Defence Service Homes insurance is good for current and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as it's only open to them. Reservists, peacekeepers and widows and widowers of ADF members are also eligible.
It's competitively priced and comes with flexible payment options – you can pay monthly or yearly at no extra cost. Not all insurers do this.
It understands you lead a different lifestyle to most, from postings and redeployments, though it doesn't specify exactly how its home insurance policies are adapted to ADF members.
We don't currently have this brand on our panel. But don't fret! You can head to the Defence Service Homes Insurance website or compare a bunch of other home insurance companies with finder.
A Defence Service Homes insurance policy can help pay for the following:
Repairing or rebuilding your home
Temporary accommodation
Legal costs for discharge of mortgage
Matching decor
Trees, shrubs, plants
Exclusions
Defence Service Homes exclusions are similar to other providers. It will not pay for:
Loss or damage to the home that is caused by burning or heat, if that happens without flames
Loss or damage caused by wind, rain, snow or hail entering the home unless it enters because of structural damage to the home that is directly caused by the storm, snow or hail
Loss or damage caused by failing to properly maintain the home
Loss or damage caused to the external paint work or other external coatings on the home
Loss or damage to the home caused by any act that is intended to cause loss or damage
Theft or attempted theft was by someone who lives in the home or is there with your consent
Loss or damage that is caused by liquid splashing or gradually escaping because of something other than a sudden burst, leak, discharge or overflow
Cover for defective items or a defective part of the item, that is responsible for causing loss or damage
Make sure to read Defence Service Homes' PDS for the full list of exclusions.
Frequently asked questions about Defence Service Homes
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 Defence Service (QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited) did:
QBE resolved 31.39% of complaints directly with customers, a fair proportion compared to other insurers its size.
It received 927 complaints over the financial year which is considerably more than similar insurers like Youi.
Bottom line about Defence Service Homes insurance
Defence Service Homes insurance is good if you're a current or former member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and you want a competitively priced policy. However, it doesn't specify exactly how its home insurance policies are adapted to ADF members.
If you'd like to see how other home insurers compare to one another, you can compare them side by side here.
Frequently asked questions about Defence Service Homes
To get access to Defence Service Homes insurance, you must be an Australian veteran, a serving member of the ADF, a reservist or a widow/widower of someone who has served in one of these groups. You must qualify for one of the following:
Benefits under the Veterans' Entitlement Act 1986
A loan under the Defence Service Homes Act 1918
A Home Support Loan
A loan under the Defence Force (Home Loans Assistance) Act 1990
A subsidy under the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme Act 2008 (DHOAS), whether used or not
If you need to lodge a claim, call 1300 552 662, especially in case of emergency. If you prefer, you may also fill out an online form and/or email dsh@dva.gov.au with your name, policy number and brief details of the damage.
A note on Defence Service Homes insurance reviews
If you've held or currently hold a Defence Service Homes insurance policy, we'd love to hear from you. Your reviews help other Australians decide if Defence Service Homes is right for them. Some reviews are from a survey commissioned by Finder.
Gary Ross Hunter was an editor at Finder, specialising in insurance. He’s been writing about life, travel, home, car, pet and health insurance for over 6 years and regularly appears as an insurance expert in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian and news.com.au. Gary holds a Kaplan Tier 2 General Advice General Insurance certification which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146). See full bio
Gary Ross's expertise
Gary Ross has written 687 Finder guides across topics including:
Millions of Australians have been derailed by an unexpected financial emergency over the past 12 months, according to new research by Finder.
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