Home insurance for what? There are merits to having a comprehensive yet flexible home insurance that complements your fire insurance. We tell you why below.
While residential fires are a serious concern, they are not the only risks homeowners face. From pest infestations and accidental falls to natural disasters, your home may pose more dangers than you realise.
That’s why having to get home insurance is essential. It provides peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected events. Let’s explore real-life scenarios and practical tips to safeguard your home and loved ones. Read on!
Home incidents you wish would never happen to you
1. Pests, pests, pests!
Rat infestations in Singapore’s housing estates are not uncommon, with reported cases occurring across the island.
In November 2024, residents and shop owners along Bukit Batok East reported daily sightings of large rats, with businesses suffering damage to their goods. Despite engaging pest control services and setting traps, the infestation persisted. Imagine dealing with noisy, filthy rodents that spread disease and bacteria. They can also chew through packaging and cause damage to your furniture.
Last December in Hougang, residents noticed dead rats in drains and roads. One resident even reported a rat entering his home, causing significant distress. The Aljunied-Hougang Town Council attributed the issue to nearby excavation works. This highlights that even if you keep your home spick and span, you are not immune to a pest infestation or even a home fire.
Nonetheless, with the right home insurance, you can be covered for such a situation. Tiq Home Insurance provides 24/7 Emergency Home Assistance (EHA) that covers four common emergencies – one of which is pest control issues. A complimentary benefit for plans of 3 years or more, EHA also covers plumbing, electricity, locksmith. No Emergency Home Assistance? You are missing out!
2. Home fires (including those that spread from your neighbour’s home)
Remember that tragic day in January this year? A devastating fire broke out at Hougang Street 91, resulting in the tragic loss of three lives. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) reported that firefighters had trouble entering the unit due to excessive clutter, which may have worsened the fire.
The truth is, fires can happen for all sorts of reasons, sometimes beyond our control. Even if you’re extra cautious, accidents still occur. If a fire breaks out in a 4- to 5- room HDB flat and everything inside is destroyed, rebuilding your home could cost up to S$150,000. And if the fire spreads and damages your neighbour’s home, that could set you back as much as S$500,000 in compensation.
Here’s why many homeowners get caught off guard: HDB fire insurance only covers the structural damage, not your renovations, furniture, or personal belongings. That’s why having a comprehensive home protection plan like Tiq Home Insurance is a game-changer. Not only does it cover your home and belongings, but it also provides an Emergency Cash Allowance of up to S$5,000 to help you stay on your feet if your home becomes uninhabitable after a fire.
3. Shattered glass and mirrors
Injuries can happen at home anytime, and it’s not always because of a fire. In fact, back in 2012, Singapore’s first trauma registry report shows that 1,484 were injured around the house. When compared with accidents that occur on the roads, it was found that home accidents put more people in hospital!
Do you recall that incident earlier this year where a woman, eight months pregnant, was rushed to the hospital after a glass shower door in her home suddenly shattered while she was inside?
Homeowners should seriously consider the materials used for your home furnishing. If you are keen to have glass furniture such as hanging mirrors, glass doors or tabletops, it’s important to engage a professional to handle the installation. You should also do your due diligence to learn how best to handle and maintain the furnishing.
For added ‘protection’ because accidents do happen, you should get home protection such as Tiq Home Insurance that covers accidental breakage of mirrors and fixed glass.
4. Serious fall injuries
There was an incident where a local television presenter shared that her 5-year-old son had a home accident that required stitches on his head. The poor boy lost his balance while running out of the toilet and collided with the door frame, causing a cut.
Note that personal accidents are not usually covered under home insurance. F.Y.I. Some home insurance offers coverage for personal legal liability and accidental death instead.
5. Falling trees and branches
What are the chances of your home being damaged by a fallen tree? Think it won’t ever happen to you? Well, the residents at Kismis Court condominium in Toh Yi Road probably thought so too, that is before a 4-storey tall tree fell and caused significant damage to four units and three cars; i.e., dented balcony railings, damaged bathroom window, damaged roof tiles, etc. The repair costs could go up to thousands of dollars.
While Singapore may not experience major natural disasters like earthquakes or tornadoes, torrential rain during the monsoon season can cause trees to uproot or fall. If one happens to fall towards your home (touchwood), it’s good to be prepared. Tiq Home Insurance also covers your home against falling trees and branches. 🤓
6. Floods
Despite being a first world country, Singapore is still susceptible to flooding that may lead to water damage in homes. Some areas especially prone to flooding are Bukit Timah, Tiong Bahru and River Valley, Farrer Park and Jalan Berseh, Commonwealth, Queenstown and Pasir Panjang.
Earlier in January, Singapore experienced heavy rainfall due to the monsoon surge, with Changi recording a total of 255.2mm over two days. This intense downpour triggered flash floods in various parts of the island. Such flooding has the potential to destroy electrical appliances and furniture that could amount to several thousand dollars’ worth of damage. In such cases, having comprehensive home insurance can provide much-needed protection.
We can’t control the weather but we can take precautions against floods at home. During intense rainfall, residents who are staying at landed properties can set up flood protection devices, such as portable flood barriers and floodgate barriers.
If a flood starts in your home, don’t try to pull out any plugs in areas that are already wet as you might be electrocuted. Instead, switch off the power via the fuse box.
Choosing a suitable home insurance
COVID-19 has brought greater acceptance towards more flexible working arrangements, which allows us to spend more time at home. Don’t you want to ensure a safer home environment for you and your loved ones? Fire insurance alone is not enough.
From S$28 per year, Tiq Home Insurance is recognised as the best value home insurance for both private properties, HDB flats and even for tenants at ValueChampion. Also, it is the most popular home insurance on Seedly based on real user reviews! You can get a quote here! Terms apply.
Lastly, everyone wants to get the best value but before you decide, read this step-by-step guide on how to choose a suitable home insurance. Unsure if you should switch your home insurance plan when it expires? We’ve got you covered here too.
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Information is accurate as at 23 June 2022.
This article was updated on 29 April 2025.
The information and descriptions on this website are provided solely for general informational purposes and do not constitute any financial advice. It does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any persons.
This policy is underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Company Reg. No. 201331905K). Protected up to specified limits by SDIC.
Tiq by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd.
A digital insurance channel that embraces changes to provide simple and convenient protection, Tiq’s mission is to make insurance transparent and accessible, inspiring you today to be prepared for life’s surprises and inevitabilities, while empowering you to “Live Unlimited” and take control of your tomorrow.
With a shared vision to change the paradigm of insurance and reshape customer experience, Etiqa created the strong foundation for Tiq. Because life never stops changing, Etiqa never stops progressing. A licensed life and general insurance company registered in the Republic of Singapore and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Etiqa is governed by the Insurance Act and has been providing insurance solutions since 1961. It is 69% owned by Maybank, Southeast Asia’s fourth largest banking group, with more than 22 million customers in 20 countries; and 31% owned by Ageas, an international insurance group with 33 million customers across 16 countries.
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