Your MHIA Insurance Questions Answered: Solar Panels, Cladding, & More​ | MHIA Insurance
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Your MHIA Insurance Questions Answered: Solar Panels, Cladding, & More​

Your MHIA Insurance Questions Answered: Solar Panels, Cladding, & More​

Your MHIA Insurance Questions Answered!

At MHIA we want to help you to understand and navigate your home and contents insurance. That’s why we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions our customers ask our skilled service team. Whether you're wondering about solar panel coverage or how cladding types differ, we’ve got you covered.

Before We Begin

The only accurate source of information on your MHIA home and contents coverage is your MHIA PDS. This document contains all the information related to your certificate of insurance, relevant excess amounts, what events you are covered for and how to start a claim on your home and contents. Our service and claims team are also available during business hours to discuss your coverage and any queries you might have. With 35 plus years of experience, we have an in-depth knowledge on all things manufactured home and are always happy to help.

Q: Are the solar panels on my home covered? 🌞

A: In many cases, yes

If your solar panels are attached to your home and are damaged by an insured event covered under your policy, they may be covered under your building insurance. However, not every type of damage is covered. Exclusions, conditions and limits apply, including for mechanical or electrical breakdown.

The best way to understand exactly what's covered is to check your MHIA PDS before making a claim or purchasing a policy.

Q: I'm getting an insurance quote but I'm not sure what type of cladding my home has. What are the different cladding types? 🧱

A: There’s a lot and we’re here to help!

Cladding refers to exterior covering of your home’s walls. There are several main types. Here’s a quick guide:

  • HardiPlank (Fibre Cement): Mimics timber weatherboards but with a smoother, more uniform finish. Paintable in many colours.
  • Hebel Block (Aerated Concrete Panels): Offers a solid, flat appearance with a rendered finish—great for a modern aesthetic.
  • Weatherboard (Timber): Shows natural wood grain and can be painted or stained. Slightly uneven compared to fibre cement.
  • Brick: Solid and textured with visible mortar joints. Available in various colours and patterns.

Still not confident any of these fit the cladding type on your home? In our online quote form you can see example images of each of the above types and more too. This can help you visually see which type your home is comprised of when you start a quote.

Q: Why Doesn’t MHIA Offer Flood Cover? 🌧️

A: It helps us keep your premiums more affordable.

When designing our policies, we aim to provide comprehensive protection for the risks we choose to cover, while keeping insurance as affordable as possible for our customers.

MHIA has made the decision not to offer flood cover. By excluding flood, we're able to focus on the protections most relevant to land lease homeowners and help keep premiums more competitive.

If you'd like to understand exactly what's covered read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before deciding about your insurance.

Q: How Much Should I Insure My Home and Contents For? 🏠

A: We’ve got a calculator for that!

We can't tell you how much to insure your home and contents for, that is always your decision! Our website links to handy tools like Cotality Sum Sure and a Home Contents Calculator to help you get started. Rebuilding costs have increased in recent years and considering and assessing the cost to replace your home and contents is a worthwhile exercise to undertake when renewing your cover.

Here is a link to our calculator to get you started: https://mhia.com.au/calculator

Q: Can I set up direct debit payments? 💳

A: Absolutely (and at no extra charge)

Direct debit is available for monthly instalments at no added cost. You can set this up when you take out a new policy, or if you're an existing customer, just update your payment method online or with our team. Prefer to pay annually? You can use credit card, BPAY, or online payment instead. Check your Certificate of Insurance for full payment options.

Q: Why is my sum insured increased at renewal? 📈

A: Because the cost to rebuild has increased

We adjust your sum insured at renewal to reflect rising building costs, inflation, and other factors. This ensures your coverage remains adequate and can support a claim should you need to make one. You’re always welcome to review and adjust your sum insured if needed.

No Such Thing As A Silly Question

Because our wonderful service team talk to homeowners every day we are firm believers that the only silly question is the one you don’t ask. Our team are always available during our operating hours and you can also reach us via email at info@mhia.com.au or call 1800 67 67 00 today.