Why Buying Home and Contents Insurance Online Can Leave You Underinsured?
It’s never been easier to buy home and contents insurance. A few clicks, a few checkboxes, and a policy arrives in your inbox. Job done, right?
Not quite. While online platforms make it easy to compare prices and features, they often fail to capture the full story of your life, your property, and your risks. And that can lead to a costly surprise when you need to make a claim.
Here’s why going it alone online can leave you exposed, and how a broker like AB Phillips can help ensure your cover is actually fit for purpose.
The Illusion of Simplicity: What “Standard” Home and Contents Policies Miss
Most standard policies look fine at first glance, until something goes wrong. That’s when homeowners discover the limitations and exclusions they didn’t notice before.
Common gaps include:
High-value items not being itemised
Accidental damage not being included
Rebuild costs based on outdated valuations
Insufficient contents cover for tech, tools, or collections
Many policies are designed to appeal to price-sensitive buyers. But cutting corners to save a few dollars can leave you significantly underinsured when it matters most.
Why a Broker Asks About Your Dog, Your Renovation Plans, and Your Grandma’s Necklace
It might seem strange when a broker asks if you have a pet, or if you’ve renovated recently. But these questions matter.
Owning a dog can increase liability risks. Renovations often raise the rebuild cost of your home. A family heirloom might need to be listed separately for it to be fully covered.
Online quote tools don’t ask these questions. Brokers do. At AB Phillips, our job is to understand your full picture so we can recommend tailored home insurance that actually reflects your reality.
Life Changes. Shouldn’t Your Cover Keep Up?
Many people set and forget their insurance. But life moves on. You might renovate, welcome a new family member, rent out a room, or work from home with more expensive equipment. You might even let someone camp on your property to bring in some extra cashflow, but did you know it could void your Home and Contents policy all together?
A broker ensures your home and contents insurance evolves with you. AB Phillips clients benefit from regular policy reviews and expert guidance so their cover keeps pace with their lifestyle.
Real Support When It Counts: Claims Aren’t Just Forms, They’re Stressful
When your home is damaged in a storm or your belongings are stolen, the last thing you need is to navigate a complicated claims process alone.
AB Phillips doesn’t just sell policies. We stand by you when things go wrong. Our team manages the claims process, talk to the insurer, and get things sorted faster, so you can focus on recovery. We always keep you updated, every step of the way.
How to Tell If You’re Properly Protected
Here’s a quick checklist to see if your current cover might be lacking:
Have you reviewed your policy in the last 12 months?
Do you know your home’s current rebuild cost?
Are valuables like jewellery, watches, or electronics itemised?
Do you travel regularly with valuables that are not itemised i.e a wedding ring or band?
Do you understand your excess and policy limits?
Would you feel confident making a claim tomorrow?
If you answered no to any of these, it might be time for a policy review.
FAQs About Home and Contents Insurance in Australia
What is the difference between home and contents insurance?
Home insurance covers the physical structure of your property. Contents insurance covers the items inside it, like furniture, appliances, and personal belongings.
Do I need to itemise jewellery or electronics in my policy?
Yes. Most policies have limits on what they will pay for unlisted items. If you own high-value items, you may need to list them separately to ensure they’re fully covered.
What is underinsurance and how do I avoid it?
Underinsurance happens when your cover amount is too low to meet the cost of a rebuild or replacement. Regularly reviewing your policy and working with a broker can help prevent this. At AB Phillips you can use our beneficial tools to work out the estimated cost of a rebuild helping you get the right amount of cover.
Want Real Cover That Reflects Real Life?
Online policies offer speed and simplicity, but they rarely offer depth. If you want insurance that fits your lifestyle, not just your budget, it’s worth talking to someone who knows the difference.
Contact AB Phillips to review your current home and contents insurance and make sure you’re properly protected.