Search results for: {search_term_string}/house-flip-insurance/house-insurance
Here’s a simple list of losses that are and aren’t covered by Initio’s home and contents insurance policies.
Note this is not an exhaustive list but some of our more popular claims. Please refer to our full policy for more details.
Covered:
✅ Car crashes into front fence.
✅ Burglary.
✅ Candle is left burning unattended, curtain catches alight and the whole house burns down.
✅ Washing machine discharges into blocked sink and floods laundry and hallway.
✅ Child draws on bedroom walls with permanent marker.
✅ Tree falls on house in a storm and damages spouting and roof.
✅ Wind catches french door: bends frame and breaks glass.
✅ Frozen pipes cause pipes to crack and burst.
✅ Teenagers jostling each other in the bathroom and accidentally knock toilet over.
✅ Hot pot placed on kitchen bench and laminate top melts.
✅ Fence is blown over by high winds.
✅ Someone accidentally drives their car through the back wall of the garage.
✅ Bath is accidentally left running and it overflows.
✅ Car accidentally drives into garage door, bending it and knocking it off the runners.
✅ Laptop dropped and broken (owner occupied home with replacement contents only).
✅ Electric storm causes appliances to blow.
✅ Tenant is aggravated about being evicted and attacks the house with a golf club, leaving numerous holes in walls and smashed windows.
✅ Cellphone accidentally dropped in the toilet and no longer works (owner occupied home with replacement contents only).
✅ A full bottle of shampoo is accidentally dropped on the shower base and causes a crack. The shower is immediately turned off and a replacement shower base is installed.
✅ Potential buyer requests a methamphetamine test be completed prior to the sale of a rental property. Results come back positive and property requires cleaning. Total claim is under $30,000.
✅ Seal on hot water cylinder fails as it’s old and brittle, water slowly drips onto chipboard flooring and causes it to swell and disintegrate, joists are damaged also. Hot water cylinder seal is not covered, but resultant damage to flooring is.
✅ Skirting boards appear swollen and wet behind a bookshelf, carpet is wet also. Cause is determined to be a nail put through a PVC pipe years ago, it’s slowly rusted out and left a pin prick hole which has been leaking for a week or two before it’s noticed. The pipe repair is not covered, but the resultant damage is.
Not Covered:
✖ Pot plant rots carpet.
✖ Roof tiles come loose over a period of time.
✖ Broken window glass that is not over excess amount.
✖ Tenant leaves house dirty and needs to be cleaned.
✖ Cat messes on carpet at various intervals and it isn’t cleaned properly. Stains & odour remain.
✖ Tenant leaves behind rubbish and insured has to pay to dump it.
✖ Tenant leaves behind personal belongings and insured has to pay to dump it.
✖ Shower base is cracked and water gets through, soaking the floorboards and joists.
✖ Sealer breaks down around a bath and water soaks through over a period of time.
✖ Oven elements rusted due to insufficient cleaning and maintenance.
“All claims are different and they are assessed on their own merits and facts. The above does not imply a guaranteed approach to all such claims”.
IMPORTANT: If your house is unsecure, unsafe or vulnerable to more damage, get a professional to make the house livable and we’ll work through the costs together later.
After ensuring the house is secure and everyone is safe, here’s what to do if you have home and contents insurance with Initio:
- Take a photo of the damage.
- Complete any urgent repairs ie glazing, tree removal etc
- Get a quote to repair the remaining damage.
- Log in to your dashboard on the initio website and click on make a claim
- Fill in the form and send us the photo and quote.
- We’ll email or call you within 1 business day.
Black water alert
As a precaution, homes that have been inundated with flood waters from the street or rivers should be treated as contaminated (black water) and extra care taken. See our guidelines on black water and cleaning up after a flood.
FAQ’s:
- Can I use my own repairer or do Initio have approved repairers that I must use?
You can use any repairer you like. So long as their costs are reasonable and you are happy with the standard of work, then we’re happy.
- My holiday home has potentially been damaged by a storm, but we’re not going there for another month, can I claim that late after the date of the storm?
You can claim for damage after the loss; however, it is an absolute requirement that you do everything you can to ensure any damage is kept as minimal as possible. If you are not able to get to your holiday home yourself, then you’ll need to get someone else to go and check it to make sure that no urgent repairs are needed.
This amount is chosen by you when you buy the insurance, if you can’t remember, just check your policy schedule (you’ll find this document on your dashboard).
- Will Initio send an assessor to look before I fix anything?
An assessor may be appointed to your claim if the loss looks to be substantial. Please note that you don’t have to wait for an assessor, to complete urgent repairs like smashed windows and doors.
“All claims are different and they are assessed on their own merits and facts. The above does not imply a guaranteed approach to all such claims”
Initio were on site for this client within 24 hours following a tornado in the National Park.
Related articles:
Accidental damage is irksome, someone or something has damaged your property and it needs to be made right. Don’t worry, that’s what you’ve got home and contents insurance for and we’re here to help.
IMPORTANT: If your house is unsecured, unsafe or vulnerable to more damage, get a professional to make the house safe and we can work through the costs together later.
If you think your claim will be under $5,000, here’s what you need to do:
- Take photos of the damage.
- Get a quote to repair any damage.
- Log in your dashboard on the initio website and click on ‘Make a Claim’. Fill in the form and attach your photos and quotes.
- We’ll email or call you within one business day.
If the damage is severe, we might need an assessor’s opinion, here’s what you need to do:
- Log in to your dashboard on the initio website and click on ‘Make a Claim’. Fill in the form and attach any photos you’ve taken.
- We’ll email or call you within one business day.
FAQ’s:
- Can I use my own repairer or do initio have approved repairers that I must use?
You can use any repairer you like, as long as their costs are reasonable and you’re happy with the standard of work, then we’re happy.
- Who will pay my excess: me, or the person who damaged my house?
This is case-by-case. If a tenant caused the damage accidentally, then we cannot hold them responsible. However, if a neighbour accidentally drives through your fence, then we’ll probably be able to get the money back from their insurance company and your excess will be reimbursed to you.
“All claims are different and they are assessed on their own merits and facts. The above does not imply a guaranteed approach to all such claims”
A stranger accidentally reversed their car into this garage door, damaging not only the door, but block work too. Initio worked with the property manager and repairer to get the door replaced and brickwork repaired efficiently and with as little fuss as possible to the tenants. Best of all, initio recovered the costs from the driver and refunded the excess to the insured.
Related articles
Meth Contamination is one of the largest loss leaders for landlords in New Zealand. Cleaning costs for a well-contaminated house can easily cost over $10,000.
Do I need to test for meth before renting out my property?
Regular meth testing isn’t a requirement under initio’s landlord insurance. However, we recommend testing at key times – such as between tenancies, when buying a property, or if you suspect drug use or manufacture.
With initio’s landlord cover:
- Meth testing and cleaning are covered up to $30,000 if a positive reading over 1.5 μg occurs during the insured period.
- Loss of rent may also be covered while the property is being decontaminated.
For Unlawful Substances liability cover specifically, you must test before and after each tenancy to have that liability protection in place.
For more details, see our guidance and claims info:
When do we cover meth testing and cleaning costs?
If you have our landlord cover and you get a positive reading over 1.5 μg from an event during the insured period, our meth cover applies.
We’ll pay up to $30,000 for testing and cleaning the house back to a level below 1.5 μg. A higher $2,500 excess applies to meth however in most cases this cost comfortably exceeded.
Loss of Rent
It can take several weeks, or even months for a property to be fully cleaned for meth. During this cleaning your property won’t be able to be rented.
Our landlord insurance will also cover the lost rents during this period, over and above the $30,000 limit for meth cleaning. We’ll cover the rents until either the property is cleaned (and can be rented again), or the loss of rent limit you selected on your policy has been reached (usually $20,000).
What do I need to do to have meth cover?
To have meth contamination cover you’ll need to meet our landlord obligations. Please make sure you’re doing these so you’re not caught out when you need to make a meth claim.
For details on when meth testing is required, see here.
What do I need to do to insure a home which already has meth contamination?
At initio, we are unable to provide cover for a home that is already contaminated above 1.5μg/100cm2. If you want to insure a home with contamination above that level, you’ll need to arrange for a professional clean and a subsequent report from the provider confirming the property has been cleaned to below those levels. We can then consider cover for you.
Protect your rental with initio’s landlord insurance
Get a quote in seconds
Related articles:
An Interested Party is someone who has a financial interest in something you own. On an insurance policy, it’s usually a bank or finance company that have an interest in the property or vehicle you are insuring. Most likely, you have a loan or a mortgage on that item with them.
If you’re buying a house with a mortgage or a car on finance, the lender usually needs their name listed on the insurance certificate. If you’re the only person or entity with a financial interest you won’t need to list an interested party.
Need to change the Interested Party on your Policy?
You can change the interested party on your house insurance policy yourself at any time. Simply login to your initio dashboard and select the Make a Change option on the relevant policy. Then choose the option to change the Interested Party.
You can select the bank or finance company from our interested party dropdown list or choose “other” from that list, to nominate a party not shown. If you need to name more than one interested party, please choose the “other” option from the dropdownlist, then provide the name of both parties in the one field provided.
All changes are instant and a new certificate will be provided upon confirmation of the change. If you need to future date a change, please use the “other” field in the dropdown list, then provide the name of the new interested party along with the date of the change, eg. “BNZ Limited, with effect from the 1st March 2024”. This information will then be provided in the updated certificate.
If you have home and contents insurance with initio and your home suffers water damage, here’s what you need to do:
- Get the water turned off or at least isolate the leak to stop water flowing to it. You might need to get a plumber to do this for you.
- Make sure the house is safe. If the wiring could be wet, turn the power off and get an electrician to check it.
- Get the house dry quickly. Call a professional drying company such as ChemDry or JAE and get them to install some commercial dryers and blowers as soon as possible, they’ll also know if carpets need to be uplifted, walls opened and insulation removed etc.
- Log in to your dashboard on the initio website and click on Make a Claim, fill in the form and send us any photos you’ve taken. We’ll email or call you within 1 business day.
Black water alert
As a precaution, where homes have been contaminated by black water (sewage or storm water), extra care must be taken. See our guidelines on black water and cleaning up after a flood.
FAQs
Will Initio send an assessor?
An assessor won’t be able to do anything until the property is dry. If there is significant damage to your home afterwards, then we can get an assessor to go to site.
Can I use any plumber, electrician, drying company, or do Initio have approved companies that I must use?
You can use any repairer or supplier you like. So long as their costs are reasonable and you are happy with the standard of work, then we’re happy. Please be aware that in some instances the cost of the tradesman’s work may not be covered under your policy, that may still need to be determined.
What is my excess?
This amount is chosen by you when you buy the insurance, if you can’t remember, just check your policy schedule (you’ll find this document on your dashboard).
Our plumber has told us that the leak was caused by a rusted nail in a pipe in the wall, it’s been slowly leaking for the past few weeks but we’ve only just noticed it. Is this covered?
Because the damage has been happening over a long period of time, we need to claim under the ‘Hidden Gradual Damage’ benefit of the insurance policy. This benefit covers leaks stemming from internal water pipes and tanks that are hidden from site and have been leaking over a long period of time, the cover is capped at $3,000 and your excess will be deducted from that limit.
“All claims are different and they are assessed on their own merits and facts. The above does not imply a guaranteed approach to all such claims”
An initio customer returned from a holiday overseas to discover a sudden burst pipe had resulted in almost $8,500 worth of damage. Initio paid the claim efficiently, straight to the customer’s bank account.
Related articles
Do you ever get that sinking feeling that your claim might be denied? Do not worry, we’ve got your back! Here at initio, we’re here to help make sense of insurance claims.
Picture this: your furry friend decides to redecorate your living room by adding some stylish chew marks to your carpet. But then you realise the repair bill is more jaw-dropping than the damage itself. Perhaps a car drives into the side of your house, or maybe you accidentally run over your golf clubs with your lawn mower.
Do you file a claim? Absolutely!
As your trusty insurance provider, it’s our job to come to the rescue. Paying claims is what we do best – it’s practically our superpower! Which is why we have made this process as easy as possible.
Our tech-savvy system, which we call Smart Claims, guides you through each step, asking all the right questions and ensuring that the info you provide is spot-on. The Smart Claims technology is all about putting people first and making the claims process as easy and fast as possible.
Here’s something to keep in mind: if you’re ever unsure about filing a claim, it’s always worth going ahead. Our smart claims platform will guide you through all the relevant questions we need answered. This means that when it comes time to process your claim, we have all the details we need.
There might be times we’ll need more information from you, but these instances are few and far between. It’s also worth mentioning that you can never have too many photos or documentation. The more evidence you can provide, the smoother the process will be in the long run.
At initio insurance, we’re not just about policies and premiums – we’re about making your life easier, because let’s face it, who doesn’t love a hassle-free insurance experience?
USEFUL LINKS
You might not give your bathroom heater much thought, but if it’s a Serene S2068 model, it’s time to pay attention.
MBIE recently reminded Kiwis that 28,000 recalled heaters are still installed in homes, despite a compulsory recall issued last year. These wall-mounted bathroom heaters pose a serious fire risk, and fires linked to these units have already occurred.
If you’re a homeowner or landlord, it’s important to check your bathrooms (and any properties you’re responsible for) to see if you have a Serene S2068 bathroom heater. If you do, turn it off immediately and contact the supplier you bought it from. MBIE’s full recall details can be found here.
Why this matters for insurance
Beyond the obvious safety risks, there are also insurance implications. According to MBIE, the Insurance Council of New Zealand has advised that damage from a fire caused by these recalled heaters may not be covered, especially if you have knowingly disregarded the official recall instructions.
At initio, we want to make sure our customers stay safe and covered. That means staying informed and proactive when it comes to known risks like this one. If you’re aware of a product recall and choose to ignore it, you could jeopardise your cover if something goes wrong.
What you should do now
- Check your bathroom heater. If it’s a Serene S2068, stop using it.
- Spread the word. Tell friends, family, and tenants to check theirs too.
- Act quickly. Contact the supplier or an electrician to safely remove the heater.
Being aware of risks like these is part of being a responsible property owner, and it helps protect not just your home, but your insurance cover too.
OTHER ARTICLES
The recent case of a rented dwelling being fire damaged by a tenant serving home detention has brought to light serous issues for property owners.
As things stand there is no legal responsibility for tenants to disclose to their landlord that there is anyone living at the address that is serving home detention. This may cause complications for property owners if the property is damaged and they try and claim on their insurance cover.
Initio Insurance, who operate a dedicated online rental property underwriting agency, is concerned that this non-disclosure could mean landlords fall short of their insurance obligations to notify their insurers of all material facts. Material non-disclosure is one of the leading reasons why insurance claims are declined.
Rene Swindley, Managing Director of Initio, states that “property owners make a significant investment in their properties. It is for this reason that landlords need to apply greater vigilance to discover who is actually tenanting their property”. As a landlord it is important to notify the insurer of any information that may affect the insurance. “We suggest that landlords incorporate this notification process into their regular property inspection and review program”.
Making a claim is easy.
All our claims are lodged online via your dashboard login.
A ‘Make a Claim’ option appears on the right-hand side menu of each policy. Select this, then follow the prompts that appear to complete the questions.
How long will initio take to settle my claim?
The time it takes to settle a claim depends on the type of claim and the complexity involved.
The good news? We process straightforward claims quickly – often within just a few days. To help us move even faster, please include as much information and supporting documentation as possible when you lodge your claim.
While some claims may take longer due to their nature or third-party involvement, our experienced team has seen it all. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way and work hard to get your claim resolved as soon as possible.
How do I follow the progress of my claim?
Once you lodge your claim, our team will get in touch to let you know what happens next.
You can track your claim through the Claims page in your dashboard, which reflects the same updates you’ll receive via email from your claims manager.
You can also use this page to upload additional documents, such as photos, quotes, or invoices, to support your claim.
If you need an update and there’s no new information on your dashboard, please give our claims team a call on 0800 763 929 or send us an email to [email protected].
What if I want to withdraw or cancel my claim?
To withdraw or cancel your claim, please reach out to the person you have been dealing with by phone or email.
You can learn more about our claims service here.
Watch our quick guide to making a claim
Related pages
Its that time of year again. The clocks have been moved forward and we are now closer to summer. If you have a holiday home its important that you protect everyone who may stay by maintaining your smoke alarms.
1. Clean smoke alarms to ensure they are free from dust and cobwebs.
2. Test smoke alarms to make sure they are operational.
3. Replace batteries if they are more than 1 year old.
If you own a rental property, make smoke alarms a part of the property inspections performed at your property. You are protecting a major asset and the safety of your tenants. We recommend you go a step further a supply smoke alarms and replacement batteries to all properties you own.
While having good rental property insurance and holiday home insurance is an essential ‘safety net’, its always best to be proactive in protecting your property. Initio Rental Property Insurance is one of the only specialist rental property and holiday home insurance providers in New Zealand. Initio knows rental insurance.
Have you ever wondered what you would do if you had a claim on your property? At initio we have compiled a step by step guide to help you navigate making a claim.
Step 1. Secure your Property
Take care of yourself and your property to prevent further loss or damage, if you need to, contact emergency services such as fire or police.
Step 2. Make a Claim
Login to your initio dashboard and click ‘make a claim’ answer the questions and upload any relevant documentation such as receipts, quotes, police reports, and photos. If you have any additional details or forget to send something initially, you can email it to us: [email protected]
If your claim is urgent and you need to speak to someone, call 0800 763 929, or 0800 560 333 outside business hours.
Step 3. Leave it to Initio
Our Claims Manager will be in touch with the next steps. If required we may send an assessor to your property to review and assist with the claim process.
Step 4. Contact Details
Keep an eye on your emails and initio dashboard for claims updates and notifications. Make sure that we have the contact details for your tenants and property manager in case we need to liaise with them directly to arrange access.
Step 5. Practical tips
Here are some other things you can do, to assist initio in getting your claim resolved quickly.
- Take photos of the damage, if your claim is straightforward we might be able to use these to assess your damage.
- If you have water damage, contact JAE on 0800 225 552 (or another commercial drying company) to arrange cleaning and drying.
- Arrange for a repairer to view the damage, report on the cause (if they’re able to) and provide a quotation to repair.
- Provide us with receipts, or model numbers for items that are damaged or stolen.
- Three monthly property inspection reports are required for contamination or deliberate damage by tenant claims.
- If you are claiming for loss of rent we will need a copy of the tenancy agreement.
Learn more about how to make a claim with initio
Your initio home insurance policy covers sudden, accidental damage to your home. An insurance policy is designed to help you recover from unexpected losses that can not be prevented. It is not a maintenance contract, and is not designed to cover wear and tear.
With any insurance policy there are losses that are uninsurable. If an insurance policy covered absolutely everything, it would be unaffordable. One of these uninsurable losses is mildew, rot, corrosion, rust or gradual deterioration.
Gradual deterioration is damage that occurs over time, and based on the above statement would not be covered by your policy. However, the initio policy includes an extension for ‘Hidden Gradual Damage’ which gives you back some cover.
What does the Hidden Gradual Damage Extension Cover?
Initio’s Hidden Gradual Damage Extension covers you for the resultant damage caused by water accidentally leaking or overflowing from an internal water pipe at your home. It is important to note it does not cover the costs to repair the leak; with our consent we will cover the cost to locate the leak. The maximum amount we will pay under this extension is $3,000 including GST.
Example of Hidden Gradual Damage
You notice that the carpet in your bedroom is wet, upon further investigation you discover that water is coming from an adjoining bathroom. A plumber removes the wall lining to locate the source of the leak, discovers a leaking pipe and repairs the leak. You lodge an insurance claim online, and a drying company (such as Jae’s) are sent to dry out the flooring. A builder is instructed to repair the hole in the wall lining, arranges for a plasterer and painter to complete the job. For the purpose of this example you have a $400 excess.
What costs are claimable?
| Supplier |
Amount |
Description |
Claimable? |
| Plumber’s invoice: |
$700 |
Locating the leak |
Yes, if initio have given consent |
| Drying invoice: |
$500 |
Dry out flooring and wall |
Yes |
| Builder’s invoice: |
$2,000 |
Repair the wall, plaster & paint |
Yes |
| TOTAL |
$3,200 |
Total claimable costs |
|
|
|
|
|
| Plumber’s invoice: |
$1,100 |
Repair the leaking pipe |
No, not included in the cover |
|
$4,300 |
Total repair costs |
|
So, How much will I get paid?
While the total repair costs are $4,300, the total claimable costs are $3,200. As the maximum amount payable under the Hidden Gradual Damage extension is $3,000. In this example initio will cash settle you $2,600 ($3,000 limit less your $400 excess) directly to your nominated bank account.
At Initio we use our technology to pay claims. We’ve made it our mission to cut the nonsense and pay claims fast. Our best yet is money in a customers bank account within an hour of us opening the claim. We call this the initio 6 star experience.
Holiday home insurance is good but risk management is even better
Identifying and eliminating risks in your holiday home is important for the ongoing enjoyment of your property. As Initio insurance handles a large number of holiday home claims, it has identified the top 3 causes of loss in holiday homes. Initio also has some great advice to stop these things happening in the first place.
#1 Water Damage:
The number one cause of loss in holiday homes for Initio is water damage. In many cases leaking or burst pipes cause significant damage while properties are unattended. The damage is only discovered when holiday makers arrive at the property to start relaxing, and are instead faced with the smell of rotting carpets.
Risk management includes prevention of loss or damage and general up keep of your property, Initio’s top tips for counteracting loss include:
- Turn off the water at the mains whenever tenants and family leave the property for more than a week
- Clean guttering and keep it clear
- Respond immediately to any concerns that tenants or visitors may have about the property’s condition
- Visit the property at least every 6 months to check for any signs of damage or run down structures, and arrange repairs.
# 2 Storm Damage:
Another common cause of water damage is from storms and flooding. While no one can prevent such events we can try to minimise the damage caused by them.
- Secure any outside structures, such as trampolines and children’s play structures.
- Take down umbrellas and move outdoor furniture inside when you leave – anything not nailed down can fly and cause serious damage in a storm.
- Keep trees trimmed and remove any overhanging branches. This will help to keep the gutters clear and prevent branches breaking off and damaging your home.
#3 Burglary / Break-in
Holiday Homes are often vacant and are an easy target for opportunistic thieves. There are steps that you can take to prevent having to deal with the heartache and distress of someone illegally entering your property, and ultimately having to make a claim on your policy. Here are some tips to prevent opportunistic burglars from targeting and gaining access to your property.
- Check window joinery and replace or repair any loose latches.
- Consider installing security stays on windows.
- Fit deadlocks / deadbolts to all external doors; especially older doors and ranch sliders which can be easier to obtain access.
- Install a burglar alarm and advertise the presence of an alarm.
- Install exterior sensor lights, or check that existing lights are working correctly
- Don’t advertise when you are away; keep the lawns mowed and the mail box clear.
- Develop friendships with neighbours and keep an eye on each others properties.
In addition, Initio recommends the following general things to reduce risk.
- Test smoke alarms to make sure they are operational, and free of dust and cobwebs.
- Unplug your television, oven and other appliances to protect them from power surges
Insurance is there when you need it but if you can avoid a claim in the first place you will still be better off.
Learn more about holiday home insurance here
find out about all of the initio property insurance products here
The Government recently commissioned Sir Peter Gluckman to prepare a report on meth. The report identified that in other countries meth investigations focused on identifying meth labs, and that the New Zealand approach is to hold meth labs and meth smoking to the same standard.
This has caused a lot of unnecessary cost to landlords and their insurers. Gluckman recommends that the standard measure of of 1.5 μg/100 cm2 should be increased tenfold. Yet, months after Gluckman’s findings the recommendations have not been universally adopted by Government agencies and insurers.
Gluckman Report Summary – The two types of Meth Contamination
1. Making meth
The report outlined how passive, third-hand exposure to methamphetamine can arise through residing in a dwelling previously used as a clandestine meth lab. There’s evidence for adverse physiological and behavioural symptoms associated with third-hand exposure to former meth labs, but these are normally tied to the use of other toxic chemicals in the environment during the manufacturing process, rather than to the meth itself.
2. Using meth
Gluckman also found there is currently no evidence (in either humans or animals) that third-hand exposure to methamphetamine smoking residues on household surfaces can cause negative health effects.
The bottom line
The report concludes that:
- Levels below 15 μg/100 cm2 isn’t likely to negatively effect people.
- Cleaning properties according to the existing standard is needed only for former meth labs and properties.
Who has adapted the recommendation?
- Housing New Zealand immediately raised its trigger with the report’s recommendations and said they would only test when heavy use was suspected. Having spent over $100m on trying to clean meth houses, it’s great that HNZ took action quickly.
- Real Estate Authority (REA) issued new disclosure guidelines for agents in the wake of Gluckman’s bombshell report. Real estate agents now only have to tell potential buyers if a property has a reading over 15 μg.
- The Tenancy Tribunal – at the 2018 NZPIF annual conference the tenancy tribunal’s principal tenancy adjudicator Melissa Poole confirmed orders for contamination lodged after the Gluckman report will follow the 15μg level.
Who hasn’t adopted Gluckman’s recommendation?
- MOH (Ministry of Health) still uses the June 2017 standard of 1.5 μg.
Insurance companies typically still define the meth contamination level “as the relevant guideline for indoor surface contamination, as set out in the most recent version of the New Zealand Standard NZS 8510”.
How does this affect my landlord insurance?
Until there is a change to the New Zealand Standard, there will be limited change to the handling of meth for landlord insurance providers.
Until the government changes the standard, contamination over the 1.5 μg will trigger a claim under most policies.
Initio’s landlord policy continues to pay low level meth contamination claims under 15 μg which unfortunately continues to put pressure on insurance premiums.
Tips to lowering your meth risk
- Meth test new homes before you go unconditional. Despite the REA adopting 15, any home testing over 1.5 is untenanted.
- Obtain reference checks for all adult tenants.
- Regular documented inspections.
- Advise your tenant that you will be undertaking meth testing.
Protect your rental with initio’s landlord insurance
Get a quote in seconds
Related articles:
Is my rental property covered for meth?
What to do after a positive meth test
How do meth claims work?
Smart moves, part III
In this third instalment, we shift gears from payment strategies to practical protection. Graeme Fowler shares the habits that help landlords avoid disputes, speed up claims, and stay on top of their obligations, starting with inspections.
How important are regular inspections?
“Very. You should be inspecting every three months, no excuses. If something goes wrong and you can’t show a pattern of regular checks, you could run into problems during a claim.”
Graeme says inspections aren’t just about identifying damage, they’re also about proving you’ve taken reasonable steps to manage risk. This becomes especially important if a claim is disputed or complex.
What kind of documentation helps at claim time?
“Keep your paperwork tidy – inspection reports, tenancy agreements, anything that proves what’s happening at the property. When you do need to make a claim, it makes life much easier.”
Graeme has seen how missing or disorganised documents can cause claim delays – or worse, denials. His approach: prepare like you’ll need it, even if you never do.
From initio: Quarterly inspections are a requirement under our landlord policy. We recommend keeping clear records and photos. While we don’t currently offer a document upload feature, we suggest using a service like myRent to store these securely. As well as acting as a digital filing cabinet, myRent also helps with tenant communication, rent collection, inspection reminders, and more – making it a handy tool for busy NZ landlords. They also offer helpful guidance on how to handle your first routine inspection. Learn more about your obligations as a landlord here.
Any other overlooked mistakes landlords should avoid?
“Choosing a really low excess thinking it’s safer. But it often just means you’re paying more in premiums – and if you’re unlikely to claim, it doesn’t make sense.”
Graeme says newer landlords sometimes prioritise a lower excess out of caution, but over time that strategy can backfire.
From initio: You can update your excess at any time through your online policy dashboard. We’ll show you the premium difference in real time so you can make an informed choice.
What about monthly payments?
“They’re convenient, but they tend to cost more. If you can pay annually, do it.”
While this topic was covered earlier in the series, it’s worth reinforcing: consistent cost-saving habits (like paying annually) make a difference when you own multiple properties.
From initio: Annual payments are the most cost-effective option. We clearly show the difference between monthly and annual payment on our quick quote tool, so you can choose what works for you.
Coming up next in the Smart Moves Series:
How to think about risk – why location isn’t everything when it comes to insurance.
Want the quick version?
We’ve pulled together the key takeaways from this series into our Landlord Insurance Fundamentals
Guide—including a bite-sized version of our interview with Graeme Fowler. It’s a great place to start if you’re after a practical overview of insurance essentials for NZ landlords. Read it here
Related articles:
From a bold idea to a bigger future
If you’ve been with initio for a while, you’ll know we like to do things differently.
What started as two mates – Sam and Rene – deciding they would have a crack at building an online insurance platform from scratch has grown into one of New Zealand’s most trusted ways to insure homes and rentals. We’ve picked up awards, earned more than 4,500 five-star reviews, and built a team that’s proud to make insurance simple, fast, and transparent for thousands of Kiwis.
Rene Swindley & Sam Brook, co-founders of initio.
We’ve always believed insurance could be smarter – that you shouldn’t have to wait on hold, fill out endless forms, or wonder what your policy actually covers. So we built technology that made it easier.
Taking the next step, together with IAG New Zealand
Now, we’re entering a new chapter.
Our long-time underwriting partner, IAG New Zealand (through its NZI brand), has taken a 49% ownership stake in initio. We retain 51%, with our local leadership team – the same crew you know – still running the business and steering our direction.
This partnership builds on more than a decade of working together and reflects IAG’s confidence in initio’s technology, innovation, and customer experience model. It’s a vote of trust in what we’ve created – and in where we’re headed.
We’re proud of our team, the innovation that flows through the business, and the recognition that comes with hard work.
What this means for you
Let’s make this simple: if you’re an existing customer, nothing changes – your policy and cover stay just as they are.
You’ll still:
- Use the same website and dashboard you already know
- Get instant quotes and manage your cover online
- Talk to the same friendly, local team
What does change is what we can do next. With IAG NZ’s support, we’ll keep growing and improving the platform – rolling out smarter tools, faster claims, and more features designed around you.
Building something new for New Zealand
As part of this partnership, initio will power a new digital NZI agency for brokers – built on our platform. It’s the first of its kind in New Zealand, and maybe even the world.
Globally, traditional broker-sold personal insurance is shrinking – in places like Australia, it’s almost vanished. But this new approach flips the model.
Customers of brokers will be able to enjoy the ease of a direct digital platform while still getting advice and support from their broker behind the scenes. It’s the best of both worlds – personal service meets digital convenience.
Why IAG NZ invested in us
IAG NZ is New Zealand’s largest general insurer, known through brands like NZI, AMI, and State. They:
- Insure one in every two Kiwi households
- Protect over NZ $1.07 trillion in assets
Their investment combines IAG’s scale and underwriting strength with initio’s agility and innovation – unlocking opportunities for smarter platform features, data-driven pricing, and real-time policy visibility.
It also marks a broader trend in the industry: insurers partnering with insurtechs to deliver better experiences for customers.
The heart of initio stays the same
We might be growing, but what makes initio special hasn’t changed.
We’re still a New Zealand-owned and led insurance provider. We still pick up the phone, fix problems fast, and obsess over making things simpler.
Whether you’re already insured with us or just getting to know us, our focus is the same – helping Kiwis protect what matters most.
Looking ahead
With IAG NZ’s backing, we’re in the strongest position yet to keep innovating for Kiwi homeowners and landlords.
Thanks for being part of our journey so far. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Still here when you need us
No matter how much we grow, getting help from us will always stay simple. You’ll still reach our friendly local team whenever you need support.
For any new tenancy agreement signed after 01 July 2021 your property will legally have to comply with all five Healthy Homes Standards within the first 90 days.
To keep on top of things here’s a reminder of what the changes mean, and what’s required.
The changes
Any new or renewed tenancy (whether it’s fixed term or periodic) in effect after 01 July 2021 has just 90 days to be fully compliant with Healthy Homes. For example, if new tenants move in on 01 July, you’ll have until 01 October to make the necessary changes.
Does your rental meet the five standards?
Heating Standard
At least one built-in heater capable of heating the main living room to 18°C or more.
- Some types of heaters that are unhealthy, too energy inefficient or unaffordable to run won’t meet the requirements.
Insulation Standard
Meet minimum requirements for insulation levels in ceilings and under-floors. Levels required depend on what part of the country the property is in (zone 1, 2 or 3).
- Insulation installed before 01 July 2016 acceptable under 2008 standards, and
- Insulation installed after 01 July 2016 acceptable under current, post 2016 thickness levels.
Learn more about the different levels for the three zones here.
Ventilation Standard
An extractor fan that vents to the outside (not another room), in all kitchens & bathrooms. They also need to meet some performance and size levels.
Open-able ventilation (like windows) to the outside in all liveable parts of the house. Size of windows is more than 5% compared to the size of the room they are in.
Drainage and Moisture Standard
Able to manage and drain normal rainfall levels. This includes working gutters, downpipes and drains for water flow.
- Houses with a closed off sub-floor (area beneath flooring) need a barricade to stop water flowing in, where feasible.
Draught Standard (air-type)
Air tight with no gaps that cause noticeable airflow into the house.
- Unused fireplaces are airtight, unless there’s an agreement with tenants otherwise.
What’s the penalty?
If you haven’t already, now is a great time to make a start. If you don’t comply and there’s tenants living in the property, you’re at risk of getting a penalty of up to $4,000 (per property). Anyone can claim a breach, including your tenants. If you haven’t already, the time’s now to make the changes to avoid future problems with your tenants.
Please Note: This is simply a summary of the five standards. To get the full details and piece of mind, we recommend going to the official Tenancy Services’ Guide.
Key takeaways in this article
-
A self-contained dwelling must have facilities to cook, sleep, live, wash, and use the toilet.
-
These facilities do not have to be in one building, but they must be for the exclusive use of that home.
-
Shared facilities usually mean the property is not self-contained.
-
Most home or landlord policies cover one self-contained dwelling only.
-
If your property has more than one self-contained living area, you may need separate policies.
Is your property considered self-contained?
To be self-contained a premises must contain the facilities necessary for day-to-day living on an indefinite basis. There must be somewhere:
• to cook;
• to sleep;
• to live;
• to wash; and
• to carry out ablutions.
The facilities needed to live in a self-contained manner do not have to be in one building, but must be for the exclusive use of the dwelling.
For example, a property may have an external ablutions building in the grounds. As the whole property has the facilities to enable the people using the house to live in a self-contained manner, and the facilities are not shared with other homes, this property will be self-contained for NHC (Formally EQC) cover purposes. NHC is the Natural Hazards Commission.
How this affects your insurance cover
A typical home or landlord policy is designed to cover one self-contained unit being used as a dwelling either by the owner or a long term tenant (over 90 days). If you have a second self contained area at the property also used as a home, you may need a second policy, please check out our support page here to assist with determining the correct cover for you.
Related articles:
Regular meth testing isn’t a condition you have to meet, but we do recommend it.
We cover up to $30,000 for meth cleaning under our landlord cover. You won’t need to test between tenancies to have meth cleaning cover, but regular tests can come in handy when you want to know when it occurred, or who was responsible.
If you suspect there’s meth contamination at your property and then get a positive test, we cover the test and cleaning costs. You won’t need to show us a full record of past meth tests.
We do however strongly recommend testing in these instances.
When new tenants are moving in
Testing the house in between a new tenancy is a good way to avoid future hearings at the tenancy tribunal. It will help you recognise which tenants caused contamination if you have a positive reading.
When you purchase a property
Real estate agents only have to tell buyers if a property has contamination reading over 15 μg. However, your insurer might not provide cover if the result is over 1.5 μg. You also cannot tenant a property that exceeds 1.5 μg.
A simple meth test before purchasing could save you thousands in future cleaning costs. If you haven’t already, simply ask the agent if the house has any contamination.
If you suspect drug use or manufacture
If you see signs of drug use or manufacture; or if the police have drug raided the property, it’s a good sign to get it tested. Letting a house become contaminated could effect your ability to sell or rent it in the future.
Unlawful Substances Liability Cover
There’s a small section of our cover where testing is required. The Unlawful Substances liability section covers you for losses from controlled drugs you cause to other people (or their things) in relation to your ownership of the house.
An example could be where a past tenant contaminated your rental with meth. A new tenant could then live in the contaminated property and hold you liable for the contamination damage to their belongings. For us to provide liability protection, you’ll need to test before and after each tenancy.
For full details, see page 18 of our policy wording here.
Had a positive meth test at your property?
If you’ve detected meth that you think will be over 1.5 μg, you can make a claim by logging in to your dashboard.
If you have done a meth test at your property that has showed a positive reading, you can make a claim from your initio dashboard log in. For more info on making a meth claim, see our guide here.
Recreational Features are defined as any tennis court or permanently fixed swimming pool or permanently fixed spa pool including its ancillary equipment and pump(s).
Recreational features are automatically covered by the policy, but are limited to $45,000 for all recreational features.
So in the following scenario, unless you noted the recreational features on your policy, the cover would be limited to $45,000.
| Recreational Feature |
Replacement Value |
| Swimming Pool |
$30,000 |
| Spa Pool |
$10,000 |
| Tennis Court |
$20,000 |
| Total Recreational Features |
$60,000 |
Recreational Features can be added to your policy by sending the details to [email protected].
Retaining Walls
A retaining wall is a structure that holds land in place to prevent the earth sliding or eroding away. A retaining wall differs from a garden wall, as a garden wall is purely aesthetic and serves no purpose in protecting the structure of the land.
Retaining Walls are automatically covered by the policy with a limit of $25,000 for all retaining walls.
EQC provide cover (with no dollar cap) for retaining walls and their support systems that are necessary for the support or protection of the house or insured land (including the main access way) if they are within 60 metres of the house. For EQC claims involving damage to retaining walls, the settlement will be calculated on the basis of either the cost of repair, or the ‘indemnity value’. The indemnity value of damaged property takes into account the age and condition of the damaged structure and will likely be lower, than its replacement value.
The initio policy pays for damage to retaining walls by earthquake, volcanic eruption, hydrothermal activity tsunami and landslip as a ‘top up’ cover. This means that EQC will pay out the indemnity value of the damaged retaining wall and that initio covers the additional cost, up to the replacement value, limited to the specified value or $25,000 if no value has been specified.
To increase the cover for retaining walls we will need to be provided with the following information about the Retaining Wall(s)
- Location
- Height
- Length
- Age
- Construction Type
- Current Condition
- Replacement Value
- Details of previous losses and /or claims
- If there is shared ownership, if so, what is the ownership structure (ie cross-lease, easement)
- Confirmation that code of compliance and/or council consents have been obtained where required.
Please send the above details alongs with a photo, and where relevant a copy of the plans, or engineers report to [email protected].
This is not an exhaustive list of the changes to the policy but rather a high level summary. For full details of cover, benefits, conditions, and exclusions please see the policy document Initio landlord and holiday home policy NZ1811
Scenario: Existing client of yours that has a house(s) insured with initio, processed through broker software (e.g. eGlobal), and policy is due to expire.
Getting your client online is easy with initio
- Use your Broker landing page to quote your customer’s house
- Choose the relevant property type (own home, rental, holiday home)
- See instant quote on screen. From the quote screen email yourself the quote
- Select the start date of insurance (ie expiry date of current cover)
- Set the sum insured to the expiring amount or amount already discussed with your client.
- Click ‘Save & email this quote’.
- Enter your client’s name and then your email address.
- Separately email your client your pre-renewal email. Your email will say that they can continue to insure with initio but that it will need to be started and paid for online through a collaboration with your firm and initio.
- This email will include the initio premium and may include other traditional offline options.
- It may include an explanation of changes in premium, levies etc. compared to last year.
- It will include a request of how the client would like proceed.
- If your client elects to continue to insure with initio (online), then you will need to email initio [email protected] and request that an existing client is onboarded. You will need to provide the relevant info (as per the detailed offline to online document) in order for initio to onboard
- Initio will onboard your client by setting up an account and loading the policies, subject to payment.
- Initio will email you the login details for you to send to the client.
- You then just need to email your client with the login details and advise them that once logged in they will see the house policies ready to activate. The customer will need to make a payment to activate the policies.
Don’t short-change yourself
Delving a bit deeper into getting your essentials in order, let’s look at why checking your sum insured is a crucial step. Understanding the value of your property is key. In tough times, the idea of lowering your sum insured to reduce your premium might seem appealing. However, this could lead to ‘under-insurance,’ a risky strategy that could backfire if significant damage occurs. Insurance is there to put you back in the position you were in before any mishaps, and cutting corners on your sum insured might leave you short when you need support the most.
Adjusting your sum insured often has less impact on your premium than you might think. Properly insuring your house to fully cover potential rebuilding costs might cost a bit more upfront, but it’s a move that can save you from significant financial headaches down the line. It’s not just a safety measure; it’s a wise financial decision. We recommend taking the time to consider the true value of your property and choosing a sum insured that ensures you’re fully protected. It’s all about finding that sweet spot to keep you covered without overdoing it.
Get started by logging in to your initio dash to check what cover you currently have for your property
Calcuate your sum insured
OTHER ARTICLES OF INTEREST
More options online with Initio
Here at Initio, we’re all about making insurance affordable and easy to manage, which is why you can now insure your own home and contents online with Initio!
This is an exclusive offer, only available to customers of Initio who currently insure their Rental Property(s) or Holiday Home.
Why insure my Home and Contents with Initio?
- You get access to comprehensive replacement cover (just like on your rental or holiday home)
- Access to the same competitive pricing you have already experienced
- Save time by purchasing cover online
- Enjoy responsive claims service
- Bundle all your properties together for easy viewing/tracking online
- Up to $220,000 of replacement contents cover available
- Ability to specify your high value items, such as jewellery, photography equipment, bicycles or collections.
If you choose to take up this option, not only will you enjoy the same competitive pricing offered with online insurance, you’ll be safe in the knowledge that your property is covered by a specialist insurer with your needs in mind.
How can I find out more?
You can get a quote straight away by logging in to your dashboard, and selecting the new “Insure My Own Home” button at the bottom of the page.
As with all Initio cover, the policy is backed by IAG New Zealand with a financial strength rating of AA (Strong), meaning that you can rest easy with the knowledge that there is solid financial backing to your own home and contents.
Useful Links
Buy House Insurance Online
There’s broken glass cover under all our house policies. Vehicle glass damage can also be covered on your car. The excess that applies depends on the policy that’s in place. Please refer to the product types below for which excess applies to your situation.
Home Insurance – Owner Occupied/Usual Residence (Own Home policy)
Our “Own Home” home insurance cover for owner-occupied homes has a lower “breakage” excess of $250 for glass in windows, doors and screens. This replaces the standard excess you choose on the policy. This special breakage excess applies for accidental breakage of other items, too!
✅$250 breakage excess applies: Sinks, baths, toilet bowls, shower cabinets, bidets, fixed glass lampshades, permanent mirrors, glass in built in cabinetry.
❌Breakage excess doesn’t apply (Your standard policy excess applies): Glass cooktops, glass oven doors.
Rental Property and Holiday Homes
The standard policy excess you’ve chosen will apply under our landlord and holiday home policies.
Car Insurance
For vehicle glass, see our article: steps to take if your windscreen is damaged.
Need to make a glass claim?
All claims need to lodged through your dashboard login. You can make a claim by selecting the Make a Claim option on the right-side menu on the policy.
Our house insurance isn’t set up to cover units that have another unit above or below yours (stacked). It can get very complicated if you make a claim for damage that involves multiple other unit owners and insurance companies.
We can only offer insurance for a unit that –
- Does not share walls with more than two (separately owned) neighbouring units on any side. So if your property is one in a row of townhouses with no neighbouring units connecting behind or above yours, then we can provide cover.
- Has no other (separately owned) neighbouring unit above or below your unit, ie another unit or unit’s garage/carport stacked above or below yours.
- Does not share other building structure(s) with other units, eg common hallway.
- Is not part of or belongs to a Body Corporate.
Part of a Body Corporate?
We can’t provide cover on any unit or dwelling that’s owned under a Body Corporate, as it’s the Body Corporate’s responsibility to insure the building, not the individual unit owners.
Our comprehensive personal contents protection under our own home policy is generally based on new-for-old cover. There are however a few items that are covered for their current value, where your payout will be based on the item’s present (or market) value. These are listed below. Please note that other criteria/limits apply – refer to your policy wording for full information.
| Market Value Replacement Items: |
| Books |
| Clothing & Footwear |
| Media, Software, Programs and Digital Data |
| Camping and Sports Equipment |
| Boating Accessories (not whilst attached to the boat, other limits also apply) |
| Remote Airplanes, and Accessories |
| Household Linen |
| Computers, Laptops over 5 years old |
| Camping Equipment |
| Watercraft, Watersport Equipment, and Accessories |
| Remotely Piloted Aircraft, over 2 years old, and Parts and Accessories |
| Sports Equipment, not including Golf Equipment |
| Bicycle, E-Bikes |
The items listed above are contents that will be replaced for its present value.
Don’t worry, all your other belongings that aren’t listed above will be covered on a new-for-old basis.
Can I specify any of the above items so that they are covered for more than their market (present) value? No, we are unable to alter your cover outside of these terms.
Related articles:
Initio is an online insurance underwriting agency, which is underwritten by IAG (AA financial strength rating).
Being 100% online means all payments, changes and cancellations are done instantly on the website, at a time that works for you.
We are property insurance experts, who specialise in landlord cover. We also offer a full range of cover across house and contents, holiday home and car insurances.
Using technology to make purchasing insurance easier means that there are no wait times when you need to speak to a customer service team member. Our state of the art customer dashboard allows policies to be fully managed online, putting our customers in the driver’s seat.
The customer dashboard allows customers to add or cancel policies, manage billing and review updates on claims. Submitting claims is also made easy through the dashboard, which guides you through the information that’s needed. Once submitted, a dedicated initio claim manager handholds the claim through the process from start to finish.
Online isn’t for everyone, but we believe it’s the only way to offer great cover, great service, at a fair price. Just ask any of the thousands of initio customers!
Watch the initio origin story
Common Queries
Learn more about initio
Understanding your cover with initio when you own a lifestyle block or a rural property
Owning a lifestyle block in New Zealand offers the best of both worlds – the comfort of a home and the freedom of rural living. Knowing your insurance policy well is key to ensuring you’ve got the cover you need. Here’s some things to consider when insuring your lifestyle block home(s) with initio. You can get insurance for your home if it’s on a lifestyle property with our standard house and contents cover. However, be aware of a few things, especially if it has extensive fencing, you run a business, or farming activities from your property.
What IS covered
Regarding your home, your policy outlines what is included in the definition section of the policy document. It includes (but is not limited to) the following items, providing they’re used solely for domestic residential (not commercial use, which includes farming) use;
- Outbuildings within residential boundaries*, such as a garage, woodshed, utility shed.
- Driveways of permanent construction that provide access to your home (gravel or shingle driveways are not covered).
- Patios, decks within residential boundaries*.
- Immediate fencing around your dwelling (and alongside the main driveway to the home) – please note that it does not include fencing outside of the residential boundary. In addition, a fence that borders a neighbouring property is covered for your share only (as determined by the fencing act).
- Walls including garden and retaining walls up to $25,000 (can be specified for a higher limit).
- Swimming pool and/or tennis court up to $45,000 (can be specified for a higher limit).
- Permanently sited water storage tank or septic tank.
We also include the following items so long as;
- they’re owned primarily for domestic use,
- but which may also have limited use for rural lifestyle purposes and
- they are not valued above the amounts shown below. If the items do have higher values, then there is no cover unless otherwise agreed and stated on your policy schedule:
- outbuildings that have limited use for rural lifestyle purposes such as for the storage of tools, animal feed, uninstalled equipment, or machinery and vehicles.
- private utility plant and associated equipment, including, but not limited to, wind or water mills, or diesel generators, with a replacement cost of no more than $10,000.
- Any bridge or culvert, permanent ford or dam, with a replacement cost of no more than $15,000.
- Any well or borehole including its pump, lining or casing, with a replacement cost of no more than $10,000.
* Within residential boundaries: In the context of lifestyle blocks, a “residential boundary” refers to the specific area of your property that surrounds your dwelling and is distinct from agricultural or paddock areas.
What’s NOT covered
- Farmer’s liability – Liability arising from farming activities, eg. stock/farm animals escaping and causing damage to third parties.
- Farm fencing (that’s not within residential boundaries*).
- Land outside of what’s provided under the NHC cover (see the link for land NHC will cover).
- Buildings used for business/commercial use (other than a home office).
- Live plants/trees.
- Stock/farm animals.
- Tractors.
- Farm bikes.
Key takeaways
Initio’s policy covers a residential home on a lifestyle block, including some limited farm use of buildings and contents. However, it doesn’t cover liability for farming activities or farming equipment. It’s important to know the exclusions, especially those related to farming activities, natural disasters, and specific property features. Always check your policy details and reach out if you have any concerns.
If you have specific questions, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you understand and maximize your coverage where we can.
Get a quote
Other articles of interest:
