Compare home insurance estimates from Australia's leading providers side-by-side. Find the right building and contents cover for your home - including natural disaster protection. 100% free.
NRMA Insurance is one of Australia's most recognised home insurers, particularly strong in NSW and ACT. IAG-owned with comprehensive natural disaster cover and flexible policy options - click below to get a quote and see for yourself.
A guide to how home insurance works in Australia, including building and contents cover.
Home insurance covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home if it is damaged or destroyed by an insured event - such as fire, storm, flood, bushfire, cyclone, or accidental damage. Building insurance protects the physical structure of your home, including walls, roof, foundations, fixed floor coverings, and permanent fixtures like kitchens and bathrooms.
Unlike New Zealand, Australia does not have a government natural disaster insurance scheme. There is no equivalent to NZ's EQC (Toka Tu Ake). All home insurance cover in Australia is provided entirely by private insurers. This means your policy is the sole source of protection for your home against natural disasters including bushfire, storm, cyclone, flood, and earthquake.
Australian home insurance is typically sold as either building insurance (the structure), contents insurance (your belongings), or a combined building and contents policy. Most homeowners with a mortgage are required by their lender to hold building insurance at minimum. Combined policies are the most popular choice and usually offer better value than buying building and contents separately.
Home insurance does not cover everything. Common exclusions include gradual damage, wear and tear, poor maintenance, and - depending on your policy - flood. The shift towards including flood cover as standard has accelerated since the 2022 reforms, but it is essential to check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully.
If you have a mortgage, your lender will almost certainly require you to have building insurance as a condition of the loan. Even without a mortgage, your home is likely your most valuable asset, and the cost of rebuilding without insurance would be financially devastating for most Australian households. Approximately 78% of Australian homes currently have building insurance.
Key point: Most Australian home insurance policies are sum insured, meaning you set the maximum rebuild amount when you take out the policy. If your home is destroyed and the rebuild costs more than your sum insured, you pay the difference. Use a rebuild cost calculator (like the Cordell/CoreLogic Sum Sure calculator) to set your sum insured accurately, and review it every year to account for rising building costs. Underinsurance is one of the biggest risks facing Australian homeowners.
The main types of home insurance cover available in Australia.
The most popular choice. Covers both the physical structure of your home and your personal belongings in one policy. Includes cover for fire, storm, bushfire, theft damage, accidental damage, and usually flood (check your PDS).
Covers the physical structure of your home only - walls, roof, foundations, fixed fixtures, garages, fences, and other permanent structures. Does not cover your personal belongings. Meets mortgage lender requirements.
Covers your personal belongings - furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances - against theft, fire, storm, and other insured events. Ideal for renters or apartment owners where the body corporate covers the building.
In-depth look at Australia's most popular home insurers.
One of Australia's most recognised insurance brands. IAG-owned with strong building and contents bundles, natural disaster cover, and a straightforward claims process.
Global insurer with a strong Australian presence. Comprehensive home cover with flood cover included as standard and flexible excess options.
Award-winning online insurer offering competitive pricing with flexible excess options. Strong digital experience and consistently high customer satisfaction ratings.
Suncorp-owned insurer with a strong presence in NSW. Comprehensive home insurance with natural disaster cover and flexible policy options.
One of Australia's most trusted insurance brands, particularly strong in NSW and ACT. IAG-owned with comprehensive building and contents cover and excellent claims handling.
Queensland-based major insurer with comprehensive natural disaster cover. Strong expertise in cyclone and flood-prone areas given their QLD heritage.
Major Australian insurer primarily distributed through insurance brokers. Comprehensive home cover with strong natural disaster protection and flexible policy options.
IAG-owned insurer available through brokers and partners. Strong comprehensive home cover with broad natural disaster protection.
Queensland's member-owned motoring and insurance organisation. Particularly strong for QLD homeowners with competitive pricing and local expertise in cyclone and flood zones.
Western Australia's member-owned motoring and insurance club. Strong home insurance offering for WA homeowners with competitive member pricing and local expertise.
Key factors to consider when comparing home insurance policies in Australia.
A side-by-side comparison of major home insurance providers in Australia.
| Provider | Cover Type | Online Quotes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAMI | Comprehensive | ✓ | All-rounder |
| Allianz | Comprehensive | ✓ | Flood cover included |
| Budget Direct | Comprehensive | ✓ | Competitive pricing |
| GIO | Comprehensive | ✓ | NSW focus |
| NRMA Insurance | Comprehensive | ✓ | NSW & ACT |
| Suncorp | Comprehensive | ✓ | QLD expertise |
| QBE | Comprehensive | Broker only | Via broker |
| CGU | Comprehensive | Broker only | Via broker |
| RACQ | Comprehensive | ✓ | QLD members |
| RAC Insurance | Comprehensive | ✓ | WA members |
Disclaimer: Features and cover options may change. Always verify details directly with your insurer before purchasing. If you've noticed something incorrect, please let us know.
A detailed breakdown of what's typically included in Australian home insurance policies.
| Feature | Building & Contents | Building Only | Contents Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire, lightning, explosion | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Storm, hail, wind damage | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Bushfire | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Cyclone | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Flood | Check PDS - varies | Check PDS - varies | Check PDS - varies |
| Earthquake | ✓ Usually covered | ✓ Usually covered | ✓ Usually covered |
| Accidental damage | ✓ Covered | ✓ Structure only | ✓ Contents only |
| Burst pipes & water damage | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Theft & burglary | ✓ Covered | ✓ Damage to structure | ✓ Stolen items |
| Vandalism & malicious damage | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Temporary accommodation | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✗ |
| Outbuildings (garage, shed) | ✓ Often included | ✓ Often included | ✗ |
| Glass & sanitary fixtures | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered | ✗ |
Flood cover is one of the most important and most misunderstood aspects of Australian home insurance. Following catastrophic flooding events and the 2022 reforms, more insurers now include flood cover as standard - but not all do, and definitions of 'flood' vary between insurers. Some policies distinguish between storm water runoff (usually covered) and riverine flooding (may be excluded or optional). Always read the flood definition in your PDS carefully, particularly if you live near a waterway or in a known flood zone. The Insurance Council of Australia provides resources to help you understand flood risk in your area.
Understanding what is not covered is just as important as knowing what is.
Damage that happens slowly over time - such as rot, rust, mould, rising damp, or deterioration from lack of maintenance - is generally not covered. Insurers expect you to maintain your home in good condition. Unlike some NZ policies, Australian home insurance rarely offers a gradual damage benefit.
Normal ageing of your home is not covered. If your roof fails because it is 40 years old and has never been maintained, that is wear and tear, not an insurable event. Regular maintenance is both a policy requirement and protects your investment.
While flood cover is increasingly included as standard, some policies still exclude or limit flood cover, particularly for properties in high-risk flood zones. The definition of 'flood' versus 'storm water damage' varies between insurers and is a common source of claim disputes. Always check the flood section of your PDS carefully.
If your home was built or renovated using substandard materials or methods, resulting damage may not be covered. This includes defective design, faulty construction, and non-compliant building work. Check National Construction Code requirements if you are building or renovating.
Any damage you cause intentionally to your own home is not covered. This includes damage caused by tenants acting deliberately (though some landlord-specific policies may cover this). Arson by the policyholder voids the policy entirely.
If your home is left unoccupied for an extended period (typically 60 days or more), your cover may be restricted or voided. If you plan to leave your home empty - for example during extended travel or renovation - notify your insurer in advance.
Damage caused by termites, insects, rodents, or other vermin is almost universally excluded from Australian home insurance. Termite damage is a significant risk across much of Australia - regular pest inspections and preventative treatment are your responsibility as a homeowner.
Damage caused by the action of the sea, including coastal erosion, tidal waves (unless caused by earthquake), and normal high tides, is typically excluded. This is particularly relevant for coastal properties. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are growing concerns for Australian homeowners in beachside areas.
Understanding these factors can help you find a better deal.
The single biggest factor. North Queensland attracts much higher premiums due to cyclone risk. Bushfire-prone areas, flood zones, coastal properties, and areas with high crime rates all cost more to insure. Your postcode heavily influences your premium.
The higher your sum insured, the more you pay. Make sure it accurately reflects rebuild cost - not too high (overpaying) and not too low (underinsured). The Cordell/CoreLogic calculator can help.
Timber frame, double brick, weatherboard, concrete, or steel? Roof material (tile, colorbond, concrete)? Homes built with fire-resistant materials in bushfire zones may attract lower premiums.
Older homes may cost more to insure due to outdated wiring, plumbing, or building methods. However, some older homes built with solid double brick may be cheaper to insure than newer lightweight constructions.
A history of claims on the property or by you personally can increase premiums. Claim-free years may earn discounts with some providers. Multiple weather-related claims can significantly increase future premiums.
Alarm systems, deadlocks, security cameras, and smoke detectors can earn discounts. Some insurers require minimum security standards to provide theft cover.
Choosing a higher voluntary excess lowers your premium. Standard home insurance excess is $500 - $1,000. You can typically choose anywhere from $200 to $5,000+.
Many Australian insurers offer discounts of 5 - 15% for bundling home and car insurance, or building and contents insurance together. Check each provider's current bundling offers.
Properties in bushfire zones, flood-mapped areas, cyclone regions, or hail-prone postcodes pay more. BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) ratings and flood zone mapping directly affect your premium.
Indicative annual premiums for a standard three-bedroom home with no recent claims.
Disclaimer: All prices shown are indicative estimates based on publicly available data as of early 2026. Actual premiums vary significantly based on your property's location, construction, sum insured, and claims history. These figures are not quotes. Always obtain a personalised quote from the insurer directly.
Practical tips that could save you hundreds of dollars every year.
Don't auto-renew without checking alternatives. Premiums can vary by 20 - 40% between providers for the same property. Use comparison tools and get at least 3 quotes from different insurers.
Raising your excess from $500 to $1,500 can reduce premiums by 10 - 20%. Only do this if you can comfortably afford the excess out of pocket when you need to claim.
Combining building, contents, and car insurance with one insurer often saves 5 - 15% on premiums. Most Australian insurers still offer meaningful multi-policy discounts.
Make sure your sum insured is accurate - not too high (overpaying on premiums) and not too low (underinsured). Use the Cordell/CoreLogic Sum Sure calculator annually.
Monthly payments typically include instalment fees that add up over the year. Paying your premium in one annual lump sum is almost always cheaper overall.
Installing alarm systems, deadlocks, security cameras, and smoke detectors can earn premium discounts and reduce your risk of claims.
Regular maintenance prevents claims and keeps your insurer happy. Fix leaks promptly, maintain your roof, clear gutters, trim trees near your home, and address issues before they escalate.
Some insurers offer long-term customer discounts. However, CHOICE notes that loyalty does not always mean cheaper - always compare at renewal.
If you are in a bushfire-prone area, maintaining a defensible space around your home, clearing vegetation, and using fire-resistant materials can reduce your risk profile and may help lower premiums.
Some providers offer discounts for years without claims. These are not as standardised as car insurance no-claim bonuses, so ask each provider directly about their claim-free reward policies.
Your renewal date is the best time to review your cover and compare prices.
Most home insurance policies renew automatically. Your insurer will send a renewal notice showing next year's premium and updated sum insured. Home insurance premiums have risen sharply across Australia in recent years due to natural disasters and reinsurance costs, so checking alternatives at renewal is more important than ever.
Start comparing 2 - 3 weeks before your renewal date. You'll need your property address, construction details, year built, sum insured, and claims history. Most providers offer online quotes in under 10 minutes. Get quotes from at least 3 - 4 insurers.
Don't just compare price. Check what's included: flood cover definition, cyclone or bushfire excesses, temporary accommodation limits, and any specific exclusions. A cheaper policy with significant gaps may cost more in the long run.
Start your new policy from the day your old one expires to avoid a gap in cover (your mortgage lender requires continuous insurance). If you cancel mid-term, check for cancellation fees. Under the Insurance Contracts Act 1984, you have a right to cancel and receive a pro-rata refund.
Step-by-step guide to the claims process in Australia.
Make sure everyone is safe. If the home is structurally damaged, do not enter. Call 000 for emergencies. In a bushfire or flood, follow emergency services directions.
Take photos and video of all damage before any cleanup. Keep damaged items if possible. Note the date and circumstances of the event.
Call your insurer's 24/7 claims line or lodge online. After a major natural disaster, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) may issue a catastrophe declaration, which triggers priority response protocols.
A loss adjuster or assessor inspects the damage. For large claims, this may involve engineers or quantity surveyors. Emergency repairs can proceed - keep all receipts.
Repairs are completed by approved contractors, or you receive a cash settlement. Temporary accommodation is arranged if needed. If you are unhappy with the outcome, use the insurer's internal dispute resolution process, then AFCA.
Key Australian-specific facts about home insurance, natural hazards, and state-based differences.
Every Australian insurer must provide a Product Disclosure Statement. Here's what to look for.
A Product Disclosure Statement outlines everything about your home insurance policy: what's covered, what's excluded, your obligations, and how to claim. Under the Corporations Act 2001, all Australian insurers must provide one. Read it before you buy, not after you need to claim.
When you apply, you must answer all questions honestly and accurately about your property: age, construction, previous claims, known issues (subsidence, flood history, bushfire risk), and any building work. Under the Insurance Contracts Act 1984, you have a duty to take reasonable care not to make a misrepresentation. If you provide inaccurate information, your claim may be reduced or denied.
Let your insurer know about any changes during your policy period:
Answers to the most common questions about home insurance in Australia.
Key terms explained in plain language.
Find home insurance information specific to your state or territory. Compare cover options, local risks, and tips for every major location in Australia.
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