National Seniors Home Insurance

National Seniors Insurance is a service of the National Seniors Australia non-profit organisation and is focused on insurance for over 50s. The three levels of home insurance available through National Seniors Insurance are Prestige, Classic and Vital, and the information below will help you find the right balance of cost and cover.

What type of cover does National Seniors offer?

• Prestige: Wide-ranging cover for a variety of accidental events, with a range of miscellaneous additional benefits.
• Classic: A balance of cost and cover for a range of insured events, plus other benefits.
• Vital: Essential-level of cover for a range of insured events, with some additional benefits.

All cover levels have discounts available, such as up to 10% off premiums for buying online, and up to 30% off in the form of a no-claims bonus. The following is only a summary of the cover available. We recommend that you read the product disclosure statement (PDS) to get more details..

What kind of exclusions are there?

The exclusions are situations where a policy will not pay out. All insurance policies will carry their own exclusions, and they vary depending on which cover level you choose. Some of the common exclusions you’ll find with these cover types, and many others are:

• No cover for lawful seizure of property, such as repossession by a finance company
• No cover for damage caused by acts of war or terrorism
• No cover for damage caused by nuclear materials
• No cover for damage caused by property deterioration, shoddy workmanship or faulty repairs

You are also generally required to take suitable precautions, and follow relevant terms and conditions associated with insured items in order to make claims. For example, if your credit card is stolen and used, then you won’t be able to claim for the resulting loss if it’s shown that you gave your personal identification number (PIN) to someone. Specific exclusions can also apply to certain types of claim. For example, you cannot make a claim under your contents cover for damage or loss of a bicycle while it’s in use, or for damage to electronic equipment resulting from computer viruses.

What's the excess like?

The excess is an amount that needs to be paid when you make a claim. Generally, there are two types of excess that may apply:

• Standard excess: This will apply to most claims. You may be able to select a higher excess if you want to pay a lower premium, or a lower excess for a higher premium.
• Special excess: This will apply to specific types of claims, or in certain situations. For example, if you have claimed for damage resulting from an earthquake, but then you need to claim for damage caused by a second earthquake within 48 hours, an excess of $250, or another amount, might be charged on top of the standard excess.

Who is eligible for cover?

National Seniors Insurance is for people:

• Over the age of 50
• A partner or spouse of someone in the 50+ age bracket
• Someone connected to, or otherwise focused on senior issues

How do I make a claim?

The most efficient way to make claims is via the online form. This method is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Once it is lodged, claims consultant will contact you as soon as possible. If you have an issue that requires immediate attention, such as malicious property damage or theft, note this in your online claim and it will be addressed within 48 hours. For more information, or to discuss your insurance and claims, you can call National Seniors Insurance on 1300 65 17 77.

Other questions you may have:

• Is there anything I need to do before making a claim?

  Yes, if the claim is in relation to theft or attempted theft, or damage incurred through wilful acts, please report this to the Allianz insurance company straight away. Once you’ve done that, you can lodge your claim online and you’ll hear back from Allianz within 48 business hours. You can also contact National Seniors on 1300 65 17 77 and be transferred to the Allianz claims team.

• Do you have an online calculator for Home Insurance?

  Yes, you can access an Allianz online calculator here.

• What are the different types of home insurance policies offered by National Seniors Insurance?

  Three in all – the Vital, Classic and Prestige cover. You can see a summary of each option above, or get quotes and more information on each at the National Seniors website.

• How do I make a home insurance claim?

  The quickest way is via the Allianz online claim form. This is available 24/7 and generally only takes 10 minutes to complete if you have all the information.

• What sort of proof of ownership information do I need?

  Any documentation, including owner’s handbooks, credit card statements and purchase receipts will greatly assist the process. The claims consultant you talk to will advise you what else is required for your specific case.

• How do I submit a claim for broken glass?

  For the replacement, call O'Brien Glass on 13 1616, have your policy number and the details of the breakage ready. Alternatively you can call Allianz on 13 1000.

• What should I do if someone makes a claim against me?

  It’s imperative that you notify Allianz right away, by making a claim through the online form or calling them on 13 1000 so that a Claims Consultant can guide you through the process. If there are witnesses, please get their names and addresses, and don’t make any admissions of liability or attempt to settle any claim made against you.

• How are damaged or lost possessions repaired or replaced?

  Typically, Allianz will organise quotes and replacements for lost belongings.

• Can I pay my home insurance by the month?

  Yes. Payment of policies with National Seniors Insurance can be done monthly with no penalty, and can even be direct-debited. Please note that premiums payable by instalments may be subject to minor adjustments, due to rounding or financial institutions applying fees.

• Can I pay via BPAY?

  Yes. The reference number and biller code can be found on the policy renewal notice, or obtained by calling 1300 50 50 99.

• I am entitled to Input Tax Credit, should I declare this?

  Yes, you will need to. Please provide National Seniors Insurance with your Australian Business Number (ABN) to do this.

• How do I change what’s covered under my Home Insurance Policy?

  To make any changes with an existing policy, you can contact National Seniors Insurance on 1300 50 50 99.

• Why is my policy more expensive than last year?

  There could be a few reasons why this is the case, including (but not limited to) a rise in the cost of repairs, previous claims, or severe weather events. Bear in mind there may be other reasons too. If you have any queries about your particular policy, please don't hesitate to contact National Seniors Insurance on 1300 50 50 99.

• How do I change my banking details?

  By contacting National Seniors Insurance on 1300 50 50 99.

• How do I pay if I don't have a credit/debit card?

  Please call National Seniors on 1300 50 50 99.

• What is the Renewal Invitation Guarantee offered on National Seniors Insurance policies?

  With Prestige and Classic cover you also get a Renewal Invitation Guarantee. This states that you will always be offered a renewal notice, for the same coverage, regardless of claims made previously. Note that National Seniors Insurance may still adjust premiums and the excess as needed, before offering the renewal.