There are many factors to consider when taking out strata insurance for your property in Australia.
In this article, we'll break down how insurers calculate premiums so that you can be better informed when shopping around for a policy.
Table of Contents
The Base Premium in Strata Insurance
Strata insurance premiums are calculated based on a number of factors, including the type of property, its location, the age of the building and the level of cover required. Your strata manager or body corporate will usually arrange for a strata insurance policy to be taken out on behalf of all owners in the scheme.
If you own a residential or commercial strata property in Australia, you are required by law to have strata insurance. Your strata insurance policy must cover the building itself and all common property within the strata scheme. It should also cover your personal belongings within the unit and any legal liability you may have as a unit owner.
Factors such as excess and exclusions also influence the premium. Lower excess will almost certainly mean a higher premium.
Buildings with better risk management in place, such as fire suppression, maintenance schedules, security and low hazard occupancy usually have lower premiums.
Finally, claims history is a significant rating factor. Buildings with high claims frequency or severity will be charged higher premiums.
Stamp Duty Tax on Strata Insurance
When you purchase strata insurance, you are also required to pay stamp duty tax. This tax is calculated based on the value of your insurance policy.
The amount of stamp duty tax you will need to pay will vary depending on the state or territory in which you live.
Emergency Services Levy (ESL)
One of the components of your strata insurance premium is the emergency services levy (ESL). This is a charge levied by state and territory governments to help fund emergency services, such as fire brigades and ambulance services.
The ESL is generally calculated as a percentage of your total strata insurance premium.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Strata insurance in Australia is calculated based on the value of goods and services subject to GST.
The GST is a tax levied on the sale of goods and services within Australia, and is calculated at 10% of the value of the goods and services sold.
For strata insurance, this means that the premium is calculated at 1% of the value of the strata property.
Conclusion
Strata insurance in Australia is calculated based on a number of factors, including the size and location of the property, the type of building, and the level of cover required.
The premium for strata insurance is usually paid by the owners corporation or body corporate, and it is important to make sure that you are covered for all eventualities.
If you have any questions about your insurance policy, speak to a strata insurance broker for more information.