Quick answer: NHCover is the Government’s natural-hazards insurance cover for eligible homeowners with a private home policy that includes fire insurance. It provides a first layer of cover for a home and limited cover for some residential land in specified natural-hazard events. In most cases, your private insurer is your first point of contact and manages the claim process, including the NHCover portion.
NHCover and private insurance: the practical difference
| Topic | NHCover | Private home or contents policy |
|---|---|---|
| Who provides it? | Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC). | Your chosen insurer. |
| How is it accessed? | Usually through a private residential home policy that includes fire insurance. | Through the policy you purchase and its terms, limits and exclusions. |
| Home damage from specified natural hazards | Can provide the first layer of cover, subject to the Natural Hazards Insurance Act and claim conditions. | May provide cover above the NHC portion or for damage NHC does not cover, depending on the policy. |
| Storm or flood damage | For storm and flood, NHC cover relates to eligible residential land rather than building damage. | Building and contents cover depend on the policy and the cause of loss. |
| Contents | NHC does not provide contents cover. | Contents may be covered if included in your policy. |
| Claim contact | In most cases the private insurer manages the claim on NHC’s behalf. | Your insurer is usually the central point of contact. |
When should you contact your insurer?
Contact your insurer after natural-hazard damage as soon as practical. They can explain the claim process, emergency work approvals, assessment steps and which parts of the event they will manage. If you use a broker, ask whether they can assist with communication. NHC manages a smaller group of claims directly, including some Direct NHCover customers and claims where the insurer does not partner with NHC.
Storm, flood and landslide: why the cause matters
Different events can involve different cover pathways. For example, water entering a building in a storm may be addressed under a private policy, while eligible damage to residential land from storm, flood or landslide can involve NHC cover. The correct answer depends on the event, the damage location, policy wording and assessment. Do not assume that every form of water damage is covered by the same part of the insurance system.
Claim checklist after natural-hazard damage
| Step | What to do | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Protect safety | Keep clear of floodwater, electrical hazards and unstable building elements. | Safety takes priority over documentation or cleanup. |
| 2. Record the event | Photograph the source, water level, visible damage, land movement and affected rooms. | Creates a record before conditions change. |
| 3. Contact the insurer | Make the claim through your insurer in most cases and keep the claim number. | They can guide emergency work and assessment. |
| 4. Prevent further damage safely | Take reasonable safe steps, while following insurer instructions for non-urgent work and disposal. | Limits additional loss and keeps the record clear. |
| 5. Retain evidence | Keep reports, invoices, moisture records and communications. | Supports assessment and repair scope decisions. |
Where restoration fits
Restoration work focuses on making a water-damaged property safe, extracting water, cleaning affected materials where appropriate, drying retained building elements and recording the process. A restoration report can help describe the condition and work completed, but it does not determine insurance cover or settlement. Insurers and NHC assess claims under the applicable policy and legislation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I contact NHC or my private insurer first?
In most cases, contact your private insurer first. They are usually the central point of contact and manage the NHCover portion of the claim on NHC’s behalf. Contact NHC directly if you are a Direct NHCover customer or your insurer does not partner with NHC.
Does NHCover pay for flood damage inside my home?
For storm and flood events, NHCover relates to eligible residential land. Cover for building and contents damage depends on the private policy and the specific cause of damage. Ask your insurer how your cover applies.
Does NHCover include contents?
No. NHC does not provide contents cover. Whether damaged contents are covered depends on your private contents policy.
Does every home insurance policy include NHCover?
Natural hazards cover is generally available through a private residential home policy that includes fire insurance. Check your policy documents or ask your insurer or broker about your eligibility and cover.
Read the current official NHC guide to NHCover for full conditions and limits. For immediate water-damage assessment and drying records in Auckland, see our flood restoration service.
