"There are many, many good stories that have come out of the disaster in Canterbury entirely due to insurance and your industry " but perhaps the most important future-focussed insurance lesson for consumers is to read your policies.
"Know what you're covered for and how the covers trigger."
Brownlee also reminded the industry of its obligations.
Speaking after the conference, he said it was hard to know how well the change was understood.
"We are never going to know until we have another event."
But he said it was beholden on the industry to continue educating the public.
"Don't think it is all understood now and there's no work to do."
Tim Grafton, chief executive of the insurance council, said it too was concerned that consumers had the appropriate levels of insurance.
He said insurers continued to communicate the change with customers and he believed they were doing enough to keep the public informed.
"I believe they have but it is always very challenging. You can go mass media, you can do reminders on renewals. There have been roadshows and the organisation has also worked with the citizens advice bureau."
Home-owners can work out how much it could cost to rebuild their home through using an online calculator, looking at their rates evaluation or by employing a valuer or quantity surveyor, though that can be costly.
Grafton said he was hopeful new technology being used in North America now would help consumers make better assessments.
He said similar technology could be available here in a couple of years.
In the meantime he suggested people use a calculator then add a $100,000 to $200,000 to the rebuild value, which may only cost the equivalent of a cup of coffee a week.
"If you do have a property that is unusual and is in an unusual location it certainly pays to get an expert opinion."
