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Complicated is out

Your current policy compared with your new WriteMark™ Plain Language Standard approved policy, plus answers to some questions you may have.

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FAQs
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Policy comparison table

This table shows the key changes between the base version of the House Rental Protection Policy (version 12-16) and your new Landlord's Plus Cover.
 

Your current house policy

Your new Landlord's Plus policy

What's changed?

One event - one excess

Your current house policy

Not offered

Your new Landlord's Plus policy

What's changed?

Improved

Deliberate damage by tenants

Your current house policy

Optional

Your new Landlord's Plus policy

$20,000

What's changed?

Improved

Landlord's whiteware and window coverings

Your current house policy

Optional

Your new Landlord's Plus policy

$20,000

What's changed?

Improved

Loss of rent for other reasons

Your current house policy

Optional

Your new Landlord's Plus policy

8 weeks

What's changed?

Improved

House under minor alteration

Your current house policy

Optional. Up to sum insured

Your new Landlord's Plus policy

$20,000

What's changed?

Improved

Liability protection

Your current house policy

$2 million

Your new Landlord's Plus policy

$20 million

What's changed?

Improved

Unoccupied houses

Your current house policy

Cover ceases after 60 days unless you contact us

Your new Landlord's Plus policy

Cover continues automatically after 60 days ($1,000 excess applies)

What's changed?

Improved

Full replacement for fire

Your current house policy

Your new Landlord's Plus policy

What's changed?

Same

No claims bonus

Your current house policy

Your new Landlord's Plus policy

What's changed?

Same

Methamphetamine decontamination

Your current house policy

$30,000

Your new Landlord's Plus policy

$30,000

What's changed?

Same

Loss of rent for damage to house if uninhabitable

Your current house policy

8 months

Your new Landlord's Plus policy

8 months

What's changed?

Same

Breakage cover (glass, doors, bathroom fittings)

Your current house policy

Your new Landlord's Plus policy

What's changed?

Same

Gradual damage

Your current house policy

$2,500

Your new Landlord's Plus policy

$2,000

What's changed?

Reduced

House under construction

Your current house policy

Optional

Your new Landlord's Plus policy

No cover

What's changed?

Reduced

Domestic pet damage

Your current house policy

Your new Landlord's Plus policy

Limited cover

What's changed?

Reduced

Special features like a swimming pool or tennis court

Your current house policy

Covered in 'house sum insured'

Your new Landlord's Plus policy

Covered under 'special features'

What's changed?

Landlord's obligations

Your current house policy

Your new Landlord's Plus policy

Refer to your new policy wording

What's changed?

 
The table is a summary only and you should refer to the policy wordings for full details, in particular as the House Rental Protection Policy shown in this table may not be the same version as your current policy. Unless stated otherwise, the sums in the table are the limits of cover per event.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Our customers deserve to have up-to-date insurance cover that’s easy to understand. Our latest policies have been awarded the WriteMark™ Plain Language Standard so you can easily understand what you’re covered for if you need to make a claim. Simplifying complicated insurance terms with plain language is just the start of how we’re starting to challenge and change insurance in New Zealand.

No, this policy will no longer be available as we’re phasing out old policies and moving customers to our latest cover. We’ve recommended you move to our Landlord's Plus Cover as this is the closest match to your current policy.
See our policy comparison table to see what these key changes are, and what’s staying the same. Your new Landlord's Plus Cover is similar to your current policy. You still get comprehensive house cover that protects you from the risk of rending out your property, plus you'll get some great, new benefits, such as:
  • Cover for up to $20,000 if your tenants deliberately damage your property and the house becomes uninhabitable.
  • Cover for up to $20,000 if the whiteware or window coverings you own at your property are damaged.
Other changes from your current policy:
  • The amount you can claim for gradual damage is now limited to $2,000 (down from $2,500).
  • Some damage caused by domestic pets is no longer covered.

Remember that you have specific responsibilities as a landlord to protect your property. These include things you may already be doing, such as making frequent property inspections and having a tenancy agreement. It’s important you read and understand these responsibilities as meeting these is a condition of cover. 

Download your new Landlord's plus policy.

As in any other year, your premium may change depending on several factors. For example, on 1 July 2019, the Earthquake Commission made some changes that may have affected your premium.  

You’ll see your premium in your renewal email which you’ll receive shortly. Find out more about how your premium is calculated.

The excess is the amount you need to pay toward any loss when you make a claim and it’s approved. Tower then ‘tops up’ your contribution, up to your policy limit.

When you move to your new policy, your excess may change and it’s important to check it and make sure it’s right for you. If excess refund is part of your current policy, you'll notice that it's not offered on your new policy. This means that you'll now pay an excess if you make a claim. Our latest house policies give you a choice of excesses, ranging from $400 to $2,500.

The amount of excess you choose for your policy will affect the premium you pay - the higher your excess, the cheaper your premium. As well as considering the premium, it’s also important to think about whether you will be able to afford to pay the excess if you happen to have a claim.

As you move to our latest cover at renewal you’ll also have a new unique policy number for each of your policies. Remember to use this policy number as your reference when you contact us or make a payment for this policy. You’ll find your policy number on the top right hand corner of your new insurance documents.

We’re phasing out older house, contents and car policies and moving customers to our latest policies ensuring they have the most up-to-date cover. If you have other Tower policies, we’ll let you know of any changes to each of your policies in another ‘heads up’ email, or in your renewal email. We’re sending an individual email for each policy so you may receive more than one.

Nothing for now. But in the next week you’ll receive your Tower renewal email with your Certificate of Insurance showing your premium, excess and other important details.

Make sure you read it carefully and check your excess, as it may have changed.

Find out more about our journey to better.