A survey shows that one in 10 respondents aged 18 to 55 has no idea of HDB fire insurance and what the limits or benefits of coverage are in Singapore. Also, many Singaporeans confuse the coverage of home content insurance and fire insurance, 75% of respondents believe that fire insurance will compensate losses or damage to their possession and property causing by water, fire, theft and other events.
Before talking to fire insurance in Singapore, the coverage of home content insurance and fire insurance should be known first. Home content insurance covers damage to building structure, fittings, fixtures, renovation and loss and damage to the household items or personal belongings such as money, jewelry, antiques and watches etc. Fire insurance in Singapore only covers the home main structure as a result of a fire.
Why fire insurance in Singapore is necessary for the house owner since home content insurance has a more comprehensive coverage? Well, fire insurance as a separate policy adding to protect the house owners’ property has its reasons.
It’s likely that your daily activities in your house will leave you undergo the possibility of a home fire which might threaten your home and belongings. Keeping warm by the fireplace or cooking are not the only activities that will pose a risk. Burning candles or incense will also carry a possibility to pose a fire. Once it happens, smoke alarm is not enough and tragic personal injury and devastating damage as a result of it.
However, fire insurance in Singapore has its limits. Only the flat or the apartment is provided by HDB or its approved developer can be cost of restoring the damage causing by a fire works. According to the types and sizes of the property, the levels of coverage require are different. For HDB flat, fire insurance can better protect their personal belongings, home contents and renovated contents for unforeseen events. For private apartment, the basic building structure and common areas are maintained and covered typically by the Management Committee of Strata Title Plan, that is enough to protect the home contents, renovated items, valuables and personal belongings. For landed homeowners, both home contents insurance and fire insurance are needed for a comprehensive protection for their properties.
Data show that fire damage claims accounted for 37%. While water damage claims accounted for 21% and theft accounted for 11%. Without fire insurance, it would be a great loss to them once there was a fire.
