All Risks Insurance in Australia 2025: What You Need to Know

Unpredictability is part of everyday life, but when it comes to your valuables, business assets, or even specialised equipment, ‘hoping for the best’ is hardly a financial strategy. This is where All Risks insurance steps in—a policy designed to offer broad protection beyond standard insurance, now in the spotlight for Australian consumers and businesses in 2025.

What Is All Risks Insurance and Why Does It Matter in 2025?

Unlike named-perils insurance, which only covers specific, listed risks (think fire, theft, or storm), All Risks insurance offers cover for almost any event—unless it’s specifically excluded in the policy. This means if your laptop is stolen from your car, or your camera is damaged while travelling interstate, you’re likely covered.

In 2025, several factors are making All Risks policies more attractive to Australians:

• Remote work and hybrid lifestyles: More people are carrying laptops, phones, and equipment between home, office, and cafes—raising the risk of loss or damage outside the home.

• Climate events: After a surge in unpredictable weather (from floods to bushfires), comprehensive coverage is on many Australians’ radar.

• Policy innovation: Insurers are rolling out more flexible, digital-first All Risks products—sometimes bundled with home or business insurance.

What Does All Risks Insurance Actually Cover?

All Risks insurance is commonly available as an add-on to home and contents, business insurance, or as a standalone policy for specialised needs. Here’s what’s typically included in 2025:

• Personal items: Phones, laptops, jewellery, cameras, musical instruments, and more—covered both at home and while you’re out and about.

• Business assets: Tools, stock, or equipment taken offsite (especially important for tradies, creatives, and gig workers).

• Portable valuables worldwide: Some policies now offer global cover, ideal for frequent travellers or digital nomads.

However, even ‘All Risks’ has limits. Typical exclusions in 2025 include:

• Wear and tear or gradual deterioration

• Mechanical or electrical breakdowns (unless specified)

• War, nuclear events, or government confiscation

• Unattended belongings in public places (check your PDS for specifics)

Real-world example: Sarah, a freelance photographer in Sydney, dropped her camera bag at a train station, damaging two lenses. Her All Risks policy (added to her business insurance) covered the repair bill—saving her over $2,500 out of pocket.

What’s Changing for All Risks Insurance in Australia in 2025?

Several trends are shaping the All Risks market this year:

• Digital claims and app-based policies: Insurers like QBE and Allianz are simplifying claims for lost or damaged items via mobile apps, speeding up payouts.

• Bundled and modular cover: You can now tailor All Risks protection by item, location, or even event (covering valuables at festivals, sporting events, or while travelling for work).

• Premium adjustments: Following major weather events and rising theft rates, premiums have increased for high-value items and high-risk locations. However, increased competition means deals and discounts are still on offer if you shop around.

• More scrutiny on underinsurance: ASIC and consumer groups are urging Australians to regularly update their insured values, after 2024 data showed thousands underinsured after major loss events.

In addition, several insurers have updated their Product Disclosure Statements (PDS) to clarify exactly what’s covered, and what isn’t—making it easier to compare policies and avoid costly surprises at claim time.

Is All Risks Insurance Right for You?

All Risks isn’t for everyone, but it’s worth considering if you:

• Regularly take valuable items out of your home or office

• Run a business that relies on portable equipment

• Travel frequently, for work or pleasure

• Want peace of mind for unique or hard-to-replace assets

On the flip side, if your valuables rarely leave the house, or if you’re comfortable with self-insuring smaller losses, a standard home and contents policy may suffice. Always check the fine print and update your sums insured in line with current replacement values—especially as inflation and supply chain issues push up the cost of tech, jewellery, and specialty gear in 2025.

Conclusion: Peace of Mind in a Fast-Changing World

All Risks insurance is no longer a niche product for the ultra-cautious. As Australians embrace more mobile lifestyles, side hustles, and high-value tech, broad portable cover is moving from ‘nice-to-have’ to ‘must-consider’. In 2025, with evolving policy features and more transparent terms, it’s easier than ever to protect what matters—wherever life takes you.