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What is the difference between home insurance and contents insurance?

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What is the difference between home insurance and contents insurance?

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When it comes to insuring your property, it's crucial to understand the distinct roles played by home insurance and contents insurance. While both provide vital protection, they serve different purposes.

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Home Insurance: Your Property's Shield

Home insurance is your safeguard against damage to the physical structure of your house. This includes protection for the walls, roof, floors, and built-in fixtures. Here’s what home insurance typically encompasses:

Protection against natural disasters and accidents like fires, floods, storms, and theft.
Coverage for repairs or rebuilding of your home’s structure, including key fixtures.
Personal belongings coverage in the event of specific incidents like fires or floods.
Liability coverage if someone is injured on your property, providing an essential safety net.

Contents Insurance: Guarding Your Belongings

Contents insurance, on the other hand, specifically covers your personal items, whether they are within your home or elsewhere. This type of insurance steps in when your belongings are stolen, damaged, or lost, offering a broader range of protection. Coverage typically includes:

Everyday items such as furniture, appliances, and electronics.
Personal effects like clothing and jewellery.
Specialised items including sports equipment and valuable collections.

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Do You Need Both Home and Contents Insurance?

As a homeowner, it's typically essential to have both home insurance and contents insurance. Home insurance is often a requirement from mortgage lenders as it safeguards the structure of your house. Contents insurance, while not mandated, is a wise choice to protect your personal belongings inside the home.

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For renters, the scenario is a bit different. In this case, you'll generally only need contents insurance. While your landlord's insurance policy covers the building itself, it doesn’t extend to your personal items. Contents insurance ensures your belongings are protected in case of theft, loss, or damage.

Here are some examples of fixtures and fittings in the contents of home insurance:

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Built-in kitchen cabinets and appliances

These items are typically considered to be part of the structure of the home and are therefore covered under building insurance. However, if they are damaged or destroyed in a covered event, you may be able to claim for their replacement under your contents insurance.

Carpets and floorboards

Carpets and floorboards are generally considered to be fixtures, as they are permanently attached to the structure of the home. However, if they are damaged or destroyed in a covered event, you may be able to claim for their replacement under your contents insurance.

Shelving units and bookcases

Shelving units and bookcases are typically considered to be fittings, as they can be easily removed from the home. However, if they are built-in or custom-made, they may be considered to be fixtures and covered under building insurance.

Curtains and blinds

Curtains and blinds are generally considered to be fittings, as they can be easily removed from the home. However, if they are custom-made or very expensive, they may be considered to be fixtures and covered under building insurance.

Light fixtures and ceiling fans

Light fixtures and ceiling fans are typically considered to be fittings, as they can be easily removed from the home. However, if they are built-in or very expensive, they may be considered to be fixtures and covered under building insurance.

Plumbing fixtures

Plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, and bathtubs, are typically considered to be fixtures, as they are permanently attached to the structure of the home. However, if they are damaged or destroyed in a covered event, you may be able to claim for their replacement under your contents insurance.

White goods

White goods, such as washing machines, refrigerators, and stoves, are typically considered to be fittings, as they are not permanently attached to the structure of the home. However, if they are built-in or very expensive, they may be considered to be fixtures and covered under building insurance.

Is a pool covered in contents or home insurance?

In general, an inground pool is considered a fixture and is therefore covered under home insurance. An above-ground pool is generally considered a fitting and is therefore covered under contents insurance. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if an above-ground pool is permanently attached to the ground, it may be considered a fixture and covered under home insurance.

Is a marble benchtop contents or home insurance?

A marble benchtop is generally considered a fixture and is therefore covered under home insurance. This is because it is permanently attached to the structure of the home.

Is a toilet a content or home insurance?

A toilet is generally considered a fixture and is therefore covered under home insurance. This is because it is permanently attached to the plumbing system of the home.

Is a built-in dishwasher covered under contents or home insurance?

A built-in dishwasher is generally considered a fixture and is therefore covered under home insurance. This is because it is permanently attached to the plumbing and electrical systems of the home.

Is a fireplace mantle covered under contents or home insurance?

A fireplace mantle is generally considered a fixture and is therefore covered under home insurance. This is because it is permanently attached to the structure of the home.

Is a chandelier covered under contents or home insurance?

A chandelier is generally considered a fitting and is therefore covered under contents insurance. However, if the chandelier is very expensive or is permanently attached to the structure of the home, it may be considered a fixture and covered under home insurance.

Is a hot tub covered under contents or home insurance?

A portable hot tub is generally considered a fitting and is therefore covered under contents insurance. However, if the hot tub is permanently installed in the ground, it may be considered a fixture and covered under home insurance.

If you're uncertain about your home insurance coverage, especially regarding fixtures and fittings, don't hesitate to reach out to an insurance broker. Tank Insurance are insurance brokers in Sydney, who can provide tailored advice, clarify any doubts, and ensure that your policy meets your specific needs, offering peace of mind and expert guidance

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The content provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, insurance is a complex field, and the applicability of the information can vary based on individual circumstances. Tank Insurance holds no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided in this blog.

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General Advice Warning: This advice is general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the advice is appropriate for you and your personal circumstances. Before you make any decision about whether to acquire a certain product, you should obtain and read the relevant product disclosure statement.

All information above has been provided by the author.

Marel Pencev, Tank Insurance, ABN 22 652 716 964, AFSL 478959

This article originally appeared on What is the difference between home insurance and contents insurance? and has been published here with permission.