- Fire, storm & theft cover
- Rebuilding cover
- Underinsurance protection optional
- Lodge a claim online 24/7
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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.
Compare policies and get your home insurance quote
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!
What's in this guide?
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.
What do I need to know before getting started?
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.
What types of home insurance are there?
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.
Which type of home insurance is right for me?
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 |
Here's a home insurance comparison
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 |
Do I really need home insurance?
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 $112 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 similar results. At the end of 2019, it found that the average cost of a home and contents policy was $102 a month.
Check out average cost by state
*This graph was last updated in July 2020.
What affects the cost of home insurance?
You could pay less if you….
- Live in a neighbourhood with a low crime rate
- Have extra home security features that could prevent burglary
- Have a fairly modest home with inexpensive rebuild costs
- Choose a higher excess amount
- Don't have recent claims history
You might have to pay more if…
- The location of your home is prone to natural disasters like bushfires or flooding
- Your home is also used as a place of business
- You have added home features like a pool or tennis court
- You want the most comprehensive policy with optional inclusions
How do I compare home insurance?
Know the specs of your home
You'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 PDS
Before 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.
Is home insurance really worth it?
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.
What brands offer home insurance?
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.
How else can home insurance help?
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 topHow can I save money on home insurance?
Home insurance can be a major expense for lots of Aussies but there are ways to make your premiums more affordable.
🛍 Shop around
Finder cost research shows you can halve the cost of your insurance premiums, just by comparing online. Why wouldn't you?
🏷 Look for deals
Lots of insurers offer sign-up deals which can reduce your premium by up to 30%. Always check for offers before finalising.
💵 Take a higher excess
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.
🗒 Review regularly
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.
What are your current home insurance offers?
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.
Popular Top Home Insurance Deals coupon codes
Last checked | Code description | Code |
---|---|---|
4 Jan 2021 | 30% online discount on new home & contents insurance | ******** |
4 Jan 2021 | $100 e-Gift card + up to 30% off new policies | ******** |
4 Jan 2021 | 12% online discount on new home & contents insurance | ******** |
11 Jan 2021 | 25% online discount on new home & contents insurance | ******** |
11 Jan 2021 | Save up to 25% when you buy online | ******** |
Why use Finder to compare home insurance?
It's free of charge
You'll never be charged for clicking through to one of our partners. We get paid out of their pocket, not yours.
We've made it easy
Our experts have done heaps of research so you can compare policies side by side.
You could save money
Our cost research shows you can easily cut your home insurance premium in half – just by comparing online.
Is there anything else I need to know?
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
Frequently asked questions
What is underinsurance protection?
Can I get home insurance if I'm a landlord?
Can I get home insurance if I'm still building my house?
Is home insurance tax deductible?
Does home insurance cover foundation problems?
Do I need home and contents insurance?
How much does home and contents insurance cost?
The cost of home insurance can depend on a number of different factors including:
- The value of your home and belongings. The more expensive, the higher your premiums are likely to be to cover the costs.
- The area that you live in. Is your home in a bushfire prone area or one where burglary is common? The higher the risk of damage or loss, the more expensive your home insurance will be.
- The level of coverage you purchased. Sum insured is usually cheaper than total replacement value because there's a chance you've undervalued your home. Similarly, a contents or home insurance only policy will be cheaper than a combined policy.
What items does contents insurance cover?
- Furniture
- Plants
- Bedding
- Clothing
- Jewellery
- Toys
- Curtains
- Computers
- Laptops
- TVs
- Electrical appliances
- Stereos
- White goods such as fridges
- Tools
- Sporting gear
Do I need home and contents insurance if I rent?
What is a home and contents insurance excess and how does it work?
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.
What does "new for old" and "replacement value" mean?
What does "sum insured" and "total replacement cover" mean?
What is flood cover?
Will I be covered by home insurance if I hold a garage sale? ?
As an example, most policies usually cover you for accidental damage caused by your guests, however, there are often exclusions for theft caused by your visitors.
Check out our garage sale tips to help you make some extra cash while keeping your place safe.
Am I covered for accidental damage?
Stay up-to-date with current news on home insurance

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Read more…Icons made by Vectors Market, Freepik from www.flaticon.com
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Ask an Expert
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 for only your home by viewing this page about 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 – the leading comparison website & general information service built to give you advice in your buying decision needs. How are you doing today?
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:
The insurer may impose an additional excess on any claims that arise while your home is unoccupied.
Your policy may be cancelled.
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 this page.
Please note that we’re a product comparison website and we hold no affiliation with any company we feature on our site. We provide general information on products to assist you in your buying decision process hence we cannot recommend product / service that is rightfully fit for you.
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 may view this page to find out what LMI is, 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.
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 may find ShareCover page helpful.
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
If your part of a body corporate, why is it so hard to get home and contents insurance?
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for getting in touch. finder.com.au is a comparison service and we are not permitted to give personalised financial advice. You may find our strata insurance article helpful. On this page, you’ll also find an inquiry for our brokers, who may be able to help you with your question.
All the best,
Zubair
I have cracks inside my home high in the walls near where the walls meet the roof, also cracks on corners,and some in the cyprock ceiling, and
walls are brick and render walls, building inspector told me it was from the plats the roof sits on from high winds shifting it, been insured for over 30 years with the some insurer, they have rejected to pay my claim, what should I do?
Hi Jack,
Thanks for getting in touch. If you feel that you’ve been unfairly assessed, you can go through your insurers internal dispute resolution process. If after that you’re still unsatisfied, you can contact the ombudsman.
Cheers,
Richard
Why do you only show Hollard underwritten policies, plus you, under house and contents?
Do you have a financial connection to Hollard?
HI Bruce,
Thanks for your question. While Hollard is the underwriter of Woolworths insurance products, finder.com.au does not have a financial connection with Hollard. Out of our panel of home insurers, only Woolworths is underwritten by Hollard.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
If I’m renting out my property do I need both home insurance and landlord insurance?
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for your question. finder.com.au is a comparison service and we are not permitted to provide our users with personalised financial advice. Landlord insurance covers many aspects your home (building) insurance wouldn’t cover a may include cover for home contents (your personal contents and not that of the tenant), storm damage, loss of rent and malicious damage. Every policy is different so you should review the policy document carefully before getting any cover.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
Hi, buying a holiday home on the coast where I intend to reside 2-3 days a week. Also expect to rent out occasionally for short term holidays (Easter , XMAS, etc). Is normal Home & Contents policy OK in this situation?
Hi Jack,
Thanks for your question. finder.com.au is a comparison service and we are not permitted to provide our users with personalised financial advice. If you are looking to rent your policy using a holiday letting service such as Stayz or Airbnb, you may find ShareCover interesting.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard