Bendigo Bank Home Insurance

Bendigo Bank Home Insurance offers 3 policy types; combined home and contents, contents, and building insurance. On top of that, you can also choose your own level of cover from gold, silver and bronze. This way, you can choose a policy that suits both your home and wallet.

Issued by Insurance Australia, you can get a quote and make claims online, but of course, you can contact Bendigo Bank by phone if you prefer to speak to someone.

What policies are available from Bendigo Bank?

Bendigo Bank offers four levels of combined home and contents insurance: Gold, Silver and Bronze. Here are the benefits of each level of cover.

• Gold
• Silver
• Bronze

Bendigo Bank Insurance levels of cover

Here are the inclusions in Bendigo Bank’s Gold home insurance package:

Building insurance

Contents

• Accessories and spare parts for motor vehicles, motorcycles, minibikes, caravans, trailers and watercraft that are not in or on them
• Items thinly covered with gold or silver that are not jewellery or watches
• Carpets, curtains or internal blinds
• Film, slides and prints
• Tapes, cassettes, cartridges and discs
• Computer software
• Media purchased online, eg music, software and videos
• Landlord's fixtures and fittings that you are liable for under the terms of a rental agreement
• Fixtures and fittings that you have installed for your own use if you are a tenant, or the owner of a strata title unit
• Goods you use to earn an income at your home
• Unregistered motorised golf buggies, ride-on mowers and wheelchairs
• Unregistered motorcycles or minibikes up to 125cc that do not require registration by law, unless they are being used for racing or pacemaking
• Money and negotiable documents
• Watercraft less than four metres long that is not powered by a motor or is powered by a motor less than 10hp
• Valuable items as listed below:
  • Jewellery and watches
  • Items that contain gold or silver (this does not include items thinly covered with gold or silver)
  • Collections of stamps, money or medals
  • Audiovisual equipment
  • Camera equipment

  • Electronic diaries
  • GPS
  • Mobile or portable phones
  • Portable computers
  • Sporting equipment, unless it is in use
  • Furs

What is excluded from my policy?

All Bendigo Bank home insurance products have a range of general exclusions. In addition, building and contents policies have specific exclusions, so make sure you read the product disclosure statement before purchasing this insurance. Here are some of the general exclusions:

• Any incident that does not occur within your period of insurance
• Landslide or subsidence, unless agreed to cover the incident
• War or warlike activity
• Hostilities, rebellion, insurrection or revolution
• Contamination by chemical and/or biological agents, which results from an act of terrorism
• Lawful destruction or confiscation of your property
• Anything nuclear or radioactive
• Mildew, atmospheric or climatic conditions
• Damage to a heating element, however, any loss or damage as a result of damage to a heating element will be covered
• Certain computer malfunctions
• Deliberate or intentional acts by you, or anyone acting for you, to cause loss, damage or injury
• Storm surge
• Erosion, the action of the sea, tidal wave or high water, unless the loss or damage is the result of a tsunami

What excess do I have to pay?

Your excess will be calculated based on your building and contents and the level of insurance you purchase. You can reduce your premium by increasing the amount of excess you are willing to pay.

Depending on the nature of your claim you may need to pay the excess upfront. Otherwise, the excess will be subtracted from the settlement amount.

You must pay an additional $250 if your claim is due to an earthquake.

How can I make a claim?

Before you make a claim, ensure you have all your insurance information and documents ready. You will need:

• Contact details of other parties involved
• Letters, notices or court documents relating to the incident
• Incident report numbers for claims relating to theft or malicious acts

You should make your claim as soon as possible as delays may reduce the amount you can be paid. To make a claim, you must call Bendigo Bank's insurer, CGU at 13 24 80. To process your claim, you will need to provide proof of ownership to the insurer. They may also need to inspect your building or contents.

Some final questions you might have

• Can someone else make a claim on my behalf?

  Yes, but the policyholder must first ring and give authorisation to the insurer for someone else to make a claim.

• Can I transfer my insurance if I move house?

  Your building insurance cannot be transferred to a different property. Any premiums already paid will be refunded, and you must take out a new policy for the new property.

  Your contents will be covered under an existing policy at both your original and new property for 14 days from the date you start moving. Within 14 days of starting your move, you must inform the insurer, and they will discuss if there will be any change in premium or terms of insurance.

• Can I choose my own repairer?

  Generally yes, but you must discuss your claim with the insurer. You should not undertake any repairs before making a claim unless they are emergency repairs to prevent further damage. You must provide invoices for any repairs done.

• Who is eligible for a Bendigo Bank home insurance policy?

  Here's the key eligibility criteria for a Bendigo Bank home insurance policy:

  • The type of home you own or live in as a tenant. It must be a free standing house, townhouse, villa or duplex, semi-detached house or terrace. Registered body corporate buildings and houseboats are not eligible.
  • How you use the home you own. It must be your primary residence or holiday home. It's not suitable if your home is a business, such as a hotel or bed & breakfast.
  • The condition of your home. The home needs to meet acceptable dwelling criteria; for instance, it must be secure, watertight, structurally sound and well maintained. It's not suitable for homes under initial construction or renovations that cost more than specified in the PDS.