Does insurance cover wear and tear?
What you need to know

Last updated on July 31, 2025

When making a claim, some policyholders are surprised to find out that their insurance doesn’t cover everything. Insurance claims for some situations, like a leaky roof or worn-out tyres, may be denied because of wear and tear. This handy guide aims to help you make a successful claim.

A plumber fixing a leak under the kitchen sink.

What exactly is wear and tear?

Over time, your property and belongings will naturally age and wear out. For example, your carpet may become thinner in places from years of foot traffic. If you drive to work every day, your tyres may also wear down. This is wear and tear – often referred to as gradual deterioration by insurers.

What you need to know before you claim

Insurance is there for unexpected events, like accidents or natural disasters. It doesn’t usually cover normal wear and tear or poor maintenance. Taking care of your property, your home or car, or both, is just a part of owning it.

If you thought insurance covered wear and tear, you’re not alone. However, to make a successful claim, your loss or damage must be covered by your policy. If an insured event, like a storm,¹ caused the damage, that’s usually covered. Always check your policy or Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to be sure.

How to spot potential claims issues

By knowing what counts as wear and tear or poor maintenance, you may reduce the likelihood of a denied claim. Here are some examples.

Home and contents

Carry out regular home maintenance to help avoid claims issues from the following:

Cracked roof tiles or gutters:
Poor maintenance may cause leaks or dampness.
Shower leaks:
From deteriorated grout or sealant or cracked tiles.
Some plumbing problems:
Pipes and flexi hoses can corrode with age.
Mould and mildew damage:
Condensation from poor ventilation can cause this over time. A specialist mould removal company can help.
Worn fittings:
Chipped or cracked walls, benchtops, rusted hinges or handles.
Rotten fences or decking:
Rot, rust, and corrosion take their toll unless there’s regular maintenance.

Car

Your regular car service may help reduce some of the following wear and tear issues:

Tyre tread:
Worn-out tyres from years of driving.
Worn brake pads:
Brake pads wear down over time.
Battery replacement:
Car batteries lose their charge and will need to be replaced.
Oil changes:
Routine oil changes and the effects of not getting the oil changed when necessary.
Faded paint:
Sun exposure can fade car paint naturally.
Rust and corrosion:
Exposure to the elements is part of regularly using and maintaining your car.

For full details of what’s covered and what’s not, always check your policy documents or PDS.

Top tips for staying on top of maintenance tasks

The good news is you can take steps to keep your car and home in good condition. Here are some ideas.

Arrange regular inspections:
Check your home and car for signs of wear and tear. It’s a good idea to fix any small issues before they become bigger, more expensive problems. This also helps you meet your insurance policy obligations.
Keep receipts and manuals:
Keep a record of home appliances you buy, such as a new washing machine. Remember, optional motor burnout cover doesn’t apply to motors over ten years old.
Schedule tasks:
Your car will need a regular service to keep it roadworthy. That could be a prompt to check your home maintenance too. Arrange any complex home repairs with professional tradespeople.
Budget for repairs:
Set aside some funds for maintenance tasks. This will help you prepare for inevitable wear and tear expenses.

Remember, your insurance covers unexpected insured events. It doesn’t cover the natural ageing of your home or car, or poor maintenance. Keeping your property in good condition helps you enjoy it at its best. It may also help you make the most of your insurance cover when you need it.

If you need to make a claim, we’re here to help you 24/7.

Keen to get started?

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Scott Cam offers expert tips as part of Allianz Blue Eagle.

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72-hour exclusion period may apply

We may not provide cover for any loss of or damage to your property caused by cyclone, flood, flood water combined with run-off and/or rainwater, grassfires and bushfires during the first 72 hours after you first purchase a policy or increase your cover under an existing policy. Refer to PDS for when exclusion periods apply.

Allianz acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work across Australia. We pay our respect to First Nations Elders past and present.

Any advice here does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions apply. Before making a decision about this insurance, consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)/Policy Wording and Supplementary PDS (if applicable). Where applicable, the PDS/Policy Wording, Supplementary PDS and Target Market Determination (TMD) for this insurance are available on this website. We do not provide any form of advice if you call us to enquire about or purchase a product.

Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFS Licence No. 234708 is the insurer of any general insurance products offered, and Allianz Australia Life Insurance Limited ABN 27 076 033 782 AFS Licence No. 296559 is the insurer of any life insurance products offered. Each entity is responsible for any statements and representations made about its products, on this website.

Does insurance cover wear and tear? What you need to know