Contents & Property Insurance
Protect your business premises, equipment, and stock against damage and loss.
If you have a workshop, depot, or yard—whether rented or owned—you need contents and property insurance. This covers your building, equipment, stock, tools stored on-site, office equipment, and everyt...
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Contents & Property Insurance — NZ Guide
If you have a workshop, depot, or yard—whether rented or owned—you need contents and property insurance. This covers your building, equipment, stock, tools stored on-site, office equipment, and everything else essential to running your business. Coverage includes accidental damage, fire, theft, weather damage, and importantly, natural disasters (including earthquakes in New Zealand). Without this cover, a single incident—fire, flooding, or break-in—could destroy your business. Premiums depend on the value of contents and building, but typical small workshops cost NZ$50–100 per month.
What's Covered
Building vs Contents Cover
Building cover protects the structure and fixed fittings. Contents cover protects movable items: tools, equipment, stock, furniture, office equipment. If you rent your workshop, the landlord insures the building; you insure your contents. If you own, you'll likely need both.
Natural Disaster Coverage
New Zealand is earthquake-prone. Standard contents policies often exclude earthquake and natural disaster damage. Ensure your policy includes natural disaster cover—it's essential in NZ. This covers earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslip, and weather-related damage.
Business Interruption
If your premises are damaged and you can't operate, business interruption cover reimburses lost revenue and ongoing expenses while you rebuild. This is critical—recovery from a major incident takes months, and lost income can be substantial.
Who Needs This Cover?
- →Tradies with a workshop or depot
- →Businesses with on-site equipment or machinery
- →Companies with stock or inventory
- →Tradies with shared workshop facilities
- →Any business relying on fixed premises
Indicative Premium Ranges
Premiums vary by trade type, business size, and claims history. These ranges are a guide only — get a personalised quote for accurate pricing.
| Business Type | Typical Premium |
|---|---|
| Small workshop (rented, basic contents) | NZ$50–100/month |
| Medium depot (mixed ownership, significant equipment) | NZ$100–200/month |
| Large facility (owned building, high-value stock) | By quote |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need contents insurance if I rent my workshop?
Yes. Your landlord insures the building; you insure your tools, equipment, and stock. Without contents insurance, loss of equipment could shut down your business.
Does contents insurance cover natural disasters?
Not always—many standard policies exclude earthquake and weather-related damage. In New Zealand, natural disaster cover is essential and should be explicitly included in your policy.
What's the difference between "new-for-old" and depreciated value?
New-for-old means you receive the cost of replacement with new equipment. Depreciated value means the insurer pays the worn-out item's reduced value. New-for-old is more valuable but may cost more premium.
What happens if my workshop burns down?
Contents insurance covers the rebuild/replacement cost of equipment and stock. Business interruption cover reimburses lost revenue and expenses while you rebuild. Together, they protect your business survival.
Are tools stored in my workshop covered under contents insurance?
Yes—tools and equipment stored on-site are typically covered under contents insurance. However, confirm with your insurer that the contents value you declare includes your tool inventory.
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