Strata and community title properties involve shared ownership, common property and collective responsibility. Damage to common assets, liability claims or underinsurance can affect all owners. Strata & Community Title Insurance is designed to protect the building, common property and the owners collectively.

At Rivergum Insurance Brokers, we help strata managers, councils of owners and community associations arrange insurance that reflects how the property is built, used and maintained — not just what appears on the plan.

What Is Strata & Community Title Insurance?

Strata & Community Title Insurance provides cover for:

• The building structure

• Common property

• Shared facilities

• Owners’ collective liability

It is typically arranged by:

• Owners corporations

• Strata companies

• Bodies corporate

• Community associations

Coverage requirements and terminology vary between states, but the purpose is the same: to insure shared assets and liabilities.

What Does Strata & Community Title Insurance Typically Cover?

While cover varies by policy and jurisdiction, strata insurance commonly includes:

Building & Common Property

Cover for the building and shared structures against insured events such as:

• Fire and explosion

• Storm, hail and water damage

• Impact damage

• Theft and vandalism

This often includes:

• Shared walls and roofs

• Lifts, stairwells and foyers

• Car parks and basements

• Pools, gyms and common amenities

Public Liability

Cover for legal liability if a third party is injured or their property is damaged in common areas, such as:

• Slips, trips and falls

• Falling objects

• Accidents in shared facilities

Common Contents

Cover for items owned by the owners corporation, including:

• Furniture in common areas

• Machinery and equipment

• Security systems and signage

Loss of Rent / Temporary Accommodation

Depending on the policy, cover may include:

• Loss of rent for investor owners

• Temporary accommodation for owner-occupiers

This helps support owners if the building becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event.

Office Bearers / Management Liability (Optional)

Some policies include or offer cover for:

• Committee members

• Office bearers

• Management decisions and governance matters

This can be important where decisions are made on behalf of all owners.

Common Risk Exposures in Strata & Community Title

Strata properties face unique risks, including:

Underinsurance

Rising construction and rebuilding costs can result in sums insured being insufficient to fully reinstate the building.

Maintenance & Defects

Deferred maintenance or defects can lead to claims disputes or uninsured losses.

Shared Liability

Injuries in common areas can affect all owners collectively.

Complex Claims

Strata claims often involve:

• Multiple owners

• Tenants and landlords

• Strata managers and contractors

Why Sums Insured & Rebuild Costs Matter

Strata buildings should generally be insured for full replacement value, including:

• Demolition and debris removal

• Professional fees (architects, engineers, approvals)

• Current material and labour costs

Incorrect valuations can expose owners to significant shortfalls.

Risk Surveys – Supporting Better Outcomes

What Is a Risk Survey?

A risk survey is a professional assessment of the building and common property, focusing on:

• Construction and condition

• Fire protection systems

• Electrical and mechanical services

• Maintenance and safety risks

• Compliance with relevant standards

Why Risk Surveys Matter for Strata

Risk surveys can:

• Identify hazards before claims occur

• Support safer environments for residents and visitors

• Assist insurers in accurately assessing risk

• Help strata committees prioritise maintenance

• Improve claims outcomes and insurability

In some cases, insurers may require a risk survey for older, complex or high-value buildings.

How Rivergum Helps With Risk Surveys

We can:

• Arrange independent risk surveys

• Coordinate between insurers, surveyors and strata managers

• Help interpret recommendations

• Align insurance programs with risk findings

Risk surveys are not just about compliance — they’re about protecting owners’ investments.

What Strata Insurance Typically Does Not Cover

Common exclusions include:

• Building defects or poor workmanship

• Wear and tear or lack of maintenance

• Unapproved building works

• Known issues prior to policy inception

Understanding these limitations is essential for strata committees.

Why Arrange Strata Insurance Through Rivergum?

We help strata clients:

• Structure appropriate building and liability cover

• Review sums insured and valuations

• Arrange and manage risk surveys

• Navigate complex claims involving multiple parties

• Align insurance with strata legislation and by-laws

Our role is to ensure strata insurance is fit for purpose and well-managed over time.

Speak With Us

If you’re part of a strata council, community association or body corporate and want to review your insurance or arrange a risk survey, we’re here to help.

Contact Rivergum Insurance Brokers to discuss your building, risks and insurance needs.