HDB fire insurance does not cover private renovations that you inherit when buying a resale flat. The scheme covers reinstatement of structures, fixtures and areas provided by HDB or its approved developers. Check separately whether a home insurance policy would cover inherited renovations and what evidence the insurer would require.
If you are taking an HDB housing loan, HDB requires fire insurance under its scheme while the loan remains outstanding, subject to its published rules. Its resale completion guidance asks buyers taking an HDB loan to produce a valid certificate from the appointed insurer at the appointment. Read HDB’s fire insurance coverage guide.
- Identify which items the original provider installed and which previous owners added.
- Keep available records for major renovations and built-in fittings.
- Ask any home insurer what it includes under renovations and contents.
- Check the fire insurance certificate needed for your resale completion if you are taking an HDB loan.
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Sort the flat into three groups
A finished resale flat can contain original structures, later built-ins and items the seller is leaving as part of the sale. Photograph the groups separately if it helps. If you do not know who installed something, record it as a question for the insurer.
| Group | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Original structures or fixtures provided by HDB or its approved developer | Whether they fall within the scheme’s covered items |
| Custom carpentry or other private renovations | Whether a separate policy covers existing work and how it is valued |
| Furniture, appliances and personal belongings | What a separate contents policy includes and any limits |
| Items with missing records | What evidence the insurer would accept if a claim arose |
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Ask about the inherited work in plain language
Suppose the resale purchase includes built-in wardrobes and a fitted kitchen installed by a previous owner. Ask whether the policy covers reinstating those items after an insured fire, whether proof of original cost is necessary, and how the insurer values renovations installed before you bought the flat. If records are available from the seller, keep them with your dated photos and the policy documents.
HDB notes that separate home insurance coverage varies across insurers. Compare the policy wording, insured amount, exclusions and excess for the items you need covered. A policy heading alone gives you little detail about how a particular item would be treated.
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Frequently asked questions
Does an item become part of HDB fire insurance because it stays with the flat?
Check who provided it and what the policy covers. A fixture included in the resale sale documents can still be a private renovation.
Where do I check the certificate requirement for completion?
See HDB’s resale completion guidance for buyers.
Where can I check the original layout?
See how to get the original floor plan for an HDB resale flat. Use the plan as a layout reference and ask the insurer about individual fixtures.