Quick answer: land scour is where flowing water washes away the surface of land, often around a driveway, accessway or near a home after a storm or flood. For eligible natural-hazard claims, NHC Toka Tū Ake can contribute to repair of land scour and cleanup of certain insured land. Your private insurer is usually the first point of contact and will manage the claim process in most cases.
What is land scour?
Land scour occurs when fast-moving water removes soil or other surface material. It can leave channels, uneven ground, exposed edges and damage near accessways or the building footprint. It may occur with floodwater, storm runoff or a landslide event. Do not treat it as only a cosmetic problem where the ground supports a house, retaining structure, service or accessway; keep clear of unstable areas and arrange appropriate assessment.
Storm, flood and landslide: why the coverage path differs
| Event or damage | General pathway to check | First action |
|---|---|---|
| Storm or flood damage inside the home | Building and contents cover depends on the private policy and cause of loss. | Contact the private insurer and record the water path and affected materials. |
| Storm or flood damage to eligible residential land | NHC can provide limited land cover under and around an insured home, subject to the legislation and claim conditions. | Contact the private insurer, photograph the land damage and avoid unsafe cleanup. |
| Land scour on insured land | NHC may contribute to repair as part of a land claim, up to the applicable land cover cap. | Record the extent, keep clear of unstable edges and follow insurer directions. |
| Silt or debris after flooding | NHC may contribute to removal from insured land; coverage is limited by location and conditions. | Photograph depth and location before disposal or contractor cleanup. |
| Landslide damage | NHC can provide first-layer cover for the home and certain land areas, with private insurance potentially applying above or outside that cover. | Contact the insurer and do not enter unstable ground. |
Which parts of land may be insured for storm or flood damage?
For storm and flood claims, NHC describes cover for certain areas under and around an insured home: land under the home, under insured separate buildings and structures, and land within 8 metres of them. There is also limited cover for land under or supporting the main accessway up to 60 metres from the home. The facts of each claim, the event and the legislation determine whether cover applies.
Silt, debris and scour: what to document
- Wide photos showing the affected property, water path, accessway and nearby structures.
- Close photos that show silt depth, debris, washed-out edges and any damage near the home.
- The date and time discovered, weather event details and any Civil Defence or council information received.
- A note of the areas affected: home, separate building, driveway, retaining wall, bridge, culvert or garden.
- Before-and-after photos, contractor quotes, invoices and communications with the insurer.
Land-scour response chart
| Priority | Action | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Keep clear of hazards | Stay away from undercut banks, unstable slopes, damaged retaining structures and compromised accessways. | Ground can remain unstable after water recedes. |
| 2. Document before cleanup | Photograph silt, debris, scour channels and their proximity to insured structures. | Supports the insurer’s assessment of damage and scope. |
| 3. Contact the insurer | Make the claim through the private insurer in most cases; ask about emergency works and contractor approval. | The insurer is usually the central contact for the claim process. |
| 4. Use suitable contractors | Arrange appropriate assessment, debris removal, erosion control or repair work as directed. | Repair needs vary with soil conditions, slope, services and supporting structures. |
| 5. Keep evidence together | Retain photos, reports, quotes, invoices and claim communications. | Helps establish what happened and what work was performed. |
What NHC says about silt and debris
NHC may contribute to removal of silt that is 15 mm or deeper, debris removal and land-scour repair on insured land, subject to the land cover cap and claim conditions. NHC does not reimburse work a homeowner performs themselves. Artificial surfaces such as paving or driveway surfacing are not usually part of NHC cover, though private policy cover may differ. Check with the insurer before non-urgent work or disposal.
Frequently asked questions
Is land scour covered after a flood?
It can be eligible for limited NHC land cover when it occurs on insured land following a qualifying natural-hazard event. Cover depends on the location, event, claim conditions and applicable limits. Contact your insurer to make a claim in most cases.
Can I claim for silt removal?
NHC may contribute to removing silt that is 15 mm or deeper from insured land, subject to claim conditions and the land cover cap. Photograph the build-up and discuss the process with the insurer before non-urgent cleanup.
Will NHC pay for my driveway to be resurfaced?
Artificial surfaces such as driveway surfacing are not usually covered by NHC. Private insurance may provide different cover, so ask the insurer how the policy applies to your particular damage.
Should I clean up flood debris myself?
Put safety first. NHC does not reimburse labour for work completed by the homeowner, and unsafe or contaminated debris may require professional handling. Document the damage and check the insurer’s instructions before non-urgent cleanup.
Read NHC’s current storm, flood and landslide cover guidance. For water damage inside a building after an event, see our Auckland flood restoration service.
