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Welcome to Home Insurance Finder® – the quick and easy way to compare home insurance quotes online. We're here to give you the low-down on home insurance so you can find a policy that's right for you; plus, you might be able to shave some serious cash off your premium.
In fact, our cost research shows you could easily cut the price of your home insurance in half, just by comparing online. Sound good? Let's get started.
The table below lets you compare policy features side by side, but it can't give you a price just yet. That's because the cost depends on specific details of your home – such as value and location. Instead, consider which features are most important to you. You can see a fuller breakdown by clicking view details. Then, request a quote. Or multiple!
We compare products from leading Australian brands
Did you know?
Switching is easy. In a Finder survey of almost 13,000 Australians, over 1,100 had switched their home and contents insurance in the last 6 months.
Pay a fortnightly, monthly or annual fee and, in exchange, your home insurance policy will help cover a wide range of unexpected costs that might crop up.
There are two main types of home insurance. One covers the actual structure of your home as well as more permanent features such as driveways, swimming pools and solar panels. Insurance companies sometimes refer to this as buildings insurance or just home insurance.
The second type is called contents insurance. It offers protection for the items inside your home, such as TVs, appliances and furniture. You can combine home (or buildings) insurance with contents insurance and get home and contents insurance.
You'll have to enter a few details about your home when buying insurance – how much it's worth, where it is, what it's built from. Those sorts of things. It helps the insurer figure out how high-risk your property is, so your policy can be priced to match.
Comparing home insurance online is quick and easy but there are some key terms you'll need to understand before getting started:
Nominated sum insured. This is the amount you insure your house or contents for. It's super important that this figure is accurate. If the sum insured is too low, it could leave you out of pocket if you ever have to repair or rebuild.
Sum insured safeguard. This is an optional benefit offered by some insurance companies which kicks in if your home needs to be repaired or rebuilt, but your sum insured isn't enough to cover it. You may have to have your house valued or use the insurer's calculator to be eligible.
Accidental damage. This usually refers to damage done by you, your family or even guests. It could pay to replace a broken vase, a smashed TV or even a stained sofa.
Buildings insurance. Buildings insurance covers the actual structure of your home, as well as more permanent features like driveways, decking, swimming pools and solar panels. Insurers sometimes refer to this type of policy as home insurance.
Contents insurance. Contents insurance is a standalone policy which only insures the items inside your home, such as furniture, electronics and even manchester.
Home and contents insurance. This type of policy covers the permanent structure of your home as well as the contents. It's great for people who own the home they live in.
Excess. This is the amount of money you have to pay before your insurance company will pay out any claim. So if you have a $500 excess and a storm blows a hole in your roof which costs $3,000 to repair, the insurer will pay out $2,500.
Are you new to home insurance?
Never looked into home insurance before? No worries! We've got a guide for first time homeowners to help you understand home insurance and choose the right policy for you.
If you rent out your property, you can see our guide to landlord insurance.
If you own a commercial building, you can see our guide to strata insurance.
Did you know?
In insurance-speak, home insurance refers to the actual structure of your home, as well as more permanent features. It's sometimes referred to as buildings insurance. If you want the items inside your home covered, you'll have to get home and contents insurance.
There's an easy way to figure out which type of home insurance might be best for you:
| Who it suits | Who it doesn't suit | |
|---|---|---|
| Home and contents | ✅ People who own the home they live in ✅ Anyone who wouldn't be able to afford major building repairs to their home ✅ Anyone who wouldn't be able to replace their belongings easily or affordably ✅ Anyone who lives in an area prone to natural disasters | ❌ Renters ❌ Apartment owners who already have strata insurance to cover their building ❌ People who don't have many belongings, or not very expensive belongings |
| Home / buildings | ✅ People who own their home but don't have many belongings or very expensive belongings ✅ Anyone who wouldn't be able to afford major building repairs to their home ✅ Anyone who lives in an area prone to natural disasters | ❌ Renters ❌ Apartment owners who already have strata insurance to cover their building |
| Contents | ✅ Renters ✅ Apartment owners who already have strata insurance to cover their building ✅ Anyone who wouldn't be able to replace their belongings easily or affordably | ❌ People who own the home they live in ❌ People who don't have many belongings or many expensive belongings |
If you're trying to find the best home insurance policy, check out our guide. We've researched some Top Picks and can help you figure out how to find the best policy for you.
Compare the benefits of different policy types.
Home and contents insurance policies vary between different insurers, so they have slightly different benefits. However, here is a generalisation of what's usually covered and not covered with home insurance.
| Is this covered? | Home & contents insurance | Building insurance | Contents insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storm and rainwater damage | |||
| Escape of liquid, such as a burst pipe | |||
| Fire damage | |||
| Theft and attempted theft | |||
| Malicious damage and vandalism | |||
| Breakage of glass, ceramics and sanitary fixtures | |||
| Explosions | |||
| Impact damage, such as a fallen tree | |||
| Lightning strikes | |||
| Temporary accommodation | |||
| Flood | |||
| Earthquake or tsunami | |||
| Accidental damage | |||
| Portable contents | |||
| Motor burnout | |||
| Deliberate or negligent damage | |||
| General wear and tear | |||
| Asbestos | |||
| Mould, termites or vermin | |||
| Damage from renovations | |||
| If your home is unoccupied |
In most cases, yes.
Of course, we can't force you to do anything, but buying a house is usually one of the biggest financial decisions of your life so it makes sense to protect it. Also, if you've planned to take out a mortgage, most lenders won't approve your application without adequate home insurance.
If you're still unsure, ask yourself the following questions. If you answer YES to any of them, you should really consider home insurance.
Would I be stuck finding somewhere else to live if my home was suddenly uninhabitable?
Would I struggle to pay for major home repairs?
Can I afford to replace the entire contents of my home?
Do I keep anything valuable in my home that would be hard or expensive to replace?
Do I live in an area which is prone to natural disasters?
Do I live in a high-crime area, where burglary or vandalism might occur?
However, Finder research found that the average cost of a home and contents insurance policy is $136 a month, based on a suburban home worth $500,000 and contents of $100,000.
The Emergency Services Levy Insurance Monitor, a government initiative which tracked the cost of home insurance across NSW, returned a slightly lower average premium of $102 a month.
*This graph was last updated in February 2021.
Know the specs of your homeYou'll need to know the details of your home, like when it was built and what materials it's made from.
Value your belongings This can be tough. We recommend going room to room and slowly building up a valuation or bring in a professional to do it.
Compare online and request quotes You can use our comparison table to compare benefits from Finder partners side by side. The only way to find out exactly how much home insurance will cost is by requesting a personalised quote. We recommend requesting a few and comparing.
Check the PDSBefore you buy home insurance, always check the product disclosure statement. It'll tell you everything that is, and isn't, covered by your policy.
Check for offers Some insurers have sign-up deals for new customers which could save you as much as 30% – always check before purchasing.
For a lot of people, yes. Finder research shows that the average cost of home insurance is $1,344 a year, based on a suburban home worth $500,000 and contents of $100,000.
That means, for $1,344 you'd be receiving $600,000 worth of protection. Imagine a strong storm or a fallen tree destroys your roof. The average cost to install a new roof for a moderate-sized home is around $7,500.
Plus, even relatively minor damage can easily cost more than $1,344. If a waste pipe burst in your home, not only would you be hit with plumbing costs, you'd also have to look into replacing furniture or belongings.
Anyone looking for home insurance has heaps of options to choose from. We've listed just some of Australia's major providers below.
If the brand you're looking for isn't here, check out our directory.
Did you know that home insurance can also cover temporary housing for your pets if your home became uninhabitable? It can also cover your holiday home if you're not always there. Here are some other things that home insurance can cover you for.
Back to topHome insurance can be a major expense for lots of Aussies but there are ways to make your premiums more affordable.
Finder cost research shows you can halve the cost of your insurance premiums, just by comparing online. Why wouldn't you?
Lots of insurers offer sign-up deals which can reduce your premium by up to 30%. Always check for offers before finalising.
Opting for a higher excess will reduce the cost of your premium. Just be sure the excess will be affordable in the event of a claim.
There's nothing wrong with switching insurers on a regular basis. It's the best way to make sure you're getting a good deal.
There are heaps of home insurance deals which can save you up to 30% on your premium. That means if you have an annual premium of $1,200, you could save $360.
Budget Direct Home Insurance Deals
30% online discount on new home & contents insurance
Receive 30% off your first year's premium when you purchase a new combined Home & Contents Insurance policy online. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Virgin Home Insurance Deals
Get 30% off new policies
Save 30% on your first year’s premium when you purchase home and contents insurance online. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Australian Seniors Home Insurance Deals
Buy online and save up to 30% on a home & contents policy with Australian Seniors.
Offer applies to new policies bought online. Discount is made up of a 10% online discount for the first year, 10% for buying a combined policy and a further 10% if you hold a Seniors Card or 5% for non-card holders over the age of 50. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Qantas Home Insurance Deals
Earn up to 20,000 Qantas Points with Qantas Home Insurance
Plus save 15% on your premium when you combine your Home & Contents insurance. Points awarded will be based on your premium. Not available on homes or for contents we already insure for you. T&Cs & exclusions apply.
Last verified
Westpac Home Insurance Deal
Get up to 25% off when you sign up for a new home and contents policy
Save up to 25% when you combine Home and Contents Insurance online.
Last verified
Real Home Insurance Deal
Up to 20% off with a new home and contents insurance policy online
Save up to 20% when you purchase combined Home and Contents cover online.
Last verified
Domain Insure Home Insurance Deals
15% online discount on new home & contents insurance
Receive 15% off your first year's premium when you purchase a new combined Home & Contents Insurance policy online. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Australia Post Home Insurance Deals
Get a $100 gift card when buying Home and Contents Insurance from Australia Post
Get a $100 gift card when you buy a combined home and contents insurance policy from Australia Post. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
You'll never be charged for clicking through to one of our partners. We get paid out of their pocket, not yours.
Our experts have done heaps of research so you can compare policies side by side.
Our cost research shows you can easily cut your home insurance premium in half – just by comparing online.
Choosing home insurance is a big decision, so we understand you want to get it right. If you're looking for more info on pricing, check out our average cost page.
We've also got in-depth info on home insurance exclusions, and how to find cover for your holiday home.
If there's anything specific you're looking for but just can't find, don't hesitate to drop us a comment. We'll do our best to point you in the right direction.
Start comparing home insurance
The cost of home insurance can depend on a number of different factors including:
So what's the point in an excess? Put simply, it lets the insurer move a small part of the financial risk back to you. It's generally not something you can avoid; most insurers make you pay an excess. The best you can do is keep an eye out for how big they are when you're comparing policies.
Check out our garage sale tips to help you make some extra cash while keeping your place safe.
There’s been over 25,000 power outages across Victoria. Home insurance can reimburse you for the food that’s gone to waste. Find out who here.
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All home insurance policies have a common list of covered events. These insured events include things like fire, storm and theft.
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Find the right granny flat insurance, whether you're renting yours out or you've moved into one.
i want home insurance ‘without’ contents. does anyone know of an insurer.
Hi Tracey,
Thanks for your comment and I hope you are doing well.
Yes, you can find home insurance only for your home through home building insurance. As it says above, this is a stand-alone cover for only your home. It also covers other fixtures on your property, such as garages, fences, and sheds. It protects you against a bunch of natural events, such as fire, storm damage, and floods.
You will find a table that compares the features and benefits of each home insurance provider in terms of what it does and doesn’t cover. This way it will be easier for you to see which provider fits you best. If you need further help, a quick guide on how to compare home insurance is also stated on the page. As a friendly reminder, carefully review the Product Disclosure Statement of the product before applying. You may also contact the insurance provider should you have any questions about their policy.
I hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.
Best,
Nikki
I been trying to look for a home insurance for me rental property but it was declined due to the following reasons:
1. it is a rental property and we don’t know when we can have a tenant to occupy the property
2. Its still under renovation/construction but water tight now.
can you please help me find a cover for my property?
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for your message and for visiting Finder.
Sorry to hear that you’ve been declined for home insurance. Perhaps you may want to look at landlord insurance. You can compare and choose insurers as well as information on coverage, benefits, and the difference between home insurance and landlord insurance.
However, many insurers won’t cover you if your property will be unoccupied for over 30 days. It will be considered unoccupied and you may void your home insurance. Each provider imposes its own time limit on the maximum period you can leave your home unoccupied and still expect full coverage under your policy. Some insurers have a maximum unoccupied limit of 60 days, others extend this limit out to 90 days, but some companies require notification if you’ll be away for more than 30 days.
Check the product disclosure statement (PDS) for the limit imposed by your insurer. If you exceed this limit, one of two things will happen:
However, it may be possible to contact your insurer and arrange for home insurance cover to remain in place for the entire time your home is unoccupied. For more information, you may view our review on unoccupied home insurance.
Hope this helps! Feel free to message us anytime should you have further questions.
Cheers,
Nikki
If I purchase a property, do I need any form of insurance prior to settlement? Deposit insurance??
thanks
Hi Peter,
Thanks for reaching out.
That would be the Lenders Mortgage Insurance and it will depend on how much deposit you are able to make.
LMI is an upfront charge you will pay if you borrow over 80% of your property’s purchase price or value when buying a home or investment property.
Because LMI allows many borrowers to purchase a home with as little as a 5% deposit, it’s not just a fee but also a tool. You can learn more about Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). Our guide provides information on how it works, ways to avoid LMI, and answers to commonly asked questions.
Cheers,
Joanne
Need insurance that will cover our home year round, we live in the home 6 months a year and overseas 6 months a year, during which time we will Air BNB which we also need to be covered for. Would prefer complete replacement cover. Getting so many varying quotes and getting a bit lost!
Hi ET,
Thank you for your question.
I’m sorry to hear about the difficulty you’re having. While we can’t provide specific recommendations, I advise that you check your options listed on this page.
Aside from that, you may find ShareCover page helpful. They could cover your home. Please get in touch with them so you can get more details.
All the best,
Zubair
Who supplies Insurance to new incomplete dwellings, without a final certificate being lived in prior to completion.
Hi Mick,
Thank you for your question.
finder.com.au is a comparison and information service and we are not permitted to provide our users with personalised financial advice or product recommendations.
You will need to contact home insurers directly about this matter.
All the best,
Zubair