Building Insurance covers the physical structure of a home, while Contents Insurance covers eligible household belongings and other contents.

Depending on their needs, homeowners can arrange:

• Building Insurance only.
• Contents Insurance only.
• Combined Building and Contents Insurance.

What does Building Insurance cover? #

Building Insurance generally covers the physical structures that form part of the home.

Depending on the policy, this can include:

• House structure.
• Roof.
• Walls.
• Floors.
• Built-in cupboards.
• Garage.
• Shed.
• Fences.
• Other permanent structures.

What does Contents Insurance cover? #

Contents Insurance generally covers belongings and household property such as:

• Furniture.
• Clothing.
• Appliances.
• Electronics.
• Rugs.
• Household goods.
• Personal possessions.

Some items can be subject to specific limits.

What about carpets and internal blinds? #

These are commonly treated as contents rather than part of the building under Australian Home Insurance policies.

Policy definitions should still be checked.

What if I live in a strata apartment? #

The strata arrangement generally insures the building structure and common property.

A strata owner-occupier may therefore mainly need Contents Insurance for property inside the unit that falls outside the strata policy.

Can I insure both together? #

Yes.

Many insurers offer combined Building and Contents Insurance under one policy.