Complicated is out
Your current policy compared with your new WriteMark™ Plain Language Standard approved policy, plus answers to some questions you may have.
Policy comparison table
This table shows the key changes between the base version of the Contents Super Thrifti Policy (version 12-16) and your new Contents Standard Cover.
Your current contents policy
Your new Contents Standard policy
What's changed?
Your current contents policy
50% of contents at replacement value
Your new Contents Plus policy
100% of contents at replacement value
What's changed?
Improved
Your current contents policy
$5,000
Your new Contents Plus policy
$15,000
What's changed?
Improved
Your current contents policy
Not covered
Your new Contents Plus policy
Includes 14 days of cover at both houses
What's changed?
Improved
Your current contents policy
Not covered
Your new Contents Plus policy
42 days
What's changed?
Improved
Your current contents policy
Not covered
Your new Contents Plus policy
$1,000
What's changed?
Improved
Your current contents policy
Optional
Your new Contents Plus policy
What's changed?
Improved
Your current contents policy
Present day value
Your new Contents Plus policy
Replacement value
What's changed?
Improved
Your current contents policy
Not covered
Your new Contents Plus policy
$500. Cover for lost or stolen
What's changed?
Improved
Your current contents policy
$1 million
Your new Contents Plus policy
$20 million
What's changed?
Improved
Your current contents policy
Optional
Your new Contents Plus policy
What's changed?
Improved
Your current contents policy
Cover ceases after 60 days unless you contact us
Your new Contents Plus policy
Cover continues automatically after 60 days ($1,000 excess applies)
What's changed?
Improved
Your current contents policy
Your new Contents Plus policy
What's changed?
Same
Your current contents policy
Your new Contents Plus policy
What's changed?
Same
Your current contents policy
Your new Contents Plus policy
$1,000. Higher values can be specified
What's changed?
Same
Your current contents policy
Unlimited
Your new Contents Plus policy
$1,000. Higher values can be specified
What's changed?
Reduced
Your current contents policy
$7,500
Your new Contents Plus policy
$5,000. Higher values can be specified
What's changed?
Reduced
Your current contents policy
Your new Contents Plus policy
Covered up to $500. A higher value can be specified
What's changed?
Reduced
Your current contents policy
Your new Contents Plus policy
Limited cover
What's changed?
Reduced
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’re recommending you move to our Contents Standard Cover as this is our closest match to your current policy. However, we also have other options that may suit you better. Compare our latest contents policies.
See our policy comparison table to see what these key changes are, and what’s staying the same. The Contents Standard Cover is similar to your current policy but there are some differences, such as these new benefits:
- Cover for gradual damage to your contents.
- Cover for your computer/laptop and bicycle.
- Cover for temporary accommodation expenses has increased from $5,000 to $15,000.
- All your contents will now be covered for replacement value, regardless of age. This means if any of your contents are damaged and can’t be repaired, we’ll replace them with new ones.
Some cover has been reduced:
- Cover for your mobile phone is now limited to $500, unless otherwise specified.
- Some damage caused by domestic pets is no longer covered.
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.
Please make sure you read it carefully and check;
- your excess, as it may have changed,
- your contents sum insured, to make sure it’s right for you. Estimate the value of your contents.
Find out more about our journey to better.