When it comes to insurance, it’s important to know what’s covered and what’s not. Some cover benefits are included as standard and some are optional which you can select for an additional cost. However, some items and situations may be excluded from cover.
While cover can differ from one policy to the next, here are nine common home insurance exclusions to be aware of.
1. Empty homes
Homes that are left unoccupied for extended periods may be excluded from cover or have limited cover. Check with your insurer should you plan on being away for a while.
2. Who is covered
Usually, only people named on your policy are covered – which means house-swapping or some rental situations may not provide cover for guests and their property.
If you’re using a service like Airbnb, check whether they offer insurance to help fill the gap. If you have guests staying, check what cover, if any, extend to them and their belongings.
3. Lack of maintenance
It’s important to keep your home and contents well maintained and in good condition. Home insurance policies do not cover or fix general wear and tear or insufficient maintenance.
4. Existing damage
If your home has existing problems that contributed to the damage, your insurance policy is unlikely to cover you.
5. Weather damage
While many policies cover fire and storms, some will allow you to completely opt out of cover for flood or not offer it at all. So if you live in an area prone to floods, cyclones and storms, you should check the policy coverage to help decide whether it’s right for you.
6. Animal damage
Damage caused by domestic dogs, cats or other animals kept in your home typically isn’t covered under a standard home insurance policy.
7. Acts of war
Any damage or costs incurred by an act of war usually won’t be covered by an insurer.
8. Renovations
If you’re renovating your home you may need to let your insurer know, especially if the value or extent of the renovation is significant. Most insurers don’t cover damage caused by or connected with the renovations. You may need to take out a specialised policy or see what’s covered by your builder’s insurance.
9. Home businesses
If you run a business from your home, you may need to let your insurer know as many policies don't include cover for stock you keep at home.
Other things to know
Keep in mind this isn’t a complete list of exclusions. What’s not covered can vary from one policy to another.
An insurance policy’s product disclosure statement (PDS) provides a complete picture of what you will and won’t be covered for. Make sure you read it carefully before taking out any policy.
