Home and contents insurance information
A guide to home and contents insurance information
Updated 18 April 2024
Home and contents insurance tips from our expert, Adrian Taylor
Our home insurance expert, Adrian Taylor, has some tips for purchasing a home and contents policy.
Adrian Taylor
Executive General Manager – General Insurance
Check what policies include as standard cover vs optional cover
What’s automatically included in a home and contents policy may differ depending on the insurer. For example, some may include flood cover as standard, while others may offer it as optional cover. Always read the relevant PDS to see what’s covered.
Adjusting the excess could impact your premium
In some policies, paying a higher excess may lower your premium and vice versa. If this is the case with your insurer, it could be worth considering which option might suit you. Just make sure you can afford to pay the excess amount if you need to claim.
Don’t risk underinsurance
When calculating your sum insured, make sure it’s enough to cover the cost of repairing or replacing your home, outbuildings and possessions. Otherwise, you might end up being underinsured.
Why should I get home and contents insurance?
A home is usually your biggest asset, and home and contents insurance can provide financial protection if an unforeseen event damages your property. For that reason, home and contents insurance should be a priority for Australian homeowners – particularly given the risk of natural disasters and unpredictable weather in this country.
What optional extras are available?
Along with the standard features home and content insurance generally offers, there may also be a range of optional extras. These extras commonly include:
- Personal effects cover for contents you take with you outside your home (like jewellery or a bicycle)
- Motor burnout insurance for your appliances
- Accidental damage cover for when unexpected accidents occur
- Flood insurance to cover damage caused by flooding.
Any optional extra you add to your policy may increase your premium, but it’s just one of several factors that could affect your home insurance costs. Always read the PDS of any policy before you buy, as this will outline the inclusions and exclusions of your specific cover.
Meet our home and contents expert, Adrian Taylor
As a General Insurance expert with over 13 years’ experience in financial services, Adrian Taylor works to make it easier for homeowners, renters and landlords to protect their home and contents. He believes it’s important for all residents (whether they rent, own or lease) to have adequate financial cover for their property and belongings in case the worse should happen.