Maclean is a charming riverside town in northern NSW, sitting along the Clarence River in the Clarence Valley local government area. It's a popular spot for families and retirees alike — but like many regional coastal communities, it comes with its own set of insurance considerations. This article breaks down a real home and contents insurance quote for a four-bedroom, three-bathroom free-standing home in Maclean (postcode 2463), and puts the numbers into context so you can make a more informed decision about your own cover.
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Is This Quote Fair?
The annual premium on this quote comes in at $2,286 per year (or $231/month), covering a building sum insured of $950,000 and $50,000 in contents. Our independent price rating for this quote is Fair — Around Average.
To understand what "fair" actually means here, it helps to look at the local benchmarks. Based on 57 quotes collected for the Maclean area:
- Suburb average premium: $3,556/yr
- Suburb median premium: $3,056/yr
- Suburb 25th percentile: $2,222/yr
- Suburb 75th percentile: $4,963/yr
At $2,286/yr, this quote sits just above the 25th percentile for the suburb — meaning roughly 75% of comparable quotes in Maclean come in higher. That's a reasonably competitive result. It's below the suburb median of $3,056 and well under the suburb average of $3,556, which suggests the property's characteristics are working in the homeowner's favour.
That said, there's still meaningful variation in the local market. The gap between the 25th percentile ($2,222) and the 75th percentile ($4,963) is substantial — a spread of over $2,700 per year. Shopping around clearly matters in this postcode.
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How Maclean Compares to the Rest of NSW and Australia
One of the most useful ways to evaluate any quote is to zoom out and look at the broader picture. Here's how Maclean stacks up:
| Benchmark | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Maclean (2463) | $3,556/yr | $3,056/yr |
| New South Wales | $9,528/yr | $3,770/yr |
| National | $5,347/yr | $2,764/yr |
| Clarence Valley LGA | $31,244/yr | — |
A few things stand out here. The NSW state average of $9,528/yr is dramatically higher than the Maclean suburb average — but this is largely driven by high-risk and high-value properties elsewhere in the state, which pull the mean upward. The NSW median of $3,770/yr is a more representative figure, and Maclean's median of $3,056/yr sits comfortably below it.
The national average of $5,347/yr similarly reflects a wide range of property types and risk profiles across Australia. Maclean's median is above the national median of $2,764/yr, which suggests the area does carry some elevated risk factors relative to the broader country — not surprising given its flood-prone river setting and regional location.
The Clarence Valley LGA average of $31,244/yr is an extreme outlier and almost certainly reflects a small number of very high-risk or high-value rural and farming properties dragging the mean upward. It's not a meaningful benchmark for a typical residential home in Maclean township.
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Property Features That Affect Your Premium
Several characteristics of this particular property are worth noting when it comes to how insurers price the risk.
Elevated foundations (poles): This home is elevated by at least one metre on a pole foundation — a classic Queenslander-style build. In a flood-prone area like Maclean, elevation is one of the most significant risk mitigators available. Insurers generally view elevated homes more favourably because floodwater is less likely to cause structural damage or inundate the living areas. This feature is likely contributing meaningfully to the relatively competitive premium.
Hardiplank/Hardiflex cladding: Fibre cement cladding like Hardiplank is considered a durable and fire-resistant external wall material. It's generally viewed positively by insurers compared to weatherboard or older cladding types, and it holds up well in humid coastal climates.
Steel/Colorbond roof: Colorbond roofing is a popular choice in regional Australia for good reason — it's lightweight, durable, and performs well in both high-wind and high-heat conditions. Insurers typically rate it favourably compared to older tile or asbestos roofing.
Construction year (2015): A relatively modern build means the home was constructed under more recent building codes, which tend to incorporate better structural standards and weather resilience. This can positively influence how insurers assess the risk.
Solar panels: The presence of solar panels adds some replacement value to the property. Homeowners should confirm with their insurer whether solar panels are covered under the building policy and up to what value, as this is sometimes a point of confusion.
Timber/laminate flooring: While attractive and common in elevated homes, timber flooring can be more susceptible to moisture damage than tiles. In a flood-adjacent area, it's worth checking exactly what flood-related scenarios your policy covers and whether contents cover extends to floor coverings.
No cyclone risk: Maclean is not classified as a cyclone risk area, which removes one of the more significant premium loading factors seen in far north Queensland and parts of WA.
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Tips for Homeowners in Maclean
1. Confirm your flood cover explicitly. Maclean sits on the Clarence River and has a documented history of flooding. Flood cover is not automatically included in all home insurance policies — some insurers exclude it or charge a separate loading. Read your Product Disclosure Statement carefully and ask your insurer directly whether riverine flood is covered.
2. Review your building sum insured regularly. At $950,000, the building sum insured on this quote is substantial. Construction costs have risen significantly in recent years across regional NSW, and underinsurance is a real risk. Consider getting a building replacement cost estimate from a qualified quantity surveyor or using an online calculator to make sure your cover keeps pace.
3. Don't overlook your contents. A $50,000 contents value is on the modest side for a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home. Take the time to do a proper room-by-room inventory — furniture, appliances, electronics, clothing, and valuables all add up quickly. Underinsuring your contents could leave you significantly out of pocket after a major loss.
4. Compare quotes at renewal time. The wide spread between the 25th and 75th percentile premiums in Maclean ($2,222 to $4,963) shows that different insurers price this suburb very differently. Even if your current premium seems reasonable, it's worth running a comparison at each renewal to make sure you're still getting a competitive deal.
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Compare Your Home Insurance Options
Whether you're a long-time Maclean local or new to the area, it pays to compare. CoverClub makes it easy to see quotes from multiple insurers side by side, so you can find the right cover at a price that makes sense for your property. Get a home insurance quote today and see how your premium stacks up against the benchmarks for your suburb.
For more data on insurance costs in your area, explore the Maclean suburb stats, NSW state overview, or the national insurance benchmarks.