Government’s move to increase the EQC cap to $300,000

As a result of a recent move by insurers to risk-based pricing, the charge for Natural Disaster insurance premiums differs across New Zealand. In some regions it is becoming more difficult to obtain cover at affordable levels.

Following recent announcements, it will be reassuring for residential property owners to know that the EQC Cap will be increasing from $150,000 to $300,000 to cover damage caused by natural disasters, starting from 1 October 2022. Insurers cover Natural Disaster damage above the EQC Cap – known as ‘top up’ cover.

Whilst this announcement does not have a direct affect on commercial property insurance, we anticipate it freeing up insurers ‘capacity’ which will have positive benefits across the property insurance sector.

Rothbury are proactively monitoring this space and making plans to take advantage of the increased EQC Cap as soon as our clients are able to.