How long does insurance accommodation last in Australia?

Most Australian home insurance policies provide temporary accommodation for the duration of the repair period — typically 3–12 months, with some policies extending to 24 months. The exact duration is set by the policy sub-limit (either time-based or dollar-based). Your insurer or loss adjuster will advise on the limit applicable to your specific policy.

Can insurance accommodation be extended?

Yes. If repairs are still in progress when the initial accommodation period ends, you can request an extension from your insurer. You will need evidence that works are ongoing — typically a builder's certificate or project update. Most insurers will extend accommodation if the delay is due to builder availability or regulatory approvals rather than homeowner delay.

What happens when insurance accommodation money runs out?

If you exhaust the accommodation sub-limit before repairs are complete, you have several options: negotiate with your insurer for additional payments, seek a dispute resolution through AFCA if the insurer refuses, explore lower-cost accommodation options, or arrange a short-term lease if the situation is prolonged.

Does the insurance accommodation clock start immediately after the event?

Generally yes — the accommodation period begins when the property is confirmed uninhabitable. If you initially stayed with family before claiming accommodation, some insurers may allow a backdated start date. Check with your loss adjuster.

What is a reasonable insurance accommodation duration for major repairs?

For fire damage: 3–9 months. For flood damage: 6–18 months. For storm damage: 3–6 months. For major structural damage: 12–24 months. These are typical ranges; actual duration depends on scope of work, contractor availability and insurance approval timelines.

How Long Can Insurance Accommodation Last?

Insurance Accommodation

How Long Can Insurance Accommodation Last?

Published 23 June 2026 · Updated 23 June 2026

The duration of insurance-funded temporary accommodation in Australia is determined by your policy's loss-of-use sub-limit — either a time cap (e.g. 12 months) or a dollar cap (e.g. $40,000), whichever is reached first. Most standard home and contents policies provide accommodation for the full duration of the repair period, provided it falls within the policy limit.

3–6 moTypical storm/water damage

6–18 moTypical fire/flood damage

Up to 24 moMaximum most policies allow

ExtendableWith builder evidence

Accommodation duration by damage type

Damage type	Typical repair time	Typical accommodation period	Common complications
Storm Sources General market context and public-sector reference sources used across Sydney accommodation guides: Australian Bureau of Statistics Tourism Research Australia City of Sydney NSW Government

How Long Can Insurance Accommodation Last?

Accommodation duration by damage type

Sources