Owning a home is one of the most significant milestones for many Singaporeans, and protecting that investment is essential. Fire insurance plays a crucial role in safeguarding your property from unforeseen events. For homeowners in Singapore, especially those living in HDB flats, fire insurance is not just a recommendation — it’s a requirement if you have an outstanding HDB loan.
The importance of HDB fire insurance cannot be understated, as it helps ease the financial burden should a fire incident cause damage to your flat’s structural aspects. However, many homeowners are often confused about what exactly HDB fire insurance covers and what it does not.
In this blog, we will explore the details of HDB fire insurance—its coverage, exclusions, and why you might need additional insurance for complete peace of mind.
What is HDB Fire Insurance?
HDB fire insurance is mandatory for homeowners with an HDB loan in Singapore. It was introduced to relieve flat owners of the financial burden of repair costs due to fire incidents. This insurance is compulsory for all flat owners with an HDB loan.
Under the HDB Fire Insurance Scheme, homeowners are insured against damages to internal structures, fixtures, and areas initially built and provided by HDB. The insurance is applicable for a five-year period and must be renewed every five years, as long as you still have an outstanding HDB loan.
While fire insurance provides basic coverage for the physical structure of the flat, it’s important to note that it does not cover home contents, personal belongings, or renovations made after the purchase of the property.
Cost of HDB Fire Insurance
The cost of HDB fire insurance depends on the type of flat you own. The premium is affordable, especially considering that it covers essential repairs. For the period from 16 August 2024 to 15 August 2029, the five-year premiums are as follows:
| Flat Type | 5-Year Premium (including 9% GST) | Coverage Amount |
| 1-room/Community Care Apartment | $1.11 | Up to $37,900 |
| 2-room/Studio Apartment | $1.99 | Up to $57,000 |
| 3-room | $3.27 | Up to $83,300 |
| 4-room | $4.59 | Up to $117,000 |
| 5-room/3-Generation | $5.43 | Up to $144,800 |
| Executive/Multi-Generation | $6.68 | Up to $176,700 |
The coverage amount varies depending on the flat type, ensuring that the policy is suitable for different flat sizes. These premiums are inclusive of GST and are payable once every five years when renewing the policy.
What Does HDB Fire Insurance Cover?
HDB fire insurance primarily covers the structural aspects of your flat. This includes the internal walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, fixtures, and fittings initially provided by HDB. It also covers essential reinstatement work, such as repairs to restore the flat to its original state after a fire.
However, it’s crucial to understand that HDB fire insurance does not extend coverage to home contents, such as furniture, renovations, electrical appliances, or personal belongings. This means that homeowners would need additional insurance to protect these items, such as a home insurance policy, which provides broader coverage for your belongings and renovations.
How to Purchase HDB Fire Insurance
Follow these steps to buy HDB fire insurance online:
Visit the HDB website and log in to your My HDB account.
Navigate to the “HDB Fire Insurance” tab.
- Click on the “Buy Now” button.
- Enter your HDB flat number and the date of your HDB loan (if applicable).
- Choose your preferred payment method.
- Review your order and click on the “Confirm” button.
After purchasing HDB fire insurance, you will receive a confirmation email from HDB, and a policy document will be mailed to you.
To check the validity of your HDB fire insurance, simply log in to the HDB e-Service platform1. Please note that it may take up to a week for the information to be updated after the purchase or renewal.
Extending Protection Beyond HDB Fire Insurance
While HDB fire insurance covers structural aspects of your flat, it does not cover personal belongings, renovations, or other home contents. To ensure full protection for your home, you might want to consider additional home contents insurance.
Currently, Home Protect360 is available with a promotional discount of 15% off the premium, making it an affordable option for homeowners who wish to enhance their home protection .
Fire Insurance vs. Home Contents Insurance: Understanding the Differences
After understanding what HDB fire insurance covers, you may be wondering how it differs from home insurance and whether you need additional coverage. Let’s explore the key differences between fire insurance and home insurance for HDB flats.
| Feature | HDB Fire Insurance | Home Contents Insurance |
| Building Coverage | Covers damage to the building structure only. | Covers renovations, fixtures and fittings. |
| Perils Covered | Covers specific perils such as fire and lightning. | Offers broader coverage, including temporary storage and accommodation due to fire damage or water damage, and personal accident coverage |
| Contents Coverage | Typically excludes coverage for home contents. | Can include home contents including personal belongings and furniture, subject to policy terms and limits. |
| Premium Cost | Lower premium cost due to limited coverage. | Higher premium cost due to more comprehensive protection. |
| Personal Liability | Not included. | Provides personal liability coverage for third-party claims. |
What to Consider When Choosing Between HDB and HLAS Home Contents Insurance
Choosing between HDB’s fire insurance and HLAS home contents insurance depends on your needs, risks, and budget. Here are some important factors to consider:
- Coverage needs: If you are concerned about protecting your personal belongings and renovations, home contents insurance offers more comprehensive coverage compared to HDB fire insurance, which is limited to structural aspects. HLAS Home Protect360 provides an intermediate option, offering protection for fixtures and fittings.
- Risk factors: If you’re on a tight budget, HDB Fire Insurance can meet the mandatory requirement, but keep in mind it only covers the building structure. For broader protection, Home Protect360 offers comprehensive coverage for your home’s contents, renovations, and more, giving you greater peace of mind.
- Temporary accommodation: Fire insurance does not cover temporary accommodation if your flat becomes uninhabitable due to fire or other perils. Home Protect360 often provides this benefit, helping you manage temporary living arrangements without added financial strain.
- Mortgage requirements: Some mortgage lenders may require you to purchase home insurance for broader protection, while others may accept fire insurance It is important to clarify with your lender to meet any specific insurance requirements.
Making an Informed Decision: Which Insurance is Right for You?
Navigating the different types of insurance for your HDB flat can be confusing, but understanding your specific needs will make the decision easier. If you only need to fulfil HDB’s mandatory requirement, fire insurance is a cost-effective solution that provides essential structural coverage.
However, to better safeguard your home and its valuable contents, Home Protect360 may offer the peace of mind you’re looking for.
Before purchasing insurance, consider the risks, your budget, and the coverage offered by each policy. If in doubt, reaching out to a trusted insurance advisor can help you make an informed decision.
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