What is accidental damage (breakage) cover?
A home or contents insurance policy protects you against loss or damage from certain events, such as storm, fire and theft. But it doesn’t normally cover you for items you lose or items you accidentally break them yourself. This is where accidental breakage cover comes in.
Accidental damage (breakage) is generally an optional extra on a home or contents insurance policy. You will pay a premium for the extra cover and some insurers suggest it might be worth considering if you have expensive items at home, especially if you have children.
Not everything in your home may be covered by such a policy. For example, cover doesn’t usually extend to any items used as part of a business or trade. Accidental damage or breakage cover also doesn’t usually cover damage to items by general wear and tear.
It’s a good idea to check your policy’s product disclosure statement (PDS) to see what is and isn’t covered, and whether accidental damage cover is available as an optional extra.
Frequently Asked Questions about accidental damage cover
What does accidental damage cover involve? 
Accidental damage cover is designed to provide some protection against accidental loss or damage to your buildings or contents. Depending on the insurer, this may include your contents while you are away from the premises.
Some examples for buildings may include:
- a wall that is damaged while moving furniture
- someone from the household slips while on the roof cleaning gutters, damaging the tiles and gutter.
Some examples for contents may include:
- the remote control slipped and cracked the TV screen while playing video games
- a child draws in permanent marker all over the couch, entertainment unit and carpet
- a laptop dropped on the floor and needs replacing.
If you have a home or contents policy that includes accidental damage cover, be sure to check with your insurer to determine exactly what they cover, and any terms, conditions and excesses that apply.
What exclusions may apply with accidental damage cover?
Exclusions with accidental damage insurance may vary depending on your policy and insurer. Some common exclusions include:
- any acts that are done deliberately by you
- damage caused by tenants in a property owned by you (this cover is often available as tenant damage, under landlord insurance instead)
- damage while renovating
- cigarette burns
- general wear and tear.
What belongings may be covered by accidental damage cover?
Property that is covered varies between insurers and cover for certain items may be available separately for your buildings and contents.
Normally, most items that are included in the definition of buildings or contents are covered, but there may be specific items, such as high-value jewellery and electronics, that have limits applied.
For example, a maximum of $1,000 may be paid out for a claim on any one item, such as jewellery, unless you list them individually.
What belongings may not be covered by accidental damage insurance?
The belongings that are not covered with accidental damage insurance may vary from one insurer to the next.
Some examples of potential exclusions include swimming pools or covers, cash, mobile phones, items used for business, and sporting equipment that is damaged while in use.
As with any insurance policy, it is a good idea to read the PDS carefully before deciding if it is right for you.
You may also consider weighing up the differences between opting for a higher level of cover in your home and contents policy, and adding additional accidental damage to a lower-level cover.
Speak to your insurer if you have any questions, or are not sure what is and is not covered under your policy.
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