Owning a holiday home is a dream for many Australians – whether it's a coastal retreat, a mountain cabin, or a country cottage. But while your holiday property brings joy and relaxation, it also comes with unique risks that require specialized insurance coverage. Let's explore what holiday home insurance covers and learn from real-world claims examples. What Makes Holiday Home Insurance Different? Unlike your primary residence, holiday homes face distinct challenges: Extended vacancy periods – Empty properties are more vulnerable to undetected damage Higher risk of malicious damage – Unoccupied homes can attract unwanted attention Weather exposure – Properties in coastal or bushfire-prone areas face specific natural disaster risks Guest-related incidents – If you rent your property, you're exposed to liability risks from guests In Australia, specialized underwriters offer tailored policies specifically designed for holiday properties and short-term accommodation. Real Claims Examples: Learning From Experience Example 1: The Burst Pipe Discovery The Scenario: The Johnsons owned a holiday home in the Blue Mountains that sat empty for three months during winter. When they arrived for their Easter break, they discovered a burst pipe in the upstairs bathroom had been leaking for weeks. Water had damaged ceilings, walls, carpets, and furniture throughout the property. The Claim: $47,000 for water damage repairs, replacement of damaged contents, and accommodation costs while repairs were completed. The Lesson: Escape of water is one of the most common holiday home claims. The extended vacancy meant the damage went unnoticed, significantly increasing the cost. To prevent this: Install water leak detection systems with mobile alerts Have a trusted local contact inspect the property regularly (at least monthly during extended absences) Consider turning off the water main when the property is unoccupied for long periods Ensure adequate heating during winter to prevent frozen pipes Example 2: Storm Damage and the Debris Impact The Scenario: A severe summer storm hit a beachside property on the NSW Central Coast. Strong winds lifted tiles from the roof, allowing rain to penetrate the interior. Additionally, a falling tree branch from a neighbor's property crashed through the back deck, causing structural damage. The Claim: $28,500 for roof repairs, internal water damage restoration, deck reconstruction, and emergency make-safe services. The Lesson: Storm damage is particularly prevalent in coastal holiday areas. This claim highlights several important coverage elements: Storm and tempest cover – Essential for properties in exposed locations Impact damage – Even if caused by a neighbor's tree Emergency mitigation costs – Immediate tarping and securing of the property prevented further damage Prevention tips: Conduct annual property maintenance, especially roof and gutter inspections before storm season Trim overhanging branches and maintain trees Install storm shutters in cyclone-prone regions Document the property's condition with photos for insurance purposes Example 3: The Short-Term Rental Incident The Scenario: The Patels listed their Sunshine Coast holiday unit on a short-term rental platform. During a three-night stay, guests accidentally started a small kitchen fire while cooking, which triggered the fire suppression system. While the fire was contained, the water damage from sprinklers affected the kitchen, living area, and the unit below. The Claim: $62,000 including fire damage repairs, water damage restoration to two units, loss of rental income during repairs (8 weeks), and public liability for damage to the neighbor's unit below. The Lesson: This is a complex claim that demonstrates why standard home insurance isn't adequate for rental properties. Key coverage elements included: Accidental fire damage – Even when caused by guests Consequential water damage – From fire suppression systems Loss of rental income – Critical for properties generating income Public liability – For damage to third-party property If you rent your holiday home: Ensure your policy specifically covers short-term rental activities Consider policies designed for holiday accommodation (like those from Kokomo or G.O.A.T Insurance) Implement proper guest screening and house rules Install appropriate safety equipment (smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, fire blankets) Consider requiring security deposits Keep comprehensive records of all bookings Essential Coverage for Holiday Homes Based on these examples, your holiday home insurance should include: Building cover – Insure for full replacement value, not market value Contents insurance – Often furnished properties have significant contents value Loss of rent/rental income – If you rent the property out Public liability – Especially important for rental properties (minimum $20 million recommended) Emergency accommodation – For yourself if the property becomes uninhabitable Gradual damage exclusions – Understand what's NOT covered (like wear and tear) The Underinsurance Trap Action item: Review your sum insured annually, accounting for: Building cost increases Renovations or improvements Contents replacement values Regional building cost variations Final Thoughts Holiday home insurance requires careful consideration of your property's unique circumstances. The claims examples above demonstrate that adequate coverage goes beyond basic building and contents insurance – you need protection tailored to vacancy periods, rental activities, and location-specific risks. Next steps: Review your current policy – does it cover rental activities if applicable? Verify your sum insured amounts are adequate Implement risk management strategies (regular inspections, maintenance schedules, water leak detectors) Consider specialist holiday accommodation insurers who understand these unique risks Work with an experienced insurance broker who can access specialized markets Remember, the goal isn't just to have insurance – it's to have the right insurance that protects your investment when claims occur. Get Expert Advice on Holiday Home Insurance Need specialist advice on protecting your holiday home investment? Contact the experienced team at Insure More for tailored holiday home insurance solutions: 📞 Taree: (02) 6591 3467📞 Tuncurry: (02) 6555 5022 Visit to request a quote Holiday Home Insurance | Rental Insurance Quotes | Insure More @ Aust Our local brokers understand the unique risks facing holiday properties in the Mid North Coast region and beyond. We can access specialist markets to ensure your holiday home has the right protection. Insure More – your local insurance broker providing expert advice on holiday homes, short-term accommodation insurance, and comprehensive property protection.

Owning a holiday home in Australia is a dream for many. Whether it’s a coastal getaway, a cabin in the mountains, or a riverside retreat, a second property can provide both lifestyle benefits and investment opportunities. But insuring a holiday home isn’t as simple as taking out a standard home and contents policy. Holiday home insurance in Australia comes with unique conditions, traps, and pitfalls that can catch owners off guard often leading to denied claims and unexpected costs. If you own, or are thinking of buying, a holiday house, here’s what you need to watch out for. 1. Holiday Home Insurance vs Standard Home Insurance One of the biggest mistakes owners make is assuming their holiday property can be covered by the same policy as their main residence. Insurers classify holiday houses differently because they are often left vacant for long periods, making them more vulnerable to theft, vandalism, or unnoticed damage. Trap:  Taking out a standard home insurance policy only to find it won’t cover your holiday property when you need it most. 2. Unoccupancy Clauses: The 30–90 Day Rule Most Australian insurers have strict unoccupancy rules . If your holiday home is left vacant for more than 30, 60, or 90 days (depending on the policy), parts of your cover such as theft, storm, or water damage may not apply. Pitfall:  Believing you have year-round cover, when in reality, your policy excludes damage after a certain period of vacancy. 3. Short-Term Rental & Airbnb Insurance Gaps Many holiday homeowners rent out their properties through Airbnb, Stayz, or Booking.com . However, standard holiday home insurance often excludes cover for paying guests. Some insurers require you to take out additional short-term rental insurance  or a specialised Airbnb property insurance  policy. Trap:  Assuming your guests are covered, only to discover you have no protection if they cause damage or a liability claim arises. 4. Maintenance and Inspection Requirements Holiday homes aren’t just set-and-forget investments. Insurers often require regular inspections, lock and alarm systems, and general upkeep such as gutter cleaning and smoke alarm checks. If a claim arises and the property is found to be poorly maintained, insurers may reduce or reject the payout. Pitfall:  Thinking insurance is a substitute for maintenance. In reality, insurers expect both. 5. Contents Cover Limitations Holiday homes usually contain fewer possessions, but they’re often targeted for high-value items like TVs, sporting equipment, and outdoor furniture. Some policies reduce contents cover for holiday homes, while others exclude portable valuables unless specifically listed. Trap:  Being underinsured for contents because your policy automatically restricts cover for second homes. 6. Bushfire, Flood, and Natural Disaster Exclusions Many holiday homes are located in scenic but high-risk areas such as bushfire-prone regions, flood zones, or coastal storm surge areas. Some policies exclude these risks altogether, or apply much higher excesses. Pitfall:  Finding out too late that your policy doesn’t cover flood, bushfire, or cyclone damage or that your excess is in the tens of thousands. 7. Premiums Are Often Higher Than You Expect Because of the extra risks, holiday home insurance premiums in Australia  can be significantly higher than standard home insurance. Owners sometimes try to cut costs by underinsuring or choosing the wrong type of policy leaving them exposed when it matters most. Trap:  Choosing the cheapest policy without checking whether it provides the right level of cover for holiday house risks. How to Get the Right Holiday Home Insurance in Australia Be upfront  with your insurer about whether the property is used privately, occasionally rented, or listed on Airbnb. Check unoccupancy conditions  and arrange regular inspections if the property sits empty for long stretches. Review natural disaster cover  carefully, especially in flood or bushfire-prone regions. Work with an insurance broker  who understands holiday home insurance and can compare multiple policies to find the best fit. Final Word Your holiday home is more than just a property it’s a place to relax, make memories, and even earn rental income. But without the right holiday home insurance , your dream getaway could quickly become a financial nightmare. By understanding the traps and pitfalls and working with an insurance professional who specialises in holiday house cover you can protect your investment and enjoy peace of mind. Let us guide you through the process Holiday Home Insurance | Rental Insurance Quotes | Insure More @ Aust

Scenarios we can help you with: - 1. You are the Building Property Owner only, and you lease out the whole building to tenants. 2. You Occupy the Building and run your business from a portion of it, you then lease out other bays or sections of the building. 3. You Own & Occupy 100% of the building and run your business from it. Choose Our Trusted Insurance Brokers in Forster Tuncurry We insure and protect a wide range of Property Buildings all over Australia. Helping you obtain Building & Public Liability insurance coverage for your Commercial, Industrial, Factory, Shed, Warehouse, Strata, Retail, Arcade or Office Properties is what we love to do. This is why we have many happy insurance customers Australia Wide. We use a range of insurers, not just one. This helps us tailor your insurance package to what suits your needs and budget. We started our business in 1985 in general insurance in Muswellbrook NSW, later moving to Forster Tuncurry in 1987. We are an Authorised Broker of Community Broker Network Pty Ltd which is a member of the Steadfast Group. ​ We use a range of insurers, not just one. You can include insurance options such as Loss of Rent, Glass and Business Interruption insurance. Property insurance includes cover for events such as Fire, Storm, Malicious Damage, Earthquake, Impact by vehicles and other listed events. How do I get Building Insurance for my Retail, Industrial Property, Shed or Warehouse? ​ To get a Property Owners Insurance Quote and find out the value of your insurance premium, submit an insurance quote form today. We will provide and email you back insurance quote options, information and insurance costs to help you decide what suits your needs. Then, after receiving your insurance quotes, if you wish to make alterations to the insured amounts, or cover, it is just a matter of letting us know and we will adjust your quote. ​ There is no obligation to proceed after requesting a Building & Property Owners Insurance Quote request. To obtain a quote visit our Commercial & Industrial Building Insurance page and click here to find out more. To go straight to a quote request form, click the Start a Property Owners Quote button below . No cover is in place until we provide you with confirmation and a policy number. ​ If you decide to proceed with a policy, there is a 14 day free look period .

We are Insurance Brokers based in the Australian region of Forster Tuncurry NSW. Insure More @ provides Insurance Australia wide for Holiday Rentals, Landlords, Public Liability, Car, Business, Construction and Personal Insurance. Contact us to compare your holiday home insurance, public liability, construction or business insurance and get a free insurance quote. Ask us How See how we can help with your Insurance. Get a Free Quote today!! Trades Insurance The Protection You Need Holiday Home Insurance Get The Coverage You Deserve Commercial Property Owners Free Insurance Quotes Wide range of Insurance solutions Providing Solutions since 1985 Anchor 1 WHO WE ARE AND OUR APPROACH At Insure More @, we are committed to excellence. We are Australian Insurance Brokers based in the Forster Tuncurry NSW region. Since our founding in 1985 we have been working hard to ensure our clients receive the best possible insurance services. Our team of professionals offer unparalleled customer support and expert advice. Learn more about what we do by contacting one of our insurance broker team for a free insurance quote or estimate. You’ll be surprised to learn what we can offer you and your business.

Need Service Apartment holiday unit insurance for a property that you rent out on a short-term basis. If a holiday maker causes a fire and your Apartment or Unit is destroyed, you may not be covered. Get the correct insurance cover. Serviced Apartment Quote Start a Landlords Quote Serviced Apartment & Unit Insurance Coverage Options for Your Investment Property We provide specialised insurance for: Short-term rental apartments & units Holiday letting properties Serviced apartments Owner-occupied units Long-term rental apartments Comprehensive Protection Includes: Fire, storm, and malicious damage coverage Accidental damage options Public liability protection Contents and owner's fittings Loss of rental income Tenant damage protection Tailored coverage for your specific situation Two Easy Ways to Get Covered: Option 1: For Short-Term Rentals & Owner-Occupied Units Best for properties with stays under 3 months or owner-occupied units More tailored coverage options Access to multiple specialist insurers Personalised service from our team Option 2: For Long-Term Rentals (3+ months) Quick online form to submit all the information we need to provide a quote Important Coverage Notes: Cover varies between insurers which we will advise when we provide a quote. Been Declined Elsewhere? We specialise in finding solutions for properties that other insurers won't cover! With our access to multiple insurers, we can often secure coverage when others can't. Need Expert Advice? Call us: 02 6555 5022 Email: work@insuremore.com.au Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Complete policy details provided in Product Disclosure Statement with your quote. Call us 02 6555 5022

Find out what Commercial Property Insurance covers and how to get Insurance on one of your most important assets. Learn about Commercial Property & Shed Insurance. Commercial Property Owners Insurance Quick Solutions for Building Owners Whether you own commercial property for investment or business use, our tailored insurance packages protect your valuable assets. We specialize in coverage for industrial buildings, commercial sheds, retail spaces, and mixed-use properties. We Cover These Common Scenarios: • Building owner leasing to tenants • Owner-occupier leasing portion to others • Full owner-occupier • Vacant building seeking tenants Comprehensive Protection Options: • Building structure • Loss of rental income • Property owners liability • Glass coverage • Machinery breakdown • Debris removal costs • Landlords contents and fixtures • Public liability Why Commercial Property Insurance Matters Your commercial property represents a significant investment. Without proper insurance, a single fire, storm, or liability claim could devastate your financial position. Important Considerations: • Tenant changes must be reported to maintain coverage • Different occupations carry different risk ratings and premiums • Unoccupied buildings require special coverage arrangements • Listed events policies only cover specified perils • Accidental damage options provide broader protection Our Advantage: • Access to multiple insurers for competitive pricing • Tailored solutions for your specific property type • Experience with hard-to-insure properties • 14-day free look period on new policies • Personalized service from commercial property specialists Get Protected Today: • Complete our online quote form • Call us at 02 6555 5022 • Email your property details Full policy conditions available in the Product Disclosure Statement provided with your quote. Start a Property Owners Quote