{"id":76,"date":"2015-06-17T04:48:27","date_gmt":"2015-06-17T04:48:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theonsitemanager.com.au\/news\/?p=76"},"modified":"2015-10-17T04:49:46","modified_gmt":"2015-10-17T04:49:46","slug":"understanding-strata-insurance-when-are-you-covered","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theonsitemanager.com.au\/news\/understanding-strata-insurance-when-are-you-covered\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding strata insurance: when are you covered?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Body corporate insurance is arguably the most important aspect of building management, but when it comes to using it, it can be difficult to understand what\u2019s covered and what\u2019s not.<\/p>\n

The basic principle of strata\u00a0insurance\u00a0<\/em>is to provide\u00a0cover\u00a0<\/em>for common property and the building\u2019s structure. This means that the body corporate is responsible for all common areas and the structural elements of the building. Owners are typically responsible for the internal contents of their unit.<\/p>\n

There are some circumstances where the body corporate can provide cover for internal fixtures if they are classified as part of the building\u2019s structure. For example, if an owner\u2019s hot water system is located in a kitchen cupboard and bursts, causing damage to the built-in cabinets in their kitchen, walls and carpet, the body corporate insurance policy will cover the damages caused to the walls and cabinets, as they are permanent fixtures. The hot water system and the carpet are considered to be internal contents and is therefore the unit owner\u2019s responsibility to repair and replace.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a guide to what\u2019s covered by the body corporate and what\u2019s covered by property owners.<\/p>\n

What is the body corporate responsible for?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The body corporate insurance covers common property and building structure, including both external and internal permanent fixtures. This may include:<\/p>\n