Understanding the difference between landlord and building insurance
The importance of holding insurance to protect your investment property is an obvious choice for most. Property Managers recommend policies that are affordable, comprehensive and create certainty. As a property owner, it is still important to become familiar with exactly what you are covered for, and the difference between Landlord Insurance and Building Insurance.
Landlord Insurance Landlord insurance generally covers events that cause loss of rental income, damage or theft in your property. While your rental income may cease overnight, your mortgage repayments or the need for income won’t. Some examples include; tenants leaving without notice, damage caused by your tenants, or your property becomes uninhabitable due to unprecedented event occurring such as a fire or burst pipe.
Building Insurance Building Insurance protects against damage to the property’s structure. The cover extends to more than just walls and roof; it can include your garage, outbuildings, perimeter walls and pools. It is important to insure your buildings for the full cost of reconstruction otherwise any claim payment may be reduced. Be aware that the full cost of reconstruction is the cost of rebuilding your home, not the market value. You should also always notify your insurance provider when the property is being tenanted.
Landlord Insurance Building Insurance Landlord insurance can provide cover for:
• Damage or theft by tenants
• Loss of rent
• Rent default
• Contents of Landlord
• Liability
• Flood
• Clean-up costs associated with illegal drug production
Building insurance can provide cover for:
• Fire
• Lightning strike
• Storm damage
• Falling trees
• Explosion (caused by gas leaks etc.)
• Earthquake
• Vandalism
• Vehicle collisions with the building
• Water damage
Example Scenario: A tree falls on to a house off the back of a violent storm leaving the property uninhabitable for 9 weeks.
Solutions: A Landlord Insurance policy would respond by covering the loss of rent during this period. A Building Insurance policy would respond by covering the cost of repairing the properties structure.
How comprehensive is your current insurance policy? Aon provides landlord insurance, which has a level of cover and prices fixed per state or Rental Protection Plus, a tailored insurance policy adjusted to your needs which can include building insurance. Your property manager can arrange cover on your behalf, or you can apply online or over the phone.
© 2015 Aon Risk Services Australia Pty Limited ABN 17 000 434 720 AFSL No. 241141 The information contained in this advertisement about Aon Risk Services products is general in nature and should not be relied upon as advice (personal or otherwise) because your personal needs, objectives and financial situation have not been considered. So before deciding whether a particular Aon Risk Services product is right for you, please consider the relevant PDS or contact us to receive a copy of the PDS and to speak to an advisor.