Home and Contents Insurance

Home Content Insurance

One of the first things you should think about when considering protection policies is Home and Contents Insurance. You can get insurance for your first tiny rental all the way up to luxury waterside homes.

The most important thing about Home and Contents is that it provides cover for your building, fixtures and fittings. That means all the inside and outside structural elements of your home, should they become damaged in any way.

It also covers any belongings, personal effects and household contents that you choose to include. If you need to, we can often cover items stored in garages, or even things left in your car when you’re on the road.

Home and Contents policies provide cover for costs associated with re-building or repairing damage. That means you can cover the cost of hiring trades to fix problems. You can also choose to add specific cover if your home is at risk from fire, flood or other dangerous weather conditions.

You should always wait until your claim is confirmed before replacing anything non-urgent, but there are things you can get moving with before then.

When something happens to your home that makes it unliveable, phone us immediately. That way we can give you the best advice possible before you take action. The most important thing to do when you need to make a claim but need to fix things NOW is to take photos of the damage and get witnesses.

Getting back to normal

In fact, the most important thing you can do to make sure everything goes back to normal after a domestic disaster is to take photos now. When you take photos, we can make sure that everything is put back just the way you like it.

Don’t forget the things INSIDE your home too. As a result of damage to the outside of your home, things inside will probably also have been damaged.

How much stuff and how much cover?

Do you know how much it would cost to replace everything in your home if the worst were to happen? One of the easiest things you can do is to go around your house with a calculator. Add up everything you might need to replace on a Home and Contents Insurance policy claim. It can be surprising just how much you’ve spent on things over your lifetime.

Don’t forget the things you don’t think twice about. Everyone thinks about things like the television or your laptop, but a lot of disruption can be caused by something like your washing machine suddenly breaking down. If there’s a hole in your roof, you might find that there’s suddenly soggy mattresses that need to be replaced or toys that will never be the same again.

What happens when something can't be replaced?

Things are often handed down through the generations and have great emotional value. Maybe you have bespoke pieces of art or furniture that have been created just for you. It’s very sad to imagine something irreplaceable being damaged, but it is still best to be prepared. At SureInsure we can put you in touch with experts that can provide you with a realistic estimate average value of home contents Australia. That way, even if you lose something you love, you’ll be able to think about a suitable replacement.

Home and Contents Insurance Tips

Here are a few tips to consider when looking for home and contents insurance:

  1. To shop for insurance, start by making a list of all items in your home that need coverage. Then, compare policies from different insurers to find the best coverage for your needs. Consider coverage limits, deductibles, and additional features or benefits offered.
  2. Your excess is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance coverage begins. Opting for higher excess results in lower premiums but more out-of-pocket expenses if you file a claim. It’s important to consider your finances and the chances of making a claim before deciding on your excess.
  3. Home and contents insurance can include a range of different coverage options, such as natural disaster coverage, liability protection, and personal property coverage. Make sure you understand what each type of coverage entails before choosing a policy.
  4. If you also need auto insurance or other types of coverage, bundling your policies with the same company can often save you money.
  5. It’s important to review your policy regularly to ensure that it still meets your needs especially when there are major changes to the home or the acquisition of new valuable items.
  6. Home and contents insurance can be switched at any time, not just at renewal. This can potentially save money, but some insurers may charge cancellation fees for early termination.

 

Some of our Home and Contents Insurance Specialists

Frequently Asked Questions About Home and Contents Insurance

What is home and contents insurance?

Home and contents insurance provides protection for your home, belongings, and family from potential losses due to unexpected events such as fire, theft, or natural disasters. It helps cover the costs of repair or replacement of damaged items and can provide compensation for additional living expenses. It’s an important form of insurance that can help alleviate the financial strain of replacing or repairing items, while also providing peace of mind knowing that your home and possessions are protected. Click here to know more

What does home insurance cover?

Home insurance policies cover personal property, liability, medical payments, and loss of use. They protect against damages caused by fire or hail, cover the cost of repairs or rebuilding, replace damaged or stolen belongings, pay for damages you are responsible for on your property, cover medical bills if someone is injured on your property, and provide living expenses if you must leave due to a covered event. Understanding the coverage of your policy can help you prepare for unforeseen damages and financial losses.

What does contents insurance cover?

Contents insurance protects possessions, including furniture, electrical items, and personal belongings, against events like fire, explosions, floods, theft, and vandalism. It covers the cost of repair or replacement for any accidental damage and should include benefits such as accidental damage cover caused by family members and temporary storage cover. It is important to check the policy to ensure it covers the required risks and offers worldwide coverage.

What is the best home and contents insurance policy?

To find the best home and contents insurance policy, consider coverage, price, deductibles, add-ons, and limitations. Ensure you have enough coverage for your property and possessions, but don’t sacrifice coverage for a lower price tag. Also, consider the deductibles and any additional coverage offered. Be sure to read and understand the policy carefully, including any exclusions or limitations.

How much coverage do I need?

To ensure adequate insurance coverage for the home and contents, one should consider the cost of replacing or repairing the building structure and any outbuildings if damaged, as well as permanent fixtures such as fitted kitchens and bathrooms. For contents, the policy should cover the cost of replacing or repairing any damaged or stolen items, including high-value items such as artwork or antiques. It’s important to check what is and isn’t covered, consider any excess payable, and shop around for the best deal.

How much does home and contents insurance cost?

The cost can vary greatly depending on factors such as the value of your belongings, the size of your home, and potential hazards in your area. It’s important to keep an eye out for discounts that may be available, such as bundling home and contents insurance with your car insurance or having an alarm system installed. Look for discounts and compare policy options and quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best deal. Be sure to ask questions and read the fine print before signing any agreement.

What is the difference between total replacement cover and sum-insured cover?

Home and content insurance policies offer two main types of coverage: total replacement and sum-insured. Total replacement cover pays the full cost of replacing your items up to the policy cover limit, while sum-insured cover pays out the amount specified in your policy. The total replacement cover is market value-based, so there’s no inflation or depreciation to worry about. Sum-insured cover may be cheaper, but you could be liable for inflation or depreciation. The choice between the two depends on individual needs. However, if you’d prefer to save money on premiums, then sum-insured cover could be a better choice.

What is excess?

When taking out an insurance policy, it’s important to be aware of any excesses that may apply when making a claim. You might have to pay an excess when you make a claim. For example, if your excess is $500 and your claim is $2000, you pay $500 and the insurer pays $1500. Some insurers may offer additional excesses, such as age or occupation excesses, so it’s important to check any additional terms and conditions that come with your policy. Increasing the excess can lead to lower premiums, but it’s important to consider the risks and benefits.

Are there any exclusions or limitations?

Home and content cover insurance policies protect properties and belongings from damage or loss caused by certain events, but not all events are covered. Exclusions include damage caused by wear and tear, intentional or malicious acts, natural disasters without a specific endorsement, war, terrorism, nuclear radiation, and illegal or prohibited items. Limitations include the amount of coverage for specific items, excess or deductible payments, and the period of cover for certain events. It is important to read the policy wording and PDS carefully and contact your insurer or broker for clarification.

Can I adjust my policy during the coverage period?

You can adjust your policy during the coverage period by increasing or decreasing the amount of coverage, adding or removing items, or updating your personal information. However, changes may result in additional fees or premiums. It’s important to speak with your insurance provider to understand the potential costs and consequences of making changes. Keeping your policy up to date ensures adequate coverage. Do contact your insurance provider for specific details on allowed changes and associated costs.

How do I make a claim?

To make a claim for home and content cover, it’s important to have all documentation, including receipts, warranties, and photos of any damage. Keep records of all communication related to the claim. Contact your insurance provider immediately and provide details, answer questions accurately, and ask for clarification if needed. Once the claim is approved, follow the insurer’s instructions for repairs or replacements.

Will making a claim affect my premium?

Making a claim on your home and content cover will usually affect the amount you pay towards your premiums, with major incidents such as a house fire or flooding likely resulting in a premium increase. It’s important to speak with your insurer about potential changes to your premium before making a claim and weigh the pros and cons before deciding.