Natural Hazards Cover
Our beautiful country is at high risk of natural hazards. It’s good to know our national natural hazards insurance scheme has you covered, and to understand its limits.
EQC is changing to NHC Toka Tū Ake
From 1 July 2024 EQC became the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake. We have new legislation, the Natural Hazards Insurance Act, and any new claims for natural hazards damage that occurred on or after 1 July 2024 will be managed under this new Act.
EQC cover is now called Natural Hazards Cover (NHCover).
Any damage that occurred before 1 July 2024 would be covered under the Earthquake Commission Act 1993.
The cover is similar under both Acts, and you can read more about the changes on the Natural Hazard Commissions Website
Your Natural Hazards Insurance levy ensures you have access to NHCover
If your property is damaged by a natural hazard, NHCover provides the first layer of insurance for your insured home and cover for certain areas of land under and around it.
Anyone with a valid private insurance policy that has fire cover has access to this cover and pays a levy through their private insurance premium. You may have already seen the name change on your brokers documentation.
About Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake
The Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake is Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique response to our restless geographical environment. The scheme was first established in 1945 to ensure all New Zealanders could access natural hazards cover.
Nearly 80 years on, we’ve made big changes but stay committed to our work to reduce the impact of natural hazards on people, property and the community by:
Managing our country’s natural hazard cover insurance scheme
Investing in research and education to build more resilient communities
Helping build New Zealand’s readiness to natural hazards, so we’re here when you need us.