Home is where the insurance is

2022 was an unfortunate year of numerous shocking fire-related fatalities. Most notably, the devastating Bedok North flat fire in May claimed three innocent lives, including that of a three-year-old.

Though news of gut-wrenching incidents like this were making the rounds, an insurer observed that “home insurance is still viewed as an administrative addition, rather than an essential purchase”, reflecting that Singaporeans still do not see its need. This phenomenon is undoubtedly a cause for concern.

Is your home really “fire-proof”?

Most homeowners already have mandatory fire insurance. Isn’t that sufficient? A 2015 survey reported that three in four homeowners are under the false impression that mortgage or fire insurance covers loss or damage to home items.

However, contrary to popular belief, mortgage fire insurance only covers structural fixtures and fittings. It is intended to protect the bank’s financial interest instead of yours.

Thus, the role of home insurance becomes even more evident. It covers what matters the most to homeowners – household contents and any additional renovations.


What’s inside matters more

What do you value most about your home? For those married with families, perhaps the playroom is a physical embodiment of all the heart-warming memories shared between you and your child. For singles, your collection of rare figurines could be your most cherished possession. No matter what you treasure most, we likely all have something or things we wish to protect in our homes. After all, it is what’s inside that makes a home one.

Great Eastern’s HomeGR8 Essential and HomeGR8 Plus offer essential coverage of Renovations, Household Contents and Personal Liability, including bicycles and other valuables such as antiques, artworks and jewellery. Customers may choose to add on optional coverage they deem fit, like Building, Personal Belongings and Family Personal Accident, or/and top up on the existing essential coverage. Specifically tailored to the exact needs of individual homeowners, they need not pay extra for unnecessary coverage.

An enhanced protection

Home insurance are either first loss or average loss policies.

For most insurance policies, they go by Average Loss. This means that in the event of a claim, the insured must declare the exact reinstatement cost. Otherwise, averaging will be applied. If the sum insured is lower than the cost of reinstatement or replacement, the amount payable for the claim will be reduced proportionately.