A comprehensive guide to insuring tiny homes in NZ. Whether your tiny home is on wheels or a permanent foundation, find out what cover you need, which providers may help, and what it costs.
Understanding the insurance landscape for tiny homes in New Zealand.
Tiny home insurance covers your small dwelling against risks like fire, storm, theft, accidental damage and natural disaster. However, insuring a tiny home in New Zealand is not always straightforward. Unlike standard houses, tiny homes often fall between categories - they may not fit neatly into house insurance or vehicle insurance.
The key question is whether your tiny home is classified as a building (on a permanent foundation) or a vehicle/transportable structure (on wheels or a trailer). This classification determines what type of insurance applies and which providers can cover you.
Key fact: The tiny home movement has grown significantly in NZ, driven by housing affordability challenges. However, insurance has lagged behind. Many tiny home owners report difficulty finding appropriate cover because their homes do not fit standard insurance categories. The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) provides guidance on insurance rights for consumers.
The type of insurance you need depends entirely on how your tiny home is constructed and situated.
A tiny home on a permanent foundation (concrete slab, piles or bearers) with building consent is treated similarly to a standard house. Standard house insurance policies may apply.
A tiny home built on a trailer chassis is classified as a transportable structure or vehicle. It generally needs caravan or motorhome-style insurance rather than house insurance.
Tiny homes on skids or temporary foundations sit between categories. They can be moved by crane but are not towable. Insurance classification varies by provider.
Understanding the Building Act 2004 rules that affect tiny home insurance.
Under the Building Act 2004, most buildings in New Zealand require a building consent. Whether your tiny home needs one depends on its intended use and size.
MBIE's guidance states that buildings under 30 square metres may be exempt from building consent under Schedule 1 of the Building Act - but only if they are not intended for use as a dwelling (for example, a sleep-out, studio or home office).
Important: If your tiny home is your primary residence, it almost certainly requires building consent regardless of size. The exemption for buildings under 30 sqm only applies to non-habitable structures. Living in a tiny home without consent can make it uninsurable under standard policies. Check with your local council for specific requirements in your area.
Not all insurers cover tiny homes. Here are providers worth contacting, depending on your tiny home type.
Disclaimer: These reviews are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Features and pricing may change - always verify details with the provider directly.
AA Insurance offers house, contents and caravan insurance. Tiny homes on foundations may be covered under their house insurance. For tiny homes on wheels, their caravan insurance could be an option. AA Members receive a 5% discount on premiums.
AMI is one of NZ's largest insurers. Their house insurance may cover tiny homes on permanent foundations with building consent. AMI also offers contents-only policies that could cover belongings inside a tiny home even if the structure itself needs specialist cover.
State offers house and contents insurance across NZ. Tiny homes on permanent foundations may be covered under their standard house policy. Contact State to discuss whether your tiny home qualifies, particularly if it has non-standard construction materials or methods.
Tower is known for risk-based pricing and may be more flexible with non-standard dwellings. Their house insurance could cover consented tiny homes. Tower also uses detailed address-level risk data, which may benefit tiny homes in lower-risk locations.
Vero operates primarily through insurance brokers. For non-standard properties like tiny homes, working with a broker who uses Vero can be a practical path to getting cover. Brokers can present your tiny home details and negotiate terms on your behalf.
FMG specialises in rural insurance and is well-positioned for tiny homes on rural properties. If your tiny home is on a farm or lifestyle block, FMG may cover it as part of a broader rural property policy. They are experienced with non-standard rural dwellings.
MAS (Medical Assurance Society) provides insurance to professionals. Their house insurance may cover non-standard dwellings including tiny homes for eligible members. MAS is known for personalised service and may be willing to assess individual tiny home applications.
Specialist vehicle insurer whose CamperCare product specifically covers tiny homes, whether on wheels or transported. Agreed value and comprehensive options.
Key issues that can make tiny home insurance difficult to obtain.
Tiny homes built with unconventional materials (shipping containers, recycled materials, SIPs) may not meet standard underwriting criteria. Insurers typically want NZ Building Code compliance and recognised construction methods.
Without building consent, many insurers will decline cover outright. This is particularly relevant for DIY tiny homes and those under 30 sqm where owners assumed consent was not required for a dwelling.
Solar battery banks, composting toilets, rainwater collection and wood burners can raise concerns for insurers. Non-standard plumbing and electrical may be excluded or require specialist assessment. Ensure all work is done by certified tradespeople.
Insurance policies require a fixed address for risk assessment. Tiny homes that move frequently or have no permanent site can be difficult to insure. Nomadic tiny home living significantly limits insurance options.
Tiny homes in flood-prone or high-risk natural disaster areas face the same challenges as standard homes - and sometimes greater scrutiny due to lighter construction. EQC cover only applies to residential buildings with building consent on a permanent foundation.
Damage during transportation is typically excluded from both house and caravan policies unless specific transit cover is arranged. This is critical for tiny homes on wheels that are moved between sites.
Owner-built tiny homes without professional certification may face higher premiums or outright exclusion. Having a licensed building practitioner inspect and sign off on work can help.
If your tiny home sits on leased or borrowed land, some insurers may have concerns about permanence and legal standing. Ensure you have a formal lease or licence agreement for the site.
Understanding these factors can help you find cover and manage costs.
Permanent foundations (concrete, piles) generally result in lower premiums and more options. Wheeled tiny homes cost less to insure overall but face more limited provider choice.
Having building consent significantly improves insurability and may lower premiums. Without it, you may be limited to specialist or broker-arranged policies at higher cost.
The replacement cost of your tiny home is the primary driver of premium. Professionally built tiny homes in NZ range from $60,000 to $250,000+ depending on size and fit-out.
Your tiny home's location affects risk assessment. Rural or coastal locations, flood zones and areas with poor emergency service access may increase premiums. Use MBIE and council hazard maps to check your area.
Standard timber frame, steel and recognised cladding materials are easier to insure. Unconventional materials like cob, straw bale or shipping containers may attract loading or exclusions.
Compliant electrical, plumbing and gas installations by certified tradespeople support insurability. Off-grid systems with batteries, wood burners and gas require disclosure and may affect premiums.
Indicative annual premiums based on tiny home type and value.
Disclaimer: These figures are indicative estimates only and do not constitute a quote. Actual premiums depend on your tiny home's specific details, location, construction and provider. Contact insurers directly for accurate pricing. Figures based on publicly available data as at March 2026.
Practical steps to improve your chances of finding cover.
If your tiny home is a dwelling, obtain building consent. This is the single most important step for insurability. MBIE's consent checker can help determine your requirements.
Have all electrical, plumbing and gas work done by certified professionals. Keep certificates of compliance - insurers may ask for them, especially for non-standard dwellings.
Brokers can access underwriters like Vero and specialist markets. They are experienced at placing non-standard risks and can save time versus contacting each insurer individually. The Insurance Brokers Association of NZ (IBANZ) has a broker finder.
Establish a permanent site for your tiny home. Even for homes on wheels, having a long-term location with a formal agreement makes insurance easier to obtain and price.
Keep detailed records of your tiny home's construction, materials, certifications and value. Photos, invoices, building plans and a registered valuation all help when applying for cover.
Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, security locks and a compliant electrical system all improve your risk profile. Some insurers offer discounts for monitored security systems.
Even if you struggle to insure the dwelling, contents-only insurance is usually available from most providers. This protects your belongings inside the tiny home.
If your tiny home is on a rural property, FMG and other rural-focused insurers may be more flexible with non-standard dwellings as part of a broader farm or lifestyle property policy.
Compare providers above, or use our estimate tool to get an indicative premium range for your tiny home. Contact insurers directly for a formal quote.