Our easy-to-use Home Buildings Proposal Form makes it simple to apply for building insurance in just one step.
When should I apply?
You should arrange your insurance policy as soon as you have a financial interest in a property. For most people, this is when you sign a contract for the purchase of your home.
What am I covered for?
The following summary outlines the cover provided by Defence Service Homes building insurance. Make sure you carefully read the full Home Building Insurance Policy before taking out this insurance.
Cover is subject to the specific exclusions listed in each section of the policy under the heading What We Do Not Insure You For, as well as those listed in the policy's general exclusions section.
Insured events:
fire, lightning, explosions
earthquake
flood or action of the sea
storm and rain
act intended to cause loss or damage
theft or attempted theft
escape of liquid
riot or violent civil disorder
impact by vehicle, aircraft or trees
accidental damage up to $5 000
fusion of electric domestic motors
that form part of the home
Following loss or damage, we may also pay architect, engineer or surveyor costs, as well as cover costs associated with temporary accommodation or lost rent, and demolishing and removing debris.
We cover you or your family for legal liability as an owner or occupier of the home, and in certain circumstances, will also cover you or your family for death and funeral benefits.
What do I pay for?
We pay all reasonable costs to repair or rebuild your home so that, as much as possible, it is returned to the same condition as it was immediately before the loss or damage occurred.
How much should I insure my home for?
We will calculate how much your home should be insured for to make certain you are not under insured.
Your sum insured is the total amount that we insure your home for. The sum insured is made up of:
the amount we estimate that it would cost to totally rebuild your home, based on the size of your house, plus an amount to cover additional expenses such as temporary accommodation, lost rent or landlords fixtures and fittings; and
extra costs including:
- employing an architect, engineer or surveyor;
- demolition;
- removing debris from the site;
- complying with the requirements of any Statutory Authority; and
- legal costs for mortgage discharge.
General insurance code of practice
Defence Service Homes Insurance has voluntarily adopted the General Insurance Code of Practice. The code sets out standards of good practice and service and aims to promote improved standards of insurance and good relations between insurers, agents, employees, investigators, debt collectors and loss adjusters and consumers.
Strata title homes
If your home is Strata Title and the Body Corporate has not sufficiently insured the building, our policy can provide you and your mortgagee with limited protection against loss or damage to the home, and if applicable, loss of rent. Refer to the Strata Title Homes section of the Home Building Insurance Policy for details on conditions of cover.
Disputes
If you disagree with any of our decisions and we can't reach a resolution, you can ask to have it dealt with by our Internal Disputes Handling Committee. If you still disagree with our final decision on your claim, you can refer the matter to the General Insurance Claims Review Panel for advice and assistance. The Claims Review Panel is a free independent service so that claims complaints can be reviewed quickly and informally. They can be contacted on 1300 363 683.
More information
Our plain English policy booklet and Home Buildings Proposal Form details more information on our building insurance and the types of loss or damage we will and will not pay for. It also explains your rights and obligations and what may happen if you fail in your obligations.
