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For instance, a storm is generally seen as a single event, meaning only one policy excess would apply. However, if builders or an assessor find multiple points of water ingress that weren't directly caused by the storm, each of these areas might be treated as a separate event. This is because the damage to each specific area likely happened at different times or due to different causes.

If you have any questions about how this might apply to your situation, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help clarify and support you through the process.

When dealing with a burst pipe, exploratory and reinstatement work—such as opening walls or floors to repair and then restoring the area—are typically included as part of the repair process. However, if the cause of the damage falls under a policy exclusion, your policy might not cover the costs associated with these exploratory and reinstatement efforts.

Carpets within individual lots are not covered by the Strata Policy, as they are classified as 'Lot Owner’s Content'. This means the policy does not provide coverage for these items, regardless of whether the loss results from an insurable event or a maintenance issue handled by the Body Corporate/Strata.

If you don’t have Contents Insurance, we suggest speaking with your Strata Manager to see if the Body Corporate might offer any compensation. We’re here to assist if you have any questions or need further guidance.

To claim for loss of rent, there must be damage to the insured property covered under Section 1 (building). You’ll need to provide evidence, such as a signed lease agreement, ledger, and vacating notice, for assessment. The damage must make the property uninhabitable—such as losing access to essential areas like the kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom, or if basic utilities like hot water and electricity are unavailable.

If your claim for loss of rent is approved, the insurers will typically cover the period during which repairs are underway, as long as it falls within the policy coverage. This often includes consequential damages. Coverage may also extend until the property is re-let, depending on the situation.

Please note, loss of rent will not be covered during maintenance, or any repairs specifically excluded by the policy.

For a hydrologist to conduct a desktop assessment, where they can review existing flood mapping and report remotely, this would take up to 3-4 weeks. However, where a site inspection is required, it could take a further 10 weeks.

Fusion cover applies only to motors with a maximum capacity of 5 kilowatts (6.7 hp). If the motor is part of a fixed unit, insurers may cover the repair or replacement of the entire unit. For motors exceeding 5 kilowatts, you can file a claim under Section 7 (machinery breakdown) for consideration.

Please keep in mind that coverage will be determined based on the specifics of the loss and the cause of the damage.

To qualify for landscaping coverage, there must be damage to the insured property that falls under Section 1 (building). This benefit includes the replacement or repair of damaged trees, shrubs, plants, lawns, or rockwork. Please be aware that coverage limits may vary depending on the insurer.

If your claim is approved and you prefer to use your own repairer or undertake additional private or renovation work, we can request a cash settlement from the insurer. Please note that insurers will limit their liability to the accepted scope of work and the most cost-effective option, whether it’s the repair quote from the insurer’s recommended builder or your chosen builder.

If you submit a claim and the repair quote exceeds $5,000, we recommend obtaining a second, comparative quote. This helps the insurer validate the costs more efficiently, allowing for quicker authorisation and resolution of your claim. Ensure that the scope of work remains consistent between quotes. If needed, you can request the appointment of a panel repairer.

An assessor may be assigned if the cause of damage is unclear and needs further investigation or if the damage is substantial and affects multiple lots. For large or major loss claims exceeding $50,000, insurers might appoint a building consultant to evaluate the necessary repairs.

If repairs are carried out before the insurer's assessment, it’s crucial to provide a Causation Report with photos to support your claim. This can be an official report from the repairer or a written statement from them detailing the cause of the damage to the areas they have worked on. This documentation helps validate the event and the extent of the damage.

Insurers cannot authorise or provide a cash settlement for internal repairs until all outstanding leaks or water ingress issues have been resolved. Regardless of whether the policy covers the cost of fixing the leak, it is the insured's responsibility to mitigate any further damage once they are aware of the issue. Costs for these repairs can be submitted for consideration once a repairer confirms the cause of the damage.

Please note that general exclusions apply, and the policy does not cover maintenance issues, faulty workmanship, gradual wear and tear, or deterioration.

In most strata schemes, lot owners typically own the airspace and everything within the boundaries of their unit but do not own the building's main structure. The owners corporation is responsible for maintaining and repairing the common property.

The Strata Community Association NSW has created a guide outlining items within a building that are generally considered common property and detailing who is responsible for their repair and maintenance.

You can view the guide here.

Please note that this guide serves as a general reference only. Actual coverage will depend on your policy’s terms, conditions, and exclusions, as well as applicable laws at the time of the loss.