As part of our commitment to you, this document meets the WriteMark Plus Plain Language Standard. The WriteMark is a quality mark awarded to documents that achieve a high standard of plain language. The WriteMark Plus shows that we have also user-tested the document with real readers.
Applies to:
New policies with a period of insurance starting on or after 1 July 2026
Renewing policies with a period of insurance starting on or after 1 July 2026
Welcome to AA Insurance
Thank you for choosing AA Insurance. When you
need us, we’ll get things sorted for you.
This policy document explains your insurance cover,
the benefits you’ll receive, your responsibilities and
how to make a claim. Please read it carefully and keep
it in a safe place.
How to contact us
Or, if you would prefer to phone us:
- For sales, service and general queries, call us on 0800 500 213
- For claims queries, call us on 0800 500 216.
The documents that make up your insurance contract
Your insurance contract consists of this policy
document and your most recent policy schedule.
Your policy document and policy schedule are
designed to be read together.
When read together, your policy schedule and policy
document outline your cover, which is the insurance
we agree to provide you. This cover is governed by the
limits, terms and conditions set out within this policy
document and your policy schedule.
Your policy schedule takes priority if the information
in this policy document and your policy schedule
is different.
We agree to provide cover as long as you have paid
your premium.
Your policy document
This policy document explains your insurance cover,
the benefits you’ll receive, your responsibilities and
how to make a claim.
Please read this policy document carefully to ensure
that you understand the information within it.
You can access this policy document on our website
at any time or you can contact us to request a copy.
Please contact us if you have any questions or need
more information about this policy document.
Your policy schedule
Your policy schedule is sent to you when you first take
out this policy, at each renewal, and if you make any
changes to your policy.
Your policy schedule contains important information
related to this policy document, including who’s insured,
your cover type, your sum insured and excesses.
Please contact us if you have any questions or need to
request a copy of your most recent policy schedule.
This policy has standard and optional benefits
Your policy has standard benefits. These benefits are
automatically included in your insurance cover.
Your policy also has optional benefits. To receive these
benefits, you have to choose them and you will need
to pay an additional premium. Optional benefits will
appear on your policy schedule.
You have a cooling-off period if you change your mind
We provide you with a 21-day cooling-off period if you
change your mind. You can cancel your policy within
21 days from the day your policy starts, as long as
you have not made a claim.
If you choose to cancel your policy within this period,
we will cancel your policy back to the policy start date
and refund you the full amount of any premium paid.
The cooling-off period does not apply if you renew
your policy.
If you have a concern
We value our customers and aim to deliver the best
service possible. We also appreciate and encourage
your feedback – the good and the bad. If you’re
unhappy with one of our policies, our service or a
decision on your claim, please tell us. Often a quick
conversation can help sort things out.
If we can’t reach a resolution, please let us know. We can
explain our complaints procedure to you, and we have
a Customer Resolution Service to help you if needed.
Headings and defined words in your policy
We have used the headings in this policy document to
help guide you. These headings are purely descriptive
in nature. You should not rely on headings to interpret
the policy.
Words in italics have specific definitions
Some words in this policy document are in italics.
These words have specific meanings. We have
explained them in the ‘Definitions’ section at the end
of this policy document.
The meaning of other common words in your policy document
We use some common words throughout this policy document.
The meanings of these words are explained below.
‘We’, ‘us’ or ‘our’
When we say ‘we’, ‘us’ or ‘our’, we mean AA Insurance Limited.
‘You’ or ‘your’
When we say ‘you’ or ‘your’, we mean the people listed
as ‘Who’s insured’ on your policy schedule.
Where a trust is listed as ‘Who’s insured’, the claims
and other conditions set out in this policy apply to
each trustee and to any other people who represent
the trust in relation to the policy and any claim.
Where a company is listed as ‘Who’s insured’, the claims
and other conditions set out in this policy apply to
the company’s directors and to any other people who
represent the company in relation to the policy and
any claim.
What you are covered for
We will insure you for loss during the period of insurance
to your contents while they are:
We only cover loss caused by any of the following:
- fire
- storm
What the words ‘your contents’ mean
When we say ‘your contents’, we mean tangible items in your
care, custody or control, and for which you are legally
responsible. Your contents do not include any item for
which you have not yet taken physical possession.
Your contents must belong to, or be hired by, you or a
family member, and be normally kept in and around
your home.
Your contents include
Your contents include the following items:
Personal items
Include:
- household goods and personal property
- clothing, footwear, cosmetics and toiletries
- jewellery and watches, up to the ‘Adjustable event limit’
- hearing aids and spectacles
- wheelchairs and mobility scooters
Do not include:
- prohibited items
- artificial body parts, surgical implants, or attachments that are permanently fitted to you or to any animal
Electronic items
Include:
- computers, laptops, notebooks and tablets
- home office equipment including keyboards and other peripherals
- smartwatches, mobile phones and their accessories
- purchased software in a physical format such as a CD for which you hold a licence
- gaming consoles, portable gaming devices and televisions
- cameras, up to the ‘Adjustable event limit’
- home audio equipment, portable audio equipment, headphones and speakers
Do not include:
- custom-written software or data
Homeware, furnishings and appliances
Include:
- furniture and furnishings
- rugs, lamps, blinds and curtains
- works of art, up to the ‘Fixed event limit’
- domestic appliances not permanently plumbed into or wired into your home
Do not include:
- indoor plants
- carpets and fixed floor coverings
Professional tools and equipment
Include:
- business tools and professional equipment, up to the ‘Adjustable event limit’
Do not include:
- stock, property or materials used for earning income, or in a business, other than those listed above
Recreational items
Include:
- bicycles, up to the ‘Adjustable event limit’
- musical instruments and musical equipment
- home gym equipment
- sporting equipment (including golf carts) that may be kept securely at a professional sporting facility
- camping equipment, including tents
- canoes, kayaks, children’s inflatables, surfboards, windsurfers, kiteboards, surf skis, wave skis and paddleboards
Do not include:
- boats and watercraft, other than those listed above
Vouchers and cash
Include:
- cash, negotiable securities and vouchers, up to the ‘Fixed event limit’
- documents and certificates
- bus, ferry or train tickets for travel within New Zealand
Do not include:
- cheques, travellers cheques, lottery tickets, coupons, or tickets other than those listed above
Outdoor and landscaping items
Include:
- domestic tools and gardening tools
- outdoor furniture and furnishings
- lawn mowers including electronic, robotic and ride-on
- portable swimming pools, saunas or spa pools
- garden statues and ornaments
Do not include:
- lawns, plants, trees, shrubs, or hedges
- sheds, cabins, pergolas or any other type of outdoor structure whether portable or not
- machinery used for farming purposes
- animals of any kind
- land, earth or fill
Motorised items and accessories
Include:
- children’s motorcycles and trikes that are only used off road, up to the ‘Fixed event limit’
- quad bikes, all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes and go-carts that are only used off road, up to the ‘Fixed event limit’
- e-bikes, up to the ‘Adjustable event limit’
- e-scooters
- remote-controlled models or toys
- drones, up to the ‘Fixed event limit’, so long as they are used within the New Zealand Civil Aviation Rules
Do not include:
- trailers or caravans
- aircraft or aerial devices, including paragliders and parachutes, which are regulated by the Minister of Transport through the New Zealand Civil Aviation Rules, other than those listed above.
How you use your home
How you use your home affects your cover.
If your policy schedule shows ‘Private use’
If your policy schedule shows your home is used for
‘Private use’, your contents are only covered when
used for private or domestic purposes.
This policy does not cover your contents if your
home is used for any activities in connection with a
profession, occupation or business, other than for a
home office.
If your policy schedule shows ‘Business use’
If your policy schedule shows your home is used for
‘Business use’, your contents are covered when your
home is used for the following:
- any activities in connection with a profession, occupation or business
- private or domestic purposes.
Any business tools and professional equipment are
subject to the ‘Adjustable event limit’.
What happens if your home is unoccupied
This section applies when your home is unoccupied for
more than 60 consecutive days.
We consider your home unoccupied when you or a
person you authorise are not living in your home as
a residence.
If your policy schedule shows ‘Owner occupied’
or ‘Tenanted’
If your policy schedule shows your contents are
usually kept in your ‘Owner occupied’ or ‘Tenanted’
home, the additional ‘Unoccupied excess’
shown on your policy schedule applies. This excess will
apply to any loss occurring on or after day 61.
If your policy schedule shows ‘Holiday home’
If your policy schedule shows your contents are
usually kept at your ‘Holiday home’, we will continue
to provide cover when your holiday home is left unoccupied.
Limits on what we will pay
The most we will pay for any one event is the total of:
- the sum insured for your contents
- $2 million for your legal liability
- the maximum you are entitled to under the standard benefit ‘Temporary accommodation’.
We will reduce the amount we pay by the total
applicable excess and any other deductions set out
in this policy.
We limit cover for some contents
We provide limited cover for some categories of
contents. We outline these items below.
If any of your contents items belong to these categories,
the limit we show is the maximum amount we will pay
for each category of items in any one event.
You must pay your excess towards each individual event,
even if the items you are claiming for are limited.
Some contents have adjustable event limits
If any of your contents items belong to the categories
below, you can adjust their event limits. The adjustable
event limit is the highest amount we will pay for each
category of items, for a single event. If we agree,
you will need to pay an extra premium. The updated
‘Adjustable event limit’ will be shown on your
policy schedule.
If you choose not to adjust the below event limits, the
amounts listed below are the most we will pay for each
individual event.
Category of contents | Adjustable event limit |
|---|---|
Jewellery including watches | $2,500 |
Bicycles and e-bikes excluding accessories | $2,500 |
All cameras including lenses excluding accessories | $2,500 |
$2,500 |
Some contents have fixed event limits
The limits below are the most we will pay for each
individual event. These limits are fixed and cannot
be changed.
Category of contents | Fixed event limit |
|---|---|
$2,500 | |
Drones including their parts and accessories | $1,000 |
Children’s motorcycles and trikes that are
only used off road | $1,000 |
Quad bikes, all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes and
go-carts that are only used off road | $1,000 |
Unset precious or semi-precious
gemstones or bullion | $1,000 |
Cash, negotiable securities or vouchers | $500 |
Making a claim
This section explains what you need to do when
you make a claim.
You must comply with all the following conditions
When you make a claim, there are specific conditions you must comply with.
What you must do immediately after an event
Immediately after an event, you must:
- take all reasonable steps to prevent further loss
- tell us if you or any person covered by this policy is charged with any offence (other than in connection with the use of a vehicle) that has resulted in bodily injury.
What you must not do after an event
You must not do any of the following:
- admit liability
- incur any expense or negotiate, pay, settle, or make any agreement about any claim without our consent
- make any offer of reparation (including as part of any case management conference or sentencing hearing) without getting our consent in writing.
Information you must give us after an event
As soon as possible, you must tell us:
- that the event happened, giving full details and circumstances of what has happened, including details of everyone involved
- if any of your lost or stolen property is recovered.
Other conditions you must comply with after
an event
As soon as possible, you must:
- get our permission before you incur any expense, other than the reasonable cost of urgent work to prevent further loss
- send us all relevant communications you receive
- keep damaged property for our inspection, and allow us to inspect any building or other property where loss has occurred.
You must also provide us with the following:
- a detailed description of the lost, damaged or stolen items
- proof of ownership, which could include receipts, valuations, photos or financial statements
- any other information or evidence that we ask for.
What you must do to support the claims process
You must assist and co-operate with us and give us
any information or help we ask for about your claim.
You must also assist and co-operate with our
assessors, investigators, lawyers or anyone else we
appoint to help with your claim.
This includes all the following:
- activities associated with making your claim
- your claim settlement
- the defence of any potential claim against you
- any action against anyone else.
You must also allow us, at our expense and in your
name, to:
- take any action necessary against any other party
- take over and conduct the defence and settlement of any claim against you.
You must let us take ownership of damaged and
recovered items
You must let us take ownership of any claimed
items that have been damaged, lost, or stolen and
are recovered.
What happens if you do not comply with any of
the claims conditions
If you do not comply with any of the claims conditions,
we can:
- decline your claim
- recover from you what we have already paid.
You must give full and accurate information when
making a claim
We rely on the accuracy of the information that you, or
anyone on your behalf, give us. When making a claim,
you must provide full and accurate information.
You must also answer all questions we ask you
honestly, correctly and completely.
You must answer our questions truthfully. We may
refuse your claim if you provide any incorrect,
incomplete or fraudulent information when you:
- make a claim
- answer any of our questions
- provide us with any information.
We may also end your policy and any other policy
you have with us from the date you supplied false or
misleading information or statements.
If we refuse your claim due to incorrect, incomplete or
fraudulent information or statements, you must return
any claim payments we have made to you.
You will have to pay an excess
You must pay an excess for each individual event. We may
deduct your excess from the total settlement amount.
The circumstances of your claim determine the value
of the excess you need to pay. You might have to
pay more than one type of excess for each claim.
Your policy schedule tells you the amount and types
of excess.
How we will settle your claim
This section explains how we will settle your claim.
We will choose to settle your claim in any of the
following ways:
- Repairing your item
- Replacing your item
- Paying the market value
- Paying your claim as a total loss.
We will only pay to repair or replace items that have
suffered loss. We will not pay for any decrease in value,
or for the repair or replacement of any undamaged
items to match part of a pair, set or collection.
Repairing your item
Where we consider your item is repairable, we will
settle your claim in the following ways:
- repairing your item using a supplier of our choice
- paying you the amount our supplier would have charged us.
Replacing your item
Where we consider that your item is not repairable, and a suitable nearest equivalent item is available, we will settle your claim in the
following ways:
- replacing your item with the nearest equivalent item
- paying you with cash, a voucher or a store credit for the replacement value of the item.
Paying the market value
Where we consider that your item is not repairable, and there is no nearest equivalent item available, we will pay you what we
determine as the market value. We will pay with cash,
a voucher or a store credit.
All clothing, footwear and cosmetics will always be
paid at the market value.
Paying your claim as a total loss
We can choose to settle your claim as a total loss if the
total value of your contents claimed is more than the
sum insured.
What happens if your claim is a total loss
If we have chosen to settle your claim as a total loss,
we will pay you the sum insured in any of the following ways:
- replacing your items with the nearest equivalent items
- paying you the replacement value with cash, vouchers or store credits.
Where we consider that no nearest equivalent item is available, we will pay you the market value for that item. How we will pay you is outlined in the section 'Paying the market value'.
Your premium and policy when your claim is a
total loss
When your claim is a total loss, you must pay the total
premium for the entire period of insurance shown on
your policy schedule in full before we can settle your
claim. If you are paying your premium by instalments,
we will deduct any unpaid instalments from your
settlement payment.
Standard benefits – cover automatically included
Your cover automatically includes the following
benefits. Your excess will be deducted from any benefit
limits unless otherwise stated. These benefits provide
additional cover to what is included in ‘What you are
covered for’.
These benefits are subject to the limits, terms and
conditions outlined in this policy document and your
policy schedule.
Temporary accommodation
We will pay the reasonable cost of temporary
accommodation for you, any family member, and your
domestic pets if your home becomes uninhabitable
due to any of the following:
- loss covered by this policy
We will also pay the reasonable cost of temporary
accommodation if, during the period of insurance,
government or local authorities prevent you from
accessing your home. This payment will be available
to you even if your home is otherwise safe and sanitary.
This benefit includes the reasonable cost of
removing and returning your contents from storage
or temporary accommodation.
Owner occupied homes
This section applies if your policy schedule shows your
contents are kept in an ‘Owner occupied’ home.
The most we will pay for any one event is $40,000.
We will only pay these costs until any of the
following occurs:
- your home has been repaired, rebuilt, or is habitable again
- you move into another home you own
- we settle your claim.
Tenanted homes
This section applies if your policy schedule shows your
contents are kept in a ‘Tenanted’ home.
The most we will pay for any one event is any increase
above the rent you were previously paying, up to a
period of four weeks.
We will only pay these costs until any of the following occur:
- your home has been repaired, rebuilt, or is habitable again
- you move into another rental property
- we settle your claim.
What you are not covered for under
temporary accommodation
You are not covered under this benefit if any of the
following apply:
- you are entitled to temporary accommodation under any other policy
- your policy schedule shows your contents are kept in a ‘Holiday home’
- the loss is to land only.
What happens if you are already receiving
temporary accommodation
This section applies if you are already receiving
temporary accommodation and another event occurs.
The most we will pay for all claims or events
combined is the amount you are entitled to under
‘Owner occupied homes’ or ‘Tenanted homes’.
If you or any family member have a ‘Temporary
accommodation’ benefit with us under any other policy,
we will only pay this benefit under one policy per event.
Spoiled food
We will pay up to $500 for any one event where food is
spoiled as a result of any of the following:
- your refrigerator or freezer stopping or breaking down
- a power surge
- the power supply being accidentally disconnected.
Your excess will not apply for spoiled food claims,
provided there is no loss to any other item of
your contents.
You are not covered for food that has been kept in
connection with a business.
Moving to a new home
Contents in storage
Your contents are covered while they are kept in a
commercial storage facility that is operated by a
commercial storage company.
You must contact us if your contents are kept in
storage away from your home, but not in a facility
operated by a commercial storage company.
Optional benefits – cover you may have chosen
You can choose to include the following benefits if
you pay an additional premium. If you have chosen to
include any of the following benefits, they will be shown on
your policy schedule.
These benefits are subject to the limits, terms and
conditions outlined in this policy document and your
policy schedule.
Mobile phone cover
Your legal liability
The most we will pay for legal liability is a total of
$2 million for any one event.
If you have cover for your legal liability under any
other insurance policy with us, you can only claim this
benefit under one policy per event.
Property damage
We will pay up to $2 million for your legal liability
for damage to other people’s physical property
arising from an event in New Zealand during the
period of insurance.
Your cover under ‘Property damage’ includes related
legal costs and expenses that we agree to.
Bodily injury
We will pay up to $250,000 if you are ordered to pay a
reparation order for bodily injury arising from an event
in New Zealand during the period of insurance.
You are not covered under ‘Bodily injury’ for any
related legal costs and expenses.
What we do not cover under legal liability
You are not covered for any of the following:
- exemplary or punitive damages awarded against you
- legal defence costs, court costs and any levy, fine or penalty (other than a reparation order) arising from a prosecution of any offence under any Act of Parliament including regulations, rules or by-laws
- legal costs incurred by any other party that you agree to or are ordered to pay
- legal liability assumed by agreement, unless you would have been liable anyway or are ordered to pay.
We do not cover any liability caused by, arising from,
or involving any of the following:
- loss to property belonging to you or in your care, custody or control
- the ownership or possession of any animals other than domestic pets
- the ownership, possession or use of any prohibited items
- the ownership, possession, or use of any vehicle, trailer, aircraft or watercraft, other than those listed under ‘What you are covered for’
- drones that are not used within the New Zealand Civil Aviation Rules
- the ownership of land or buildings
- any profession, employment or business.
We also do not cover the exclusions found under
‘What you are not covered for’.
What you are not covered for
This section explains what your policy does not cover.
These exclusions apply to all sections of this policy.
Intentional damage
This policy does not cover any loss, cost or liability that is
directly or indirectly caused by, arising from, or
involving any acts or omissions that are intentional,
reckless, deliberate, malicious or have criminal intent,
by any of the following people:
- you or anyone living with you
However, we will not apply this exclusion if the loss is
as a result of fire (including an explosion) that a
guest causes.
Wear and tear or gradual damage
This policy does not cover any loss, cost or liability that is
directly or indirectly caused by, arising from, or
involving any of the following:
- wear and tear, rust, or corrosion
- rot, mould, mildew, fungi, or smoke damage that has happened gradually
- action of micro-organisms, particles or light
- atmospheric or climatic conditions.
This policy also does not cover any loss, cost or
liability that is directly or indirectly caused by, arising from,
or involving gradual deterioration or depreciation of
your contents.
Existing damage
This policy does not cover any loss, cost or liability
arising from an event that happened before your
policy started.
Expected damage
When you first purchase this policy, for the first 48
hours of your period of insurance, this policy will not
cover any loss, cost or liability that is directly or indirectly
caused by, arising from or involving natural hazard,
fire, storm or flood.
However, we will not apply this exclusion if this policy
starts directly after a policy that covered the loss you
have reported.
Cleaning or restoration
This policy does not cover any loss, cost or
liability that is directly or indirectly caused by, arising
from, or involving cleaning and restoration, where
inappropriate or unsuitable materials or methods
are used.
Undamaged property
This policy does not cover any part of the loss, cost or
liability associated with the cost to repair or replace
any contents that were not damaged in the event.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- the cost of painting an undamaged area, set or part of your contents
- the cost of repairing or replacing an undamaged area, set or part of your contents
- loss, cost or liability arising because paint, features, fabrics or other parts of your contents cannot be matched.
Faulty workmanship
This policy does not cover any loss, cost or liability that is
directly or indirectly caused by, arising from, or
involving any of the following:
- poor, sub-standard, defective or faulty workmanship
- poor, sub-standard, defective or faulty design or manufacture
- any structural or inherent defect.
Contents removed from your home
This policy does not cover any loss caused to your
contents while they are in transit to a new residence or
stored away from the insured address.
This policy also does not cover any loss to contents
permanently removed from your home or removed for
exhibition or sale.
However, we will not apply this exclusion if any of the
following contents items are removed from your home:
- any contents kept in a bank vault or bank safety deposit box
- sporting equipment and golf carts kept securely at a professional sporting facility.
We will also not apply this exclusion where cover is
available under the following standard benefits:
- ‘Moving to a new home’
- ‘Contents in storage’.
Structural alterations
This policy does not cover loss, cost or liability that is directly
or indirectly caused by, arising from, or involving any
of the following:
- lifting or moving your home
- water entering your home due to the removal of roofing material, exterior cladding, doors or windows
- structural additions or structural alterations to your home.
Non-compliance of your home
This policy does not cover loss, cost or liability that is directly
or indirectly caused by, arising from, or involving the
non-compliance of your home with New Zealand laws,
by-laws and regulations which apply to it.
Excesses and other insurance
This policy does not cover your excess on this or any
other policy.
This policy also does not provide cover where cover is provided by other insurance or by a warranty or guarantee. We will not contribute to any claim
made under any other policy.
Consequential loss or costs you incur
This policy does not cover any of the following:
- loss of use of your contents
- consequential losses of any kind
- costs or expenses you may incur to prove or help us with your claim
- repairs that are not related to your claim.
This exclusion includes, but is not limited to,
the following:
- loss of income
- loss of or reduction in value
- additional costs incurred
- your time or anyone else’s time or materials used
- inconvenience or disruption
- expenses and liability incurred due to your contents not being able to be used.
Mechanical or electrical breakdown
This policy does not cover any loss, cost or liability that is
directly or indirectly caused by, arising from,
or involving any of the following:
- failure of any mechanical, electronic, or electrical parts
- any mechanical, electrical, or electronic failure or breakdown.
Removal or weakening of support to land
or buildings
This policy does not cover the loss, cost or liability that is
directly or indirectly caused by, arising from, or
involving the removal or weakening of support from
either the land or buildings.
Vibration from or to land or buildings
This policy does not cover loss, cost or liability that is directly
or indirectly caused by, arising from, or involving
vibration from or to either the land or buildings.
However, we will not apply this exclusion if the loss is
caused by natural hazard.
Electronic data
This policy does not cover loss, cost or liability that is directly
or indirectly caused by, arising from, contributed to
by, or in any way connected to any of the following:
- electronic data being damaged, distorted, deleted, corrupted, altered, misinterpreted, or misappropriated
- error in creating, amending, entering, deleting or using electronic data
- inability or failure to receive, send, access or use electronic data for any period of time
- any loss of use, reduction in functionality, repair, replacement, restoration or reproduction of any electronic data
- the value of any electronic data.
Cyber events
This policy does not cover loss, cost or liability that is directly
or indirectly caused by, arising from, contributed to by,
or in any way connected to a cyber act or cyber incident.
However, we will not apply this exclusion for any of
the following:
- an event otherwise covered by this policy that causes a cyber incident
- loss resulting from an event otherwise covered by this policy that has been caused by a cyber incident or cyber act.
The Accident Compensation Act 2001
This policy does not cover any money that could
be recovered from the Accident Compensation
Corporation under the Accident Compensation
Act 2001, future amendments to the Act, or any
replacement Act.
This policy also does not cover any money that
cannot be recovered from the Accident Compensation
Corporation because of any of the following:
- a victim has not claimed what they are entitled to under the Act
- a victim has not claimed within the time required under the Act
- the Accident Compensation Corporation has decided to decline a claim or limit their liability to a victim.
Confiscation of your contents
This policy does not cover any loss, cost or liability
connected in any way with your contents being
confiscated or seized by anyone with a financial
interest in your contents.
This policy also does not cover any loss, cost or
liability connected in any way with confiscation,
destruction, acquisition, designation, or decision by
government or local authorities.
Pollution or contamination
This policy does not cover any loss, cost or liability
caused by, arising from, or involving pollution or
contamination. This includes, but is not limited to,
any contamination from asbestos, or by the use,
consumption, storage or manufacture of illegal drugs.
Pests and pets
This policy does not cover any loss, cost or liability,
directly or indirectly caused by, arising from, or
involving any of the following:
- insects, pests, vermin, rodents or possums
- scratching, chewing or tearing by your domestic pets.
Communicable disease
This policy does not cover any loss, cost, any other
sum of any kind, or liability, directly or indirectly
caused by, arising from, contributed to by, or in any
way connected to any of the following:
- communicable disease
- the fear or threat of any communicable disease, whether it is actual or perceived
- actions by any person, entity or public authority to respond to, control, prevent or suppress communicable disease.
Any other sum of any kind also includes any increased
or additional costs or expenses of a claim that is otherwise
covered by this policy.
Communicable disease means any disease that can
be transmitted by any substance or agent, directly or
indirectly, from one organism to another, including:
- any virus, bacterium, parasite or any other organism
- any variation of the above, whether considered living or not.
Communicable disease also includes any Infectious
Disease or Quarantinable Disease as defined in or declared
under the Health Act 1956, future amendments to the Act,
or any replacement Act.
This exclusion applies, regardless of any other contributing
cause or event that happens at the same time or some
other time.
Sanctions
This policy does not cover any loss, cost or liability that is directly or indirectly caused by, arising from or involving anything that may breach, violate or risk exposure to any sanction, prohibition, restriction, proscription, or prevention under any of the following:
- laws or regulations of New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, or the European Union
- United Nations resolutions.
Terrorism
This policy does not cover any loss, cost or liability that is directly or indirectly caused by, arising from, involving, controlling, preventing or suppressing any activity in connection with any act of terrorism.
An act of terrorism, from its nature and context, is done for but is not limited to, political, religious, ideological, or ethnic purposes.
An act of terrorism includes:
- any act carried out or arranged by any person or group of people, whether acting alone, on behalf of, or in connection with any organisation or government
- the use of force or violence, or the threat of its use
- the intention to influence any government and/or to put the public or any member of the public in fear.
War and civil war
This policy does not cover any loss, cost or liability that is directly or indirectly caused by, arising from, or involving:
- war, invasion, act of foreign enemy, hostilities or civil war (whether war is declared or not)
- rebellion, revolution, insurrection, military or usurped power.
Nuclear incidents
This policy does not cover loss, cost or liability that is directly or indirectly caused by, arising from or involving:
- nuclear weapons or ionising radiations
- contamination by radioactivity from nuclear fuel, or the combustion of waste from nuclear fuel.
You must comply with our policy conditions
Some parts of this policy can cover other parties as
well as you. You and any person covered by this policy
must meet all the following conditions and obligations
to benefit from any cover under this policy. We will not
pay any claim where any person covered under this
policy does not meet any of the terms and conditions.
You must tell us if your circumstances change
You must tell us immediately if any of the
following happen:
- you, your partner, or any family member are convicted of any criminal offence
- you, your partner, or any family member have any insurance policy avoided, declined, cancelled, not renewed, or have special terms imposed
- you, your partner or any family member have any claim refused or declined
- you change the address where your contents are normally kept or stored
- the occupancy or security of where your contents are normally kept changes
- you take ownership of anything that needs to have the ‘Adjustable event limit’ adjusted on your policy schedule, or you need to increase your value of cover
- your home will undergo any structural alterations or structural additions
You must give full and accurate information
We rely on the accuracy of the information that you,
or anyone on your behalf, give us. You must answer
all questions we ask you honestly, correctly
and completely.
If you give us any incorrect, incomplete or fraudulent
information or statements, we may refuse your claim.
We may also end your policy and any other policy
you have with us from the date you supplied false or
misleading information or statements.
You must maintain and secure your contents
You must, at your cost and expense, maintain your
contents in good repair, secure your contents, and take
all reasonable precautions to prevent loss from occurring.
You must not transfer your legal rights
You must not assign or transfer, or attempt to assign
or transfer, this policy or your interest in this policy to
any other party.
What happens if you do not comply with any of the policy conditions
If you do not comply with any of the policy conditions, or you fail to tell us about a change immediately and we become aware of this, we may:
- change your policy terms and make alterations to your premium
- reduce cover or change limits
- cancel your policy.
We will notify you of such changes by sending you a policy schedule. Your policy schedule will confirm the change and the date the change became effective.
You may choose to cancel your policy if you do not agree to the changes to policy terms, cover, limits or premium. If you cancel your policy, we will refund you any unused portion of your paid premium.
Cancelling your policy
This section discusses what happens if you choose, or if we choose, to cancel your policy.
If you choose to cancel your policy
You may cancel this policy at any time, unless you have made a claim for a total loss.
If you cancel your policy outside the cooling-off period and you have not made a claim, we will refund you any amount we owe after the cancellation date.
If we choose to cancel your policy
We may cancel your policy at any time by notifying you in writing. The cancellation will take effect on the 7th day after we have sent the notice. We will refund you any amount we owe after the cancellation date.
How we administer your policy
This section gives you useful information about how
we administer your policy.
Any reference in this policy to an Act of Parliament, or to any related regulations or rules, includes any amendments made to that law, as well as any substitutions or replacements of it.
Paying your premium on time
If your premium is overdue, we may refuse to make
any claim payments until your overdue premium has
been paid.
We will cancel your policy if your premium remains unpaid for 28 days or longer. This includes, but is not limited to, the following situations:
- you do not pay the premium due when your policy starts
- you make a change to your policy that results in additional premium charged, and this remains unpaid
- you do not pay the full amount of your premium
- you do not pay the premium due when your policy renews.
How you will receive our documents
We will send any notice, policy schedule or other
written documents to your last known physical, postal
or email address.
What happens when you are jointly insured
All people listed as ‘Who’s insured’ on your policy schedule are jointly insured and considered to act on
behalf of each other. Actions done by one person can
affect the cover for any of the people listed on your
policy schedule. We will not cover any people listed on
your policy schedule if any one of them acts in a way
that results in no cover.
Each person listed under ‘Who’s insured’ on your policy schedule has the right to:
- request a change to the policy
- make a claim under the policy
- request information under the policy
- receive claim proceeds under the policy
- cancel the policy.
We must agree to any changes before they become effective.
What happens if you have an authorised individual listed
All people listed as ‘Who’s authorised’ on your policy schedule will be an authorised individual and will have full access to your information. They can act on your behalf for this policy and any claims made under it. When an authorised individual is acting on your behalf, they must:
- provide full and accurate information
- comply with all policy conditions.
If an authorised individual does not comply with any of the above conditions, we may:
- decline your claim
- cancel your policy.
All people listed as ‘Who’s insured’ on your policy schedule are able to add or remove an authorised individual at any time.
If your policy schedule shows an interested party
An interested party is not covered by this policy and
cannot make a claim under this policy.
You give us permission to share your information with
anyone noted as an ‘Interested party’ on your policy schedule. We may partially or fully settle your claim
by making a payment to an interested party, fulfilling
our obligations under this policy.
Currency referred to in your policy
All amounts referred to in your policy are expressed in New Zealand currency and include Goods and Services Tax (GST). We will pay all claims in New Zealand currency.
This policy is governed by New Zealand law
This policy is governed by New Zealand law.
The New Zealand courts have exclusive jurisdiction
over any legal proceedings about it.
Any reference in this policy to an Act of Parliament, or to any related regulations or rules, includes any amendments made to that law, as well as any substitutions or replacements of it.
Definitions
Below, we define the specific meanings of the words in
italics throughout this policy document.
Bodily injury
The accidental bodily injury to another person
including death, illness, disability, disease, shock,
fright, mental anguish or mental injury.
Burglary
Theft where items have been taken by force.
This includes when there has been:
- theft of an item that had been secured
- threat of force against you.
Business tools and professional equipment
Professional equipment and tools used in connection
with a profession, occupation or business, principally
to earn income by you or any family member.
Business tools and professional equipment include
equipment or tools that:
- have been purchased by a business or company, but that you own personally
- belong to or are hired by you or any family member
- are in your care, custody or control, and for which you are legally responsible.
Business tools and professional equipment do not
include business stock or materials, or equipment
owned by a company.
Computer system
Any of the following systems:
- computer, communications system, or any other electronic device
- hardware, software, server or cloud
- any microcontroller.
A computer system also includes any system,
output or data storage device that is similar to those
mentioned above.
Cyber act
One or more unauthorised, malicious or criminal acts
involving accessing, using, processing, or operating of
any computer system. This also includes any threat or
hoax of these acts.
Cyber incident
Any of the following:
- one or more errors or omissions involving accessing, using, processing, or operating any computer system
- one or more occurrences when any computer system is partially or totally unavailable
- one or more failures to access, process, use or operate any computer system.
Domestic pets
A domestic animal that you own, that lives at your home
and that is kept for companionship, for example a cat, dog
or bird.
Drones
Remotely piloted aircraft or unmanned aerial devices
that do not require a licence to operate.
Event
A sudden, accidental and unforeseen occurrence that
causes loss that you do not intend or expect.
Family member
Any spouse, relative, in-law or dependant who
normally lives with you, and is not covered by a
tenancy agreement elsewhere.
Flood
The inundation of land by water escaping from, or
released from, the normal confines of the sea, any
watercourse, reservoir, pond, dam, or lake. Flood also
includes the runoff, accumulation, or pooling of water
from these sources.
Guest
A person who enters your home with your consent, or
with the consent of a person who lives at your home.
Home
The residential building, including residential flat or
holiday home, that is:
- occupied by you
- used for residential purposes
- located within the residential boundaries at the insured address.
Insured address
The place where your contents are located. The insured
address is shown on your policy schedule.
Loss
Sudden, unforeseen, accidental physical loss and
sudden, unforeseen, accidental physical damage that
occurs at a specific place and time.
Market value
The value of the item in New Zealand that has an
equivalent age and capability, with due allowance for
age, wear and tear, depreciation, and prior maintenance.
Market value is not the replacement or retail value of
the item.
Natural hazard
Earthquake, natural landslide, volcanic activity, hydrothermal activity, tsunami or fire resulting from any of these. It does not include any gradual or slowly moving natural landslide.
Nearest equivalent item
An item that is readily available in New Zealand with
the same functions, characteristics and specifications.
The nearest equivalent item will not necessarily have
the same brand, price, model or colour of the damaged
or lost item.
We will not pay shipping or freight charges for items
that are sourced outside New Zealand.
Period of insurance
When your policy starts and ends. The period of
insurance is shown on your policy schedule, unless your policy has ended earlier.
Policy schedule
The most recent policy schedule that we have sent you,
which includes the following:
- who’s insured
- your sum insured
- any event limits that you have adjusted
- your excesses.
Reparation order
Any amount ordered by a New Zealand court under
Section 32 of the Sentencing Act 2002, and any
subsequent amendments, to be paid to the victim
of an offence.
Reparation does not include any of the following:
- court costs, fines, penalties, any other form of criminal sanction, non-pecuniary relief and taxes
- any payment that is unlawful to insure against
- any legal defence costs or expenses in relation to an offence.
Replacement value
The retail price of the nearest equivalent item that
would be charged to us by our supplier as if it were
new at the time of the event. This amount may include
any discount to us from our suppliers.
Sum insured
The ‘Contents sum insured’ shown on your policy schedule. This is the amount determined when your
policy begins and at each renewal.
You can discuss the value with us at any time.
By paying your premium, you have accepted the
sum insured.
Theft
Any instance where another person has taken your
contents without permission and without intending to
return it.
Theft does not include an item which has been
removed with permission by a family member.
Transit
Your contents are considered in transit from the time
the vehicle moving your contents leaves your current
address, until it is stationary at your new address.
Uninhabitable
Your home is determined as no longer a safe or
sanitary place to live by government or local
authorities, or by us, due to physical damage to
your home. It does not mean an unwillingness by
you to remain in an otherwise safe and sanitary home.
Vehicle
Any type of machine on wheels or caterpillar tracks
that is made to be, or intended to be, propelled solely
by its own power, as well as anything towed by
the machine.
Works of art
Pictures, paintings, prints, sculptures, ornaments,
tapestries, hand woven mats or rugs.