01/07/2026
If your home has been damaged and you can’t live in it right now, your AA Insurance home or contents policy includes a Temporary accommodation benefit (subject to policy wording) to help you, your family members, and your domestic pets stay safe and comfortable while repairs are underway.
We want this process to be as easy as possible for you. Here, you’ll find an overview of what’s covered, what to keep in mind, and how we can support you during this time.
Temporary accommodation cover
If your claim is accepted and cover is available under the policy, we’ll pay the reasonable cost of temporary accommodation for you, any family members living with you, and your domestic pets (subject to policy limits) if your home can’t be lived in due to:
- damage or loss covered by your home policy during the period of insurance;
- damage or loss covered by the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC); or
- a government or local-authority order that prevents you from accessing your home, even if it’s otherwise safe and sanitary.
Reasonable cost generally means a market rate for accommodation that suits the number of people in your household. It may not replicate the size or features of your home, but rather what is practical and necessary for your situation.
We’ll continue to pay these costs, in line with your policy terms and up to policy limits while your home can’t be lived in. Cover may end earlier if you move into another home you own, or your claim is settled.
Rent vs own your home
Your cover can vary depending on whether you own or rent the home you live in.
For owner-occupied homes:
- You're covered up to $40,000.
For tenanted homes:
- We’ll cover any increase in rent compared to what you were paying before, for up to four weeks.
You can find the full details of how we cover you in our policy documents found at aainsurance.co.nz/policy-documents.
Looking after your belongings
If you have a Contents or Limited Content Insurance Policy with us, the ‘Temporary accommodation’ benefit includes the reasonable cost of removing and returning your contents from storage or temporary accommodation after a contents-related loss that’s covered by your policy.
Support for your domestic pets
We know domestic pets are part of the family. If your temporary accommodation doesn’t allow them, we may cover reasonable pet boarding costs, up to policy limits.
Things to consider
Before choosing a place to stay, it’s helpful to:
- Understand your benefit limit so you can stay within budget.
- Think about what you need including number of bedrooms, furniture, location, and whether pets are allowed.
- Be aware that repairs can take time or be delayed, especially after major weather events.
If you’ll be out of your home for several months, consider arranging a longer-term place to stay, as short-term options like motels can use up your allowance more quickly.
We’ll do our best to keep you updated as your claim progresses, especially if anything changes, so you can plan and make the most of your benefit. You can contact us at any time if you need an update.
What’s not covered?
The Temporary accommodation benefit doesn’t apply if:
- you already have temporary accommodation cover under another policy for the same loss (so you can’t claim the same costs twice);
- your home is listed as a holiday home on your policy; or
- the damage is only to the land, not the house, and a government or local authority has not blocked you from accessing your home.
Need help?
If you’re unsure about your cover or need help finding a place to stay, please get in touch.
Any questions?
Now’s a great time to review your insurance. We recommend checking your details are up to date and ensuring the policy and cover you’ve chosen is right for you and your insurance needs.
If you have any questions about your insurance, need to update your AA Insurance policies or would like a quote, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can find our opening hours and ways to get in touch with us on our contact page.
This blog provides general information only and is not intended to be a recommendation or personalised financial advice. Excesses, terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply to AA Insurance Limited’s policies. Please check the policy wording and your policy schedule for details of cover. The provision of cover is subject to the underwriting criteria that apply at the time.
