The Housing and Development Board (HDB) fire insurance represents a mandatory coverage requirement for all flat owners maintaining outstanding HDB housing loans, specifically protecting internal building structures, fixtures, and fittings originally provided by HDB or its approved developers at the time of sale.
This obligatory insurance excludes coverage for home contents, renovations, and personal belongings, focusing exclusively on repair or reinstatement costs after fire damage to structural aspects initially installed by HDB.
The compulsory nature of this coverage applies to all flat owners with outstanding HDB housing loans, requiring insurance purchase before loan disbursement for both Build-To-Order and resale flats. Ongoing policy maintenance remains required until the HDB loan reaches full repayment, with the Home Protection Scheme and home content insurance serving as non-substitutable alternatives.
Coverage enforcement occurs through HDB loan terms rather than other banking institutions unless specifically stipulated.
Premium costs range from $1.62 to $7.15 for five-year terms, varying according to flat type, with lump-sum payments covering each five-year period. Current premiums remain fixed until 15 August 2029, with coverage currently underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Pte Ltd.
Policy validity spans five years, requiring timely renewal to maintain continuous protection.
Claims processing focuses on reinstating structural fixtures rather than contents or renovations, with assessment based on areas and fixtures provided during original sale. HDB-appointed insurers handle all claims while flat owners verify details through HDB portals, excluding costs associated with post-purchase renovations or upgraded fittings. The 24-hour helpline is available at 9695 1338 or 8218 8521 for immediate claim assistance.
Significant limitations exist regarding personal effects, household contents, and non-HDB renovations, with exclusions extending to theft, accidental damage, vandalism, and water damage.
The coverage excludes liability protection, emergency assistance, and temporary accommodation allowances. These gaps necessitate separate home insurance to address broader protection needs. Insurance-related disputes between landlords and tenants can be resolved through Small Claims Tribunals for claims under $20,000. To minimize fire incidents, flat owners should use Safety marked electrical appliances and avoid leaving batteries charging unattended.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force reported a 3.7% increase in residential fires during 2023, with unattended cooking and electrical faults representing primary causes of HDB flat fires.
These incidents generate substantial structural, financial, and social disruption, emphasizing the importance of adequate coverage.
Complementary home insurance or home content insurance provides broader protection for personal belongings, renovations, and liability coverage, achieving comprehensive protection when combined with mandatory fire insurance.
