You might think the chances of a fire breaking out in your HDB flat are slim but in 2023 alone, residential fires in Singapore rose by 3.7%, with electrical faults and unattended cooking topping the list of causes.
And while most of us think, “Surely it won’t happen to me,” the truth is – it only takes one unlucky spark to rack up thousands in repair costs.
That’s precisely why HDB fire insurance exists.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- What HDB fire insurance is (and who needs it)
- What it covers (and more importantly, what it doesn’t)
- How much it costs, how long it lasts, and how to renew it
Let’s break it down one step at a time.
What is HDB fire insurance?
HDB fire insurance is a mandatory insurance policy for all HDB flat owners with an outstanding HDB loan.
It’s designed to ease the financial burden of restoring your flat’s internal structures and fixtures in case of a fire.
That means if a fire damages your walls, doors, windows, or flooring, HDB fire insurance will cover the cost of reinstatement – but not your furniture, renovations, or personal belongings.
Depending on when you started your policy, coverage is provided by different insurers.
If your policy began between 16 August 2019 and 15 August 2024, it is underwritten by FWD Insurance.
For policies starting from 16 August 2024 to 15 August 2029, coverage is provided by Etiqa Insurance.
Who needs to buy it?
If you own an HDB flat and still have an outstanding HDB loan, you must purchase HDB fire insurance.
It’s a non-negotiable requirement if you’re paying off your loan directly to HDB.
However, this insurance is no longer mandatory if you’ve fully paid off your HDB loan or financed your flat with a bank loan.
What does HDB fire insurance cover?
HDB fire insurance only covers the structural elements of your flat – think of it as protection for the bare bones of your home.
In the event of a fire, it helps pay for repairs to key components like walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, electrical wiring, and built-in fixtures or fittings originally provided by HDB, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.
What does HDB fire insurance not cover?
While HDB fire insurance covers your flat’s basic structure, it doesn’t protect everything inside.
It excludes renovations, built-in furniture, and personal belongings like electronics, jewellery, and clothes.
It also doesn’t cover alternative accommodation if your home becomes unlivable or liability for damaging neighbours’ property if a fire spreads.
For these, you’ll need a separate home insurance policy, which I’ll cover more in another post.
How long is HDB fire insurance valid for?
HDB fire insurance is valid for 5 years at a time.
Once the 5-year period ends, you must renew it before it expires to maintain coverage.
How much does HDB fire insurance cost?
Here’s the current 5-year premium under Etiqa (2024 to 2029):
| Flat type | 5-year premium (incl. 9% GST) | Sum insured |
| 1-room/Community care apartment | $1.11 | $37,900 |
| 2-room/2-room flexi/ Studio apartment | $1.99 | $57,000 |
| 3-room | $3.27 | $83,300 |
| 4-room/S1 | $4.59 | $117,000 |
| 5-room/S2/3-gen | $5.43 | $144,800 |
| Executive/Multi-gen | $6.68 | $176,700 |
How to check the validity of your HDB fire insurance?
- Go to the HDB website.
- Log in with your Singpass.
- Navigate to My Flat, then to Flat Details and Minimum Occupation Period (MOP).
- Your policy’s effective date and expiry date will be displayed.
How to purchase or renew HDB fire insurance
You can do it online through the Etiqa Fire Insurance Portal – just have your flat details ready.
Alternatively, use any AXS kiosk or the AXS mobile app while on the go.
If your policy is nearing expiry, renew early to avoid a lapse in coverage, especially since it’s mandatory if you still have an HDB loan.
Frequently asked questions
Is HDB fire insurance compulsory?
Yes, HDB fire insurance is compulsory for all HDB flat owners who have an outstanding HDB loan.
If you took a housing loan directly from HDB, you must maintain this policy throughout your loan period.
However, HDB fire insurance is not mandatory if your loan is fully paid off or you’re financing your flat through a bank loan instead.
What happens if I don’t renew my HDB fire insurance?
If you don’t renew your HDB fire insurance while still having an outstanding HDB loan, you’ll be in breach of your loan agreement with HDB.
This means you might face delays in loan processing or administrative issues – and in the worst-case scenario, your loan disbursement or resale transactions could be affected.
Since it’s compulsory, HDB requires continuous coverage.
So, renew it before it expires to avoid unnecessary hassle.
Can I use CPF to pay for HDB fire insurance?
No, you can’t use your CPF to pay for HDB fire insurance.
The premium must be paid using cash only, either through Etiqa’s online portal, AXS kiosks, or the AXS mobile app.
Unlike the Home Protection Scheme (HPS), which allows premium deductions from your CPF Ordinary Account, HDB fire insurance is a separate policy and requires out-of-pocket payment.
Is HDB fire insurance sufficient?
HDB fire insurance isn’t sufficient if you want complete protection for your home.
It only covers the internal structure, fixtures, and fittings originally provided by HDB – not your renovations, furniture, personal belongings, or alternative accommodation if your flat becomes unlivable.
For broader protection – like covering your TV, sofa, kitchen cabinets, or hotel stays during repairs – you’ll need to get a separate home insurance plan on top of the HDB fire insurance.
Conclusion
And there you have it – a full breakdown of what HDB fire insurance is, what it covers (and doesn’t), how much it costs, and how to check or renew your policy.
If you’re still unsure whether HDB fire insurance is enough or whether you should consider additional home coverage, don’t worry – you’re not alone.
We get that insurance can feel overwhelming, which is why we work with trustworthy, licensed financial advisors who can walk you through your options – no pressure, no hard selling.
Just drop us a message if you’d like to chat with one of our trusted financial advisors.
Better to be safe than sorry, right?
