What Does Home and Contents Insurance Cover in Australia?

Home and contents insurance typically covers your building structure and/or personal belongings against fire, storm, theft, accidental damage, and water damage. Building insurance covers the physical structure, while contents insurance covers your furniture, electronics, clothing, and other possessions.

Key Points

Building cover: walls, roof, floors, fixtures, and permanent fittings
Contents cover: furniture, appliances, electronics, clothing, and valuables
Typically covers fire, storm, theft, escape of liquid, and malicious damage
Accidental damage may be included or available as an optional extra
High-value items like jewellery often need to be listed separately

What Is Not Covered by Home and Contents Insurance?

Standard exclusions include gradual deterioration, pest damage, earth movement, general wear and tear, and in many policies, flood (though flood cover is now more commonly included). Damage from mould, intentional damage by an insured person, and motor vehicles are also typically excluded. Always read the PDS carefully — exclusions vary significantly between insurers.

Do I Need Both Building and Contents Insurance?

Homeowners typically need both. If you own the building, building insurance protects your biggest asset. Contents insurance protects everything inside. Renters only need contents insurance — the building is the landlord's responsibility (though landlords need a separate landlord insurance policy). Some insurers offer combined home and contents policies with a premium discount.

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Written by CoverMy Editorial Team

Last reviewed: 17 March 2026

Category: Home Insurance

What Does Home and Contents Insurance Cover in Australia?

Key Points

What Is Not Covered by Home and Contents Insurance?

Do I Need Both Building and Contents Insurance?

Ready to get covered?

Related Questions

What Does Home and Contents Insurance Cover in Australia?

Key Points

What Is Not Covered by Home and Contents Insurance?

Do I Need Both Building and Contents Insurance?

Ready to get covered?

Related Questions