935, New Zealand’s first set of building standards were introduced. These set the basis for the Code of Compliance regulations we have today.

Houses built before 1940 can be a riskier proposition, and insurance companies – being naturally cautious creatures – need to do a little more due diligence before agreeing to cover these properties.

So, can I insure my old house?

For houses built in the 1940’s onwards, no problem – we can provide an instant quote and cover online.

If your house was built before 1940 you can still get a instant quote, but we’ll need to check over a few more details before we can confirm cover. At a minimum, we will require that it meets the conditions below.

Our minimum requirements for pre-1940 houses

1. No original electrical wiring (including switchboards)

Electrical wiring in the early 1900s was cloth-wrapped rubber, insulated in metal conduit. This was highly prone to deterioration and has been a leading cause of house fires. As a result, many houses were rewired during the 1950s and 1960s.

However, there are still properties around with their original wiring. We need to have confirmation the original wiring has been replaced with TPS (thermoplastic-sheathed) wiring.

if you’re unsure, you can get a registered electrician to inspect and provide a wiring certificate to confirm it is TPS.

2. Roof replaced within the past 30 years, or in good condition

An iron roof is expected to last about 50 years. As a roof ages, it will rust and loosen, and leaks can develop. Good maintenance and regular painting will get you so far, but eventually it will need to be replaced.

Faulty roofs are a leading cause of property damage. Therefore, we will consider cover only if your roof has been replaced in the last 30 years or is shown to be in good condition.

3. No walls lined with Scrim or Sarking

Scrim is hessian sacking that is stapled to thin wooden strips known as sarking. Think of it as kindling and newspaper – the perfect fire-starter. Wallpaper was glued directly to the scrim, and in old houses this may have been wallpapered and painted over many times.

To check if your house still has scrim, try the knock test. Scrim will sound like you are knocking on wood, and it will be hard to distinguish any studs. The wallpaper also might ‘float’ or bulge in some areas or have a texture from the hessian fabric underneath.

Because of the increased fire risk, we need conformation there is no scrim or sarking, or that it has been removed.

4. No Historical Classification

Occasionally, older houses have a local council or government historical classification. This means there are strict rules around preserving the building style and fabric of the house. If it’s damaged, the government may require it to be repaired to a certain style with particular materials.

This can make a potential claim very complicated. Because there are rebuild requirements that we cannot meet – for instance, old houses often used native Kauri wood, which is no longer available.

We are unable to insure your house if it has a historical classification. You can search addresses on the government’s Heritage List here.

5. Exterior cladding has no outstanding maintenance

New Zealand homes are often clad in weatherboards, which were originally made from native timber. Unlike modern materials, weatherboards require frequent maintenance, including regular painting. Unmaintained weatherboards on older homes will begin to rot over time, reducing weather-tightness.

We require at a minimum that your house has no cladding defects, such as rotting.

6. Original piles and foundations with no defects

It is common for older houses to have foundational issues. Sagging or wavy floorboards are an indicator of problems with the piles. Check under the house for any cracks and signs of shifting, or decay in the timber piles. Mould can also be an early warning sign of weak foundations and other problems.

Sinking or rotting foundations are structurally unsound and therefore unsafe. For us to consider insurance, there must be no problems in your house’s foundations. Fortunately, old houses can be professionally re-piled.

My house meets those conditions – what’s next?

Fantastic, there’s a good chance your pre-1940 house can be covered. If you know your old home meets our requirements, go ahead and get a quote below.

Get an Instant Quote

Submitting a Referral

If you want to go ahead with your quote, you’ll need to scroll to the bottom, select your preferred payment method, then select ‘submit referral’. This will take you through our online application where you can submit a cover request for your house (you won’t need to make any payment just yet!).

Our team will review your application, and get back to you to confirm if we can offer you cover.

My home’s been fully renovated, what date of build do I use?

Whilst the fact that the home has been fully renovated will be of importance to us, you do need to declare the original home build date on the application as the decade built.

Is it beside or attached to where you live?

What kind of insurance do you need?

If you have two dwellings/units on your property and you rent one out long-term (90 days or more), there are some important things to consider when it comes to insurance.

What counts as a separate dwelling/unit?

If you’re renting out a second dwelling/unit – such as a separate or attached granny flat, a separate unit, or a converted space – it’s considered separate from your household. Even if the rental is on the same property title, the tenant is not part of your household. You might have a formal tenancy agreement in place, or a more casual flat-sharing or boarding arrangement, but the key point is that they’re living independently from you.

If this matches your situation:

• Your second dwelling/granny flat is rented out long-term (90 days +)
• The second dwelling/unit has it’s own facilities and the tenant lives independently there.
• You might have a tenancy agreement, flat-sharing or boarding arrangement in place

Then you’ll need:

Two separate insurance policies to make sure you’re properly covered:

1. House insurance (Own Home policy) – Covers the home you live in, protecting the structure itself. Also safeguard your personal belongings by adding contents insurance.
2. Landlord insurance (Rental policy) – Covers the rental home, including damage caused by tenants, additional loss of rent, and liability protection.

Why separate policies matter

Our standard home and landlord (rental) policies cover only one home or unit per policy — even if they are connected, share the same address, or are on the same property title. In addition, each home/unit has different insurance needs, and having separate policies ensures you’re covered correctly and for the right things.

Get cover today

With initio, you can get a quick quote for each and buy insurance online in minutes, making it easy to ensure both your home and rental property are fully protected.

Buy House Insurance     Buy Landlord Insurance

Need help? If you’re unsure about what policies are right for your situation, contact us to make sure you’re fully protected.

Get covered today with initio – Quick quotes, easy online cover.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Maybe some of these other scenarios suit you better:

• Renting out part of your home short-term
• Renting out a second dwelling solely for short-term stays
• Insurance for a non-rented second home on your property
• Second dwelling on your property that your family lives in
• Renting out two dwellings on your property

We can insure properties that are rented out to short term guests like Airbnb, but there are some requirements.

You need to purchase the correct policy, depending upon your specific situation.  We have an option for the residence where you live occasionally let on Airbnb and also an option for your family holiday home that is also occasionally let on Airbnb.

We can’t cover a house or unit that’s used strictly for short term guests, and not by yourself or family. This is because it’s considered more like a commercial operation similar to a motel, and a commercial insurance cover is more suited.

Alternatively, if you are handing your property over to a holiday home management company under a full management contract, where they effectively have control over your property, then for the purposes of insurance it is not considered your holiday home and we will not be able to provide cover. This is because with a full management contract you lose your entitlement to occupy the property whenever you wish, which means that there is no cover provided by the Natural Hazards Commission (NHC). We cannot provide cover if the NHC is not providing cover.

Examples of what we can cover

• Secondary house you use occasionally for yourself and your family (e.g. beach house rented on Airbnb when you’re not there).
• Second living unit at your house rented to short term guests, but used by yourself and family when it isn’t rented.

If you have a holiday home that you sometimes rent to guests, to qualify as a holiday home, the owner must;

• demonstrate use of the property, and;
• Have the right to occupy the property at will, and;
• Store personal belongings at the home.

Examples of what we can’t cover

• Holiday home you rent on Airbnb or similar guest site that you don’t use yourself.
• Extra living unit at your main house that you rent only to short terms guests, and don’t use yourself.
• House or Lodge with a Bed & Breakfast function for short term guests.
• Property managed by a commercial organisation that’s set up to rent the property to guests on your behalf.
• Properties where your tenant sub-lets to others, other than a long term flatmate arrangement

If you’re still unsure about your property, you can contact us.

Learn more

• Holiday homes, rented to short-term guests
• Home and paying guests
• Insuring your home with an attached flat
• Should you rely on the Airbnb host guarantee?

Does initio offer cover for loss of rent?

Yes – our landlord insurance includes loss of rent protection in these situations:

• Your rental becomes uninhabitable due to sudden, accidental damage covered by the policy (like fire or flooding) – We’ll pay up to 12 months’ rent, capped at your selected loss of rent limit.
• Your tenant is evicted for non-payment, or vacates the property without notice  – We’ll pay loss of rents following the eviction, or until you find a new tenant for up to 6 weeks (excludes overdue rents prior to the eviction).

Learn more about how loss of rent works

What does loss of rent cover?

Loss of rent cover helps protect your rental income. Here’s a breakdown of how it works under initio’s landlord insurance:

You’re covered for:

• Uninhabitable home: If the property can’t be lived in due to insured damage (e.g. fire, flood, meth contamination), we cover up to 12 months’ rent, up to the limit shown on your policy.
  
• Loss of rent following eviction of the tenant for non-payment of rent during the period of cover. We will pay for any event up to 6 weeks’ rent, less any amount recoverable by you from rent paid in advance
• Abandonment: Loss of rent following the tenant vacating the home without giving the required notice during the period of cover. We will pay for any event up to 6 weeks’ rent, less any amount recoverable by you from rent paid in advance.
  
• Access or utility issues: If your tenant can legally stop paying rent due to loss of access or failure of public utilities, you’re covered for up to 6 weeks’ rent.
  
• Meth contamination: If your property is contaminated during a tenancy and you’re covered under the meth benefit, we’ll also cover up to 12 months’ rent, based on estimated repair time.
  
• Tenant damage: If the home becomes uninhabitable due to intentional damage, theft or vandalism by a tenant, loss of rent may also apply under the standard 12-month cap.

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 details – just remember to always double-check the results!

Learn more about how loss of rent works, alternatively, read the full policy wordings.

Why does loss of rent cover matter?

If you rely on rent to cover mortgage payments or other bills, this protection is essential. It gives you breathing room while your property is repaired or re-tenanted.

Tip: To claim under most loss of rent scenarios, you’ll need to meet your landlord obligations, including regular inspections and proper tenant vetting.

What happens if my rental property becomes uninhabitable due to a natural disaster? 

If your rental property becomes uninhabitable due to a natural disaster, initio’s landlord insurance covers loss of rent. This means if your property is damaged and tenants have to move out, you can claim for the rental income you would have otherwise received while repairs are being made. The standard cover includes $20,000 loss of rent, with options to increase this amount. Payments continue until repairs are completed and the property is rentable again, up to the cover limit or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Learn more about loss of rent cover through initio.

Do I have to include loss of rent and landlord contents cover with initio? 

Yes. Loss of rent and landlord contents are standard features of initio’s landlord insurance, and they can’t be reduced or removed from the policy. Every policy includes at least $20,000 loss of rent cover (with the option to increase this limit) and $20,000 landlord contents cover.  These benefits are included to protect you against some of the most common risks landlords face. Read the policy wordings here.

Ready to protect your rental property? Get a quote in seconds and cover in minutes

Related articles

• Guide to landlord insurance
• What does landlord insurance cover?
• Differences between content cover options
• Renting out part of your home short-term?
• Thinking about becoming a landlord and renting out your home?
• Does NZ still have a meth problem?

or a full-blown rebuild?

So, you’ve bought a do-up. You’ve watched the videos, binge-scrolled the before-and-afters, and maybe even recruited your dad for “a quick paint job” that’s already turned into three weekends and a strained hamstring.

But before you swing that sledgehammer (or hire someone who will), it’s important to know this:

Initio’s house flip insurance is for light, cosmetic renovations only. If you’re planning structural changes, you’re going to need something stronger than paint, and a different type of insurance

Take our highly scientific quiz to find out whether your reno project is House Flip cover material – or heading straight into contract works territory.

1. You walk into your reno project. What’s your first thought?

A) “Needs a paint, new carpet, maybe swap out the taps.”
B) “Where’s the floor gone?”
C) “This’ll be nice… once it has walls again.”

2. The most powerful tool you’ll be using is:

A) A paintbrush or maybe a multitool if you’re feeling spicy.
B) A power saw, demolition gear, and a hard hat.
C) Your builder’s number on speed dial.

3. You can currently see:

A) A slightly dated 90s kitchen.
B) Sunlight coming through the roof… and the floor.
C) Straight through the house from the front door to the back wall.

4. Would you sleep overnight in the house right now?

A) Yep, just need to bring a mattress.
B) Only if I had a tent.
C) Not unless you paid me and provided a hazmat suit.

5. What’s your builder mate’s reaction when you show them the place?

A) “Easy weekend job, bro.”
B) “Oof… brave.”
C) “This isn’t a reno, it’s an archaeological dig.”

Your results:

Mostly A’s – You’re flipping, not flattening.

✅ You’re doing surface-level, cosmetic renos. That’s exactly what initio’s House Flip cover is for. Paint away.

Mostly B’s or C’s – Sorry, you’ve crossed into structural territory.

🚧 This is no longer a ‘flip’ – it’s a major rebuild, and you’ll need contract works insurance to protect your property properly. Check out our mates at Builtin for that.

Now that you know where you stand…

If you have a home ripe for a bit of a quick freshen-up that’s;

• currently liveable
• structurally sound
• no major unrepaired damage
• no significant outstanding maintenance
• no weathertightness issues

Then it’s likely we can provide cover under Initio’s House Flip policy.  Here’s a quick refresher on what Initio’s House Flip policy does and doesn’t cover:

✅ Covered (short-term cosmetic renovations)

• Painting
• Carpet and flooring
• Replacing kitchens or bathrooms
• Removing non-load bearing walls
• Minor updates that leave the bones of the house alone
• A liveable home from the date of the policy inception, ie must have bathroom, kitchen and sleeping facilities

If your tools fit in a ute tray and your plans fit on a single A4 page, you’re probably sweet.

❌ Not covered (structural renovations)

• Re-roofing
• Extensions
• Recladding
• Replacing or removing load-bearing walls
• Work that requires building consent or council sign-off
• Long term projects

These need a contract works policy, because once you start touching the bones of the house or it’s raincoat, the risk profile changes completely.

We’re not just being picky. Insurance needs to match the level of risk, and a cosmetic tidy-up is a very different beast to a half-demolished house with no roof.

What about insurance while the work is being done?

If the reno is cosmetic only, our House Flip cover gives you short-term insurance for the period of renovation. It covers things like fire, theft, and liability while you’re on site giving the place a facelift.

But if there’s structural work involved, you’ll need to pair your house insurance with a contract works policy. We’ve teamed up with BuiltIn Insurance—NZ’s contract works experts—so you can get sorted online quickly, and keep everything under the same insurer umbrella (IAG).

House flipping is all fun and games until someone removes a load-bearing wall.

Get the right cover for the job – and if you’re still unsure, we’re just a call or click away.

Ready to get started?

Get a quote
Other relevant information

• When do I need contract works insurance?
• Are renovations or extensions to my home covered?
• House flip insurance
• What is covered by a house flip insurance policy?

House contents insurance is designed to protect the things inside your home – the personal belongings that make it yours.

Initio’s house insurance includes the option to cover your contents, so your personal belongings are protected for repair or replacement if something happens, typically on a new-for-old basis. This includes most household items, with some exceptions that are covered for their current market value, such as clothing, books, and certain electronics. The policy also provides cover for contents in transit or temporarily in storage, and offers personal liability protection up to $1 million for accidental damage you may cause to others’ property in New Zealand.

Read the full policy wordings

Know your contents cover limits

When you take out contents insurance with initio, you’ll set a total sum insured, the maximum amount we’ll pay if all your contents are lost or damaged. This is usually based on the cost to replace everything you own in a total loss. However, some items have specific payout limits, even if your overall sum insured is higher. These limits apply to things like jewellery, bikes, artworks, and certain electronics, and are designed to reflect their typical value and risk. To understand exactly what’s covered and any limits that apply, it’s important to review your policy wording. That way, you can decide if you need to specify high-value items separately to ensure they’re fully protected.

For a full list of items and their limits, you can visit our guide on what contents need to be specified. Alternatively, learn which items are automatically covered with your house & contents insurance. 

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 details – just remember to always double-check the results.

Ready to begin your journey with initio?  Start with a quote

Can I get contents insurance by itself?

It’s worth noting that initio does not currently offer stand-alone contents insurance. To get contents cover, it must be added to an active house insurance policy for the same property. If you only need to insure your contents, such as when you’re renting or not insuring the home itself, initio is not able to provide contents cover.

Related articles

• What does landlord contents insurance cover?
• Moving house? Make sure you stay covered
• Which items are automatically covered with house contents insurance?
• How do I add contents insurance to my policy?

You can change how you pay for your policy. There are two key timings to be aware of when making a change:

• At renewal (your annual anniversary) – the change can be done as part of the renewal transaction.
• Mid-term (during the insurance year) – a new policy is required.

You should also check current premium rates before taking out a new policy.  These may have changed since your last rates were set.  You can check current premium rates at any time by using the quote options from your dashboard (home insurance + or car insurance +).

Changing from monthly to annual

If you want to change from monthly to annual payments at anytime, you will need to set up a new annual policy. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your dashboard.
2. Create a new quote using the ‘+’ options available. The new policy will be subject to the rates in place on the day you change.  You may therefore, wish to check the pricing options before deciding to change.
3. Customise the quote as required.
4. Select the “Pay annually” option.
5. Complete the application form and make the annual payment.
6. Once the new annual policy is active, cancel your original monthly policy. Any unused portion of premium will then be automatically calculated and refunded.

Unfortunately, due to the different payment technologies used for monthly and annual payments, we’re unable to simply change an existing policy mid-term.

Changing from annual to monthly

What if I want to switch from annual to monthly payments?

How to achieve this depends upon the timing of your insurance year;

At your annual renewal

If your home policy is due for renewal, you can switch from annual to monthly by selecting the “Pay monthly” option during the renewal process from your customer account/dashboard.

Mid-term (during the insurance year)

If you want to change to monthly payments before or after your renewal date, you’ll need to set up a new monthly policy:

1. Log in to your dashboard.
2. Create a new quote using the ‘+’ options available. The new policy will be subject to the rates in place on the day you change.  You may therefore, wish to check the pricing options before deciding to change.
3. Customise the quote as required.
4. Select the “pay monthly” option.
5. Complete the application form and make the first monthly payment. The subsequent monthly payments will fall on the same day of the month that you start this policy from.
6. Once the new monthly policy is active, cancel your original annual policy. Any unused portion of premium will then be automatically calculated and refunded.

Payment Options

Can I pay monthly by bank transfer or direct debit?

No, Monthly payments require a valid credit card or visa debit card and cannot be paid for by any other means.

Can I pay fortnightly, weekly or quarterly?

No,  we only offer monthly or annual payment frequencies. We do not have alternatives available.

Remember, it’s always important to review your options carefully to make sure you’re selecting the best one for your needs.

Useful links:

• How do I pay my insurance premium?
• How to make changes to your cover
• How does monthly insurance work?
• What is Online Eftpos and how does it work?
• Can I pay with direct debit?

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Code compliance is generally required to insure a house. But don’t worry, there are situations where we can potentially provide cover.

Most Common Reasons for Non-compliance

House or addition built before code compliance requirements

The current building code compliance requirements came into force in 1992. Homes built before this date often do not have code compliance, as it was not a requirement at the time.

Records of building consent have been lost or are unknown

It is surprisingly common for houses to lack a record of their code compliance sign-off. Some councils in New Zealand lost their records in fires and floods before they began storing them electronically.

Code compliance was not obtained for part of the home (e.g., extension)

Previous owners may have made improvements to the property, such as adding a deck or building an unconsented garage, without obtaining full building consent or sign-off.

What would we require to insure?

If your home lacks a compliance certificate for any of the above reasons, we can consider insuring it. If your home does not have a code compliance certificate this does not always mean your home is non-compliant, especially if records have simply been lost. To insure your house, we would need confirmation of the following:

1. House is structurally sound and well maintained, AND
2. Confirmation that the building or addition would have met building requirements at the time it was built/completed

Essentially we want to make sure we only insure houses/renovations that are up to building standards.

You must disclose information regarding any unconsented work when you apply for insurance.  Please answer “yes” to the question “Is there any further information likely to affect the acceptance of the insurance” on your application form, provide full information in the space provided along with any other disclosures. 

Other Reasons for Non-compliance

New Build or Recently Built Property

When a house is built, it must legally obtain a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) before being occupied. In most cases, homeowners cannot move in until this certification is issued. However, if your house is a new or recently built property, it may still be awaiting code compliance while requiring standard house insurance. In some cases, homeowners may have already moved in before obtaining consent, often due to minor works still in progress.

What Do We Require for a New Build?

Before we can consider insurance for a new build without a Code Compliance Certificate, the property must meet the following requirements:

• The house has practical completion,
• There is a functioning kitchen/bathroom
• Connection to services is complete, including power/water supply.
• The house is fully secure, and lockable.
• Someone is currently living in the property.
• No major or structural work remains to be completed.
• A final inspection is confirmed and booked with the council. In higher-risk locations, the inspection must have at least been completed.

If your property meets these criteria, we can consider providing cover. However, you must disclose that a Code Compliance Certificate has not yet been obtained.  

Conditions That Will Apply

If we agree to provide cover on your house without code of compliance issued, there are conditions that will apply. It is important that you are aware of these and know what they mean. These conditions are as below:

1. Additional costs associated with making the home compliant may not be covered

For example, we will pay to rebuild a non-compliant deck on your home that has burnt down. However, you will need to pay for any extra costs if you want to get code compliance sign-off on the new deck.

2. Any loss that directly arises from the lack of compliance will not be covered

For example, where your non-compliant deck collapses and also causes damage to the house. If the collapse of the deck is later proved to be a direct cause of its non-compliance (i.e. the deck was not up to building standards), then damage to the deck and home may not be covered.

Note that any other loss that is not a direct result of non-compliance (such as a storm or fire) remains covered.

3. Any loss that arises from the construction perils to complete the home and obtain compliance are not covered

If there are still major works being done at your property these are not covered. If a roof is being installed and it collapses, this should be covered under a contract works or construction insurance policy as this is not covered under a standard house insurance policy.

4. Building consent to be obtained within a specified period, typically 30 days.

This gives you some time to get code compliance approved. If you need longer than this you will need to let us know.

How can I get a quote?

If your house does not have full code compliance but meets the above criteria you can go ahead and get a quote. If you proceed with the quote you will need to disclose that the property does not have full consent when you answer the declaration questions during the sign-up application.  Cover will then be reviewed by our team who will be back in touch.

Get an Instant Quote

Examples of where we can provide cover

• Compliance certificate is not signed off as the driveway is unfinished. Driveway concrete will not be laid until construction is complete on the neighbouring home as trucks are using the driveway for access. The home is structurally complete, fully secure and lockable, and is being lived in. – Cover is able to be provided.
• Final code compliance check was completed by the council in December, minor and non-structural defects were identified, and repairs were completed. Due to the Christmas break, council staff were not able to return to issue the code compliance certificate until mid January. The home was structurally complete, fully secure and lockable, and being lived in. – Cover is able to be provided.

Examples of where we are unable to provide cover

We can not offer insurance if your home does not meet the above requirements, or does not have code compliance certificate for reasons such as the following:

• Code of compliance certificate was applied for, but the building work contained defects which were not rectified.
• House was self-built and consents were never obtained.
• Home is a converted building (such as a wool shed or garage) and the conversion was not consented.
• A certificate of acceptance was applied for and denied because the building work contained defects.
• A safe and sanitary report confirmed the building work was unsafe and/or unsanitary.
• The builder’s report on the home identified that the building was not structurally sound.
• A pre-built/existing home has been moved onto the site and code is yet to be obtained for the placement/connection to services, etc.
• A garage converted to a home/self contained unit/sleepout, where it does not meet building standards for an inhabitable building.
• Renovations involving structural walls without consent.
• An outbuilding was built without consent as floor area was below local government requirement for consent but was not built to building code standards

How do you legalise existing building work?

Building work carried out before 1 July 1992 without the appropriate building approval requires a safe and sanitary report. A “safe and sanitary report” does not serve as an approval of the unauthorised work, just a reassurance that the building is safe and sanitary. You will need to engage a professional such as a private building consultant or registered engineer to complete this report. It will be held on file with the local council.

A certificate of acceptance is the appropriate way to legalise any work done after 1 July 1992. It provides limited assurance that the council has inspected the home and the completed building work complies with the building code at the time and contains no obvious defects.

Articles of interest

• Non-disclosure and what to tell your insurer
• Insurance when buying your first house
• Get started with initio

Living near the coast has a lot going for it. Sea views, beach access and a relaxed lifestyle are a big drawcard. But coastal properties can also come with additional risks, which means house insurance is often one of the first questions buyers ask.

If you are buying, owning, or thinking about selling a coastal property, it helps to understand how insurers assess risk, and how to navigate coastal risks with confidence.

Key things you’ll learn in this article:

• Whether coastal properties can be insured, and what insurers assess
• How flooding, erosion and subsidence affect insurance decisions
• Why some coastal homes require a customised solution
• What long-term insurability could mean for owners and buyers
• How to check if your property can be insured

Can I insure a coastal property right now?

In many cases, yes. Being close to the coast does not automatically make a property uninsurable.

Initio can insure a wide range of coastal properties, provided the risk profile meets our underwriting criteria at the time cover is considered. When assessing a coastal home, we look at factors such as:

• proximity to the coastline or waterways
• flood history or flood modelling for the area
• exposure to coastal erosion
• land stability, subsidence and coastal erosion risk
• local hazard maps and council information
• previous claims or known damage

You can obtain a quote online using the information available at the time and the details you disclose as part of the application. Depending on those details, the application may be able to be confirmed straight away, or it may be referred to our underwriting team for review before cover is confirmed.

In some situations, we may not be able to offer cover through our online model. This does not necessarily mean the property is uninsurable, but rather that it may require a more customised insurance approach that sits outside what initio is able to provide.

Does initio have concerns about erosion, flooding or subsidence?

These are some of the key risks we assess for coastal properties.

Flooding

Flooding is one of the most common risks for coastal homes, particularly where properties are close to estuaries, rivers, low-lying land, or stormwater outlets. Heavy rainfall, storm surge and rising sea levels can all increase flood risk over time. In some coastal areas, king tides can also contribute to higher water levels, particularly when they coincide with storm events. 

Learn more about flood risks and zones, and natural hazard cover.

Coastal erosion

Coastal erosion can occur gradually over many years, or suddenly during severe weather events. Properties built close to cliffs, dunes, or unstable shorelines can be more exposed to this risk.

Subsidence, land movement and coastal erosion

Coastal land can sometimes be affected by subsidence, erosion, or other forms of land movement, particularly where soils are soft, saturated, or influenced by changing groundwater or coastal conditions.

Subsidence and coastal erosion themselves are not covered under most house insurance policies. However, evidence of either can increase the likelihood of other insured events. For example, land that has experienced erosion or subsidence may be more susceptible to landslip or slope failure during large weather events, which can be covered under a house policy.

For this reason, insurers consider subsidence, land movement and coastal erosion together when assessing the overall risk profile of a property.

These factors do not automatically make a property uninsurable, but they do influence how insurers assess cover, pricing and long-term sustainability.

Why some coastal properties need a customised insurance solution

Initio is an online insurance provider. Our policies, pricing and underwriting are designed to work efficiently for a wide range of homes without the need for one-off or bespoke policy structures.

For most properties, this allows us to offer fast quotes, clear cover and easy ongoing management. However, some coastal properties have risk profiles that sit outside what can be supported through a standard online insurance model.

This can occur where a property has one or more higher or more complex risks, such as:

• significant exposure to coastal erosion
• repeated or severe flooding history
• known land instability or subsidence
• reliance on ongoing protective or mitigation works
• access challenges that affect emergency response or repairs

Where a property has these characteristics, it may require a customised insurance solution tailored specifically to its risks.

Unfortunately, as an online insurance provider, initio is unable to offer customised or bespoke insurance solutions. This does not reflect the quality or care of the property itself, but rather the way certain risks need to be assessed and managed.

Our focus is on being upfront, consistent and clear, so customers can understand their options and navigate coastal risks with clarity. 

See what’s included by reading our policy wordings.

What does this mean for long-term insurability?

Insurance decisions are based on the best information available at the time, including hazard modelling, claims experience and climate data. As this information evolves, insurance settings can evolve too.

For many coastal properties, any changes tend to happen gradually rather than all at once. Over time, this might mean things like:

• premiums adjusting as risk profiles change
• excesses being updated for certain types of events
• small changes to policy terms
• fewer insurers offering cover in higher-risk areas

If a property already needs a more customised insurance approach today, it can be a sign that the risk profile is more complex than average. This does not mean insurance will suddenly become unavailable, but it is something buyers and owners may want to keep in mind as part of longer-term planning.

Learn more about complex insurance quotes

Could this affect resale value?

For some buyers, insurance is becoming another factor they consider alongside location, price and future maintenance.

If a property is more expensive or complex to insure, that may influence how some buyers assess value. That said, many coastal homes remain highly desirable, and insurance is just one piece of the overall picture.

Thinking ahead about insurability, maintenance and risk mitigation can help support both ongoing cover and future resale appeal. If you are purchasing at auction or under conditional agreement, our guide on obtaining a letter of intent explains how to confirm cover during the buying process.

Things to consider when buying or owning coastal property

If you are considering a coastal home, it can help to:

• check council hazard maps and LIM reports
• understand past flooding, erosion or land movement in the area
• ask about previous insurance claims
• consider how close the home is to the shoreline or waterways
• think about any risk mitigation already in place

These steps can help you better understand both current and future insurance implications.

How to check if your property can be insured

The best place to start is with a quote, or by obtaining a letter of intent.

If it is referred for review, our team will assess the details provided and explain the outcome, so you can decide on your next steps with clarity. When requesting a letter of intent, it is important to disclose all relevant information you are aware of as part of your due diligence, such as flood zoning, coastal erosion exposure, land stability concerns or council hazard classifications.

Insurance does not have to be hard, even when you are navigating coastal risks.

You might also be interested in:

• Five tips to insuring in a flood zone
• There’s been a natural disaster, what happens next?
• Am I covered for natural disasters?
• Confirm you can obtain insurance before you make an offer
• How do I make an insurance claim?
• One insurer, one headache

External resources

• Searise maps
• Natural Hazards regional maps
• Auckland Council Flood viewer map

Written by Toby Pudney – initio’s support team lead.

Toby has been with initio since 2023 with 6 years of experience in the insurance industry. Credentials: ANZIIF New Zealand Compliance for Advisers (General Insurance Broking)

At initio, we’re all about providing clear and simple insurance solutions that fit your needs. However, there are a few types of insurance we don’t handle. Here’s a quick rundown of what we don’t currently cover, so you know exactly where we stand.

Stand-alone contents 

We understand that protecting your belongings is crucial. However, initio currently does not offer stand-alone contents insurance. Contents insurance is only available as an add-on to a home insurance policy for the same address as the insured property. If you are renting and only need to insure your contents, initio does not have an option for you at this time.  If you would like a quote for contents cover for your existing home insured with us, please view the add-on option/quote by logging into your initio dashboard and using the ‘change’ options.

Life products such as Life Insurance, Income Protection and Mortgagee Protection 

We do not offer life or income protection insurance. Life insurance ensures your loved ones are financially supported in the event of your passing, covering expenses like funeral costs and living expenses. Income protection insurance provides a regular income if you can’t work due to illness or injury, helping cover essential living costs. For these needs, we recommend consulting with specialised providers to get the comprehensive cover and peace of mind you deserve.

Travel 

Planning a trip can be exciting, but it also comes with its own set of risks. Unfortunately, initio does not offer travel insurance. This means we do not cover trip cancellations, lost luggage, or travel-related disruptions. For these specific needs, we recommend looking into specialised travel insurance providers who can offer you the necessary peace of mind for your journeys.

Medical 

Health and well-being are paramount, but initio does not provide medical insurance. Whether you need coverage for regular check-ups, emergency medical care, or long-term health treatments, you will need to find a dedicated health insurance provider. Our focus remains on property and vehicle insurance, ensuring that your primary assets are well protected.

Homes in transit

Moving homes can be a stressful experience, and ensuring your belongings are covered during the move is important. Unfortunately, initio does not offer insurance specifically for homes in transit. This means we do not cover any damage or loss that might occur while your belongings are being moved from one property to another. For coverage during your move, you will need to explore options with specialised moving insurance providers or seek transit cover from a broader insurance policy that includes this specific protection.

Contract works 

We don’t have a product at into for contract works.  If you’re renovating and making any structural alterations to your property, a standard house insurance policy won’t cover construction-related losses. For this, you need a Contract Works policy. This specialised insurance covers both the work being done and your home against construction-related losses. This can include issues like water damage from exposed cladding or structural damage caused by the renovations.

To make this easy for you, we’ve partnered with Builtin to offer the perfect Contract Works insurance solution. With Builtin, you can ensure that your renovation project is fully protected.

Body corporates

We cannot insure properties that are owned under a Body Corporate. Our cover is designed for domestic residential houses that have a single owner. Under a Body Corporate, there is a manager that collectively is responsible for insuring all the units on behalf of each owner. This is common where there’s a large number of living units, such as an apartment block.

Commercial/Business

We don’t provide commercial insurance at this time. Our primary focus is on landlords and homeowners, ensuring your residential properties are covered with the best possible policies. Commercial or business insurance is designed to protect businesses from a variety of risks. This type of insurance typically includes coverage for property damage, liability, and employee-related risks. It can protect against losses from events such as fires, theft, and lawsuits, and can also include specialised coverage like business interruption insurance, which helps cover lost income if your business is temporarily unable to operate. For business insurance needs, we recommend seeking specialised providers to get the tailored coverage your business requires.

Vacant Lots/Land or Lots/Land with only an Outbuilding

We only insure homes you can actually live in — so if it’s just a patch of grass, a shed (or a future dream build), we can’t provide cover until there’s a house on it.

Pet Health Insurance 

While we love pets as much as you do, we don’t offer pet insurance. We recommend checking with providers who specialise in this area to find the best cover for your furry friends. We do, however, cover damage caused to your property by pets.

Motorcycles, caravans, tractors and classic cars 

Generally speaking, motor vehicles (including quad bikes, motorbikes, and tractors) aren’t covered under your initio contents insurance. The only exception is for small, domestic-use vehicles listed in the policy definition of contents, such as electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters, golf carts, or children’s motorbikes under 50cc that are used only off-road. If you want cover for larger or road-legal vehicles like quad bikes, motorbikes, or tractors, you’ll need to arrange a separate motor vehicle insurance policy with a specialist provider, as this isn’t something initio offers.

Boats, jet skis, and other watercraft

Our cover doesn’t extend to boats, jet skis, or other types of powered watercraft. These fall outside the definition of household contents and need their own specialist cover. If you own watercraft, you’ll need to arrange a separate policy designed for marine risks, as they aren’t included under your home, landlord, or holiday home contents insurance.

Why these limitations?

Our goal is to offer you the most effective and straightforward insurance solutions. By focusing on specific areas, we ensure that our policies are comprehensive, easy to understand, and tailored to your needs. We believe that doing a few things exceptionally well is better than spreading ourselves too thin.

What we DO cover

For pretty much everything else, we’ve got you covered! We provide a wide range of insurance options to keep you protected. If you’re not sure which is the best cover for your situation, we recommend you visit our ‘help me choose’ page. Here’s a simple breakdown of our current insurance options:

• Home and contents
• Landlord
• Holiday homes
• Multi-unit rentals
• Own home, sometimes rented out
• Two dwellings on the same property
• House flip
• Vehicle insurance (only available to current policy-holders)

What we do best

We pride ourselves on providing excellent cover for your property. Our policies are designed to be simple, effective, and hassle-free. We’re always here to help you find the best solution for your insurance needs.

If you have any questions or need further clarification about what we cover, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help!

Final thoughts

While we do cover a whole heap of things, here are a few others we also don’t cover, just in case you were wondering:

• Pet dragons – Sorry, your fire-breathing friend is a bit too hot to handle.
• Alien abductions – We haven’t quite figured out how to insure intergalactic incidents yet.
• Time travel mishaps – If your time machine breaks down in 2050, you’re on your own!
• Unicorn stables – Magical creature houses aren’t covered, but we admire your imagination.

If none of this applies to you…

Great! You’re probably exactly the kind of property owner we can cover. Getting a quote takes just a minute, and there’s no paperwork or waiting.

Get a quote

• What is initio and how does it work?
• Initio’s policy wordings
• Technology you can trust
• How do I add contents insurance to my policy?

Get a quick estimate so you can feel confident in your contents cover.

The Sum Insurance contents calculator estimates the value of your household contents using values supplied by Sum Insured Pty Ltd, New Zealand and Australia’s leading provider of building contents cost information. It’s a helpful starting point when setting up or reviewing your house insurance or landlord insurance cover.

If you have existing contents insurance you would like to amend, log in to your dashboard and make a change.

Go to contents calculator         Learn about our replacement contents cover

Key takeaways in this article:

• A contents calculator helps estimate the value of your belongings so your cover reflects real replacement costs.

• Use a contents calculator as a starting point, then review your cover to make sure it still fits your needs.

• High-value items may need to be specified if they exceed standard policy limits.

• Most everyday belongings are usually automatically covered, subject to limits and conditions.

• Most claims are settled new-for-old, but some items are paid at market value.

• Your policy wording and schedule work together to explain your cover.

• You can update your contents cover anytime through your dashboard.

How your contents are covered

House vs landlord contents

Contents can mean different things depending on how the property is used.

• For homeowners, contents usually refers to your personal belongings like furniture, clothing, electronics, and everyday items.
• For landlords, contents cover is typically more limited. It usually includes items you provide with the property, such as carpets, curtains, blinds, and appliances, but not your tenant’s belongings.

Make sure you’re using the right approach when using a contents calculator, so your cover reflects what you actually need.

Learn more about the differences between contents cover options.

Which items need to be specified

Some belongings have a sub-limit, which means there’s a cap on how much we’ll pay for them. If an item is worth more than the limit shown in our support guide, you can list it as a specified item.

Learn which items need to specified

Which contents items are automatically covered in initio’s policy

Many everyday belongings might be automatically included in your cover without needing to be listed individually.

We’ve created a simple guide answering common “am I covered?” questions to help you see what’s typically included with an initio contents policy. It’s only a helpful guide, so always check your policy wording for full details. If you’re still unsure, reach out to us or use an AI search tool to review your policy, and always double-check the results.

Read the full guide

What contents are covered for market value

Most contents are covered on a new-for-old basis, meaning we replace items with new equivalents. Some items, however, are settled at their current market value instead.

Other criteria and limits apply, so check your policy wording for full details.

Check which items are covered for market value

How to add or update contents cover

You can add contents to your insurance or adjust your cover at any time through your online dashboard.

If you already have a policy, simply log in and adjust your details in a few clicks. Any changes you make will show straight away. Currently, contents cover isn’t available as a stand-alone policy and must be added to a home policy.

Learn more about how to make a change.

Calculate your house sum insured

Now that you’ve worked out your contents, you might be ready to calculate your house sum insured.

Go to the house calculator

Related articles

• Do I have contents cover?
• Contents insurance basics
• How do I add contents insurance to my policy?
• How to read an insurance policy

Yes,  while your contents insurance covers most of your belongings up to the sum insured shown in your policy schedule, there are some limits that apply to certain types of items and situations. Knowing these limits can help you decide if you need to specify an item on your house insurance policy to ensure full cover.

If you’re not sure what everything in your insurance policy means, our guide on how to read an insurance policy walks you through in a simple, easy-to-follow way.

General policy limit

• For any single event, the most we’ll pay for all your contents combined is your sum insured (listed on your policy schedule).
  • If you’re not sure how much to insure your contents for, use the sum insured contents calculator.

Item-specific limits (unless the item is specified on your policy)

• Jewellery, watches, earrings, collections, cameras – $3,000 per item
• Surfboards, windsurfers, paddleboards, kite surfers, surf skis, dinghies, kayaks, canoes – $2,000 each (including parts/accessories in or attached to them)
• Remotely piloted aircraft (drones) – $3,000 each (including parts/accessories in or attached to them)
• Bicycles – $2,000 each
• Money, bullion, unset precious stones, credit/debit cards, and stamps (not part of a collection) – $1,000 total
• Parts and accessories for watercraft, motor vehicles, trailers, caravans, or aircraft (if not in or attached) – $2,500 total

Combined jewellery and watch limit

• If you lose multiple unspecified jewellery/watches in one event, the total is capped at $15,000 unless your policy schedule shows a higher amount.

Special benefits with separate limits

• Home office equipment – $10,000 at home, $1,500 while away
• Alternative accommodation – $20,000 per event (up to 12 months)
• Children living away from home – $500 per item, $5,000 total
• Hidden gradual damage – $2,000 per year
• Credit/debit card fraud – $500 per year
• Overseas travel cover – $5,000 per trip (up to 3 weeks)
• Keys and locks – $1,000 per year
• Stress payment – $2,000 once per total loss claim

When to specify an item

If you own high-value items (like an engagement ring, top-end bike, or premium surfboard) that are worth more than these limits, you can list them as specified items on your policy for full replacement cover.

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 details – just remember to always double-check the results!

Ready to begin your journey with initio?  Start with a quote

Related articles

• Which items need to be specified?
• Which items are automatically covered under my house contents insurance?
• Sum insured contents calculator
• When do you need commercial insurance?
• How do I add contents insurance to my policy?

In most cases, before your loan is approved, and definitely before settlement day.

When you’re buying your first home, insurance can feel like just another admin task. But it’s one of the most time-sensitive steps in the process. Most banks won’t release funds for your mortgage until they’ve seen proof your new place is insured – and that means sorting cover before settlement day.

Here’s when you’ll need to act, depending on how you’re buying:

🏠 Buying at auction?

You’ll need to get insurance sorted before you bid. That means:

• Making sure the house is insurable (some homes aren’t — especially if they’ve had past damage or structural issues)
  
• Getting a Letter of Intent from your insurance provider to confirm you can get cover if you win

Pro tip: If you win the auction but can’t get insurance, you’re still locked into the purchase. Don’t risk it.

💼 Making a conditional offer?

Most finance clauses require proof of insurance before the bank confirms your loan. That usually means:

• Providing a Letter of Intent (shows the house is insurable)
  
• Or a Certificate of Insurance (shows active cover will be in place on settlement)

📌 If you don’t provide this, your finance might fall through.

🗓 What about on settlement day?

Even if your offer is unconditional, your house still needs to be insured from the date of settlement, that’s when legal ownership transfers to you.

• Set your policy start date to match your settlement date
  
• Once you’ve purchased cover, your Certificate of Insurance is emailed instantly

📌 Don’t wait until the day before — with initio, you can set your policy up to start up to 30 days in advance.

What’s the easiest way to show your bank you’re sorted?

With initio, you’ve got two options:

📝 Letter of Intent  –  For when you haven’t confirmed the purchase, but need to show the home can be insured.

📄 Certificate of Insurance – For when you’re ready to activate the policy. It confirms the house is fully covered from your chosen date.

Can we insure the home before settlement for early possession?

Initio is unable to provide insurance cover for a home before the settlement date, even if you have early possession. Insurance can only start from the day you become the legal owner, which is the settlement date. If you need to arrange cover, you can set the policy start date as your settlement date when purchasing a new policy. 

Other times you’ll need to arrange insurance:

🛠 Planning renovations before you move in?

If you’re doing cosmetic renovations (carpet & flooring, painting, removing non-load bearing walls), you may need a House Flip policy. Learn more.

🚚 Moving house?

Need a new policy for your new address? Make sure it’s in place from takeover day to moving day to avoid any gaps in cover. Learn more

No waiting. No phone calls.

Get a quote in seconds, see if the property is insurable, and download your documents instantly.

Get started with a quote now →

Buy House Insurance

For more details, view insurance made easy for first home buyers (e-book).

You might also be interested in:

• • House insurance with initio
  • Need to confirm you can obtain insurance before making an offer?
  • How do I get a certificate of insurance?
  • Moving house? Make sure you’re covered
  • What work is covered by a house flip policy?

Whether you’re adding house, landlord, or holiday home contents to your insurance policy, the process is straightforward. You can add contents cover when getting your insurance quote by simply toggling it on in the quick quote tool. Once you have your policy in place, you can log into your initio dashboard at any time and adjust your contents cover to suit your needs. This flexibility means you can update your cover as life changes, without needing to start a new policy.

The main differences between our contents cover options come down to what’s covered and how it’s covered.

Own home contents:

This is the broadest option, covering personal belongings kept at your home. It also extends to some items temporarily away from the house, such as personal items you might take with you around New Zealand. Cover also includes limited perils for contents in transit when you’re moving between homes.

Get house insurance

Landlord contents:

This is limited to items you’ve provided at the rental property, such as appliances, furniture, or curtains for the tenant’s use. It doesn’t cover tenants’ belongings, as they’ll need their own contents policy. Cover is restricted to the property address and excludes things like your personal items, linen, or leisure gear or items you’ve stored at the address.

Get landlord insurance

Holiday home contents:

Similar to landlord cover, this applies only to contents kept at the holiday home address. It typically includes furniture, whiteware, and general household fittings. Owner’s personal belongings, expensive hobby equipment, or anything stored off-site are not included.

Get holiday home insurance

Tip: If you’re unsure what your contents are worth, you can use the CoreLogic contents calculator to get a better idea before setting your cover level.

Can I get contents insurance by itself?

It’s worth noting that initio does not currently offer stand-alone contents insurance. To get contents cover, it must be added to an active insurance policy for the same property. If you only need to insure your contents, such as when you’re renting or not insuring the home itself, initio is not able to provide contents cover.

Related articles

• Understanding difference between contents cover options
• Are there limits to how much I can claim for my contents?
• What items are automatically covered under my house contents insurance?
• What items do I need to specify?
• Things we don’t cover
• How do I change my contents cover?
• Contents calculator

Finding out your property is contaminated with meth can be scary. Here’s a quick few tips to helping you through making and managing a claim.

Step 1: Get a detailed composite test

If you’ve detected meth at your property it’s likely this was from a base-level composite test, or with a self-testing kit. After a positive preliminary test you’ll need to get a full detailed test. This is a room by room test that take sample wipes in accordance with the IANZ accredited NISOH testing method.

When you receive this test back check that any part of the house has a reading above the 1.5 μg MOH level. Usually this is the case, and means you can make a claim on your policy.

Step 2: Lodge a claim through your dashboard

If the detailed test shows levels over 1.5 μg then login to your dashboard to make a claim. We’ll also need the following documents which you can upload along with the claim:

• Composite test result and invoice
• Test report from the testing company that includes photos and details of samples
• Invoice for detailed test
• Tenancy agreement
• Tenancy reference checks
• Written inspection reports

Remember that you need to meet your landlord obligations to have cover for meth contamination.

Step 3: Get a cleaning quote

You will need to get a meth decontamination company to give you a quote for cleaning the property back below 1.5 μg. They’ll use your detailed test results to put this together.

When you receive this send us a copy to [email protected]. We will then advise you about going ahead with the cleaning.

If you need any assistance or support during the process please do not hesitate to contact us.

Protect your rental with initio’s landlord insurance

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Related articles:

Is my rental property covered for meth?
Understanding the Gluckman meth report
How do meth claims work?
Protecting your rental from crime