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Contents Sum-Insured Calculator

Estimate the replacement value of your household contents for NZ insurance. Includes specified items (jewellery, electronics, art).

By Konstantin IakovlevPublished 28 March 2026Last reviewed
Data stays on your deviceConsumer Protection NZ

About this calculator

This calculator implements NZ contents replacement value methodology from Sum Insured Pty Ltd / Vero. Last consulted 18 May 2026. Verify the figures yourself by following the link.

NZ contents replacement value benchmarks

Cordell / Sum Insured data 2026
  • Studio / 1-bedroom: $18k-28k base
  • 2-bedroom: $40k-50k base
  • 3-bedroom family home: $60k-75k base
  • 4-bedroom: $78k-95k base
  • Single-item limit (without specifying): $2,500 typical
  • Annual review recommended: After major purchases or inflation

Source: Consumer NZ — Contents insurance

Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates for general information purposes only. Results should not be relied upon as professional financial, tax, or legal advice. Tax rates and thresholds are based on publicly available IRD data and may change. Always consult a qualified tax agent or financial adviser for advice specific to your circumstances.

How NZ contents replacement value is estimated

Base contents value by home size and quality, plus specified items above single-item limits.

  1. 1

    Base contents value

    Base = bedroom_count_value × quality_multiplier

    Quality: basic 0.8, standard 1.0, mid 1.25, luxury 1.7.

  2. 2

    Add specified items

    Specified = jewellery + electronics + art + bikes

    Items >$2,500 each typically need separate listing.

  3. 3

    Total sum-insured

    Total = base + specified

    Single-article limit on contents policies usually $2,500 — anything over goes on Specified.

Worked example

Inputs: 2-bedroom standard, $8k jewellery + $5k electronics

Result: Base $42k + Specified $13k = $55k sum-insured.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a realistic contents sum-insured for NZ?
A 2-bedroom Auckland home with standard furnishings typically needs $40k-$60k contents cover. A 4-bedroom family home with mid-range furnishings needs $80k-$100k. Most renters underestimate — counting clothes, kitchen items, and electronics surprises people. Specified items (jewellery >$2,500, art >$5k, electronics >$2.5k) need separate listing on the policy. Source: Vero contents calculator.
Do I need contents insurance as a renter?
Yes — your landlord's insurance covers the building, not your stuff. If a fire, burglary, or burst pipe destroys your belongings, you bear the loss. Renters' contents insurance is typically $300-$600/year for $30-$50k cover. Worth it for the peace of mind. Many providers (AA, State, Vero, Tower, AMI) offer renter-specific contents-only policies. Source: Consumer NZ.

How this calculator works

This contents sum-insured calculator uses the latest data from official New Zealand government sources to provide accurate results. All calculations are performed in your browser — your data never leaves your device.

All calculations are performed in your browser — your data never leaves your device. Results are for general guidance only and should not be considered professional financial advice.

Built and maintained by Konstantin Iakovlev. Data sourced from the IRD and official New Zealand government sources.

Last reviewed: