Compare Home and Contents Insurance
Our Home and Contents partners
iSelect does not compare all providers in the market or all policies offered by our partners in your area. Not all policies or special offers are available to all customers. Learn more.
What is home and contents insurance?
Home and contents insurance is building insurance and contents insurance, combined into one policy. A type of home insurance, it covers your house and everything inside it – from the walls and roof to your furniture and gadgets. Whether you’re dealing with fire, storms, theft, or even a runaway footy smashing the window, it helps you handle unexpected damage or loss with less stress.
What are the benefits of a combined policy?
A combined home and contents insurance policy keeps things simple by bundling the coverage for your house and belongings into one package, saving you from extra paperwork and hassle. Plus, it ensures that both the structure and contents of your home are covered (so you can enjoy a lighter mental load)!
How to buy with iSelect
Get started
Tell us a bit about everything you want covered. Yep, even those decades-old linens.
Compare your options
We’ll line up a range of policies side by side – premiums, inclusions, exclusions, and even extras you can add on.
Make your choice
Found the one you like? Go for it – you’re a few clicks away from having new cover. All with no extra cost to you.
Enjoy your new cover
Done and dusted? Let your old insurer know it’s time to say goodbye. Enjoy your brand new cover!
What’s protected by home and contents insurance?
Your house
You’re covered for everything from the walls to the roof, plus anything that wouldn’t fall out if you flipped your house upside down. That also means fixtures and fittings like the dishwasher, oven, showers, light fittings, and taps. Even outbuildings (like your garden shed) and structural improvements (like the pergola and in-ground swimming pool) are typically included.
Your contents
You’re also covered for all the stuff that would fall out if you flipped your house upside down – think furniture, electronics, clothes, and even your prized cricket bat. You can even protect the prized possessions you take outside with you, like your expensive laptop and beloved engagement ring – at least if you have added portable contents cover!
What optional extras can I add on to my home and contents insurance?
If a standard home and contents insurance policy won’t quite cover everything you’ve worked hard for, you can consider adding on some optional cover.
Flood cover
This one’s for folks in flood-prone areas. It can cover damage caused by flooding, whether it’s water from a swollen river or flash flooding.
Accidental damage cover
Ever spilled red wine on the carpet or cracked a vintage coffee table during an intense game of Monopoly? This cover’s for those unexpected oops moments around the house.
Motor burnout cover
If your fridge or air-con suddenly conks out, this cover helps with the cost of repairs or replacements without burning your wallet. It’s a real lifesaver when appliances decide to cark it.
Landlord cover
If you’re renting out your property, this optional cover helps you sleep like a baby. It can help with things like tenant damage, lost rental income, or even legal expenses.
Sum-insured safeguard
Worried you didn’t insure your home for a high enough value? This cover adds a buffer to your insured amount, in case rebuilding costs more than expected.
Commercial storage
Got stuff in a storage unit? This cover ensures your belongings are protected even when they’re not kept at home. If you’re moving or just need extra space for your collectables, this one’s got you.
Complete replacement cover
If your house needs repair or rebuilding, this cover means your insurer will either do it themselves or pay the whole quoted amount. You don’t need to specify the cost of rebuilding your house in advance, so it can be a big sigh of relief if rebuild costs skyrocket.
Portable items and personal effects cover
This covers personal belongings you take out and about, like your phone, jewellery, or laptop. It’s handy if you’re always on the go or prone to leaving your sunnies behind at the cafe.
What are the average home and contents insurance premiums in Australia?
Our interactive graph shows the average home and contents insurance premiums for iSelect customers across Australia from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.

‘To lock in the right coverage, get a clear picture of what your home and belongings are worth. It’s surprising how quickly everything adds up – furniture, electronics, clothes, and more.
A word of warning: watch out for underinsurance. Sure, trimming down your coverage might mean lower premiums now, but it can leave you in a tough spot if disaster strikes. Use an online calculator or have a chat with an expert (this is the perfect time to touch base with your builder mate) to get a solid estimate of your home, any outbuildings, and everything inside.’
Adrian Bennett
General Manager for General Insurance
Adrian is a seasoned expert in home insurance, bringing years of experience and a deep understanding of the industry to his role as General Manager – General Insurance.
With a background that spans finance, operations, and key industries such as retail, utilities, and financial services, he has a knack for analysing complex situations and finding solutions that make life simpler for customers. Whether helping homeowners protect their biggest assets or developing innovative ways to simplify decision-making, Adrian’s expertise and dedication ensure every customer feels empowered and informed with their choices.
Adrian’s top tips for getting a good deal on your home and contents insurance
Factor in natural risks
Make sure your policy covers potential local risks like floods, bushfires, or storms. Some policies might require extra cover for these, so it won’t hurt to double-check what’s included.
Compare policies with an eagle eye
Look beyond just the premiums. Review what’s included, any exclusions, and available optional extras. A cheaper policy might leave out essentials, and that could cost you down the track.
Review your policy annually
Your needs can change, from new security devices to home upgrades. Regularly reviewing your policy ensures you’re not underinsured or paying for more than you really need.
Frequently asked questions
What are some home and contents insurance providers in Australia?
We’ve teamed up with home and contents insurance providers so you can compare policies and explore your options.
- ahm
- Budget Direct
- Coles
- Everyday Insurance
- Huddle
iSelect does not compare all providers in the market or all policies offered by our partners in your area. Not all policies or special offers are available to all customers and some may only be available over the phone or on the website. Learn more.
Here are some other insurers available in the market today:
- 1300 Insurance
- 1Cover
- AAMI
- Allianz
- Ansvar
- ANZ
- APIA
- Assetinsure
- Aussie (AHL Investments Pty Ltd)
- Australian Seniors Insurance Agency
- Bank of Melbourne
- BankSA
- BOQ
- Bupa
- CBA Insurance
- CCI Personal Insurance
- CGU
- CHU
- COTA Insurance
- Defence Service Home Insurance Scheme
- Dodo
- Elders Insurance
- Flex Insurance
- FM Global
- GIO
- Guild Insurance
- Hollard Australia
- Honey
- ING
- InsureLite
- MHIA
- National Seniors Insurance
- NRMA
- Over Fifty Insurance
- Ozicare
- QBE
- RAA Insurance
- RAC
- RACQ
- RACT
- RACV
- Real Insurance
- RentCover Landlord Insurance
- Retirease Insurance
- SGIC
- SGIO
- SGUA
- ShareCover
- St. George
- Strata Community Insurance
- Suncorp Insurance
- Terri Scheer Landlord Insurance
- Territory Insurance Office
- Virgin Money
- Westpac
- WFI
- Youi
What are the benefits of a combined home and contents insurance policy?
A combined policy means that, instead of juggling separate policies, you’ve got all your cover sorted under one roof (pun intended). It might be cheaper than buying them separately, so you can potentially save a few bucks while keeping things simple.
Plus, it’s easier to manage – one renewal date, one insurer, and no hassle trying to remember what’s covered where. And if something happens, like a storm wreaking havoc on your house and your belongings, your cover is all in one place.
How much should I insure my home and contents for?
Think of it this way. You want enough coverage to rebuild your home and replace everything inside – without breaking the bank.
For your home, it’s worth looking at the full rebuild cost, not the market value. That’s things like materials, labour, and any extras like fences or pools.
For your contents, it makes sense to take stock of everything – furniture, electronics, even all those kitchen gadgets you rarely use. It’s shocking how quickly it can all add up.
If you’re unsure, using online calculators or getting some advice from an industry expert (say an estimator, quantity surveyor, or architect) are a great starting point. It may be better to be a bit over than a bit under – you don’t want to be caught short if the worst happens.
How much does home and contents insurance cost?
The cost of home and contents insurance can vary widely based on things like where you live, the size of your home, the materials it’s made from, its security features, and the coverage you choose. On average, a combined building and contents policy in Australia might set you back between $1,000 and $2,000 a year.1Average annual premium for home and contents insurance among iSelect customers from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 It’s worth taking the time to compare quotes – a little effort could save you time and money.
How does ‘excess’ work with home and contents insurance?
The ‘excess’ is the amount you’re required to pay if you make a claim. The insurer generally covers additional costs beyond the excess, when your claim is accepted, up to the specified limits of your policy. You can often choose your excess when buying a policy. Afterwards, your excess amount is usually found in your certificate of currency or your online account.
Where can I find cheap home and contents insurance?
Shopping around and comparing policies from different insurers is a smart move when you’re trying to score a competitive price. But here’s the thing – price isn’t everything.
Just because a policy is cheap doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for you. Say a policy is cheaper because it doesn’t include flood cover. If you live in a flood-prone area, that’s an extra you might regret skipping. Or take the excess, for example. Sure, a higher excess can lower your premiums, but not everyone has the savings to comfortably cover a $5,000 excess if something goes wrong. It’s all about finding that sweet spot for your situation.
Then there’s the coverage limit. A policy covering $200,000 will obviously cost less than one covering $500,000, but if your home is worth $500,000, you’ll need the higher coverage to avoid serious out-of-pocket costs when disaster strikes.
Bottom line: While cost is definitely worth considering, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Think about your excess, the coverage options, and whether the insurer has a solid reputation. After all, you want someone who can deliver when it’s time to make a claim.
Comparing policies is hands down one of the best ways to figure out your options. It helps you see where switching will get you more bang for your buck.
iSelect can help when it comes to comparing policies. You can use our online tool to compare a range of policies from different providers.
You might be interested in …
How To Make a Home Insurance Claim
Learn how to claim home insurance with ease – from assessing damage to submitting and managing a claim with your insurer.
What is the Average House Contents Worth?
Learn the average value of home contents in Straya and what to consider when insuring your belongings for peace of mind.
How Much Does Home Insurance Cost?
Find out what impacts home insurance costs and get some tips to avoid underinsurance while keeping your premiums affordable.
How to Avoid Underinsuring Your Home
Discover how to avoid the pitfalls of underinsuring your home. Get some handy tips on how to steer clear of underinsurance.
iSelect General Pty Ltd (ABN 90 131 798 126. AFSL 334115) has partnered with Compare the Market (ABN 83 117 323 378. AFSL 422926) to compare a range of home insurers and policies. Not all providers in the market or all policies offered by the partners are compared and not all policies or special offers are available to all customers.
A number of our participating general insurance brands are arranged by Auto & General Services Pty Ltd ACN 003 617 909 on behalf of Auto & General Insurance Company Limited 111 586 353, both of which are related entities of iSelect Limited. Our relationship with those companies does not impact the integrity of our comparison service. Click here to view iSelect’s range of providers.
Any advice provided by iSelect is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You need to consider the appropriateness of any information or general advice iSelect gives you, having regard to your personal situation, before acting on iSelect’s advice or purchasing any policy. You should consider iSelect’s Financial Services Guide which provides information about our services and your rights as a client of iSelect. iSelect receives commission for each policy sold that is a percentage of the premium or a flat fee. Ask us for more details before we provide you with any services.




