Inihua aituā ao tūroa Natural hazards insurance

Natural hazards insurance is an important part of our natural hazard risk management toolbox. While the cost of natural hazard events can often be covered by insurance, the overall risk — and impact — is not removed. Balancing insurance cover with how we reduce risk is important.

In New Zealand, the Natural Hazards Commission provides first loss insurance to homeowners for most natural hazard risks. This means we provide a capped amount of insurance for insured homes and residential land, with private insurers providing additional cover above that amount if needed, as set out in your policy.

NHCover and EQCover are the Government’s natural hazards insurance provided by the Natural Hazards Commission for homes and some residential land. Although covers are similar, they are governed under different legislation depending on date of damage. Throughout the Portal, the term 'NHC claim' is used to refer to NHCover and EQCover claims, as provided by the Natural Hazards Commission.