A COV will give you, your insurance company and your bank peace of mind that a qualified electrician currently believes the electrical wiring of the property is acceptable and safe.
COV / Electrical Certificate of Verification
A Certificate of Verification (COV) shows the electrical circuits in a property are safe and in an acceptable condition. Getting a COV can uncover any potential electrical hazards.
Insurance companies can request COVs during property sale negotiations, and banks often won’t sign off on a mortgage settlement unless there is property insurance compliance with a COV. Older properties more commonly need a COV for mortgaging.
The process of getting an electrical COV will uncover any potential electrical hazards that could be risks to your property, family or staff. Banks rely on insurance to safeguard their loans, and insurance companies request COVs to be sure the electrical systems in your property are safe.
COVs are commonly requested when buying or selling properties, or for peace of mind for a property owner.
A property might need a COV:
When purchasing
- As a pre-purchase insurance requirement for mortgage settlement.
- As a pre-purchase ‘due diligence’ condition of sale or to be sure about the condition of the property.
- As a post-purchase reassurance measure to give you peace of mind about the condition of the property.
For electrical issues
- As an electrical check-up, when you have general concerns about the state of the electrical systems or are having intermittent faults (weird ‘now-and-again’ faults).
When selling
- As evidence of the condition of your older home or investment property.
Types of verification
The time it takes to complete an on-site electrical COV inspection can vary depending on how large the site is and what kind of property it is.
Verification is classified as either: (a) basic visual inspection, (b) visual inspection and limited testing, or (c) visual inspection and full testing.
Our standard residential home or commercial building electrical COV is by basic visual inspection, checking and testing the main switchboard and distribution board installations are up to current electrical regulations.
Visual inspection applies to readily-visible wiring and electrical items. Our inspecting electrician will grade a checklist of items that typically includes:
- Light switches
- Power points
- Main earth
- Main earth lead
- Cabling
- Earth bonding
- Earthing of metal surfaces
- Cable termination
A Word From The Owner
“As a member of the Master Electricians Contractors Association of NZ, all of our work is covered with $5,000,000 in public liability insurance.
We’re also prequalified as Site Safe SiteWise: Green for 2022/23, which certifies our quality health and safety systems. Rest assured that there will be accountability and certainty when you choose K&M Electrical.”
Matt Lombard
Owner/Director
Get In Touch With Your Local Tauranga Electricians
If you’re looking for expert electrical services, our Tauranga electricians are a team of highly skilled professionals. We can provide you with a range of electrical services.
Hear From Our Valued Clients
Our Tauranga electricians provide a prompt, 24-hour emergency call-out service within the Tauranga area. Our Auckland branch provides commercial services throughout the Auckland region.
Posted on John Peters16. January, 2026. Two lads installed our new oven and put a ceiling fan in our bedroom, quick work done with a smile. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend K&M Electrical for their quick response and friendly manner. John & Heather PetersPosted on Pani Pokai22. December, 2025. Great service K&M helped us out immediately! Thank you Matt and team. We will definitely be using and recommending your services again. Thank youPosted on El Fante12. December, 2025. Exceptional service from Matt and the team. Their tailored solutions, constant availability, and willingness to go above and beyond made the entire process seamless. Highly recommended.Posted on Jenny Grant12. November, 2025. Awesome service, Friendly, quick, super helpfulPosted on Rachel Vonk5. June, 2025. We had no hot water over the Easter weekend. I phoned K&M Electrical on the Tuesday, lovely lady on the phone, very sympathetic. We had a guy come 10am the next day. New switch was needed on the hot water cylinder. Job done! Great service! I would use them again, very efficient service!Posted on Tania Harvey1. May, 2025. Called Matt at 10:30 at night with a faulty smoke alarm.Responed immediately and fixed the issue. Cheers Matt - legend 🙂Posted on Fiona Wilcox4. April, 2025. Matt came promptly, Quickly assessed the situation and got the job done. Very impressedPosted on Mike O'Sullivan4. February, 2025. True to K&M's promise of 24 hr help, the boss (Matt), came and got us back online after we lost power to our kitchen. This was Sunday afternoon of a long weekend. Great service. This has developed into a bigger project with K&M. Thanks guys. MikePosted on Riki Ngatai31. January, 2025. Very helpful and professionalGoogle rating score: 4.7 of 5, based on 9 reviews
