Question 5

Michael Parsons 5-year old property was recently destroyed in a house fire. Luckily, Michael had a home and contents insurance policy on the property. The house was originally constructed on land that Michael owned due to an inheritance. The construction costs at the time he built the house were $315,000 and he spent $50,000 on various appliances, furniture and fixtures and fittings for the home (home contents). The current construction costs for a similar home would be $405,000 and the cost of replacing the home contents would be $75,000. The market value of the home contents at the time of the fire was $22,000.

Required

Part a)

Calculate the total value of the insurance claim to be made by Michael if the home and contents policy was a replacement value policy.

[4 marks]

Part b)

Briefly explain the difference between a replacement value home and contents insurance policy and an indemnity value home and contents insurance policy.

[2 marks]

Part c)

Michael also asks you if he needs to get professional indemnity insurance. How would you respond and why?