CANSTAR 2024 2025 insurer of the year home and contents CANSTAR 2023 2025 insurer of the year home and contents

Insurer of the Year - Home & Contents, two years running

And once again, awarded Canstar's Outstanding Value - Home & Contents Insurance, 2023-2025.

Forward thinking house insurance

Looking to insure your home? We've got you covered. Whether it's your first home, your next one, or you're exploring your options, we're here to help protect what matters most. Get a quote or use our house insurance calculator to estimate your sum insured.

  • cover level

    Your cover, your way

    Choose from three levels of cover to suit your needs and budget.

  • risk

    Risk-based pricing

    A fairer way to assess risk from selected natural hazards at your home. Learn more.

  • house fire

    Up to 20% more cover

    If your house is totally destroyed by fire (excludes from natural hazards).

  • gardens

    Green thumb cover

    Get back to green. We'll help replace your garden if it's damaged by a house fire.

Policy terms, excesses, limits and exclusions apply. Cover subject to current underwriting criteria.

Tower's house insurance policies include

Choose from one of our policies:

Premium cover: Our highest level of protection for your home in the event of sudden and accidental damage, such as fire. Also features added benefits like temporary accommodation up to $30,000, and hidden gradual water gradual damage up to $3,000.

Plus cover: A practical option for your home in the event of sudden and accidental damage, such as fire. Additional benefits include hidden gradual water damage up to $2,000, and temporary accommodation up to $25,000.

Standard cover: Our most affordable house insurance policy that covers some essentials. Also includes cover for hidden gradual water damage up to $1,000, and temporary accommodation up to $15,000.

This is a summary only. For all of these benefits, please make sure you read the policy wording to understand the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions that may apply.

Premium

Plus

Standard

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Replacement to sum insured 
If your home is completely destroyed, we’ll pay up to the sum insured amount on your policy to rebuild your home. Learn more about sum insured
Replacement to sum insured
If your home is completely destroyed, we’ll pay up to the sum insured amount on your policy to rebuild your home. Learn more about sum insured
Replacement to sum insured
If your home is completely destroyed, we’ll pay up to the sum insured amount on your policy to rebuild your home. Learn more about sum insured
Replacement to sum insured
If your home is completely destroyed, we’ll pay up to the sum insured amount on your policy to rebuild your home. Learn more about sum insured
Extended sum insured for fire 
If your house is destroyed by fire, this benefit gives you up to 20% more cover than your sum insured. Excludes fires following natural hazards.
Extended sum insured for fire
If your house is destroyed by fire, this benefit gives you up to 20% more cover than your sum insured. Excludes fires following natural hazards.
Extended sum insured for fire
If your house is destroyed by fire, this benefit gives you up to 20% more cover than your sum insured. Excludes fires following natural hazards.
Extended sum insured for fire
If your house is destroyed by fire, this benefit gives you up to 20% more cover than your sum insured. Excludes fires following natural hazards.
Carpets extended replacement 
If you have matching carpet throughout your home and some of it’s damaged, if we can’t find a suitable match, we’ll replace the lot.
Carpets extended replacement
If you have matching carpet throughout your home and some of it’s damaged, if we can’t find a suitable match, we’ll replace the lot.
Carpets extended replacement
If you have matching carpet throughout your home and some of it’s damaged, if we can’t find a suitable match, we’ll replace the lot.
Carpets extended replacement
If you have matching carpet throughout your home and some of it’s damaged, if we can’t find a suitable match, we’ll replace the lot.
Hidden gradual water damage 
We'll repair damage to your home which is caused over time by a leak or overflow from an internal water pipe, hose, or tank.
Hidden gradual water damage
We'll repair damage to your home which is caused over time by a leak or overflow from an internal water pipe, hose, or tank.
Up to $3,000
Hidden gradual water damage
We'll repair damage to your home which is caused over time by a leak or overflow from an internal water pipe, hose, or tank.
Up to $2,000
Hidden gradual water damage
We'll repair damage to your home which is caused over time by a leak or overflow from an internal water pipe, hose, or tank.
Up to $1,000
Sustainability upgrade 
If your house is destroyed, we'll provide up to $15,000 for you to add or upgrade to sustainable products in your new house. Excludes losses caused by a natural hazard.
Sustainability upgrade
If your house is destroyed, we'll provide up to $15,000 for you to add or upgrade to sustainable products in your new house. Excludes losses caused by a natural hazard.
Up to $15,000
Sustainability upgrade
If your house is destroyed, we'll provide up to $15,000 for you to add or upgrade to sustainable products in your new house. Excludes losses caused by a natural hazard.
Up to $15,000
Sustainability upgrade
If your house is destroyed, we'll provide up to $15,000 for you to add or upgrade to sustainable products in your new house. Excludes losses caused by a natural hazard.
Up to $15,000
Temporary accommodation 
We'll contribute toward the cost of temporary accommodation if your home suffers damage that makes it uninhabitable as a result of an insured event. This excludes claims for hidden gradual water damage.
Temporary accommodation
We'll contribute toward the cost of temporary accommodation if your home suffers damage that makes it uninhabitable as a result of an insured event. This excludes claims for hidden gradual water damage.
Up to $30,000
Temporary accommodation
We'll contribute toward the cost of temporary accommodation if your home suffers damage that makes it uninhabitable as a result of an insured event. This excludes claims for hidden gradual water damage.
Up to $25,000
Temporary accommodation
We'll contribute toward the cost of temporary accommodation if your home suffers damage that makes it uninhabitable as a result of an insured event. This excludes claims for hidden gradual water damage.
Up to $15,000
Damage caused by a natural hazard 
If damage to your home exceeds the NHCover limit, we pay the difference up to your sum insured. 
Damage caused by a natural hazard
If damage to your home exceeds the NHCover limit, we pay the difference up to your sum insured. 
Damage caused by a natural hazard
If damage to your home exceeds the NHCover limit, we pay the difference up to your sum insured. 
Damage caused by a natural hazard
If damage to your home exceeds the NHCover limit, we pay the difference up to your sum insured. 
Landscaping 
You’re covered for damage to your lawn, flowers, trees, hedges or shrubs, caused by fire damage to your home, or damage from a vehicle.
Landscaping
You’re covered for damage to your lawn, flowers, trees, hedges or shrubs, caused by fire damage to your home, or damage from a vehicle.
Up to $5,000
Landscaping
You’re covered for damage to your lawn, flowers, trees, hedges or shrubs, caused by fire damage to your home, or damage from a vehicle.
Up to $2,000
Landscaping
You’re covered for damage to your lawn, flowers, trees, hedges or shrubs, caused by fire damage to your home, or damage from a vehicle.
Up to $1,000
Glass breakage reduced excess 
If your claim is only for glass breakage, we’ll reduce your excess.
Glass breakage reduced excess
If your claim is only for glass breakage, we’ll reduce your excess.
$100 excess
Glass breakage reduced excess
If your claim is only for glass breakage, we’ll reduce your excess.
$200 excess
Glass breakage reduced excess
If your claim is only for glass breakage, we’ll reduce your excess.
Garden retaining walls 
Cover for garden retaining walls automatically included.
Garden retaining walls
Cover for garden retaining walls automatically included.
Up to $50,000
Garden retaining walls
Cover for garden retaining walls automatically included.
Up to $25,000
Garden retaining walls
Cover for garden retaining walls automatically included.
Up to $15,000
Keys and locks 
We'll help replace keys and locks if yours are stolen, lost, or illegally copied, and you won't need to pay an excess.
Keys and locks
We'll help replace keys and locks if yours are stolen, lost, or illegally copied, and you won't need to pay an excess.
Keys and locks
We'll help replace keys and locks if yours are stolen, lost, or illegally copied, and you won't need to pay an excess.
Up to $1,000
Keys and locks
We'll help replace keys and locks if yours are stolen, lost, or illegally copied, and you won't need to pay an excess.
Up to $500
House under minor alteration 
Extra cover to protect your home and renovation materials while it's undergoing non-structural renovations that don't require building consent.
House under minor alteration
Extra cover to protect your home and renovation materials while it's undergoing non-structural renovations that don't require building consent.
Up to $50,000
House under minor alteration
Extra cover to protect your home and renovation materials while it's undergoing non-structural renovations that don't require building consent.
Up to $20,000
House under minor alteration
Extra cover to protect your home and renovation materials while it's undergoing non-structural renovations that don't require building consent.
Up to $10,000
Liability protection 
If there’s an accident at your home which causes damage to someone else’s property, we’ll cover you for your legal liability.
Liability protection
If there’s an accident at your home which causes damage to someone else’s property, we’ll cover you for your legal liability.
Liability protection
If there’s an accident at your home which causes damage to someone else’s property, we’ll cover you for your legal liability.
Liability protection
If there’s an accident at your home which causes damage to someone else’s property, we’ll cover you for your legal liability.
Pay only one excess 
Pay only one excess when claiming on multiple eligible policies for a single event. The highest excess applies.
Pay only one excess
Pay only one excess when claiming on multiple eligible policies for a single event. The highest excess applies.
Pay only one excess
Pay only one excess when claiming on multiple eligible policies for a single event. The highest excess applies.
Pay only one excess
Pay only one excess when claiming on multiple eligible policies for a single event. The highest excess applies.
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What our customers say

Check out some of our four and five-star verified customer reviews from Trustpilot.

Calculate your sum insured

Our house insurance calculator can help you work out the rebuild cost of your home, which in turn helps you get a more accurate house insurance quote! It's easy to use and understand, so give it a go..

Sum insured calculator

Home renovation cover

If you're planning your dream home renovation it's important to make sure you have home renovation insurance should something unexpected happen.

Whether you’re tearing down walls or laying down a driveway, we’re here for you.

Get our Contract works – Renovation cover and keep your property covered from damage and theft of materials while it’s a work in progress.

Contract Works - renovation cover

Manage your house insurance with My Tower

You can update, claim and keep track of your insurance 24/7 through My Tower. Log in or register today. 

Log in to My TowerRegister for My Tower

$50,000 Summer of Surprises

Tower customers are in to win one of ten $1,000 Prezzy cards this February, with more prizes coming each month until March 2026.* Not with us? It's a great time to join.

Get a quote

*Promotion ends 31 Mar 2026. Ts&Cs apply.

House insurance FAQs

How much should I insure my house for?

It's important that the amount you insure your house for is enough to cover all costs to rebuild your house. This includes things like demolition costs, debris removal, professional fees and council fees.

Learn more about calculating the house sum insured amount

Does the risk of natural hazards at my property affect the price I pay for my insurance?

Some properties in New Zealand are more prone to damage from specific natural hazards. When you buy or renew a house or landlord policy, we assess the potential risk of earthquakes, floods, landslides and sea surges.

This risk assessment forms part - but not all - of your premium.

Each home is unique, so we assess these risks at your specific address. This is the fairest and most personalised way to determine this part of your premium.

If no risk data exists for one of these hazards at your specific address, community-level data is used to calculate your premium instead.

Learn what makes up your premium and why costs can sometimes change.

What are risk ratings, and how are they calculated?

Risk ratings are a simple way of showing you the impact that earthquakes, floods, landslides, or sea surges could have on your property.

We've partnered with some of the world's leading risk modelling companies to help us calculate risk specific to your address. We then use the modelling insights to create risk ratings based on the likelihood of the natural disasters happening, how big those natural disasters may be, as well as the potential damage they could cause.

Note that if no risk data exists for one of the hazards at your specific address, your risk rating will display 'unknown'.

Learn how risk ratings work

What if I rent out my house?

Our Premium, Plus, and Standard House insurance policies are designed for owner-occupiers. If you're looking to rent out your property you will need our Landlord insurance policy.

Our Landlord insurance is designed to cover you for all sorts of renting-related issues. This includes deliberate damage, loss of rent, and methamphetamine contamination. 

Learn more about Landlord insurance

Am I covered for earthquakes and other disasters?

Yes. If your house is damaged in an earthquake or natural disaster your Tower House insurance covers you up to your sum insured for the cost to repair or rebuild your house.

For more detailed information, check the Standard, Plus, and Premium House policies or call us on 0800 379 372.

Is damage caused by pets covered?

We are pet lovers too and know that from time to time they are not always as well behaved as you may like. Unfortunately, our policies don't cover damage to your house or furnishings caused by your pets. 

Is general wear and tear to the house covered?

Damage to your home made through daily life, ageing, and normal wear and tear is not covered. However, we do cover you for hidden gradual water damage caused over time by a leak or overflow from an internal water pipe, hose, or tank. Limits apply. 

Is my house covered while I'm away on holiday?

You don't have to tell us if your home is unoccupied for a short period of time, as you'll still be covered. 

However, if you house is left unoccupied for more than 90 consecutive days, your cover is limited from day 91 to loss, damage, or liability arising from:

  1. a natural hazard
  2. a fire resulting from a natural hazard
  3. a fire that is not related to or started by any deliberate act or intentional act
  4. a storm or flood caused by weather events. 

An additional excess of $1,000 will be applied in the event of a claim for loss to your house under the above circumstances.

This does not apply to your holiday home. 

Please call us on 0800 379 372 if you know your house has been, or will be, unoccupied for more than 90 days. 

What excess do I pay on a house insurance claim?

Your excess is the part of a claim you pay yourself. Our standard excess starts at $400 for house insurance, but if you choose a higher excess, you could lower your premium. You can check or change your excess anytime in My Tower.

In some cases, an additional excess may apply. For example, if your home's been empty for more than 90 days, there's an additional $1,000 excess. Any additional excesses that apply to you will be listed on your certificate of insurance. 

How can I lower my house insurance premium?

There are a few ways you can save:

  • Increase your excess
  • Pay your premium annually.

Want more tips? Check out our blog: How to save on your insurance. 

Does house insurance cover hidden gradual water damage?

Yes, we've got you covered. If a leak or overflow from an internal water pipe, hose, or tank causes damage over time, your policy includes cover up to:

For details on what's covered under your house insurance policy (and what's not), take a look at your policy document. For more helpful information on common water-related mishaps, check out our blog: Water mishaps: what does insurance cover?

Do I need house insurance if I have a mortgage in NZ?

Yes, you do. Most lenders in New Zealand require house insurance for the full length of your mortgage. Your bank needs to be listed as an interested party on your certificate of insurance, and your mortgage provider may require your level of cover to match or exceed your loan amount until it's paid off.

What's the difference between sum insured and market value?

Sum insured is the maximum we'll pay to rebuild your home. It's based on things like construction costs, materials and professional fees.

Market value is what someone would pay for your property and land. Because land isn't insured, your sum insured and your market value are likely to be quite different. 

Use our house insurance calculator to get an estimate for rebuilding your home. 

Info, ideas and inspiration

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Landlord insurance demystified

Do you own a rental property? Find out what landlord insurance is, how it’s different to house insurance, and you why should take out a policy.

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