Summer peace of mind: Protect your valuables at home and on the go

Reviewing your contents insurance now can give you greater peace of mind when you’re off on your next adventure. Are your things covered while you‘re travelling? How can you make sure your home is secure when no one’s there? And are there any pitfalls you might be overlooking?

MAS Contents Insurance can help safeguard your possessions so you can spend less time worrying and more time having fun in the sun.

Cover new gifts and holiday purchases under your policy

During the holiday season, we often buy or receive valuable new items, like the latest gadget, jewellery, an e-bike or something special for the home. It’s easy to overlook, but these new items might not automatically be covered under your existing contents insurance. Before you hit the road, take a moment to review your policy and ensure any valuable additions are included.

Certain high-value items like jewellery, bicycles or electronics may have sublimits. For example, MAS covers jewellery and watches up to $8,000 per item, bicycles up to $8,000, sports equipment and portable electronics up to $5,000 and works of art up to $25,000. If your new purchases exceed these limits, make sure to specify them with MAS to ensure full coverage.

Updating your policy is easy. Simply use the MAS contents calculator to quickly assess the value of your new belongings and adjust your cover as needed. If your home will be unattended over Christmas or the summer break or you‘re bringing valuables on holiday, you can relax knowing you’re covered.

MAS covers your valuables wherever you go

We’ve all got different ideas of the perfect summer break. For some, it’s a staycation. For others, it’s a relaxing escape to Waiheke Island or camping in the Coromandel. Regardless of how you spend your holiday, one of the key benefits of MAS Contents Insurance is that your belongings are protected – not just at home but wherever your New Zealand adventures take you.

If you‘re travelling overseas, MAS offers coverage of up to $50,000 for personal effects taken abroad, with a limit of $5,000 per individual item. So whether you‘re staying local or heading overseas, MAS can provide cover throughout your summer adventures.

Keep your home secure while you’re away

Leaving your home empty over the holidays? Summer can be a busy time for burglaries. This spike is often due to people being away for extended periods, leaving homes more vulnerable to theft or accidental damage.

If someone were to steal gifts from under your Christmas tree, MAS Contents Insurance has you covered. Gifts intended for friends or family are included in your contents coverage, even if they are wrapped and ready to give. However, it’s important to ensure your policy reflects the value of these items, especially if they are high value or exceed sublimits.

While MAS covers your contents, there are still a few simple steps you should take to safeguard your home. First, ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, and double-check that outdoor tools and equipment like ladders, are stored away. It’s also a good idea to ask a neighbour or friend to keep an eye on your property and collect your mail. Using timers for your lights and leaving curtains open can also deter would-be intruders by making it seem like someone’s at home.

If you have a home security system, now’s the time to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Consider installing security cameras you can monitor remotely for added peace of mind. Taking these precautions helps to ensure that, while you’re out enjoying the sun, your home stays safe.

And with New Zealand‘s unpredictable summer weather, including sudden storms, MAS also ensures that your belongings are protected against weather-related damage. So if a storm rolls in while you‘re away, your valuables are covered.

Adjust your insurance to fit your summer plans

Now is also a good time to review your insurance and make sure it fits your summer plans. MAS offers flexible options that allow you to tailor your cover to suit your needs – whether you’re staying at home, travelling or bouncing between your place and a holiday home.

If you’re looking to manage costs, you can adjust your policy by increasing your excess, which could help lower your premiums. If you bundle your Contents Insurance with other MAS products like House or Motor VehicleInsurance, you could be eligible for our Goldshield discount. This makes it more affordable to protect your assets in one go.

Beyond the flexibility in coverage, MAS offers additional benefits such as:

• covering your children’s belongings while they’re enrolled in full-time education and living in New Zealand at a boarding school or tertiary accommodation
• up to $2,000 for credit card fraud and coverage for spoiled food due to a freezer breakdown.

These small yet important protections help make sure that even the unexpected is accounted for.

FAQs for contents insurance

Does insurance cover my items if I’m staying at a holiday home or hotel?

MAS Contents insurance extends to your belongings at any destination within New Zealand. Whether you’re staying on the North or South Island, your valuables are protected.

What happens to my contents insurance if I’m travelling abroad?

MAS covers your personal effects even when you’re travelling overseas. You’ll be protected for up to $50,000 total for items taken abroad, with a limit of $5,000 for individual items.

Do I need to specify expensive items when travelling?

Yes, if you’re taking high-value items like jewellery or electronics worth more than the sublimit (e.g. $8,000 for jewellery), you’ll need to specify these items to ensure full coverage while travelling. Please note this only applies to travel within New Zealand, not overseas.

Will MAS cover damage to my property while I’m away?

Yes, MAS covers damage to your contents if your home is left empty while you’re away for a few weeks. However, it’s important to take precautions like securing your property and having a neighbour or friend check on your home periodically. Increased excesses may apply in the event of a burglary. If your house is going to be unoccupied for more than 60 days, get in touch with the MAS team.

What if I receive an expensive gift while I’m away? Will it be covered?

Yes, new items you receive during the holidays are covered, but if they exceed the sublimit for specific items (e.g. $8,000 for jewellery), you’ll need to specify them with MAS to ensure full protection.

Are gifts stolen from under the Christmas tree covered by my insurance?

Yes, gifts intended for family and friends are covered under your MAS Contents Insurance. Be sure to update your policy if the total value of these gifts exceeds the sublimit for certain items (e.g. $8,000 for jewellery). 

Where can I view my contents insurance cover sublimits?

You can view important over sublimits in your policy documentation or on the ‘Policy details’ link on the MAS website.

How do I make a claim if something happens while I’m on holiday?

Lodging a claim while you’re away is simple. You can call the MAS’s 24/7 claims line on 0800 800 627 or use the online claim form. A claims adviser will be in touch within 2 business days to guide you through the next steps.

This article provides general information only and is not intended to constitute financial advice. Before taking out any insurance product, you should carefully consider the terms and specific policy wording.

Underwriting criteria will apply. MAS is a financial advice provider. Our financial advice disclosure statement is available by visiting mas.co.nz or by calling 0800 800 627.