Ask early
Ask an insurer whether cover is available for the specific property and what information it needs. The lender may require evidence of suitable insurance before settlement or drawdown. Do not leave this until after conditions expire.
What can change the answer
Ask about flood or coastal exposure, landslip or land movement, earthquake risk, prior claims, pre-existing damage, unconsented work, construction or renovation, vacancy, business use, and suspected weathertightness or contamination. An insurer may apply an excess, exclusion, special term, price, or decline cover.
Why unconsented or damaged work matters
Insurance is not a substitute for council records, a building report, or legal advice. Ask how additions, alterations, prior repairs, and outstanding compliance issues affect cover and future claims. The insurer’s written terms matter.
Insurance and lending are connected
If suitable insurance cannot be obtained, the lender may not be willing to lend or settle on the same terms. This is a property-specific lender and insurer question, not something a general pre-approval answers.
Budget for more than the premium
Compare sum insured, excesses, exclusions, special terms, natural-hazard cover, temporary accommodation, and whether the policy reflects the property’s actual construction and use. Keep the policy and disclosure correspondence with the settlement documents.
Evidence categories to organise
- Property-specific insurance quote or confirmation
- Hazard and claims questions
- Unconsented work and prior repairs
- Flood, landslip, earthquake, or coastal exposure
- Excesses and exclusions
- Sum insured
- Lender insurance requirement
- Settlement evidence
This guide is general information only. MoreGage does not provide regulated financial advice, a lending assessment, approval, or an offer.