The Broker's Guide to Handling Unoccupied Investment Properties

The Broker's Guide to Handling Unoccupied Investment Properties

As an insurance broker, you know that a rental property is not always occupied by a tenant. Whether it's a gap between leases, a property undergoing renovations, or a holiday home during the off-season, unoccupied investment properties present unique challenges and risks. For your clients who are residential property investors, landlords, or owners of holiday rental properties and secondary residences, ensuring continuous and appropriate insurance is important.

At SGUA, we understand the nuances of insuring a rental property, especially when it’s vacant. This guide aims to help brokers navigate the complexities of unoccupied rental property insurance, detailing how SGUA may be able to provide comprehensive cover and assist in giving clients peace of mind.

Understanding the Risks of Unoccupied Properties

An unoccupied property is inherently exposed to different and often higher risks than an occupied one. Without the regular presence of a tenant, issues like water leaks, unnoticed damage, or even squatting can escalate quickly. Additionally, the risk of theft and vandalism can increase significantly. Traditional rental property insurance policies often have clauses that limit or exclude cover when a property is vacant for an extended period. This is where specialised knowledge and a flexible underwriting agency like SGUA can be valuable.

SGUA's Approach to Unoccupied Property

At SGUA, we underwrite a comprehensive suite of property insurance policies designed to cater to various circumstances, including periods of unoccupancy. Our goal is to help ensure your clients’ valuable investment is always protected against diverse risks, minimising potential financial loss, subject to the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions of the policy.

Policy Limits and Conditions for Unoccupied Properties

When a rental property becomes unoccupied, it is crucial to understand how the existing insurance policy might be affected. Standard landlord insurance policies are typically designed with the expectation that a tenant will occupy the premises. However, SGUA's policies are structured to offer options for continued protection, even during vacant periods. Here's what brokers and their clients need to be aware of:

Optional Covers for Improved Protection

To provide additional protection for unoccupied properties, SGUA offers several optional policies that brokers can recommend to their clients. These tailored solutions address the specific needs that arise during vacant periods:

Compliance Advice for Brokers

Navigating the complexities of unoccupied rental properties requires careful attention to compliance and adherence to regulations. As a broker-friendly underwriting agency, SGUA is committed to providing brokers with the tools and information they need to best serve their clients. Here are a few tips that can help your clients:

Protect Your Clients with SGUA

For brokers, partnering with SGUA can mean offering your clients robust, flexible landlord insurance that adapts to changing circumstances, including periods of vacancy. Visit our website and discover how SGUA can help you protect your clients. We are here to support your business and help your clients navigate the complexities of insuring a rental property, whether occupied or not.

Disclaimer: General advice provided on this website does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, Financial Services Guide and Target Market Determination available from us to consider whether our product is right for you. Benefits are subject to terms and conditions, including excesses, limits, and exclusions of your policy.

Navigating Natural Perils: How to Safeguard Investment Properties from Natural Disasters

Navigating Natural Perils: How to Safeguard Investment Properties from Natural Disasters

Australia, with its vast and varied landscapes, is no stranger to the power of nature. From bushfires to floods and storms, natural disasters are a significant concern for property owners across the country. For residential property investors, landlords, and owners of holiday rental properties, understanding and mitigating these risks is an important step in protecting their valuable assets and supporting financial stability.

This article outlines the key natural disasters to consider, provides general information on how SGUA’s policies address these threats, and offers practical advice for brokers to help their clients stay prepared.

Understanding Australia’s Natural Risk Landscape

Australia experiences a range of natural disasters that can severely impact residential properties. While the specific risks vary by region, some of the most common and destructive extreme events include:

The financial losses associated with these natural catastrophes can be substantial, encompassing not only the cost of repairs but also potential loss of rental income and additional accommodation expenses if the property becomes uninhabitable. This is where having appropriate insurance cover for natural disasters becomes important.

Are Natural Disasters Covered by Insurance?

A common question property owners ask is, “Are natural disasters covered by insurance?” While many home insurance policies offer some level of protection, the extent of natural disaster cover can vary significantly between providers and policy types. It is crucial for property owners to understand what their insurance policy does and does not cover.

At SGUA, our specialised underwriting services are designed to offer protection against a wide range of natural perils. We offer solutions that are tailored to investment property owners, whether for long-term tenancies or short-term rentals.

Our policies may provide cover for accidental loss or damage resulting from various extreme weather and natural events. This can help protect against financial losses and provides peace of mind. For those managing holiday properties or secondary residences, having holiday insurance that covers natural disasters may be critical.

While specific exclusions apply to all policies (please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for full details), our aim is to provide comprehensive protection. Unlike some generic policies, we understand the specific nuances of rental properties and the heightened risk exposure they can face during severe weather.

Comprehensive Cover for Diverse Risks

Our underwriting solutions are designed to protect against the financial risks involved in owning an investment property. They often include cover for damage caused by:

These provisions are important for landlords and property investors seeking reliable protection for their assets. We ensure that our landlord insurance, which Australia trusts, is designed to handle a wide array of potential scenarios.

Preparing Clients for Natural Disasters

Insurance brokers play a vital role in educating and preparing their clients for the impact of natural disasters. SGUA is proud to be broker-friendly, offering a streamlined online platform to simplify policy management and support brokers in providing informed advice to their clients.

Here's how brokers can help their clients stay prepared:

Stay Prepared with SGUA

Give your clients peace of mind with SGUA. We aim to ensure their needs are covered, all while offering a seamless experience to our valued broker partners. By choosing SGUA, property owners and brokers can better manage the challenges posed by natural disasters, knowing they have a reliable partner by their side.

Looking for more information? Visit our website and discover how SGUA can help protect your clients. 

Disclaimer: General advice provided on this website does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, Financial Services Guide and Target Market Determination available from us to consider whether our product is right for you. Benefits are subject to terms and conditions, including excesses, limits, and exclusions of your policy.

What Happens After a Claim? A Clear Timeline for SGUA Clients

When an unforeseen event such as accidental damage, fire damage, or theft affects your rental property, knowing what comes next can help you feel more in control during a stressful time. As an investment property owner, understanding the claims process can make a significant difference in navigating the path to recovery.

At SGUA, we’re committed to supporting clients through every step of the journey, while being transparent that each claim can vary significantly. Every situation is unique, and while we aim to handle claims efficiently, outcomes often depend on multiple factors such as the type of property damage, the availability of information, or delays in providing evidence.

Here is a general overview of what to expect after lodging a claim and how you can best prepare. 

Step 1: Immediate Action and Safety

The first priority after any insured event, whether it's water damage, broken windows, or a power surge, is ensuring everyone’s safety. If needed, emergency services should be contacted immediately. Once safe, it’s important to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.

For example, in the case of storm damage or a burst pipe, you may need to arrange emergency repairs to ensure the property is safe. Keeping receipts and documenting this work will be helpful for your insurance provider when reviewing your claim.

Step 2: Notify SGUA of the Incident

The next step is to contact SGUA as soon as possible. Policyholders can initiate the claims process through our online system or by contacting our support team directly. The earlier a claim is lodged, the sooner we can begin the assessment process.

You’ll need to submit basic details, including:

Step 3: Lodging the Claim

Once initial contact is made, you’ll be guided through the steps to submit your formal claim. This includes completing a claims form and attaching relevant documents. Depending on the situation, we may ask for additional documentation, such as:

Being thorough at this stage can help avoid delays. Double-check that all required information has been provided before submitting your application.

Step 4: Claim Review and Assessment

Once we receive your claim and all necessary documents, SGUA will assign an insurance professional to review and assess it. This part of the process varies depending on the circumstances and complexity of the case.

In some instances, particularly for more extensive property damage claims, we may need to arrange for an on-site inspection. The purpose of this inspection is to better understand the cause, scope, and value of the damage. For example, fire damage or damage from natural disasters often requires a detailed assessment before settlement can proceed.

Step 5: Communication and Clarification

SGUA values open and ongoing communication. Throughout the assessment, we’ll do our best to remain in contact with the policyholder to provide updates, request clarification, or discuss cover limits under the insurance policy.

Sometimes claims can be delayed if:

To avoid this, we encourage clients to stay responsive and provide clear, timely responses.

Step 6: Outcome and Settlement

Once the claim is assessed and approved, SGUA will proceed with settlement. This may involve:

Note that the method of settlement depends on the nature of the claim, the agreed coverage, and the specific needs of the client.

Step 7: Repairs and Rebuilding

If repairs are needed, we can work with authorised repairers to ensure work is done to standard. In the case of major building insurance claims, like those involving structural damage, our support continues through the completion of works. We aim to ensure that properties are restored and protected for future tenancies.

Where applicable, our policies may also provide cover for loss of income while the property is uninhabitable. 

How You Can Help Us (h2)

Being proactive and communicative during the claims process can make a major difference in the timeline. Helping clients gather documents, understand their insurance coverage, and stay informed will ease stress and build trust.

Investment property owners should:

Get the Right Cover

Whether you're a landlord or property investor, understanding the SGUA claims process helps you prepare for the unexpected. A clear plan of action, prompt communication, and accurate documentation are the keys to navigating property insurance claims successfully.

Have questions about your insurance policy or want to learn more about our cover options? Visit our website to find a solution tailored to your needs.

Disclaimers: “General advice provided on this website does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, Financial Services Guide and Target Market Determination available from us to consider whether our product is right for you. Benefits are subject to terms and conditions, including excesses, limits, and exclusions of your policy."

The Future of Property Insurance: How Technology is Transforming the Industry for Brokers

In an age where technology touches every part of our lives, the property insurance industry is undergoing a major transformation. Innovations such as online insurance quote systems and paperless policies are not just reshaping how insurance products are delivered, but also how brokers, landlords, and property owners interact with insurers.

For companies like SGUA, embracing these technologies can mean faster service, greater transparency, and more efficient risk management. Understanding the role of technology in property insurance is key to future-proofing your investment and your business.

Let's unpack how technology is changing how we do insurance and what it means for the industry.

Online Quoting Systems

Gone are the days of drawn-out phone calls, endless forms, and paper trails. With online insurance quote platforms, brokers and property owners can now obtain a landlord insurance quote in less time.

Benefits of Online Quoting Systems:

This shift reduces “touch time” and enables brokers to scale operations and focus on building client relationships, rather than managing paperwork.

Going Paperless

Paperless policies are redefining how brokers and property owners handle insurance documentation. The shift to digital documents is environmentally responsible and highly practical. It allows for instant retrieval and easy sharing of policy documents, reducing the risk of lost paperwork and enabling swift communication between brokers, clients, and insurers.

Digital policy management supports faster renewals, immediate policy updates, and significantly reduces administrative workload. Clients, particularly landlords and property investors, benefit from having secure, 24/7 access to all policy documents, from contents and building insurance to public liability and optional add-ons. This digital convenience translates into greater control, fewer delays, and improved decision-making when managing rental property insurance.

Claims Management through Digital Tools

Technology is also transforming the way claims are handled. Whether it's a burst pipe, accidental damage, or malicious damage, speed is critical when managing rental property insurance claims.

Advanced systems now allow:

This can improve the customer experience but also reduces operational costs for insurers.

Broker-Focused Innovation

SGUA understands the unique needs of brokers and landlords, which is why we’ve designed our online systems to support quick transactions and reduce administrative burden. Our broker-friendly platform enables you to issue quotes and manage entire portfolios with just a few clicks.

We offer a range of landlord insurance cover options tailored for holiday homes, secondary residences, and traditional rental properties. Our system supports detailed customisation of each insurance policy, including the ability to add or remove optional coverage such as loss of rental income and legal expenses. Brokers managing multiple properties will find this kind of platform particularly efficient, allowing them to centralise all client policies for easier tracking, renewal, and compliance management.

What Property Owners Need to Know

Keeping up with insurance trends is important. The shift to technology doesn’t mean sacrificing personal service, it means smarter solutions that can help better protect your investments.

When choosing a policy, consider:

By partnering with a tech-forward insurer like SGUA, you can ensure your coverage evolves as your property portfolio grows.

Trust SGUA for Comprehensive Insurance

In a competitive market where landlords face rising risks, from tenant disputes to legal costs, having fast, flexible insurance is no longer optional. Technology is making landlord insurance more accessible, more comprehensive, and more transparent. For brokers, this can mean a better client experience and the ability to do more with less time.

SGUA remains at the forefront of this transformation, offering trusted rental property insurance backed by decades of experience and a forward-thinking approach to innovation.

Get an online landlord insurance quote today and discover how SGUA can help protect your rental property with ease and confidence.

Disclaimers: “General advice provided on this website does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, Financial Services Guide and Target Market Determination available from us to consider whether our product is right for you. Benefits are subject to terms and conditions, including excesses, limits, and exclusions of your policy."

Who is St George Underwriting Agency (SGUA), and How Do We Support Brokers?

Since 1991, St George Underwriting Agency (SGUA) has been a go-to specialist underwriting agency specialising in rental property insurance across Australia. Whether your client is a landlord or property investor, SGUA offers comprehensive insurance coverage to help you manage and protect your client’s assets with confidence.

In this article, we’ll take you through what SGUA does, the types of insurance policies we offer, and how we actively support brokers with streamlined solutions designed to future-proof your clients’ portfolios.

Who is SGUA?

SGUA (St George Underwriting Agency) is an Australian underwriting agency offering tailored property insurance products for a wide range of residential property owners. We provide peace of mind by covering the potential risks of renting or owning investment properties.

With over 30 years in the industry, SGUA has built a reputation for its stability and consistency in the market. Clients and brokers alike trust our fair and flexible underwriting approach, competitive pricing, and dedication to customer support. We stand out for being broker-friendly and offering an online platform that simplifies policy management.

Whether you’re managing a long-term rental, a holiday property, or a secondary residence, SGUA provides the landlord protection insurance Australia needs to stay covered in every scenario.

What Insurance Products Does SGUA Offer?

SGUA’s insurance solutions are designed to protect against the financial risks involved in owning a rented property. Our policies cover everything from theft, accidental loss or damage to rent default and legal liability.

Landlord Insurance

Landlord insurance from SGUA is a comprehensive solution designed for owners with tenanted properties. It includes coverage for loss of rental income due to tenant default, legal liability if someone is injured on the property and tenant damages.

Holiday Property Insurance

This option is ideal for short-term rentals or properties used as secondary residences. It provides a tailored approach that addresses the unique risks of holiday letting, including accidental damage, theft coverage, vandalism, and legal costs. This type of cover ensures you’re protected even when different guests occupy the property for short stays.

Building Insurance

This cover focuses on the structure of your investment property, safeguarding against natural disasters, fire damage and accidental damage. It’s an essential policy for landlords who want to ensure the property itself is fully protected in the event of a covered event or insured peril. Building Insurance can be combined with Landlord Insurance and Holiday Property Insurance, creating complete protection for the property.

How SGUA Supports Insurance Brokers

At SGUA, we understand that insurance brokers are looking to do business faster and with less manual processing. That’s why we’ve invested in an efficient online platform that enables quoting, policy alteration, and cover placement within minutes. This system allows brokers to handle more clients, reduce wait times, and increase business volumes with ease.

Our quick quoting system enables brokers to generate accurate landlord insurance quotes quickly and efficiently. The process is transparent, showing details such as minimum premiums, coverage limits, and available customisable cover so brokers can make informed recommendations to their clients.

We also offer flexible policy management options. Brokers can manage multiple properties and client portfolios from a single online dashboard, significantly cutting down administrative time. Whether it's updating a lease agreement, modifying policy limits, or managing claims, everything is accessible in one place.

Our insurance solutions are designed to be fully customisable. Brokers can tailor policies based on the tenant's profile, weekly rent, or specific risks the landlord wants to protect against, such as rent default, tenant damages, or legal costs associated with disputes.

SGUA provides access to a dedicated broker support team. We understand the value of having quick, expert assistance, especially when helping clients understand their insurance policies or when navigating complex claims. Our team is responsive, knowledgeable, and committed to your success.

Our solutions are scalable. Whether your client owns one rental property or a large portfolio of residential properties, our products and services scale with their needs, ensuring consistent and comprehensive coverage.

Why SGUA Is Trusted by Property Owners and Brokers

As a long-established AU insurance company, SGUA continues to stand out because of our reliability, consistency, and forward-thinking approach. We are proud to be an underwriting agency that provides all the key cover options landlords need.

Whether it's a fire, storm, or theft, we’re here to make sure landlords aren’t left footing the bill. Our flexible policies can adapt to changing circumstances, including having the same tenant over time or high turnover guests. 

Future-Proofing Property Portfolios with SGUA

SGUA is your partner in protecting your insured’s investment property. With robust, flexible landlord insurance Australia trusts and a broker-friendly digital platform, SGUA continues to deliver the service, support, and stability that property owners and brokers need.

Give your clients peace of mind with SGUA. We’ll ensure their insurance needs are covered, all while offering a seamless experience to our valued broker partners.Looking for more information or a quote? Visit our website and discover how SGUA can help you protect what matters most, or contact us today.

SGUA Closings: Updated Process

New procedure around closings 

Effective 14 April 2025, closings will no longer be monitored and bound by SGUA staff on our system. All new business, renewals, endorsements and cancellations must be bound and finalised by you on our system. 

Important note:  

Please also ensure the commission selected on our system (default 15%) matches that entered on your broker system.  

We understand that for some Brokers it is a compliance requirement to send through the closings. This can be achieved by attaching the closing to the policy on our system, under the attachment section with the description ‘Closing’. Watch a short demo on how to do this here 

If you have any queries, please contact us on 1300 697 482. 

If you would like to refer to the Terms of Trade, they are easily accessible here. 

Decoding Differences: Is Landlord Insurance The Same As Building Insurance?

Property insurance can be a complex product, with many investors struggling to understand the difference between landlord and building insurance. While both are essential for property owners, they serve distinct purposes. In this blog, we’ll discuss the differences between landlord and building insurance and answer key questions about their coverage and necessity. 

What is landlord insurance?

Landlord insurance is tailored specifically for property owners who lease their property to tenants. This type of insurance covers the risks associated with renting, which typically aren’t included in standard building insurance. It can include coverage for:

What is building insurance? 

Building insurance covers a property's physical structure, including its walls, roof, floors and often permanent fixtures such as plumbing, electrical systems and built-in appliances, like solar panels. It also covers the cost of repairs or rebuilding if the property suffers sudden and unforeseen damage caused by fire, storms, vandalism or certain other perils.

For example, imagine a severe storm causes a tree to fall onto the roof of the property, leading to extensive damage. In this scenario, building insurance would cover the costs of repairing the roof and any additional structural damage caused by the impact.

Key differences between landlord and building insurance

Now that we understand landlord and building insurance, it’s important to distinguish between these two types of insurance to ensure comprehensive protection for the investment property. 

Landlord insurance is designed to address the unique risks associated with renting out the property for an extended period of time, such as loss of rental income or damage caused by tenants.  Building insurance primarily protects the property's physical structure, including the walls, roof and permanent fixtures, such as plumbing and electrical systems.

If the property becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event like a fire or flood, building insurance won’t cover the loss of rental income. However, landlord insurance often includes this type of protection, ensuring you’re not financially impacted while the property is being repaired.

Check out our table below for an overview of these key differences:

FeatureLandlord InsuranceBuilding Insurance
Primary CoverageRisks related to leasing, such as rental loss and tenant damage.Physical structure and permanent fixtures.
Tenant-Related CoverageCovers tenant damage and legal liabilities.Not covered.
Rental Income ProtectionIncluded if the property is uninhabitable due to an insured event.Not included.
ApplicabilityEssential for landlords to lease their property.Essential for all property owners.

Answering key questions — landlord insurance vs. building insurance

Given their stark differences, property investors are naturally curious about the best policy for their needs. In a nutshell - landlord insurance is highly recommended if you’re renting out the property, even if you already have building insurance. Building insurance doesn’t cover tenant-related risks, such as loss of rental income or liability for tenant injuries, which landlord insurance does.

Why both policies matter for landlords — our final thoughts 

So, which policy is the right solution for your clients? Put simply, a combined policy is best. 

While building insurance is crucial for protecting the physical structure of the property, landlord insurance complements it by addressing the unique risks landlords face. Having both policies can ensure the following:

Choose the right landlord and building insurance policy for your clients with SGUA

At SGUA, we understand the unique needs of rental property owners and have more than 30 years of experience as an experienced insurance underwriter. We offer policies that safeguard property structure and the risks associated with leasing, covering a range of events from natural disasters to tenant-related issues. 

Unity and integrity are at the forefront of who we are, as we aim to deliver top-notch customer service to our clients. If you’re a broker seeking the best insurance options for your clients, SGUA is your trusted partner. To obtain a building or landlord insurance quote with SGUA, please contact us today.