Contents
Being away from home can have some challenges and knowing that your contents has covers matched to your personal needs, gives you piece of mind
Contents insurance provides financial protection for the items inside your home that aren’t permanently attached to the structure. This includes furniture, clothing, electronics, jewellery, and other personal belongings. Whether you own your home, rent, have a holiday house, or are a landlord, contents insurance helps cover loss or damage caused by events like burglary, fire, natural disasters, and accidental damage. Some policies also extend cover to items stolen or damaged outside the home, provided the incident occurs within New Zealand. If you’re unsure what’s covered or how to get started, our team at is here to help you understand your options and find the right level of protection for your belongings.
At C&R Insurance, we’re based in Central Otago and Southland and focused on providing straightforward, people-first advice. We help you assess whether your current policy reflects the true cost of your contents, including investigating wear and tear, maximum payout limit, and expensive items will affect your policy. Many contents are under-insured, which can lead to significant financial gaps if a claim is needed. We also assist with reviewing your coverage regularly and making sure your insurance keeps up with changes to your assets.
Protect what makes your house a home - talk to C&R Insurance today to make sure your contents cover is up to date and ready for whatever life throws your way.
Why Contents Insurance Matters More Than Ever
Contents insurance protects your personal belongings from loss or damage, which is increasingly important given rising burglary rates and the significant number of New Zealand households without cover. In 2023, around 30% of people in New Zealand did not have contents insurance, leaving them vulnerable to major financial loss. At the same time, burglary rates have been increasing nationally, making contents cover more valuable than ever.
In regions such as Southland and Otago, natural hazards - including fires, floods, landslides, and earthquakes - can destroy personal belongings instantly. Without adequate insurance, replacing everything from furniture to electronics after such an event can be financially devastating. Ensuring your contents are properly insured provides peace of mind that you can recover and rebuild your life if the unexpected occurs.
Key details you need to know:
The type of policy you choose determines the scope of cover; comprehensive policies often include accidental damage, while more limited options may only cover major events such as burglary or natural disasters.
You must set a sum insured that reflects the total value of your belongings, as this is the maximum amount your insurer will pay in a total‑loss situation.
Most policies offer new‑for‑old replacement, covering the cost of buying a brand‑new equivalent item; some policies instead pay market value, which factors in depreciation.
Many contents policies include legal liability cover, protecting you if you accidentally damage someone else’s property — for example, if a leaking appliance in your home causes damage to a neighbour’s unit.
These principles form the foundation of contents insurance, ensuring your household items and personal effects are financially protected when life takes an unexpected turn.
Determining the total value of your contents can be challenging, but online calculators and broker advice can help you estimate accurately.
As the policyholder, it is your responsibility to ensure your insured amount is correct and kept up to date throughout the policy term.
If you purchase new or high‑value items, you should notify your broker so they can be added to your cover.
Some policies include additional benefits such as temporary storage costs if your home becomes uninhabitable due to repairs, or personal liability cover if you are renting and accidentally cause damage to the property.
At C&R Insurance, we help you review your contents policy regularly, clarify what is covered, and ensure your insurance reflects your current situation - so you are not caught out when it matters most.
Benefits of Content Insurance
Content insurance protects your personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing, from damage or loss due to events like fire or theft
It provides coverage for items that may be damaged while you’re away from home, ensuring your possessions are safeguarded both inside and outside your property.
Content insurance can help you replace stolen or destroyed items, offering a financial safety net during difficult times.
It gives you peace of mind by ensuring that valuable items like jewelry or electronics are covered, reducing the stress of potential losses.