5 reasons you might consider paying more for comprehensive insurance

Sometimes, opting for comprehensive insurance on your home or car can help you get better value overall.

Sponsored by GIO. Insurance isn't just about having the right cover. Visit the GIO Know More Blog to know more about how GIO can help keep your home and contents covered so you and your family can relax.

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Paying a bit extra now can sometimes lead to significant savings further down the line.

With this principle in mind, we take a look at some of the occasions where opting for a more comprehensive car or home insurance product can potentially be beneficial.

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1. Better cover for your car

Not all car insurance policies are created equal. Some will simply cover damage to your car or for theft, while others can extend all the way to complete lifetime replacement.

Everyone's car insurance needs are different; for some, basic cover against theft or other drivers is adequate.

But if you've recently invested in a new car or require a specific type of vehicle to get your family around, it may be worth looking at a comprehensive policy and additional inclusions.

Having the right policy can save you a significant amount if you're in a crash, need repairs or your car is stolen. Consider whether inclusions such as hire car, no excess window replacement or even new car replacement after a total loss are worth it for you.

You can find some tips on choosing the right car insurance for you over on the GIO Know More Blog. We'll also talk a bit more about some other car insurance features in a moment, too.

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2. Flood recovery

Floods can present serious risks across Australia. They can also strike unexpectedly, even in areas not traditionally affected by them.

So even if you're not in a flood-prone area, it can still be worth looking at incorporating flood cover into your home insurance if it is not already an insured event.

This way, if the worst does occur, you'll be in a better position to repair and rebuild your home afterwards.

It's always important to check your policy in detail, too. Some policies feature specific exclusions or waiting periods before cover begins.

Being informed can help you prepare more effectively and determine which policies are right for your needs. Keeping your home in good condition can also help prevent damage in the event of extreme weather, and you find some tips on this in the GIO Know More Blog.

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3. Getting assistance with repairs around the house

Home maintenance emergencies can strike for a range of reasons. For example, a burst pipe might be causing bathroom issues. Or you may find yourself locked out of your house!

But when it comes to these sorts of issues, not all of us are equally equipped to tackle them ourselves.

This is where having home assistance as an addition to your home insurance cover can be quite handy.

You're able to get qualified professionals to tackle the relevant issue without having to fork out for unnecessary expenses on the fly.

Now, it is important to note that cover for home assistance isn't intended for day-to-day maintenance, like painting or changing light bulbs. It's not intended for full-scale disaster response, either (that's when you should lodge a claim).

Some insurers offer home assistance as an optional extra. Accordingly, they can help you with access to a plumber, electrician, locksmith or carpenter in an unforeseen incident requiring urgent attention.

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4. Covering temporary accommodation costs

So, there's been an incident that's affected your home. Maybe it was a break-in, flooding or a fire. No matter the specific cause, you're not able to stay there at the moment.

This presents a major issue. Having a roof over your head in a time of crisis is essential; it allows you to recoup and get yourself established again.

But there's good news. Many home insurance policies will allow you to add temporary accommodation cover to your policy or have this included with their more comprehensive levels of cover, to help provide shelter while your home is being repaired.

Having this feature in your policy can help provide peace of mind. It allows for your family to recover in safety if accidents do occur, while also providing some stability in an uncertain time.

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5. Getting roadside assistance in the event of a breakdown

Having a breakdown is inconvenient at the best of times.

The good news is that you don't have to get stuck indefinitely. Many car insurers will allow you to include roadside assistance as an add-on to your policy.

Specifics vary across providers, but they'll generally feature some on-the-spot emergency mechanical repairs (if possible) as well as towing if the issue can't be resolved immediately.

This can end up being significantly cheaper than having to call a mechanic or tow truck in the moment if you're not covered.

Make sure you check the specific ins and outs of your policy, though. Some insurers may have kilometre limits for towing or other limitations or conditions on their roadside assistance.

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Find out more helpful information from GIO's Know More Blog

Sponsored by GIO. Insurance isn't just about having the right cover. Visit the GIO Know More Blog to know more about how GIO can help keep your home and contents covered so you and your family can relax.

Learn more

General disclaimer

The information is intended to be of a general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon it – please make your own enquiries.

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