Home and Contents insurance
Home and Contents cover, written so you can check it.
Buildings, contents, or both. Sum insured or total replacement, with flood cover included as standard rather than sold back to you as an extra.
Storm and hail is the single largest cause of home claims in Australia. Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne all sit in the top five hail loss zones in the country.
What is covered
- Storm, rainwater and hail damage to the building, fences, and fixed outdoor items
- Flood, including riverine and flash flooding, included as standard with no separate opt-in
- Bushfire and accidental fire, including smoke damage and demolition costs
- Theft and attempted theft, including damage caused forcing entry
- Burst pipes, escape of liquid, and the cost of locating the leak
- Impact by vehicles, falling trees and branches, and aircraft debris
- Temporary accommodation for up to 12 months while your home is unliveable
- Legal liability of $30 million as owner or occupier
What is not covered
- Wear, tear, rust, rot, mould and gradual deterioration
- Actions of the sea, storm surge and erosion (a separate consideration on coastal blocks)
- Damage from a lack of maintenance, including blocked gutters and downpipes
- Structural movement or settling of a building
- Damage while the home has been unoccupied for more than 90 consecutive days without telling us
This is a summary. The full list of exclusions, limits and conditions is in theProduct Disclosure Statement.
Excess, in plain figures.
The excess is what you contribute towards a claim. Choosing a higher one lowers your premium. Some claims attract more than one excess, and where they do we say so.
| Excess | Amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Standard excess | $500 | Applies to most claims |
| Chosen excess options | $300 to $2,000 | A higher excess lowers your premium |
| Earthquake excess | $500 | Applies per event, not per item |
| Unoccupied excess | +$400 | If the home was vacant more than 90 days |
All premiums shown are in Australian dollars and include GST and stamp duty, plus the NSW Emergency Services Levy or the Tasmanian Fire Service Contribution where they apply.
Options worth considering
Portable contents
Laptops, phones, jewellery, cameras and sporting gear covered anywhere in Australia and up to 90 days overseas.
Accidental damage
The dropped television, the tradesperson through the wall, the paint tin on the carpet.
Motor burnout
Fridge, air conditioner and pool pump motors up to 15 years old.
Domestic workers compensation
Required in some states if you engage a cleaner or gardener regularly.
Questions about home and contents cover
Should I insure for a sum insured or for total replacement?
A sum insured policy pays up to the figure you nominate. A total replacement policy rebuilds the home as it was, whatever that costs, provided you gave us accurate information. Total replacement removes the risk of under-insurance and costs more. If you choose a sum insured, revisit the figure every year: building costs in Australia rose faster than most people updated their policies through 2022 and 2023.
Is my shed, fence and driveway part of the building?
Yes. Buildings cover includes fixed structures on the land such as fences, gates, driveways, paths, retaining walls, sheds, carports, in-ground pools and fixed outdoor spas. Loose items in the shed are contents, not buildings.
Am I covered if a tree falls on the house?
Yes, for the damage to the building and contents. Removing the fallen tree is covered where it caused the damage. Removing the rest of the tree, or a tree that fell without damaging anything, is not covered because that is maintenance.
What happens if I cannot live in the house while it is repaired?
Temporary accommodation is covered for up to 12 months, at a reasonable standard comparable to your home. Tell your claims manager before you sign a lease so the amount is agreed rather than argued about later.
Does contents cover follow me out of the house?
Standard contents cover applies at the insured address. Portable contents is the option that follows you, anywhere in Australia and for up to 90 days overseas, and it is what covers the laptop taken to a cafe or the bike stolen from outside the shops.
Other cover
- MotorComprehensive, third party property damage, and fire and theft, with a lifetime repair guarantee.
- LandlordBuilding, landlord contents, loss of rent, tenant damage, and legal expenses for tribunal matters.
- TravelOverseas medical, cancellation, luggage and delays, for single trips or an annual multi trip policy.
- BusinessPublic liability, property and stock, business interruption, glass, and tools of trade in one pack.
Get a home and contents quote in two minutes.
Eight questions, no phone call, and the premium, excess and exclusions on one screen. This advice is general only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on it, consider whether it is appropriate for you.
Consider the PDS and TMD before deciding. Premiums include GST and stamp duty.