Nestled on the eastern shore of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel in southern Tasmania, Kettering is a picturesque coastal village that offers a relaxed lifestyle — but like any property in Australia, insuring a home here comes with its own set of considerations. This article breaks down a recent home and contents insurance quote for a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom free standing home in Kettering (postcode 7155), examines whether the premium is competitive, and offers practical guidance for local homeowners.
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Is This Quote Fair?
The quote in question sits at $4,210 per year (or $410/month) for combined home and contents cover, with a building sum insured of $600,000 and contents valued at $200,000. Both the building and contents excess are set at $1,000.
Our price rating for this quote is Expensive — above average for the area.
To put that in context: the suburb average for Kettering sits at $2,918/yr, and the median is $2,719/yr. This quote comes in roughly 44% above the suburb average and nearly 55% above the suburb median. Even compared to the 75th percentile of quotes in the area ($3,799/yr), this premium is notably higher — meaning it's more expensive than at least three-quarters of comparable quotes we've seen in Kettering.
That said, it's worth noting that this quote isn't out of step with the national average of $5,347/yr, which it comfortably sits below. Home insurance costs across Australia have surged in recent years, and premiums that once seemed steep are increasingly common. Still, relative to what other Kettering homeowners are paying, there is likely room to find a more competitive rate.
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How Kettering Compares
Understanding where your premium sits relative to broader benchmarks is a useful starting point for any insurance review.
| Benchmark | Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| This Quote | $4,210 |
| Kettering Suburb Average | $2,918 |
| Kettering Suburb Median | $2,719 |
| Kettering 25th Percentile | $1,958 |
| Kettering 75th Percentile | $3,799 |
| LGA (Kingborough) Average | $2,978 |
| Tasmania State Average | $2,814 |
| Tasmania State Median | $2,326 |
| National Average | $5,347 |
| National Median | $2,764 |
Note: Kettering suburb data is based on a sample of 19 quotes, so averages should be interpreted as indicative rather than definitive.
You can explore the full breakdown of insurance costs for Kettering on our Kettering suburb stats page, compare how Tasmania stacks up on our TAS state stats page, or see the broader picture on our national stats page.
One thing worth highlighting: the Kingborough LGA average of $2,978/yr is closely aligned with the suburb average, suggesting this premium is elevated not just for Kettering specifically, but for the broader local government area as well.
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Property Features That Affect Your Premium
Several characteristics of this particular property are likely influencing the premium — some pushing it higher, others potentially keeping it in check.
Elevated Foundation on Poles
This home sits elevated by at least one metre on a pole/stump foundation. While this style of construction — reminiscent of traditional Tasmanian and Queenslander architecture — can offer excellent ventilation and flood resilience in some scenarios, it also introduces additional complexity and cost for insurers. Elevated homes on poles can be more expensive to repair or rebuild following storm or structural damage, which often translates to a higher premium.
Weatherboard Timber Exterior
Weatherboard wood cladding is a classic and charming choice, particularly in coastal Tasmanian communities. However, timber-clad homes are generally considered higher risk than brick or rendered masonry by insurers — they're more susceptible to fire, moisture damage, and general wear. This is a common driver of elevated premiums for period and character homes throughout Tasmania.
Steel / Colorbond Roof
On the positive side, a steel Colorbond roof is viewed favourably by most insurers. It's durable, low-maintenance, and performs well in high-wind and heavy-rain conditions — all relevant considerations for a property on the Tasmanian coast.
Building Size and Sum Insured
At 153 sqm with a building sum insured of $600,000, this home carries a relatively high rebuild value per square metre. Ensuring your sum insured accurately reflects current construction costs is important — both over-insuring and under-insuring carry risks — but a high sum insured will naturally push the annual premium upward.
Ducted Climate Control
The presence of a ducted climate control system adds to the overall replacement value of the home's fixtures and fittings, which can incrementally affect the premium. It's a relatively minor factor but worth noting.
No Pool, No Solar Panels
The absence of a pool and solar panels removes two common sources of additional risk (and premium loading) from the equation. These features are increasingly common in Australian homes and can add meaningfully to insurance costs when present.
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Tips for Homeowners in Kettering
If you're a homeowner in Kettering — or anywhere in southern Tasmania — here are some practical steps to ensure you're getting the best value from your home insurance.
1. Shop around and compare multiple quotes With only 19 quotes in our Kettering sample, there's meaningful variation in what different insurers will charge for the same property. A quote that's 44% above the suburb average is a strong signal that it's worth comparing alternatives. Use CoverClub's free quote comparison tool to see what other insurers are offering for your specific property.
2. Review your sum insured carefully A $600,000 building sum insured is significant. Make sure this figure reflects a realistic rebuild cost — not the market value of the property. Many homeowners inadvertently over-insure, paying more in premiums than necessary. Tools like the Cordell Sum Sure Calculator can help you estimate an appropriate rebuild figure.
3. Consider your excess level Both excesses on this policy are set at $1,000. Opting for a higher excess (say, $2,000 or $2,500) can meaningfully reduce your annual premium, particularly on a policy already sitting above average. Just ensure the excess remains an amount you could comfortably cover in the event of a claim.
4. Maintain your weatherboard exterior proactively Timber-clad homes require regular upkeep — painting, sealing, and checking for rot or pest damage. Keeping your home in good condition not only protects its value but can also support your position when making a claim. Some insurers may decline or reduce payouts if damage is attributed to poor maintenance.
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Compare Your Home Insurance Today
Whether you're renewing your policy or insuring a property for the first time, it pays to compare. CoverClub makes it easy to see how your quote stacks up against real data from homeowners in Kettering and across Tasmania. Get a free home insurance quote and find out if you could be paying less — without sacrificing the cover you need.