Budget Direct home insurance review

Here's a breakdown of what's included

How many complaints does Budget Direct home insurance have?

We looked at home insurance complaint data from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) between July 2022 and June 2023. The data breaks down different underwriters and compares their business size to the number of complaints processed.

When comparing insurers, keep in mind that insurers with a larger market share serve more customers, so can potentially get more complaints.

Here's an overview of how Budget Direct (Auto & General) did:

• Budget Direct has significantly less complaints lodged compared to other similarly sized insurers.

• Out of the 21 complaints it received, 12 had to be escalated. This isn’t bad compared to other insurers but it shows it’s not perfect.

When comparing insurers, keep in mind that insurers with a larger market share serve more customers and potentially get more complaints.

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Frequently asked questions

• Who is eligible for a Budget Direct home insurance policy?

  To be eligible, you need to be at least 16 years of age, have an Australian mailing address and reside or own property in Australia. There is no cover for:

  • People with homes in the Northern Territory or above the Tropic of Capricorn (not including the Greater Rockhampton area)
  • Hotels and similar multi-occupancy dwellings
  • Caravans, cars, trailers or mobile homes
  • Homes that have asbestos roofs
  • Homes that are under construction and not at lock-up stage
  • Anyone who has been convicted of arson or fraud

• How do I make a home insurance claim with Budget Direct?

  To make a Budget Direct home insurance claim, follow these 4 steps:

  • Take all reasonable steps to prevent any further loss or damage occurring. Any incidents involving theft or malicious damage should also be reported to the police.
  • Contact the underwriter as soon as possible to provide the full details of your claim.
  • Provide evidence of the value or your ownership of the items or property that have been lost, stolen or damaged. You'll need to give the underwriter the opportunity to inspect the damaged goods or property. You also have to supply any other information or documentation they request to process your claim.
  • Submit your claim and wait for it to be processed.

  You can call Budget Direct at 1800 069 336 for more information on how to make a claim.

• Am I covered for flood damage with Budget Direct home insurance?

  Yes, Budget Direct home insurance offers flood cover, but only if you purchase it as an optional extra.

• Am I covered for jewellery with Budget Direct home insurance?

  Yes, the replacement value of your jewellery is included in contents cover when your jewellery is at home. If you want coverage for your jewellery away from home, you'll need to add personal effects cover to your policy.

• Does Budget Direct offer motor burnout cover?

  Yes, but you'll need to pay extra for it. Motor burnout covers loss or damage to electric motors where:

  • The burnout is caused by power surge or electric current
  • The motor is burned out at home

• Will my laptop, mobile or tablet be covered by Budget Direct?

  Budget Direct home insurance covers loss or damage to these items if they're damaged in the home by an insured event like a fire, storm or burglary.

Leave a Budget Direct home insurance review

If you've held, or currently hold, a Budget Direct home insurance policy, we'd love to hear from you. Your reviews help other Australians decide if Budget Direct is right for them. Some reviews are from a survey commissioned by Finder.