Excess and What Insurers Cover
A plain-English explanation of how excess works on a home insurance claim, and general patterns in what insurers cover for roof damage. This is not advice on your specific policy: your PDS and your insurer are the source of truth for your cover.
What is an insurance excess?
Your excess is the amount you agree to pay toward an approved claim before your insurer covers the remaining cost. It is set out in your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and can vary by the type of claim; some policies apply a higher excess for specific events such as cyclones in certain regions, or offer a reduced excess if you choose a recommended repairer.
Standard excess versus event-specific excess
Many policies have a standard base excess that applies to most claims, plus additional excesses that can apply for specific circumstances (for example, an age-based excess for older claimants in some states, or a cyclone excess in northern Australia). Always ask your insurer to confirm the exact excess that applies to your specific claim before assuming it matches your base policy figure.
What insurers typically cover for roof damage
As a general pattern across the Australian market, insurers typically cover sudden and accidental damage from insured events: storms, hail, cyclones (in covered regions), fallen trees, and fire. This is general information, not a guarantee of what your specific policy covers.
What insurers typically exclude or limit
Common exclusions across the market include gradual wear and tear, damage from lack of maintenance, pre-existing damage that predates the policy, and in some cases specific roof types or materials that carry different terms. Sub-limits (a cap on the amount paid for a specific type of claim, such as temporary accommodation or certain fixtures) can also apply. Check your PDS for the exact list that applies to your policy.
Questions worth asking your insurer directly
Before assuming anything about your cover, it is worth calling your insurer and asking plainly: what is my excess for this type of claim, are there any exclusions that could apply to my situation, and is there a sub-limit on this type of repair. These are general prompts, not a substitute for your insurer's specific answer about your policy.