Property Insurance
4. Home Insurance Policies
Authors: Staff Legal Eagle
Firm / Chambers:
Last updated: 10 Sep 2015
- Home insurance policies cover any financial loss linked to the loss or damage of a property caused by events such as:
- fire;
- storm;
- flood;
- earthquake;
- lightning; or
- theft and burglary.
- For example, where your front door is damaged as a result of theft.
- This is not an exhaustive list and there are usually conditions, exclusions and limits incorporated into the policy documents.
- If you are unsure about something in your policy documents getting legal advice is strongly recommended. Our free Find a Lawyer directory may help put you in touch with the assistance you need.
- A home insurance policy will generally cover the house or apartment that you own or are responsible for and that is used primarily for domestic purposes. The coverage may include damage to the:
- garage;
- gates and fences;
- outdoor walls;
- decks, pergolas, verandas and balconies;
- fixed swimming pools;
- any fixed outdoor items such as solar panels, play equipment and clothes lines;
- permanently affixed flooring; and
- gas appliances permanently affixed to a gas supply.
- Your insurance company will only pay for the type of loss or damage to your home that is listed in the policy.
- Home insurance is meant to protect you against events you cannot control so if you could have protected your property but failed to do so you may not be covered or the amount you receive may be reduced.
- Examples of situations where you might not be covered include:
- where you did not adequately maintain the roof of your home;
- where you did not remove hazards from your property;
- for example if you did not remove a termite infested tree in your front yard that fell on and damaged your roof;
- where you did not have locks on your windows or doors; or
- where you did not install an alarm if alarm installation was required under the policy.
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