Question 1

What is general insurance?

Accepted Answer

General insurance protects the things you own - your home, your belongings, your car, and other assets - from unexpected events like accidents, theft, storms, or natural disasters. It’s different from personal risk insurance, which protects you and your income.

Question 2

What types of general insurance do Kiwis usually need?

Accepted Answer

Home insurance - covers your house and structures on your property.Contents insurance - protects what’s inside your home.Vehicle insurance - covers damage to your vehicle such as a car, trailer, caravan, boat, or motorbike as well as liability to others.Landlord insurance - protects rental properties and tenancy risks.Business insurance - covers commercial assets, liability, and business continuity.Our advisers help you choose the right mix. Not too much, not too little.

Question 3

How does natural disaster cover work in NZ?

Accepted Answer

New Zealand has a unique two-layer system:EQC provides base cover for earthquakes, volcanic activity, landslips, and tsunamis.Your private insurer covers damage above EQC limits and events EQC doesn’t cover, like storms, floods, and accidental damage.We help you understand how these layers interact so you’re not left with gaps.

Question 4

How are premiums calculated?

Accepted Answer

Premiums are based on risk. Insurers consider:Where you liveYour home’s age, materials, and rebuild costYour claims historyVehicle type and driving historySecurity featuresYour chosen excessThe level of cover you selectWe can show you how small adjustments can make a meaningful difference.

Question 5

What is an excess?

Accepted Answer

An excess is the amount you pay if you make a claim.Higher excess = lower premiumsLower excess = higher premiumsIt’s one of the easiest ways to tailor your policy to your budget.

Question 6

What does ‘sum insured’ mean?

Accepted Answer

Your sum insured is the maximum amount your insurer will pay if your home or contents are destroyed. For homes, this should reflect the full rebuild cost, not the market value.We recommend using a rebuild calculator and reviewing it regularly - especially after renovations.

Question 7

What’s the difference between replacement and indemnity cover?

Accepted Answer

Replacement cover replaces items with new equivalents.Indemnity cover pays the current value after depreciation.Replacement cover offers stronger protection and is the most common choice for Kiwi households.

Question 8

What isn’t covered?

Accepted Answer

Typical exclusions include:Wear and tearGradual damage (unless specifically included)Poor maintenanceIntentional damageBusiness use of personal itemsUnapproved modificationsWe help you understand the fine print so there are no surprises at claim time.

Question 9

Do I need to list all my contents?

Accepted Answer

Everyday household items are usually covered automatically. High-value items like jewellery, art, bikes, tech, collectibles often need to be specified individually.If you’re unsure, we can review your list together.

Question 10

How do I know if I’m underinsured?

Accepted Answer

You may be underinsured if:Your sum insured hasn’t been updated in yearsYou’ve renovated or extended your homeYou guessed your rebuild costYou’ve bought new high-value itemsYou’re relying on outdated valuationsA quick policy review can give you clarity and confidence.

Question 11

How do I make a claim?

Accepted Answer

Contact your insurer as soon as possibleProvide photos and detailsComplete the claim formAn assessor may visitRepairs or replacements are arranged once approvedOur advisers can support you through the process and advocate on your behalf - especially when things feel stressful.

Question 12

Why work with The Smart Advice Collective instead of going direct?

Accepted Answer

Because you deserve more than a one-size-fits-all policy. Our advisers help you:Compare multiple insurersAvoid underinsuranceUnderstand exclusionsChoose cover that fits your lifeNavigate claims smoothlyAdjust your cover as life evolvesIt’s personalised, proactive advice - not just a policy.

Question 13

How do multi-policy discounts work?

Accepted Answer

Multi-policy discounts (MPDs) used to give Kiwis 5-20% off when they bundled home, contents, car, or landlord insurance with one provider. By 2026, almost all major insurers removed them as part of a shift to risk-based pricing and simpler, more transparent premiums.Only MAS and Cove still offer bundling discounts.

Question 14

Does home insurance cover flatmates?

Accepted Answer

Most NZ home and contents policies do not automatically cover flatmates. Here’s how it usually works:What's Covered:Your home (the building itself) is still covered - flatmates don’t affect this.Your own contents are covered under your policy.What's Not Covered:Your flatmates’ belongingsDamage caused intentionally by a flatmateLiability arising from your flatmate’s actionsHigh-value items owned by others in the homeBest Practice:
Each flatmate should have their own contents policy. If you’re renting out rooms, you may need landlord extension cover or a specific endorsement.We can help you check your wording to avoid surprises at claim time.

Question 15

What happens if I rent out my home on Airbnb?

Accepted Answer

Short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and Bookabach change your risk profile, and most standard home policies do not automatically cover this.What you need to know:You must tell your insurer if you rent out your home, even occasionally.Some insurers offer Airbnb extensions or short-stay cover.Damage caused by guests may not be covered under standard accidental damage.Theft by guests is often excluded unless you have a specific endorsement.Airbnb’s “Host Guarantee” is not insurance and shouldn’t be relied on.If you don’t disclose Airbnb use:Your insurer may decline claims or cancel your policy.We help you set up the right cover so your home, and your income, stay protected.

Question 16

Does car insurance cover driving someone else’s vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Usually, no. Your car insurance covers your vehicle, not any vehicle you drive.ExceptionsSome insurers allow:Occasional driving of someone else’s carNamed driversOpen driver policies (rare in NZ)What’s importantIf you crash someone else’s car:Their own insurance is usually responsible.If they don’t have insurance, you may be personally liable.Your policy may cover your liability, but not the damage to their car.If you regularly drive another vehicle, you may need a specific endorsement or a separate policy.

Question 17

How can I reduce my premiums?

Accepted Answer

There are smart, safe ways to reduce your insurance costs without cutting essential cover.Practical ways to saveIncrease your excess as higher excess = lower premiums.Improve home security with alarms, deadbolts, cameras.Update your rebuild cost as accurate sums prevent overpaying.Remove outdated add-ons you no longer need.Check your vehicle use re business vs personal matters.Review your contents list and avoid insuring items you no longer own.Shop across insurers because risk-based pricing varies widely.We can run a full premium optimisation review for you.

Question 18

What is accidental damage cover?

Accepted Answer

Accidental damage cover protects you from unexpected, sudden, one-off mishaps or the everyday “oops” moments.ExamplesSpilling wine on the couchDropping your TVBreaking a window while moving furnitureKids knocking over a lampDamage caused by pets (depending on insurer)Why it mattersWithout accidental damage, many common household incidents are not covered. It’s one of the most valuable upgrades for busy families.We help you choose the right level of accidental damage based on your lifestyle.

Question 19

What’s the difference between market value and agreed value for cars?

Accepted Answer

Market valueYour insurer pays what your car is worth at the time of the loss, based on current market conditions. This is the most common option and usually cheaper.Agreed valueYou and your insurer agree on a specific payout amount when you set up the policy. This is ideal for:New carsClassic carsModified vehiclesCars with sentimental or collector valueKey differenceMarket value fluctuates. Agreed value stays fixed for the policy term.We help you choose the option that best protects your vehicle’s true worth.

Smarter General Insurance

We offer insurance solutions for

DOMESTIC INSURANCE:

Home & Contents Insurance

Vehicle Insurance

Classic Car Insurance

Boat, Motorbike & Caravan Insurance

Landlord Protection Insurance

Travel Insurance

RURAL INSURANCE

Rural Insurance

COMMERCIAL INSURANCE:

Material Damage Insurance

Business Interruption Insurance

Commercial Vehicle Insurance

Business Travel Insurance

LIABILITY INSURANCE:

Public Liability

Statutory Liability

Professional Indemnity

Directors & Officers Insurance

Cyber Liability Cover

Meet our general insurance team

Carrie Thomas

Hollie Bailey

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Clear, confident general insurance for Kiwi lives