Looking for low cost home and contents insurance but don't want to skimp on value? Follow these steps to find affordable cover that won't leave you stranded.
There are three quick steps to finding the cheapest home insurance*:
- Know how much cover you really need.
- Compare multiple quotes.
- Avoid extras if you don't need them.
Read on for some key tips on how to reduce the price of your home insurance without sacrificing the quality of your cover.
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7 tips to spending less on home insurance
1. Determine how much cover you actually need.
Determine what kind of policy you need, whether that be building, contents, or both. Ensure your policy adequately covers your needs. Get a proper assessment on your sum insured and replacement value of your contents.
2. Improve your home security.
Security systems and alarms can act as a deterrent to thieves, while smoke alarms can reduce the risk of your home being damaged by fire. Installing these items can reduce the cost of your home and contents premiums.
3. Compare quotes from multiple insurers.
Don’t simply accept the first home and contents insurance quote you get. Compare quotes from at least three different insurers - this is quick and easy to do online - and shop around for a deal.
4. Make your home disaster resistant.
You may be able to save by adding features to make your home more resistant to storms and natural disasters. Consider installing storm shutters, reinforcing your roof, and modernising your heating and electrical systems to reduce the risk of fire or water damage.
5. Pay your premium annually.
Most insurers will let you choose a premium frequency (how often you pay per annum) when applying for cover. Paying annually as opposed to monthly could save you in the long-run.
6. Search for discounts.
If you hold multiple policies with the same insurer you may be entitled to a discount on your home and contents premium. Many insurers will also apply a discount to your premium if you purchase your insurance online. Some providers will offer to cut the price of your cover if you’ve been with them for a number of years. Don’t be afraid to ask for your loyalty to be rewarded.
7. Review your policy at least once a year.
Ensure your policy covers any major purchases or enhancements to your home. This means that you can ensure that you have enough cover for certain items, whilst also noting the reduced value of other albums. Your television might not sell for as high as it did a few years ago, which will reduce your contents cover price.
What impacts the cost of my cover?
The price you pay for cover is generally based on;
- The policy you choose. A comprehensive policy with all the “bells and whistles” will generally cost more than the basic cover option. Assess if a basic policy will suffice for your situation.
- How your home is used. If your home is used for business purposes or is left unoccupied for long periods of time you may be required to pay an additional cost for cover.
- The location of your home. Insurance providers draw on claims data, crime rates, risk of flood and fire among other factors to help assess the level of each location presents. It can be worth taking some time to research where you are buying to determine what could impact the rate you pay for cover.
- Your claims history. An insurance company will often consider previous claims you have made when determining what you pay for cover. Minor and major claims can impact what you will pay so it is worth having a look at different options available and speaking with your insurer about how you will be assessed.
- Style of your home. Insurers will also consider the style/construction period of your home to help them determine a suitable rate.
- The construction standard of your home. The actual design features and construction standard of your home will also impact what you pay with insurers usually rating dwellings in loose categories of average, quality and prestige.
- If your home is built on flat or sloping land. Insurers will also need to know the aspect of the land your home is situated on to help them to determine what you will pay.
Make sure you check the fine print...
When shopping for home and contents insurance, it’s important to read the fine print so that you know exactly what your policy does and doesn’t cover. However, some of the technical jargon contained in a home and contents insurance PDS can be downright confusing, so here’s a quick rundown of what the following terms mean:
| Terms to look for | What to be aware of |
|---|---|
| Accidental damage | Does your policy cover accidental damage, such as if your kids decide to ‘redecorate’ your walls with permanent markers? This is included as standard on some policies and as an optional extra on others, so check the PDS. This should not be confused with accidental breakage, which typically only applies to glass and ceramics. |
| Away from home | If you’re heading away on holiday for 30 days or more, this may restrict or even void your cover. You may need to notify your insurer before travelling. |
| Goods in transit | This cover usually applies to your contents when you are moving house. Various sub limits and conditions can apply, with many insurers not even covering accidental damage to contents in transit. |
| Defined events | The vast majority of home and contents insurance policies only cover you against defined events. These include fire, storm, flood, lightning, explosion, impact, earthquake, theft, vandalism, malicious acts, landslide, damage by animals, water or liquid damage. |
| New-for-old replacement | As the phrasing suggests, many insurers will replace your damaged old items with new ones. However, this isn’t always the case - if it’s cheaper to repair an item than replace it, they will often do so. |
| Water damage | Conditions around how water is covered can vary greatly between insurers, especially for losses from actions of the sea, storms and floods. Make sure you know exactly how you are covered for these events and if damage from leaking roofs is excluded. Many insurers don’t include cover for flood damage caused by the ocean, rivers, creeks, dams, lakes or reservoirs. |
| Sum insured | Some policies will provide cover up to the amount shown on your certificate of insurance, otherwise known as the sum insured. Make sure you calculate the cost of replacing everything to be certain you don’t end up under-insured. |
Review regularly to avoid underinsurance
Many Australians adopt a ‘set and forget’ approach when it comes to home and contents cover, but this fails to take into account that our circumstances and the assets we own are constantly changing. This leads to a risk of being under-insured, which can end up leaving you significantly out of pocket or even in dire financial straits when disaster strikes.
The best way to combat under-insurance is to regularly review your level of cover to determine whether or not it is adequate and if you could be better off switching to a more suitable option.
To learn more about underinsurance and how to avoid it, head here.
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FAQs
Q. I’ve changed the security system at my property - do I need to let my insurer know?
A. Yes, any changes to your security system could change the terms of your insurance. Improvements could also entitle you to a discount because you will be less likely to suffer loss caused by thieves.
Q. I’ve started running a business out of my home - do I need to tell my insurer?
A. Yes. Once again, this may affect an insurer’s decision to insure you, and you have a duty of disclosure to let your insurer know anything that may influence their decision to offer you cover.
Q. Does home and contents insurance cover flood?
A. Yes, many providers do include flood protection in their home and contents policies. However, make sure to check the fine print for any exclusions that may apply.
Q. Will my premiums increase if my situation doesn’t change?
A. It is possible that what you pay for cover may increase even if your situation doesn’t, based on other factors such as where you live.
Q. What type of security measures may reduce my premiums?
- Two-cylinder deadlocks fitted to external doors
- Locks fitted to sliding doors
- Security screens fitted to windows
- Single-cylinder locks fitted to windows
- Alarm system fitted to home
Q. What sort of policy covers my carpets?
A. Carpets are generally covered as part of a contents insurance policy.
Q. Are the possessions of visitors to my house covered?
A. Many insurers will offer some cover for contents owned by invited visitors, but check your PDS to see what limits apply to cover.
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