General
Where can I find the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for your insurance policies?
- Travel insurance – read the Domestic Product Disclosure Statement and the International Product Disclosure Statement
- Home and contents insurance – read the Product Disclosure Statement and home buildings or home contents Key Fact Sheets.
- Landlord insurance – read the Product Disclosure Statement and landlord buildings or landlord contents Key Fact Sheets.
- Car insurance – read the Product Disclosure Statement
- Caravan and trailer insurance – read the Product Disclosure Statement
- Boat insurance – read the Product Disclosure Statement
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Buildings & Contents
Am I covered for Flood?
Flood cover is a Standard inclusion for all Home and Contents Insurance policies that start from 14 January 2025.
For Home and Contents Insurance policies starting before 14 January, flood cover was optional. If you’re a renewing customer, you may be able to continue without flood cover if:
You previously opted out and met certain flood risk criteria,
We weren’t able to offer you flood cover,
We’ve agreed you can opt-out of flood cover as standard.
For full details of terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of all our home insurance cover options, please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement any supplementary PDS and Home Buildings or Home Contents Key Fact Sheets.
I have changed the security on my property – do I need to let you know?
If you are altering the security on your property you should inform us as it may change the conditions of your home insurance. This may affect your premium.
You must tell Allianz as soon as reasonably possible if, during the period of insurance you remove or stop using any security devices that were specifically required by us. If you don’t provide the information as soon as reasonably possible, Allianz may reduce or refuse a claim in whole or in part under the policy to the extent Allianz are prejudiced by the delay or non-disclosure.
When Allianz receive this information, Allianz may:
- propose changes to the terms and conditions of your policy
- charge you a higher premium
- cancel your policy if there is a change and Allianz can’t reach an agreement with you on altered terms and conditions or premium; or Allianz are no longer prepared to insure you because there has been a material change to the risk
- decide not to offer to renew your policy.
What does it mean if I take the Accidental Damage cover option?
Accidental Damage is optional and provides cover in the event of damage caused by unexpected mishaps that are caused unintentionally, not just the specified insured events.
If you have Contents cover and take this option, the sort of mishaps you’ll be covered for include when you spill red wine on the carpet or lounge.
COTA Insurance will extend cover for your contents anywhere in Australia for up to 90 continuous days (not just at the insured address).
I’m about to install a new kitchen and renovate my bathroom – should I notify my insurer?
You should tell Allianz as soon as reasonably possible if during the period of insurance your building is in the course of construction or there are any alterations, additions, demolition, repairs to, or decorations of the buildings costing more than $75,000. If you don’t provide this information as soon as reasonably possible, Allianz may refuse or reduce a claim under the policy to the extent Allianz are prejudiced by the delay or the non-disclosure.
When Allianz receive this information, Allianz may:
- propose changes to the terms and conditions of your policy
- charge you a higher premium
- cancel your policy if there is a change and Allianz can’t reach an agreement with you on altered terms and conditions or premium; or Allianz are no longer prepared to insure you because there has been a material change to the risk
- decide not to offer to renew your policy.
It is also important that you increase your sum insured to take into account any extensions or renovations to make sure you are adequately covered in the event of a home insurance claim.
I run a business from home; should I notify my insurer, and can I get cover?
You must tell Allianz as soon as reasonably possible if, during the period of insurance you start using any part of your home building for business, trade or professional purposes (except for a home office).
If you don’t provide this information as soon as reasonably possible, Allianz may refuse or reduce a claim under the policy to the extent Allianz are prejudiced by the delay or the non-disclosure.
When Allianz receive this information, Allianz may:
- propose changes to the terms and conditions of your policy
- charge you a higher premium
- cancel your policy if there is a change and Allianz can’t reach an agreement with you on altered terms and conditions; or Allianz are no longer prepared to insure you because there has been a material change to the risk.
What do I do if I rent my home out to tenants?
If you’re renting your entire home out to tenants, cover is not available under a Home and Contents Insurance policy you may need to consider Landlord Insurance, you can find out more here. If you rent out part of your home while you live at the same address, please contact us so we can determine if you are eligible for this product.
Will I be covered if my drone is damaged or stolen?
Drones, drone accessories, and other remotely or autonomously piloted aircraft used for personal use are covered if lost or stolen within your property. They are not covered when in use, used for business or when they are not at the insured address.
Can I cover my bike and other sporting equipment away from home?
Yes you can cover these under the portable contents optional cover as Unlisted portable contents. However, these items excluding bicycles will not be covered while they are being used. Bicycles will not be covered when being used for racing, pace making or in competition.
Which option do I need to cover my laptop, tablet, mobile phone or smart watch away from home?
You can cover laptops, tablets, mobile phones, smart watches and other wearable technology away from the home under the portable contents optional cover. These items must be specified on your policy as Listed portable contents to be covered under this option. Allianz will not cover cracked glass or screens where this is the only damage to the item.
How do I know if I have optional covers on my policy?
You can apply to add these options to your policy when you start or renew it (or during your period of insurance by contacting COTA Insurance on 1300 1300 50. If you’re not sure whether you have added these cover options, you can check your policy schedule.
Travel
What are COTA Insurance’s emergency contact details?
If you have an emergency, you can call for emergency assistance at any time. Just dial either of the following two numbers 24 hours a day and nib International Assistance will help:
+61 3 8523 2800 or 1300 555 019 within Australia.
We even accept reverse call charges via the local operator, so you don’t have to worry.
Can I get a refund on my travel insurance if I return earlier than planned?
If you return to your home in Australia before the trip return date shown on your Certificate of Insurance, that’s when your cover ends. If you resume travelling, you must buy a new policy. No refund will be available for any unused days on the original policy.
Do you have a cooling-off period for my travel insurance policy?
If you aren’t satisfied with your policy purchase for any reason, you have a 21 day cooling-off period. This means you can cancel your policy within the first 21 days of purchase and receive a full refund, provided you haven’t started your journey and you’re not making any claims nor exercising any other right under the policy.
If you request to cancel outside the cooling-off period, we may, at our discretion, refund that part of your premium paid for the unused period of insurance.
When does my travel insurance cover start?
If you pay for your travel insurance online or over the phone by credit card before you depart on your trip, we’ll send you an immediate confirmation and Certificate of Insurance so you’re covered straight away. If you buy your policy after you have started travelling, policies are subject to a 72 hour waiting period.
Car
What is Comprehensive Motor Insurance?
Comprehensive Motor Insurance covers your vehicle, plus damage you cause to other people’s vehicles or property.
Is Comprehensive Motor Insurance necessary?
Comprehensive Motor Insurance isn’t mandatory in Australia but there are benefits to having it. If you choose not to take out Comprehensive Motor Insurance and you or the driver of your vehicle is at fault in an accident, you’ll be responsible for the cost of any damage to your own vehicle as well as for the damages caused to any third party property.
Did you purchase your vehicle with a loan? Some financial institutions might require you to have Comprehensive Motor Insurance if you took out a loan to purchase your vehicle.
What does COTA Comprehensive Motor Insurance cover?
COTA Comprehensive Motor Insurance provides cover for accidental loss or damage to your vehicle, as well as your legal liability for the damage you cause to other people’s vehicles or property. Some examples of loss or damage to your vehicle covered by this insurance include:
- Motor accidents such as a collision with another vehicle
- Theft
- Fire damage
- Storm damage
- Hail damage
- Damage while your vehicle is parked
For more information, see the relevant PDS.
Can I drive another vehicle with comprehensive insurance cover?
If you’re driving another person’s vehicle, you should always check their insurance policy details to confirm whether you’re covered. You won’t be covered by your COTA Comprehensive Car Insurance policy when you’re driving someone else’s vehicle.
Does Comprehensive Motor Insurance include Compulsory Third Party Insurance (CTP)?
No, Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance is a pivotal component of your vehicle registration, in fact you can’t register a vehicle in some states within Australia without CTP. For example in NSW, where CTP is also known as a Green Slip. When driving your vehicle, CTP covers your liability for injuries you or other drivers of your vehicle cause to other road users in a motor accident. CTP doesn’t provide cover for any damage to your vehicle or any damage you cause to other people’s vehicles or property. When you purchase Comprehensive Motor Insurance, it doesn’t include CTP.
What is Third Party Property Damage Motor Insurance?
Third Party Property Damage (TPPD) Motor Insurance covers damage you cause to other people’s vehicles and property while using your vehicle. This includes the cost of the damage and reasonable approved legal costs arising from a covered accident.
TPPD Motor Insurance doesn’t cover damage caused to your own vehicle, fire, theft, or injury you cause to other people.
If you want to cover your vehicle from accidental loss or damage, you might consider Comprehensive Motor Insurance.
For more information on Third Party Property Damage Motor Insurance, see the relevant PDS.
Does COTA Third Party Property Damage Insurance have an excess?
Yes, if you lodge a claim on your Third Party Property Damage Motor Insurance policy you’ll have to pay an excess. Check your policy schedule to see any applicable excesses.
What’s the difference between COTA Third Party Property Damage Motor Insurance and Compulsory Third Party cover?
Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance is a pivotal component of your vehicle registration, in fact you can’t register a vehicle in some states within Australia without CTP. For example in NSW, Where CTP is known as a Green Slip. When driving your vehicle, CTP covers your liability for injuries you or other drivers of your vehicle cause to other road users in a motor accident. CTP insurance doesn’t provide cover for any damage to your vehicle or any damage you cause to other people’s vehicles or property.
COTA Third Party Property Damage (TPPD) Car Insurance provides you with cover for loss or damage you cause to other people’s vehicles or property, while using your vehicle.
Neither CTP Insurance nor Third Party Property Damage Motor Insurance covers damage to your own vehicle.
Landlord
Am I covered for Flood?
Flood cover is a Standard inclusion for all Home and Contents Insurance policies that start from 14 January 2025.
For Home and Contents Insurance policies starting before 14 January, flood cover was optional. If you’re a renewing customer, you may be able to continue without flood cover if:
You previously opted out and met certain flood risk criteria,
We weren’t able to offer you flood cover,
We’ve agreed you can opt-out of flood cover as standard.
For full details of terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of all our home insurance cover options, please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement any supplementary PDS and Home Buildings or Home Contents Key Fact Sheets.
How do I know if I have optional covers on my policy?
You can apply to add these options to your policy when you start or renew it (or during your period of insurance by contacting COTA Insurance on 1300 1300 50. If you’re not sure whether you have added these cover options, you can check your policy schedule.
Who is Landlord insurance policy designed for?
This insurance policy has been designed for people who are renting their property out to tenants under a residential rental agreement. Contents owned by you (or for which you are legally responsible) and provide for the use of the tenants may also be covered under the policy.
This policy is not suitable for covering the building or contents of the home you live in. In this regard, Allianz offer a Home and Contents product that has been specifically designed for homeowners or renters. For more information on Home and Contents insurance, please visit the product page.
Contents for Renters
What does it mean if I take the Accidental Damage cover option?
Accidental Damage is optional and provides cover in the event of damage caused by unexpected mishaps that are caused unintentionally, not just the specified insured events.
If you have Contents cover and take this option, the sort of mishaps you’ll be covered for include when you spill red wine on the carpet or lounge.
COTA Insurance will extend cover for your contents anywhere in Australia for up to 90 continuous days (not just at the insured address).
Which option do I need to cover my laptop, tablet, mobile phone or smart watch away from home?
You can cover laptops, tablets, mobile phones, smart watches and other wearable technology away from the home under the portable contents optional cover. These items must be specified on your policy as Listed portable contents to be covered under this option. Allianz will not cover cracked glass or screens where this is the only damage to the item.
What if I need to claim on portable contents cover?
You need to provide evidence of the value and ownership of both listed and unlisted portable contents.
How do I know if I have optional covers on my policy?
You can apply to add these options to your policy when you start or renew it (or during your period of insurance by contacting COTA Insurance on 1300 1300 50. If you’re not sure whether you have added these cover options, you can check your policy schedule.
What is considered ‘unable to be lived in’?
Your home is unable to be lived in when it is so damaged that normal domestic activities like cooking, sanitation and personal hygiene cannot take place, and you cannot live in the home.
Am I covered for Flood?
Flood cover is a Standard inclusion for all Home and Contents Insurance policies that start from 14 January 2025.
For Home and Contents Insurance policies starting before 14 January, flood cover was optional. If you’re a renewing customer, you may be able to continue without flood cover if:
You previously opted out and met certain flood risk criteria,
We weren’t able to offer you flood cover,
We’ve agreed you can opt-out of flood cover as standard.
For full details of terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of all our home insurance cover options, please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement any supplementary PDS and Home Buildings or Home Contents Key Fact Sheets.