Contents Insurance for SEQ with The Cyclone Approaching

tryagain on 04/03/2025 - 22:58
Last edited 05/03/2025 - 18:51

So, I was checking on my contents insurance as was advised with the cyclone approaching, and realised that it lapsed, and with it being over 60 days ago isn't able to be reinstated.
So I went to renew and none of the providers I checked will insure for the next couple of weeks, whilst I understand why they are doing it, I am wondering if there is any way around it. We are not low-lying so would be happy if they didn't cover flooding or storm surge, but would like our stuff covered in the unlikely event that, say the roof is damaged, and we get some water in. I think any damage is very unlikely, as we were in the path of the 2023 Christmas tornado and didn't sustain any damage, but the peace of mind should anything happen would be nice.

Does anyone have any ideas, or know of any insurers who would take on a new policy at the moment?

Edit, thanks for the helpful replies where we are means there is little probably of damage, if we go under so will probably a couple of million others. We are pretty protected as far as wind goes and the house is modern enough to be designed to withstand more than what is coming. It was just a long shot to see if anyone knew of a way around the restrictions, which I don't think are unreasonable.

Home & Garden Home Insurance Insurance

Comments

  • BillyStm on 04/03/2025 - 23:05
    +3

    Name checks out on what their likely responses will be at this time as they're already no doubt calculating their possible payout figures

  • Hybroid on 04/03/2025 - 23:19
    +2

    I'm not an expert but pretty sure contents insurance doesn't cover roof repairs. That's home insurance. They're not the same thing.

    If you meant covering the contents in the event the roof is damaged, then you likely already have home insurance. If so, adding contents insurance to existing home insurance policy is usually quite trivial and cheap add-on, have you tried that instead of standalone?

    For anyone curious, this is the coverage message from NRMA when trying a random SEQ address: https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/255280/120163/nrmahome…

    • MS Paint on 04/03/2025 - 23:28
      +11

      I'm glad the insurance companies are doing this so the rest of us who insure full time are not covering the muppets trying to game the system.

    • tryagain on 04/03/2025 - 23:29

      We are just renting, so hence just need contents insurance.

      • Hybroid on 04/03/2025 - 23:34
        +1

        Well that may have been helpful to know. Just tried a few contents-only and seems AAMI is the only one not to have a warning as far as I can see (though might be hidden somewhere).

        Might be helpful to list which ones you've tried too…

        • tryagain on 05/03/2025 - 00:01

          I've tried all of the big ones I think, AAMI does have

          We relied on your answers to our questions to assess your application. Based on your answers, we're unable to offer insurance due to the following:
          reason
          AAMI cannot provide insurance for your suburb at the moment due to potential natural disasters.

          And that's even for just the fire and theft

          I think it's going to be the case for all insurers, some make the comment that it is due to the underwriter's restrictions unless there is something I can do other than going through online quotes, I think I'll just have to wait until afterwards to purchase it.

  • p1 ama on 04/03/2025 - 23:54
    +1

    FWIW, contents insurance is a bit of a scam - have you actually added up the value of all of the stuff inside your home? Then considered what would actually be worth making a claim for (i.e. what is worth more than some nominal excess), and what would realistically be damaged in a cyclone?

  • Wiadro on 05/03/2025 - 07:37
    +1

    Oops, Daisy

  • Fredfloresjr on 05/03/2025 - 10:06

    Oh Boy! Why o Why.

    Anyway, stay safe

  • ricadam on 05/03/2025 - 11:10

    You're a couple days too late.

  • Ocker on 05/03/2025 - 11:49
    +4

    Sorta like - I have just been involved in a car accident, any suggestions as to how I can get insurance for the event.

  • try2bhelpful on 05/03/2025 - 12:17
    -1

    I think you will be out of luck but I would do what you can to protect what is your most valuable assets with tarps etc. Renew your insurance when you get past this and make a calendar reminder. Been there done that with car insurance. Somewhat expensive lesson but could’ve been worse. Best of luck you aren’t affected.

  • tenpercent on 05/03/2025 - 12:50
    +1

    You won't get insurance right now.
    Do what you can to cyclone proof your property. Pack away any loose items that are outside, put tape on your windows, have sandbags ready for entryways.
    If you are in a low lying area that is likely to be flooded consider transporting smaller and more expensive and lighter items (clothing, electronics, rugs, photo albums, etc) to a friend or family member who lives somewhere with more elevation. Consider lifting up anything on the floor e.g a couple of bricks under each corner of your lounge may limit any damage if you get some minor flooding. Get some plastic sheeting or tarps and ropes ready just in case a window gets knocked out and you need to keep rain out.
    And get yourself, family and pets out of there before floodwaters rise. Stay safe.

  • Euphemistic on 05/03/2025 - 14:02
    +2

    If i was an insurer i certainly would not be accepting new policies likely to result in a claim within the first few weeks. Youll just need to wait.

  • AndyC1 on 05/03/2025 - 19:10

    S.O.L.

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