Reusable field guide
How to fill an insurance proposal form
Read the insurer's exact question first. This guide helps locate common project information and recognise when a broker or insurer must explain the field. Never guess or omit a known circumstance.
| Field | What it means | Where to get it | Example | Common mistake / ask the broker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insured legal name | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the insured legal name relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Companies Office, NZBN, IRD records and the entity's authorised business records. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Trading name | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the trading name relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Companies Office, NZBN, IRD records and the entity's authorised business records. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| NZBN | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the nzbn relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Companies Office, NZBN, IRD records and the entity's authorised business records. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Company number | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the company number relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Companies Office, NZBN, IRD records and the entity's authorised business records. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| IRD/GST status if requested | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the ird/gst status if requested relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Companies Office, NZBN, IRD records and the entity's authorised business records. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Postal address | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the postal address relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Record of Title, sale and purchase agreement, consent records and current project brief. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Project address | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the project address relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Record of Title, sale and purchase agreement, consent records and current project brief. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Legal description if requested | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the legal description if requested relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Record of Title, sale and purchase agreement, consent records and current project brief. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Interested parties | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the interested parties relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Lender/mortgagee | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the lender/mortgagee relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Principal | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the principal relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Main contractor | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the main contractor relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Builder | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the builder relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Project manager | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the project manager relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Architect | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the architect relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Engineer | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the engineer relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Start date | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the start date relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Signed contract, accepted programme, defects obligations and broker/insurer confirmation. | Example only: 1 September 2026 | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Completion date | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the completion date relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Signed contract, accepted programme, defects obligations and broker/insurer confirmation. | Example only: 1 September 2026 | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Maintenance/defects period | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the maintenance/defects period relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Signed contract, accepted programme, defects obligations and broker/insurer confirmation. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Contract value | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the contract value relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Signed contract, QS estimate, valuation, cost plan, principal-supplied materials schedule, lender conditions and insurer terms. | Example only: NZD amount confirmed from the current cost plan or insurer terms | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Sum insured | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the sum insured relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Signed contract, QS estimate, valuation, cost plan, principal-supplied materials schedule, lender conditions and insurer terms. | Example only: NZD amount confirmed from the current cost plan or insurer terms | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Existing structure value | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the existing structure value relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Signed contract, QS estimate, valuation, cost plan, principal-supplied materials schedule, lender conditions and insurer terms. | Example only: NZD amount confirmed from the current cost plan or insurer terms | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Demolition value | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the demolition value relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Signed contract, QS estimate, valuation, cost plan, principal-supplied materials schedule, lender conditions and insurer terms. | Example only: NZD amount confirmed from the current cost plan or insurer terms | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Materials supplied by principal | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the materials supplied by principal relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Temporary works | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the temporary works relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Off-site storage | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the off-site storage relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Transit | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the transit relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Height/storeys | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the height/storeys relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Basement/excavation | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the basement/excavation relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Retaining walls | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the retaining walls relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Hot works | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the hot works relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Occupation during works | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the occupation during works relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Neighbouring property risk | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the neighbouring property risk relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Public road/interface risk | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the public road/interface risk relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Flood/natural hazard risk | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the flood/natural hazard risk relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Security arrangements | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the security arrangements relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Fire protection | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the fire protection relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Prior claims | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the prior claims relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Contractor experience | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the contractor experience relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Health and safety plan | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the health and safety plan relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Construction method | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the construction method relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Consent status | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the consent status relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Resource consent status | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the resource consent status relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Building consent status | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the building consent status relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Contract type | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the contract type relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Subcontractors used | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the subcontractors used relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Requested cover limit | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the requested cover limit relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Signed contract, QS estimate, valuation, cost plan, principal-supplied materials schedule, lender conditions and insurer terms. | Example only: NZD amount confirmed from the current cost plan or insurer terms | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Excess | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the excess relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Signed contract, QS estimate, valuation, cost plan, principal-supplied materials schedule, lender conditions and insurer terms. | Example only: NZD amount confirmed from the current cost plan or insurer terms | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Policy period | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the policy period relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Signed contract, accepted programme, defects obligations and broker/insurer confirmation. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
| Declaration | The proposal uses this field to identify or assess the declaration relevant to the insured risk. The insurer's wording and question control the exact meaning. | Current project brief, contracts, consented documents, consultant reports, contractor information and the broker/insurer's written questions. | Example only: exact project-specific wording copied from the controlled source record | Guessing, using an old document, omitting a material fact, or answering for the wrong legal entity or project role. Ask the broker/insurer when the field is unclear. |
Verification
Source / where to check
Use current official information and the controlled documents for the actual project.
Current insurance broker, insurer and policy wording
The proposal form, schedule, endorsements, exclusions, excesses, limits, definitions and full policy wording control the actual insurance. Ask the broker or insurer to answer project-specific questions in writing.
Construction contract, consultant agreements and lender requirements
Confirm who must arrange each policy, required limits, interested parties, evidence, duration and notification obligations against the signed contract, consultant engagements and lender conditions.
Use this as general consumer context for renovations and contract works insurance. Confirm current policy terms and the specific project directly with the broker or insurer.
The prescribed residential building disclosure material includes information about relevant contractor insurance policies, cover, exclusions, guarantees and warranties. Confirm current application with a lawyer or MBIE guidance.
Check the current residential building contract information and disclosure provisions before entering a relevant contract. Obtain legal advice for the project.
Use WorkSafe guidance to understand when a residential owner/developer or project manager may be a PCBU and how duties interact with contractors. Insurance does not replace health and safety duties.
PCBUs working together may share duties and must consult, co-operate and co-ordinate. Contract or insurance arrangements do not remove statutory duties.
Project-specific consented documents and professional advice override generic guidance.
BuildPath NZ is an educational guide and project-management resource only. It does not replace advice from Auckland Council, a planner, architect, engineer, surveyor, quantity surveyor, lawyer, accountant, lender, insurer, insurance broker, WorkSafe, Watercare, utility provider, building consent authority or other qualified professional. Confirm every proposal answer and declaration with the broker or insurer before submission.
Insufficient data to verify — confirm against the current consented drawings, specifications, Auckland Council requirements, Auckland Unitary Plan, NZ Building Code, relevant NZ Standard, consultant advice, manufacturer instructions, insurance broker, insurer, lender, lawyer, accountant or project contract.