Maintaining a home
The most common Suncorp Home and Contents Insurance claims
Many homeowners across Australia made claims on their Suncorp Home and Contents Insurance in 2021. And while there are a handful of claim types that happen frequently across Australia, some are more common than others, and some hit harder in certain states.
Suncorp Home and Contents Insurance claims 2021
1. Natural hazard
We’ve been helping protect Australians and their homes for more than 100 years. And with over 43% of all Suncorp Home Insurance claims last year relating to natural hazards, we’ve seen first-hand the devastating impacts extreme weather has on families, homes and communities every year.
According to The Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements1, Australia’s variable climate, geography and environment place Australian communities, infrastructure, ecosystems and cultural and heritage values in the path of frequent and high-energy natural hazard events1. And they only see this getting worse, stating that climate change has already increased the frequency and intensity of extreme weather and climate systems that influence natural hazards.
To view our extreme weather checklists and learn more about how you can protect your home and loved ones from natural hazards, check out our extreme weather safety page.
2. Accidental damage
The 2nd most common Suncorp Home and Contents Insurance claim made by Suncorp Insurance customers is for accidental loss or damage, which accounts for more than 27% of all claims made. But where this claim type really stands out is in the contents insurance space – where over 64% of claims are for accidental loss or damage!
Accidental damage cover
None of us want to deal with a smashed TV screen or cracked crystalware. Luckily, our optional ‘Accidental damage at home’ cover is automatically included with our Classic Extras and Classic Advantages policies, and can be added to your Classic Building or Contents insurance policies for an added premium.
Explore Suncorp Home & Contents Insurance
3. Escape of liquid
Escape of liquid claims are the 3rd most common type of home insurance claim made with us in Australia, making up 14% of all claims.
If your home or contents are damaged due to liquid leaking, overflowing or bursting from things such as refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dishwashers, drains, an aquarium, fixed pipes, swimming pools or spas (refer to the PDS for a complete list), you may be able to claim for loss or damage to them.
And while many escape of liquid claims are tied to storm season, there are still ways you can prevent water damage to your home and avoid having to make a claim.
Claims by state
Outside of natural hazard, which is pretty frequent Australia-wide, the most common claim types vary by state.
For example, Suncorp Home and Contents Insurance claims for ‘escape of liquid’ are most common in Tasmania (23%), and roughly twice as high there than in all other states (2-15%). And in the ACT, claims for accidental loss or damage take the lead at 46%, followed by the Northern Territory with 42% of all claims, and South Australia with 39%.
Making a Suncorp Home Insurance claim
If you ever need to make a home insurance claim, the first step is to make sure everyone is safe. In an emergency always call 000. If you need temporary emergency repairs done to make you and your household safe, let us know when you make your claim and we’ll send a professional out ASAP.
Next up, take pictures or videos of the damage to upload with your claim.
Then, it’s time to claim. Quickly and easily make a claim online or in the Suncorp Insurance App – anywhere, anytime. Here you can upload any relevant photos and documents, and once lodged, we’ll be in touch to progress your claim.
Protect what matters
Knowing the sort of events that are more likely to hit your house may not mean that you can always avoid them – things like lightning and hail are going to happen from time to time. But reviewing your Home and Contents Insurance can help to ensure that your level of coverage is appropriate to your circumstances and your home’s level of risk.
Read more:
- How to prevent mould in your home
- Does home insurance cover pool damage?
- Mobile phone insurance: What happens if you lose or break your smartphone?
1 https://naturaldisaster.royalcommission.gov.au/publications/html-report/chapter-02
Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as Suncorp Insurance. Limits, conditions and exclusions apply. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision about this insurance. The Target Market Determination is also available. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.
