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RACV Home Buildings insurance covers the cost to rebuild or repair the structure of your home and other buildings (like a shed or garage) on your property when the damage is caused by an insured event.
Buildings Insurance doesn’t just cover your main structure; it also includes permanent fixtures that make up your home, like kitchen cabinets and floating floorboards.
Key inclusion:
- Impact damage from fallen trees and branches and the removal of debris.
What does Buildings Insurance cover?
Summary of Cover
Summary of Cover
This table is a summary only. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for a full list of conditions, limits and exclusions.
New to buying insurance? Here’s the basics. Once you choose the cover you need – buildings, contents or combined buildings and contents – you'll need to:
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Calculate the sum insured
The sum insured is the maximum amount allocated to repair your home or replace your contents following an insured event. You can estimate these values using our calculators below.
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Get a quote
You can get a quote for an RACV Home Insurance policy you’ve decided is right for you online or by calling us on 13 72 28.
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Review your quote
Check all the details to understand your level of cover and the excess you’ve selected.
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Purchase your policy
Once you’re happy the level of cover, you can finalise your payment online, or by calling us and providing your quote number.
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Home Buildings Insurance calculator
This calculator can help you work out the approximate cost to rebuild your home*. This value is also known as the sum insured.
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Make a claim or manage your policy
You can lodge a claim online by filling out a form, or call us on 13 19 03.
For full details on how you’re covered, read the Home Insurance Product Disclosure Statement.
How much should I insure my home for?
The amount you insure your home for (we call that the ‘building sum insured’) should be enough to rebuild your home if you had to do it today.
Remember, when we talk about your home, we don’t just mean the building itself. If you have things like fences, sheds, in-ground pools, or covered car spaces, they count too.
There are a few things to think about:
- If you underinsure your home, you may be caught short if you have to totally rebuild and replace it
- If you insure your home for more than it costs to rebuild and replace it, you'll only be able to claim the actual cost to do so
- Your building sum insured will be different to the market value of your home, which you might find on a property valuation, because it doesn't include the land value
- Make sure you include the cost of demolition and debris removal, building and planning professionals, plus any statutory or regulatory requirements
You can use our buildings calculator as a guide.*
Can I insure for a different amount than your online building calculator says?
You can. The calculator is a guide – if the figure doesn't seem right, you can change it.
It's important to make sure you're not underinsured, in case you ever need to totally rebuild your home.
But keep in mind that if you insure your home for more than it costs to rebuild and repair it, you'll only be able to claim the actual cost to do so.
Do you cover damage by insects, including termites?
RACV Insurance doesn't cover damage to your home caused by vermin, rodents or insects (including termites).
For full details of what is and isn't covered, see the Product Disclosure Statement.
What does accidental damage cover?
If you choose to add accidental damage to your policy Buildings Insurance policy, you'll be covered for any unintentional damage to your home or other structures on your property.
So if you put your foot through the ceiling while you're in the roof damage a wall while moving a ladder, RACV Insurance will help you sort it.
Keep in mind that a $300 excess will apply for accidental damage claims.
Does Buildings Insurance cover garages?
Yes, it covers all the structures on your property – including garages and carports. When you're working out how much cover you need, make sure you include these structures.
So if your garage is damaged in an insured event, like fire, flood, storm or even a tree falling on to it, you're protected.
Does Buildings Insurance cover carpets?
Carpets are considered part of your contents, so if they're damaged as part of an insured event, they won't be covered by Buildings Insurance.
If you want protection for your carpets as well as your building, you can check out Combined Buildings and Contents Insurance. This way you'll also be covered for rugs, curtains, appliances and other things you keep in your home.
If you're insuring an investment property that you're renting out, you may be able to use some of your buildings cover to repair or replace your contents.
Am I covered while my home is being renovated?
It depends on the work you're doing.
If you're making internal cosmetic changes like painting or replacing your carpet, you'll be covered for all usual insured events.
If you're doing bigger work, like adding a room or storey, or renovating your kitchen or bathroom, call us on 13 72 28 so we can help you check your cover.
We may ask you for information like:
- When you expect to start and finish the work
- How much it’s likely to cost
- Detailed description of the work, including which rooms are affected
- Who will live in your home during the work.
Can I choose my repairer for my home repairs?
Yes, you can. You'll be paid the fair and reasonable amount that the repairs should cost, but you'll need to manage and arrange the repairs yourself.
Otherwise, you can go with a qualified and reputable supplier from the RACV network. This can help take the hassle out of researching and comparing quotes. Plus, any repairs organised by RACV Insurance will have a lifetime guarantee.
1 The Multi-Policy Discount and Years of Membership Benefits exclude Travel, Business and Farm Insurance products. To qualify for the Multi-Policy Discount, you must hold two eligible RACV Insurance policies. For further details, see the Premium, Excess and Discounts guide at racv.com.au. Discounts will only be applied until any applicable minimum premium is reached. On renewal, any increases or decreases in your premium may be limited by factors such as your previous year’s premium. You may not save more with more eligible policies and by staying with RACV Insurance longer if a minimum premium is reached, or limits have been applied to increases or decreases in your premium.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Insurance product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
* The RACV Home Buildings Calculator provides an indication of rebuilding costs only and in no way guarantees the amount RACV Insurance may agree to insure your home for. It is your responsibility to check that this amount is enough to cover the rebuilding costs of your home at today’s prices. Before you decide whether to buy or continue to hold RACV Home Insurance, you should calculate the actual replacement value of your home and consider the information in the Product Disclosure Statement.