Recent storms in New Zealand have led to an increase in claims for landslide damage, which has become the leading cause of Natural Hazards Commission cases.

The commission has received almost 13,000 claims for landslide damage in the past five years – 10,000 more than in the previous five years.

Now, it has urged property owners to check their insurance and consider how they can reduce risk.

Under the national scheme, homeowners are covered for up to $NZ300,000 ($245,000) of damage to an insured property from hazards including landslides. Private insurance may cover further damage.

Land damage may be covered but this mostly applies to an area up to eight metres around a home, so long driveways may not be fully covered.

Commission chief executive Tina Mitchell says landslides can happen with little warning and as storms become more frequent and intense, they are a growing concern for many communities.