ACT: Is a damaged apartment ceiling covered by strata insurance or the owner’s contents insurance?

Question: My apartment ceiling is damaged. Is this covered by strata insurance, or does it fall under contents insurance?

Is the ceiling of a room under an attic (or crawlspace) part of a structure and, therefore, covered by strata insurance, or is it property that needs to be insured by the owner of the property?

My apartment ceiling is damaged and I have been told that owners of class B townhouses need only insure their contents.

Answer: The full definition of “Insured Property” or “building” can be found in the policy wording.

Provided the strata insurance covers the lot in question, the basic principal is that if you pick the unit up and shake it anything that falls out is lot owners contents + temporary flooring such as carpet, blinds & curtains, appliances that are not permanently attached. These items need to be insured by contents/landlords insurance.

Other permanent fixtures including but not limited to the ceiling, kitchen/bathroom cabinetry etc are covered by strata insurance subject to the policy terms, conditions & exclusions.

Lot owners should also have contents/landlords insurance to cover property not insured by the strata policy and liability within the lot.

The full definition of “Insured Property” or “building” can be found in the policy wording.

Tyrone Shandiman
Strata Insurance Solutions
E: tshandiman@iaa.net.au
P: 1300 554 165

This information is of a general nature only and neither represents nor is intended to be personal advice on any particular matter. Shandit Pty Ltd T/as Strata Insurance Solutions strongly suggests that no person should act specifically on the basis of the information in this document, but should obtain appropriate professional advice based on their own personal circumstances. Shandit Pty Ltd T/As Strata Insurance Solutions is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 404246) of Insurance Advisenent Australia AFSL No 240549, ABN 15 003 886 687.