.svg)
Explore home insurance in WA
Written by
Tina Sendin
Edited by
Ellie Garran
Reviewed by
Adrian BennettOur 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 are the benefits of home insurance in WA?
Australia’s largest state, Western Australia is home to beautiful sunsets, cute quokkas, and some wild weather. But with flooding, bushfires, storm surges, and cyclones all a real risk, it’s a good idea for WA residents to get home insurance.
Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or renter, home insurance is your (and your wallet’s) protection against the unexpected. It can help cover the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home after damage from insured events, so you’re not left footing a massive bill. Plus, it can also cover your belongings, giving you peace of mind that your valuables are protected.
Whether you’re up north battling the elements or living it up in Perth, home insurance gives everyone a bit of breathing room if the unexpected strikes – knock on wood!
Is home insurance mandatory in WA?
Nah, home insurance isn’t mandatory in WA. But let’s be honest, it’s a pretty smart move! At least if you’re keen to protect what you’ve worked hard for.
It’s peace of mind in a state where Mother Nature – or fellow humans – doesn’t always play nice. For homeowners, it’s a safety net that helps with the costs of rebuilding or repairing your property after an insured event, turning what could be a financial nightmare into something a bit more manageable.
If you’re a landlord, home insurance can protect your investment property from damage caused by tenants or natural disasters. And for renters, contents insurance is a lifesaver that safeguards your stuff from theft or damage.
What do the different types of home insurance cover in WA?
Combined home and contents insurance
This type of cover combines building and contents insurance into one policy. This two-in-one plan could save you from extra paperwork and hassle, compared to getting building insurance and contents insurance separately. It’s great if you want to get all your home’s bases covered – from its structure to contents:
your property’s main structure
permanent fixtures and fittings
outbuildings like the garage and garden shed
furniture, carpets, and curtains
your jewellery, linens, and electronics.
Building
insurance
Sometimes called house insurance or home building insurance, this type or cover is designed to help compensate you for the cost of rebuilding or repairing the structural parts of a property if they get damaged by an insured event. This can include:
brick-and-mortar rebuilds or repairs
roofs
sheds
garages
other structural improvements on the site.
Contents
insurance
Contents insurance protects your belongings from a range of natural disasters, theft, accidental damage, and electrical surges (though some policies might need you to select these options, and they may come at an additional cost). It covers items within the home like:
clothes
appliances
electronics
furniture.
Landlord
insurance
If you own an investment property, your tenants (including pets) might not take as much care with your property as you would. So whether your house is in Perth, Fremantle, or Broome, landlord insurance might just be your ticket to more peace of mind for things your tenants (and their guests) do, like:
damage to your property
loss of rent
legal expenses due to a tenant dispute
damage from natural risks, i.e. fire, flood or explosion
theft or burglary.
How to compare your home insurance
Get started
Tell us about your home and what you’re after, and we’ll get the ball rolling.
Compare your options
We’ll show you policies side by side, including their premiums, inclusions, exclusions, and extras you can add on, so you can easily compare.
Take your pick
Tell us which policy you fancy and we’ll lock it in for you. That means you can not only compare, but also get the new policy through us. And the best bit? There’s no extra cost from us – zilch!
Start fresh
The final step? Let your old insurer know you’re saying goodbye. It’s time to enjoy your new cover!
Why buy home insurance with iSelect
Our service doesn’t cost you a cent
Instead of charging you anything, we get a commission from our partners.
Same price, no mark-up
We don’t mark up the price of our products, so you’ll pay the same as buying direct.*
*Excluding corporate discounts and exclusive retail offers
Quick and easy online comparisons
The right coverage is only a few clicks away. You can compare home insurance policies in just a few minutes.
We’ve been around the block
We know our stuff, with over 25 years’ experience helping Aussies compare, switch, and save.
What’s Western Australia’s average home and contents insurance premium?
iSelect data shows that from July 2023 to June 2024, the average combined home and contents premium paid by our WA customers was $1,470 – the third most expensive average premium among all the states.
For context, here are the average premiums (at least those with viable iSelect customer data) of each state:
Helpful tip
When you’re shopping around for home insurance, the price tag isn’t necessarily the single most important thing. There are many things to consider for your home – like where it’s located (is it in a flood-prone area?). Take the time to dig into what’s actually covered and what’s not. A cheaper policy might save you a few bucks now, but if it leaves you high and dry after something happens, it’s not worth it.
Dive deep into the product disclosure statement (PDS) and ask your insurer questions if something’s not clear. A little homework now can save you a big headache later.
Adrian Bennett
General Manager for General Insurance
Top tips for saving on your home insurance in WA
Bushfire-proof your property
Some areas, like the Perth Hills, are notoriously bushfire-prone. Adding ember guards or fireproof roofing could help reduce your premium.
Prepare for wild weather
Cyclones and storms are no joke in regions like Broome or Geraldton. Taking steps like installing storm shutters before storm seasons can help avoid unnecessary damage.
Boost your home’s security
Perth’s crime rate is higher than some regional areas, so installing an alarm or better locks not only might reduce theft risk but also lower premiums.
Raise your excess
A higher excess can help reduce your premium. Just make sure it’s an amount you’re comfortable paying if you need to make a claim.
Shop around regularly
Your needs and lifestyle might change quite often. Revisiting your policy periodically is a smart move to ensure you’re not paying for items you no longer need.
What factors can affect the cost of home insurance in WA?
The cost of home insurance in WA varies on many factors, including the following.
Your chosen level of cover
If you’re after top-notch cover that handles everything from natural disasters to accidental damage, you’ll likely pay more. On the other hand, a more basic policy will be easier on the wallet but won’t cover as much.
Your claims history
If you’ve made a few claims in the past, insurers might see you as a bit of a risk and bump your premium up. It’s like your driving record – a clean slate gets you the best deal, but a few hiccups along the way could mean higher costs. Staying claim-free can sometimes help you score a discount.
Whether you’re covering your building, contents, or both
Covering just your home’s structure might cost less than adding contents insurance to the mix. But when you bundle the two together, you’re protecting both the roof over your head and everything underneath it. Many homeowners find it worth it, especially if they want the whole kit and caboodle covered.
The risk factors of the area you live in
Living in areas prone to cyclones, fires, or flooding? That might jack up your premium because insurers see a higher risk of something going wrong. If your home is smack bang in a low-risk area, your insurance might not cost as much. Location matters when it comes to the price.
The sum your home is insured for
The bigger and fancier your home, the more it costs to rebuild if something nasty happens. That’s why the total value it will cost to rebuild your property – or ‘sum insured’ in insurance speak – has a big say in your premium costs. A small country cottage probably won’t cost as much to insure as a mansion.
The value of your possessions
Got fancy jewellery, pricey gadgets, or top-end furniture? If your belongings are worth a fair bit, your contents insurance premium could reflect that. Covering your stuff properly means shelling out a bit more, but at least you’ll be sorted if it all goes walkabout.
The level of security in your home
Homes with solid security systems, strong locks, and alarms can sometimes snag a lower premium. Why? Because they make it harder for thieves to break in, which lowers the risk for insurers. A home with top-level security not only keeps you safe but also might save you some cash on your cover.
What are the risks to your home insurance in WA?
WA cops about $17 million a year in national flood damage costs. And while that sounds like a lot of 000’s, that’s relatively small potatoes compared to NSW and QLD, who rack up a whopping $270 million combined every year.1Government of Western Australia Department of Water – Water facts 13
Furthermore, even though floods aren’t as common in WA, they sure pack a punch when they hit. Just look at Fitzroy’s 2023 monster flood – a once-in-a-century event that left about 100 homes worse for wear.
And here’s a shocker – property-related crimes in 2023 hit their highest numbers since 2019. Total offences against property in 2023? A staggering 138,552.2Government of Western Australia – Crime statistics
Frequently asked questions
What are the home insurance providers in WA?
WA’s got heaps of home insurance options to pick from. If you’re looking to suss out a bunch of policies and see what works best, the iSelect comparison tool has got you covered. It’s a piece of cake to use – probably way quicker than fixing a wonky fence after a wild Perth storm!
Here are some insurers that iSelect can help you compare:
- 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
- RAC
- RACQ
- RACT
- RACV
- Real Insurance
- RentCover Landlord Insurance
- Retirease Insurance
- SGIO
- SGUA
- ShareCover
- St. George
- Strata Community Insurance
- Suncorp Insurance
- Terri Scheer Landlord Insurance
- Territory Insurance Office
- Virgin Money
- Westpac
- WFI
- Youi
What are some common exclusions in home insurance policies in WA?
When you’re signing up for home insurance, it’s good to know what’s not covered, too. Here are some common exclusions that might catch you off guard if you’re not paying attention to the fine print:
- Wear and tear: Everyday wear and tear on your home and possessions isn’t covered, so don’t expect your policy to fund the replacement of an old water heater or faded carpet.
- Poor maintenance: If something happens because your home hasn’t been looked after properly (like gutters full of leaves causing water damage), it’s likely you’ll be out of pocket.
- Flooding from rising rivers: Not every policy covers damage caused by rivers overflowing or storm surges, so double-check if you’re in a higher-risk area.
- Termite or pest damage: Pesky critters causing havoc? Unfortunately, insurance usually won’t help with repairs for termite or pest damage.
- Business activities: Running a little shop or renting out part of your home? Insurers might exclude anything related to business use unless you’ve added it to your policy.
It’s worth taking the time to go over your policy’s product disclosure statement (PDS) to avoid any shocks down the track!
How do I make a home insurance claim in WA?
Making a home insurance claim in WA doesn’t have to be a stress-fest if you’ve got your ducks in a row. Here’s what a typical claims process could look like:
- Assess the damage: First things first, make sure you’re safe and do what’s needed to minimise any further damage (like fixing a broken window to stop rain from getting in).
- Get your paperwork sorted: Dig out your policy number and any documents you’ll need. Snapping photos of the damage will help back up your claim, too.
- Contact your insurer: Ring your insurance provider to lodge your claim. Share all the details, like what happened and when. Most insurers also have online claims forms these days.
- Get quotes for repairs: Your insurer might ask for quotes from tradies to repair the damage. Sometimes assessors might come and visit to – well, assess – the damage in your property. Keep everything documented and follow any instructions they give you.
- Wait for approval: After you’ve lodged your claim, the insurer will review it and get back to you with an outcome. They might approve it, ask for more info, or (in some cases) reject it.
- Get repairs done: If your claim is approved, your insurer will either pay out the agreed amount or send their own contractors in to fix the problem. Be ready to pay your excess amount to get the repairs underway!
How can I compare home insurance in WA?
You can never underestimate the benefits of doing proper research. Comparing policies and providers is one of the best ways to ensure you find a range of great home insurance options.
It also makes sense to compare policy features, optional extras, limitations, exclusions, and price. Some other good questions to start with are:
- How much would it cost to repair or rebuild your home in the event of a fire or storm?
- What is the total value of your home contents?
To make finding your home and contents insurance easier, you can start a comparison with iSelect today.
Get started on comparing home and contents today!
Save time and effort by comparing a range of home and contents insurance policies with iSelect
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.