Insuring Your Land After Your Home Is Gone
If your home has been destroyed or demolished, your home policy may stop covering liability for the land. Vacant land liability can cover you until you rebuild.
Who it's for
Owners after fire, flood or demolition, and buyers of land with a burnt-out or derelict house.
Common claim scenarios
The policy covers claims you're legally liable for, up to your limit. These examples are illustrative, and whether a claim is paid depends on the facts and the policy wording.
Someone enters the ruins
A teenager exploring what's left of a burnt-out house on your land is hit by falling debris.
How cover responds: The injury claim is covered if you're legally liable. Tell us about any damaged structures still standing when you buy the policy.
Debris blocks a neighbour
After a flood, a fallen tree and debris from your land block a neighbour's driveway, and the council orders the area made safe.
How cover responds: Blocking a neighbour's access counts as property damage under the policy. Barriers or fencing to make the area safe are covered up to $10,000 under the temporary protection cover.
Clearing the site
Your contractor demolishes the remains of the house, and older building materials turn out to contain asbestos.
How cover responds: Not covered. Demolition and any claim involving asbestos are excluded. Arrange separate cover and get older structures checked before work starts.
Watch for
Some home insurers keep liability cover going for a period after a total loss. Ask yours first. A damaged structure still standing needs careful disclosure.
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