Protect the building itself.
Houseowner insurance covers your home's structure — walls, roof, fixtures and fittings — against fire, flood, storm and other perils. If you own the property, you need this.
Perils your houseowner policy covers
Zurich houseowner insurance covers a wide range of physical damage perils to your building.
Fire & Lightning
Covers fire damage from electrical faults, gas, kitchen fires, and direct lightning strikes. The most commonly claimed peril in Malaysian home insurance.
Flood & Water Damage
Covers structural damage from flooding. Particularly important in Klang Valley, Johor and other flood-prone states. Often purchased as a special perils add-on.
Storm & Tempest
Covers damage from strong winds, hailstorms, and cyclone-force weather events. Includes roof damage from fallen trees.
Landslide & Subsidence
Covers structural damage caused by ground movement including landslides, slope failure and soil subsidence — a growing risk in hillside developments.
Explosion
Covers damage from gas explosions, boiler failures, and other explosive events. Includes explosion damage to surrounding structure and fittings.
Impact Damage
Covers structural damage caused by vehicles, falling objects, aircraft, or other physical impact. Includes damage from road accidents involving your property boundary wall.
Houseowner vs Householder — what's the difference?
Many homeowners need both. They cover different things and are often purchased together.
| Coverage | Houseowner | Householder |
|---|---|---|
| Building structure (walls, roof, floors) | ✓ | — |
| Permanent fixtures & fittings | ✓ | — |
| Gates, fences, driveways | ✓ | — |
| Furniture & home appliances | — | ✓ |
| Electronics & gadgets | — | ✓ |
| Clothing & personal belongings | — | ✓ |
| Jewellery & valuables | — | ✓ |
| Burglary / theft inside home | — | ✓ |
| Fire damage | ✓ (structure) | ✓ (contents) |
| Flood damage (special perils) | ✓ (structure) | ✓ (contents) |
| Recommended for | Homeowners | Homeowners & tenants |
Tenants cannot get houseowner insurance (they don't own the building) — but they should have householder insurance to protect their belongings. Learn about householder insurance →
Common questions about houseowner insurance
What is the difference between houseowner and householder insurance?
Houseowner insurance covers the building structure — walls, roof, fixtures and fittings. Householder insurance covers the contents inside — furniture, electronics, clothing and valuables. Homeowners often need both; tenants only need householder cover.
Is houseowner insurance compulsory in Malaysia?
Houseowner insurance is not legally compulsory in Malaysia, but banks typically require it as a condition of a mortgage (often via a Fire Insurance / MRTA arrangement) for as long as the loan is outstanding.
Does houseowner insurance cover flood damage?
Flood damage is covered under the special perils add-on, not automatically included in a base policy. Given Malaysia's increasingly frequent flooding, WeShield recommends adding special perils cover, especially in flood-prone areas of Klang Valley and Johor.
How is the sum insured calculated for houseowner insurance?
Sum insured should reflect the rebuilding cost of your property, not its market value or purchase price — market value includes land value, which does not need to be insured. A rough guide is your built-up area multiplied by current construction cost per square foot.
Can tenants buy houseowner insurance?
No. Houseowner insurance can only be purchased by the property owner, since it covers the building structure. Tenants should instead buy householder insurance to protect their belongings inside the unit.
What does houseowner insurance NOT cover?
Standard houseowner policies exclude wear and tear, gradual deterioration, and perils like flood, earthquake or landslide unless purchased as a special perils add-on. It also does not cover contents inside the home — that requires separate householder insurance.
Protect your home structure today.
WhatsApp us with your property address and sum insured. We'll prepare your Zurich quote within the hour.