Masterpiece Home & Contents

The surprise risk that could sink your home and finances

05/2023
roof leak light

Internal water damage in Australian homes is now a very common property damage-related claim and is costlier than all other home risks, including fire and burglary1.

Added to this increase in frequency, water damage claims are also getting larger.

In Australia, Chubb’s Water Damage Insight report reveals the average claim from water damage has increased by 72% in the past five years, from A$17,627 in 2014 to A$30,361 in 2018.

Possible causes

Water damage claims are becoming more severe and these costs are expected to increase further due to the following trends:

  • Homeowners have more plumbed in appliances in their homes
  • New homes include more bathrooms and laundries on upper levels
  • Open plan kitchen and living areas are becoming increasingly popular

Are you protected?

Despite water damage being one of the most common property damage-related claims, homeowners are not as well informed when it comes to preventing water-related losses.

In addition to sufficient insurance coverage, homeowners should consider installing water shut-off devices to protect their homes from incidents of water leaks.

There are actually two main components to water leak detection devices: firstly, water sensors that detect a water leak in its infancy and, secondly, water shut-off devices which automatically shut off the water supply reducing the amount of water which can escape to cause damage.

Each component can operate independently, however with the two components combined, the likelihood of any water leak can be significantly reduced.

Given the significant cost of water damage, it is simply smart for homeowners to start looking into protection against this threat to their homes.

Insights and Expertise

We help you stay ahead and informed with these helpful tips and tricks for protecting your home, car, and more.

Introducing the new face of wealth in Australia

As the wealth landscape in Australia experiences one of the most significant generational and economic shifts in recent decades, the Chubb 2025 Australian Wealth Report explores how 2,000 High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) are redefining what it means to be wealthy.

The importance of reappraising fine art and collections to current value

Many types of collecting categories such as fine art have experienced strong increases in value over the last decade.
dining and kitchen area

Three things to do before making home improvements

Whether you’re renovating the entire house, updating your kitchen or installing a new home theater, here are three things you’ll want to do before you get started.
top 8 cleaning tasks

Top 8 cleaning tasks for your home

Here’s a quick checklist that can help you freshen up your home and help protect it against the upcoming winter elements.
6 ways to protect yourself from hackers

Six ways to protect yourself from hackers

Where was the last public place you visited that had Wi-Fi? These days, nearly every coffee shop, library, airport and hotel offers a way to access the internet from your mobile phone, tablet or laptop.
big diamond ring

Tips on buying jewellery on Valentines Day

If you are planning to buy jewellery, here are some tips to help you pick that perfect piece.

Have questions?

Ready to experience Chubb's unparalleled comprehensive insurance solutions? Speak to a broker today.