Home & Contents Insurance

Insurance for high-value and prestige homes

Standard online policies are built for the average home. If your home is architecturally designed, has quality finishes, a pool, art, jewellery or collections, or a rebuild cost well above average, it may need more than a standard policy offers.

We can arrange cover through insurers that specialise in high-value homes. Depending on the policy, this can include:

• Higher limits for jewellery, art and collectables, with items listed individually
• Rebuild cover that allows for quality materials and design
• Broader accidental damage and fewer sub-limits
• Cover for items you take away from home or travel with
• Options to waive some excesses for larger claims
• A claims process designed around more complex losses

Every policy has its own terms, limits and exclusions, so we’ll take you through what each option covers before you choose.

Find out more: High-Value Home Insurance for prestige and high sum insured homes, and Home Insurance North of the 26th Parallel for homes in cyclone-prone areas.

What is home and contents insurance?

Home and contents insurance is usually two covers that can be bought together or separately:

• Home (building) insurance covers the structure of your home, such as walls, roof, floors, fixed fittings, and often sheds, fences and pools.
• Contents insurance covers your belongings, such as furniture, appliances, clothing, electronics and jewellery, inside your home.

Owners who live in their home often take both. Renters usually only need contents. Landlords need a different policy, covered further down this page.

What can it cover?

Cover depends on the insurer and policy, but commonly includes:

• Fire, smoke and lightning
• Storm, rainwater and, on some policies, flood
• Theft and attempted break-ins
• Malicious damage and vandalism
• Accidental breakage of glass
• Escape of liquid, such as a burst pipe
• Temporary accommodation if your home becomes unliveable after an insured event
• Legal liability if someone is injured at your property

Optional extras can include accidental damage, portable contents (items you take out of the home), motor burnout and high-value items such as jewellery or bikes.

What’s usually not covered?

Most policies exclude wear and tear, gradual damage, poor maintenance, mould, pests and some types of flooding. Limits also apply to valuables unless you list them. We’ll point out the exclusions that matter for your situation before you decide.

Why use a broker? It’s not just about price

Buying online can look cheaper, and sometimes it is. The difference usually shows up at claim time, in what the policy covers and who is on your side.

• We compare wordings, not just premiums. Flood definitions, sub-limits on valuables, accidental damage and how rebuild costs are calculated can vary a lot between policies.
• We help you set the right sums insured. Underinsurance is common, especially for quality homes and contents.
• We’re on your side at claim time. You call us, and we help you lodge the claim and deal with the insurer.
• We review your cover each year. Renovations, new purchases and changes in value can leave gaps if your policy doesn’t keep up.
• One contact for everything. If you also own a business, investment property or vehicles, we can look after those too.

Home and contents insurance FAQs

Is a broker more expensive than buying direct?

Not always, but we don’t compete on price alone. A cheaper policy can have lower limits, more exclusions or a tougher claims process. We show you what you’re getting for the premium so you can decide what’s worth paying for.

Do you insure high-value homes?

Yes. We can arrange cover through insurers that specialise in high-value and prestige homes, including higher limits for jewellery, art and collections.

How much does home and contents insurance cost?

Premiums depend on where you live, the age and construction of your home, the sums insured, your excess and your claims history. Areas exposed to storms, bushfire or flood usually cost more. We can quote options from different insurers so you can compare.

How much should I insure my home for?

Your building sum insured should reflect the cost to rebuild, not the market value of the property. Rebuild costs include demolition, removing debris, professional fees and meeting current building codes. Many insurers offer an online calculator, and we can help you work through it.

Do I need contents insurance if I rent?

Your landlord’s insurance doesn’t cover your belongings. If your furniture, electronics or clothing were stolen or damaged, contents insurance could help you replace them.

Is flood covered?

Some policies include flood automatically, some offer it as an option, and some exclude it in high-risk areas. It’s worth checking before you buy, and we’ll tell you how each option treats flood.

What’s the difference between home insurance and landlord insurance?

Home insurance is for a home you live in. Landlord insurance is for a property you rent out, and can include cover for tenant damage, loss of rent and legal liability.

Can you help if I need to make a claim?

Yes. Call or email us and we’ll help you lodge the claim and deal with the insurer on your behalf.