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Things Worth Knowing

We have included some helpful information to assist you with any questions you may have.

Questions about Home and Contents Insurance

1.How to pay your insurance by Direct Debit

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Direct Debit for Members

Pay the easy way. Direct Debit is a convenient, no fuss option so you don’t run the risk of missing a payment. You’ll also save on cheque fees, stamps and the time it takes to write out a cheque and mail your payment.

How does Direct Debit work?

With your authority, your insurance premiums are deducted fortnightly, monthly, or annually from your bank, building society, credit union or credit card account (MasterCard or Visa). You can even arrange your payments to coincide with your pay day or pension day. Only the amount required to cover your premium will be automatically deducted from your nominated account on the day you select.

Is there a cost to me?

We suggest you contact your bank, building society or credit union regarding any possible charges, as some financial institutions may apply transaction fees. We do not apply any loading nor do we charge any extra premium for this service.  We do not apply any fees if your instalment dishonours, however your bank or financial institution may charge a fee if your account is overdrawn.  Please check with your financial institution regarding dishonour fees.

How do I arrange for Direct Debit?

Firstly, you need to have either a cheque, savings or credit card account with a bank, building society or credit union. Call us with your BSB/Financial Institution number and account number. We’ll do the rest. Your payments will be automatically debited according to your chosen frequency.*

A few guidelines to remember

Please ensure that there are sufficient funds in your account to cover the specified deductions and that your deductions are correctly debited from the account. In the event that one of your instalment payments dishonours we will attempt to make up the missed payment at the same time as your next scheduled deduction. If three consecutive deductions (for the same payment period) are not met, we will cancel the Direct Debit Authority with your financial institution.^ If rates alter or a change is made to your policy, HBF will adjust the deductions accordingly.†

To find out more about Direct Debit

If you would like more information about Direct Debit or would like to set up this convenient payment option, please call us or visit your nearest branch.

* Please note that your initial deduction may include an adjustment to ensure your policy is up to date, or to coincide with your nominated date.

^Any fees or charges incurred as a result of insufficient funds will be the responsibility of the account holder.

†The Direct Debit Authority authorises your bank to deduct the amounts required to cover your policy payments, which may alter from time to time.

Last updated: December 21, 2011

2.Can someone else manage my policy for me?

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If you would like a partner, friend or relative to manage your membership, or if a person has been granted Power of Attorney to act on your behalf, simply fill out the Power of Attorney/Appointment of Agent form and post it to us at: HBF, GPO Box C101, Perth WA 6809.

The nominated person will then have the ability to access and update your personal information.  You can cancel this access at any time simply by calling us.

Last updated: November 24, 2010

3.What are home contents?

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Home contents are defined as household goods or personal effects not fixed or fitted to buildings and are legally responsible for such as, some fitted fixtures(such as carpets, curtains and blinds) through to recreational items such as surf skis, kayaks, canoes and surfboards. Tools, computers, CDs, DVDs, artwork and jewellery are also included.

Home contents are covered inside your home or other buildings on your premises (that you have exclusive use of and keep securely locked, such as your back shed).

Your Home Contents policy also provides limited cover for items kept outside your home, but on the premises, such as garden furniture. Please read our Fundamentals Product Disclosure Statement, Listed Events Product Disclosure Statement and Accidental Damage Product Disclosure Statement and for full details.

Last updated: December 23, 2011

4.I own items that are valuable and that I take away from the home. Are these items covered?

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Depending on the type of policy, your Valuable Items may automatically be covered away from the home.

HBF Accidental Damage Policy

HBF Accidental Damage Policy covers your contents and valuable items for accidental loss or damage at your home, and anywhere in Australia or New Zealand up to 90 consecutive days.

The HBF Accidental Damage policy also provides up to $2,500 cover (per valuable item) anywhere in Australia and New Zealand.  You can extend cover for valuable items anywhere in the world for up to 90 days by including additional valuables cover.

Please refer to the HBF Accidental Home Policy Product Disclosure Statement for full terms and conditions.

HBF Listed Events policy

HBF Listed Events policy provides cover for your contents at your home.  It covers the events listed in the HBF Listed Events Product Disclosure Statement. It also provides cover for your valuable items (up to $2,500 per item) while they are at the home.

It also provides cover for your valuable items (up to $2,500 per item) while they are at the home.

You can include additional cover for your valuable items outside the home which will provide cover for these items anywhere in Australia and New Zealand and anywhere in the world for up to 90 days.

Any cover provided for your valuable items will be noted on your schedule. 

If you are unsure which cover is best for you, please call us to discuss the options available.

Last updated: December 23, 2011

5.I have changed the security on my property - do I need to let you know?

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If you are altering the security on your property you should inform us as it may change the conditions of your insurance. You may also be eligible for a discount.

Last updated: December 19, 2011

6.I'm about to install a new kitchen and renovate my bathroom – do I need to notify HBF?

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Before commencing renovations it is important that you notify us as it may affect the terms and conditions of your policy. Also, it is important that you increase your sum insured to reflect any extensions or renovations to make sure you are adequately covered in the event of a claim.

Last updated: December 19, 2011

7.I have commenced using my home for business purposes - should I notify HBF?

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Yes, it is important that HBF is informed immediately of any change in use of the premises as it may affect our decision to insure you.

Last updated: December 19, 2011

8.Am I eligible for any discounts?

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We do offer discounts for HBF members who hold more than one insurance product with us. You may also be eligible for discounts based upon the details of the property you wish to insure, the type of security you have, the building’s age and your age.  You may also be able to reduce your premium through our flexible product options; such as electing to have a higher excess.  For details on how to best reduce your premiums please call us or visit one of our branches.

Last updated: December 19, 2011

9.Terms and conditions

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Insurance issued by CGU Insurance Limited (CGU) ABN 27 004 47838291. For full policy details please refer to the Fundamentals Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Listed Events Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Accidental Damage Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) which can be obtained by calling HBF on 133 423. This is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances. You should consider the PDS and your personal circumstances in deciding whether to buy or hold these products. HBF Health Limited ABN 11 126 884 786 AR No. 406073 (HBF Health), is an authorised representative of and also acts under a binder from CGU, the issuer of general insurance products distributed by HBF Health. HBF Health will receive a commission up to 15% of the premium you pay (excluding taxes and charges) plus GST.

Please read the Financial Services Guide (FSG) before applying for an HBF General Insurance product.

Last updated: February 1, 2012

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