Contents Sum-Insured Calculator
Estimate the replacement value of your household contents for NZ insurance. Includes specified items (jewellery, electronics, art).
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
Base contents value
Base = bedroom_count_value × quality_multiplier
Quality: basic 0.8, standard 1.0, mid 1.25, luxury 1.7.
- 2
Add specified items
Specified = jewellery + electronics + art + bikes
Items >$2,500 each typically need separate listing.
- 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?
Do I need contents insurance as a renter?
The contents sum-insured calculator estimates the full replacement value of your household contents for a NZ contents insurance policy, combining a base value by home size and quality with specified high-value items such as jewellery, art, and e-bikes.
How this calculator works
Most Kiwis underestimate what it would cost to replace everything they own as new — which is exactly what a sum-insured contents policy pays out. The calculator starts from a base replacement value benchmarked by bedroom count (roughly $18-28k for a studio or one-bedroom, up to $78-95k for a four-bedroom family home) and scales it by furnishing quality: basic ×0.8, standard ×1.0, mid-range ×1.25, luxury ×1.7. On top of the base it adds specified items. Most NZ policies apply a single-article limit of about $2,500 — any individual item worth more, such as an engagement ring, camera kit, artwork, or e-bike, must be listed separately or it will only be covered up to the limit. Review your sum insured after major purchases and at each renewal, because replacement costs move with inflation.
Typical NZ contents replacement values
| Studio / 1-bedroom | $18,000 - $28,000 base |
| 2-bedroom | $40,000 - $50,000 base |
| 3-bedroom family home | $60,000 - $75,000 base |
| 4-bedroom | $78,000 - $95,000 base |
| Single-article limit (unspecified items) | ~$2,500 |
| Quality multipliers | basic ×0.8 · standard ×1.0 · mid ×1.25 · luxury ×1.7 |
Benchmarks based on Consumer NZ and industry sum-insured guidance; always confirm with your insurer.
Worked Examples
2-bedroom flat, standard furnishings, $8,000 jewellery and $5,000 camera/electronics specified
Suggested sum insured ≈ $55,000.
- Base for a standard 2-bedroom: ≈ $42,000
- Specified items: $8,000 + $5,000 = $13,000
- Sum insured: $42,000 + $13,000 = $55,000
3-bedroom family home, standard furnishings, $4,000 e-bike and $3,500 artwork specified
Suggested sum insured ≈ $72,500.
- Base for a standard 3-bedroom: ≈ $65,000
- Specified items: $4,000 + $3,500 = $7,500 (both above the $2,500 single-article limit)
- Sum insured: $65,000 + $7,500 = $72,500
Built and maintained by Konstantin Iakovlev. Data sourced from the IRD and official New Zealand government sources.
Last reviewed: