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Strata insurance documentation is an essential part of owning, buying or financing property in a strata scheme. A certificate of insurance confirms that the building is insured and outlines key policy details required by lenders, solicitors and owners. In NSW, strata building insurance is a legal requirement for most schemes, and maintaining accurate records is part of good governance and compliance.

Below, we explain what a strata insurance certificate includes, when you will be asked for one, and how we manage insurance documentation for the buildings under our care.

What Is a Strata Certificate of Insurance?

A strata insurance certificate is an official document issued by the building’s insurer or broker confirming that the strata scheme holds current insurance cover. It relates to strata building insurance in NSW and confirms that the owners corporation has met its legal obligation to insure the building.

Under NSW legislation, owners corporations must insure the building and certain common property. The NSW Fair Trading guidance on strata insurance requirements explains minimum cover standards and legal obligations in detail. For a broader industry perspective, the Insurance Council of Australia outlines how building insurance operates within Australia’s regulatory framework.

If you would like a summary of how we arrange and oversee cover for buildings we manage, visit our Strata Insurance page.

When You’ll Be Asked for a Certificate

You will commonly need a certificate of insurance during the sale of a strata lot, when refinancing with a lender, or during audits and compliance reviews. Buyers’ solicitors and banks often request confirmation that the building is adequately insured before settlement or loan approval.

Professional bodies such as the Strata Community Association provide guidance on governance and documentation standards that support proper insurance record-keeping. Maintaining accurate and accessible documentation avoids settlement delays and reduces administrative stress for owners and committees.

What the Certificate Includes 

A typical certificate of insurance includes:

• The name of the insured party, usually the owners' corporation
• Policy number and insurer details
• Period of insurance, including start and end dates
• Total building sum insured
• Public liability cover amount
• Broker or intermediary details

These details allow buyers, lenders and auditors to confirm that the building has appropriate cover and that the policy is current.

Insurance costs form part of annual levies and are reflected in strata budgets. If you would like to understand how insurance expenses impact contributions, you can review our overview of Strata Fees.

Who Can Request It and From Whom

A strata insurance certificate can typically be requested by:

• Lot owners
• Prospective purchasers through their solicitor
• Mortgage lenders
• Conveyancers
• Committee members

The request is usually made to the strata manager, who obtains it from the insurer or broker on behalf of the owners corporation.

If your scheme is managed by us, you can visit our main website at Strata One or submit a request directly through our Contact page.

Certificate of Currency vs Certificate of Insurance

The terms “certificate of currency strata” and “certificate of insurance” are often used interchangeably. In practice, both documents confirm that insurance is current. However, a certificate of currency may sometimes provide a simplified summary, while a full insurance certificate may include more detailed policy information.

In strata building insurance in NSW, the important factor is that the document clearly confirms active cover, policy dates and insured amounts. Buyers and lenders typically accept either document provided it meets their information requirements.

How Strata One Manages Insurance Certificates for Buildings

At Strata One, we coordinate insurance renewals in line with legislative requirements and committee instructions. We obtain quotations where required, present policy options clearly, and ensure that certificates of insurance are issued promptly after renewal.

We also maintain digital records so that certificates can be accessed quickly when needed for settlements, refinancing or compliance. As insurance premiums have shifted in recent years, we help committees understand contributing factors. You can read more about this in our article on Why Strata Insurance Premiums Are Increasing.

Our broader approach to insurance administration is explained on our Strata Insurance page, where we outline how documentation, renewals and communication are handled.

FAQs 

What is the difference between building insurance and contents insurance in strata?

Strata building insurance covers the structure and common property. Individual lot owners are responsible for their own contents insurance, which covers personal belongings and certain internal fixtures.

How quickly can a certificate of insurance be issued?

If the policy is current and documentation is up to date, a certificate of insurance can often be provided within a short timeframe after request. Delays usually occur when renewal is pending or additional information is required.

Does the certificate confirm that every lot is insured?

The certificate confirms that the building and common property are insured under the owners corporation’s policy. It does not replace individual contents or landlord insurance.

Why do lenders require a strata insurance certificate?

Lenders require confirmation that the building is insured to protect the property asset securing the loan. Without evidence of insurance, finance approval may be delayed.

Ask Us to Review Your Building’s Insurance Cover and Documentation

If you are unsure whether your building’s insurance documentation is current, adequate or properly recorded, we can help. We review policies, certificates and renewal processes to ensure your scheme meets legal requirements and lender expectations.

To discuss your building’s insurance position, get in touch through our contact form. Our team can provide practical guidance on documentation, coverage levels and compliance obligations for strata building insurance in NSW.