The same Queensland home, quoted $2,259–$4,758
Across 12,868 Queensland homes we quoted across our panel, the dearest insurer charged 111% more than the cheapest for the same cover — a gap of $2,499 a year. That gap is the whole reason to compare.
The same home · every insurer on our panel
Average across 12,868 Queensland homes we quoted — same property and cover, different insurer. Indicative; individual results vary.
Queensland presents one of Australia's most challenging insurance markets, with premiums heavily influenced by the state's exposure to cyclones, flooding, and severe storms. North Queensland in particular — including Townsville, Cairns, and Mackay — has some of the highest home insurance premiums in the country, driven by cyclone risk.
The cost difference between South East Queensland and the state's north can be dramatic. A homeowner in Brisbane might pay half what someone in Townsville pays for equivalent cover. This disparity has been a major political issue, with the federal and state governments exploring options to bring down costs in cyclone-affected regions.
Despite the challenges, Queensland homeowners can find competitive premiums by comparing across insurers. Some companies price cyclone and flood risk very differently, meaning the cheapest insurer for a Brisbane home may not be the cheapest for a Cairns property. Targeted comparison is essential.
What a typical Queensland home pays
For a home insured to rebuild for about $803,824 (the Queensland average) with $88,224 of contents and a $500 excess, the typical annual premium is:
Half of Queensland homes pay less than this and half pay more. Your price depends on your address, construction and the cover level you choose.
How we work this out
These figures come from 12,868 real home insurance quotes Cover Club generated for Queensland properties. We use the medianrather than the average, so a handful of very high-value homes don't distort the typical figure.
Every Cover Club quote itemises GST and state stamp duty separately.
Premium data updated June 2026. Indicative only.
Find what homes in your suburb pay
Start typing your suburb to see the typical premium near you, from real Queensland quotes.
Why home insurance costs what it does in Queensland
Cyclone Risk
North Queensland is one of the most cyclone-exposed regions in Australia. Properties north of Bundaberg face significantly higher premiums due to cyclone risk, with Townsville, Cairns, and Mackay among the most affected areas. Cyclone-rated construction can help reduce premiums.
Flood Risk
Queensland has experienced devastating floods, including the 2011 Brisbane floods and the 2022 South East Queensland floods. River flooding and flash flooding affect large areas of the state. Flood cover costs vary dramatically by address — even neighbouring streets can have very different flood risk ratings.
Severe Storms
South East Queensland experiences severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, heavy rain, and large hail. The Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Sunshine Coast are particularly affected during storm season (October to April). Storm damage is the most common claim type in QLD.
Bushfire Risk
While less publicised than cyclone and flood, bushfire risk exists in many parts of Queensland, particularly in the hinterland areas behind the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, and in dry western regions. Properties in designated bushfire zones pay higher premiums.
Home insurance cost by area in Queensland
Average premiums from Cover Club quotes. Higher-value and higher-risk areas sit at the top.
| Most expensive areas | Postcode | Avg / yr |
|---|---|---|
| Charleville | 4470 | $12,476 |
| Home Hill | 4806 | $10,978 |
| Coalfalls | 4305 | $10,261 |
| Westlake | 4074 | $8,505 |
| Surfers Paradise | 4217 | $7,339 |
| Cheapest areas | Postcode | Avg / yr |
|---|---|---|
| Redbank Plains | 4301 | $1,827 |
| Heathwood | 4110 | $1,830 |
| Park Ridge | 4125 | $1,864 |
| Calamvale | 4116 | $1,868 |
| Murgon | 4605 | $1,936 |
North Queensland
The cyclone-exposed north pays the highest home insurance premiums in the country — often more than double the national average.
How to lower your home insurance in Queensland
Compare quotes from at least 5 different insurers — in QLD, the price gap between companies can exceed $1,000 per year, especially in cyclone zones.
If you live in North Queensland, ask about cyclone-mitigation discounts. Insurers like Suncorp offer reduced premiums for homes with cyclone-rated roofing and window protection.
Consider a higher excess ($1,000-$2,500) to significantly reduce your annual premium, but ensure you can afford the excess if you need to claim.
Review your flood cover carefully. If your property is genuinely not at flood risk, some insurers allow you to exclude flood cover for a lower premium.
Keep your home well-maintained — secure roof sheeting, trim overhanging trees, and clear gutters. Insurers assess the condition of your home when pricing risk.
Look into the Queensland Government's household resilience program, which offers grants for cyclone-proofing homes in eligible areas.
What home insurance often won't cover
Cover varies between insurers — always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). These are the exclusions and limits that catch Queensland homeowners out most often.
Flood & actions of the sea
Flood cover is often optional or capped, and in higher-risk parts of Queensland it's the cover most likely to be limited. Storm surge and coastal erosion are commonly excluded outright.
Wear, tear & maintenance
Gradual deterioration, rust, mould and damage caused by failing to maintain the property are not covered.
Unoccupied homes
Many policies reduce or void cover once a home is left unoccupied for more than 60 consecutive days.
Defective workmanship
Damage from faulty design, poor building work or structural defects is typically excluded.
Pests & vermin
Damage from termites, vermin and insects is almost always excluded.
Pre-existing damage
Anything already damaged before the policy started, or noted as a pre-existing condition, is not covered.
Home insurance by city in Queensland
Capital city
Home insurance in Brisbane
Where most Queensland quotes come from — see the greater-Brisbane figures.
See also: average cost of home insurance, Australian insurance statistics, most expensive suburbs, and home insurance by state.
Queensland home insurance questions
Why is home insurance so expensive in North Queensland?+
North Queensland premiums are driven by cyclone risk. The region experiences category 3-5 cyclones, and the potential for catastrophic damage pushes insurance costs significantly higher. Some Townsville homeowners pay $5,000-$10,000+ per year. Cyclone-proofing your home and comparing across multiple insurers can help reduce costs.
Does home insurance in Queensland cover cyclone damage?+
Yes, standard home insurance policies in Queensland cover cyclone damage including wind damage, rain damage from a cyclone, and associated storm surge. However, flood damage caused by a cyclone may be covered separately under the flood section of your policy. Always check your PDS for the specific definition of "cyclone" used by your insurer.
Is flood cover included in QLD home insurance?+
Most Australian insurers now include flood cover as standard in their home insurance policies. However, the cost of this cover varies enormously depending on your property's flood risk. In high-risk areas, flood can add thousands to your premium. Some insurers offer the option to exclude flood cover if your property is at low risk, which can reduce your premium.
What is the cheapest home insurance in Queensland?+
The cheapest insurer varies depending on your location and property type. In South East Queensland, mainstream insurers are generally competitive. In North Queensland, fewer insurers participate and premiums are higher across the board. Comparing quotes through CoverClub is the fastest way to find the most affordable option for your specific situation.
How can I cyclone-proof my home to reduce insurance costs?+
Key cyclone-proofing measures include upgrading to cyclone-rated roofing, installing window shutters or cyclone screens, securing garage doors, and strengthening wall-to-roof connections. The Queensland Government's Household Resilience Program has provided grants for these upgrades in eligible areas. Some insurers offer premium discounts for cyclone-rated homes.
Does home insurance cover storm damage in QLD?+
Yes, storm damage is covered under standard home insurance in Queensland. This includes damage from wind, rain, hail, and lightning. Storm damage is the most common type of home insurance claim in QLD. Make sure your sum insured is adequate to cover full rebuilding costs, as storm events can cause extensive damage.
Reviewed by Andre Lang · Home insurance savings expert
Last reviewed June 2026. Fact-checked against 12,868 Cover Club quotes.
Cover Club Pty Ltd (ABN 39 686 766 665) is a Corporate Authorised Representative (AR 001315718) of Shanebridge Pty Ltd (ABN 16 011 049 899), AFSL 245566.This page is general information only and doesn't consider your circumstances — consider the relevant PDS and your needs before deciding.
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