Portable Homes Covered Under Home Insurance as Temporary Alternative Accommodation

When disaster strikes, help in finding a quick, comfortable, and accessible temporary housing solution can significantly ease the recovery process. This was exactly the experience of Leonie McGrath, a resident of the Gold Coast, whose home was devastatingly impacted by a tornado on Christmas night, 2023.

The peaceful holiday atmosphere was shattered for the McGrath family when a severe tornado ripped through their suburb, displacing the roof of a nearby house which then landed on their own home. The aftermath was dire, requiring immediate evacuation and a quick solution for temporary housing. Leonie recalled the area looking like a “warzone,” with extensive damage widespread across the neighbourhood.

Initially finding shelter through her employer, it soon became clear to Leonie that a longer-term solution was necessary. That’s when she turned to her home insurance provider, Virgin Money Home Insurance, to explore options for home insurance temporary accommodation. 

Navigating the busy holiday period, Leonie managed to initiate her insurance claim for temporary accommodation online, quickly gaining access to funds for essentials and temporary housing. Virgin Money Home Insurance proved to be highly supportive, assigning a case manager to ensure all needs were met, including the approval for the hire of a temporary portable home from PennyGranny. 

Faced with a daunting repair timeline, Leonie opted for PennyGranny’s portable home because of its immediacy, affordability, and comfort. PennyGranny is renowned for its wide array of portable buildings, which are designed to cater to diverse needs, whether it’s for emergency housing, extra living space during home renovations, or as a temporary office.

PennyGranny’s homes for hire, such as the popular portable granny flats, are equipped with all the comforts of a traditional home, including fully functional kitchens, cozy living areas, modern bathrooms, and spacious bedrooms. Each unit is constructed with high-quality materials and designed to provide the ultimate in comfort and functionality, ensuring a pleasant and secure living environment.

This decision was greatly facilitated by Leonie’s insurance temporary accommodation coverage, which seamlessly integrated with PennyGranny’s flexible hiring options. The availability of these portable homes across multiple regions — including Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory — meant that the McGrath family could remain closely connected to their property and community during the rebuilding process. Staying on-site allowed them to oversee the repairs easily and maintain a sense of stability and continuity in their daily lives.

The portable building provided by PennyGranny became a sanctuary for Leonie and her family. It offered the essential comforts of home in a compact and efficient space, allowing the family to maintain some semblance of normalcy amidst chaos. The home’s features, including air conditioning and a functional shower, were particularly appreciated.

Leonie’s story underscores the benefits of having temporary accommodation insurance with your home and contents insurance provider, which in this case covered all associated costs of hiring the portable home, offering significant relief during a stressful time. If you require home insurance alternative accommodation, look no further than PennyGranny’s portable home hire. We provide flexible and reliable solutions that are designed to be covered by your home insurance provider, ensuring a comfortable stay during unforeseen circumstances. PennyGranny’s commitment to customer satisfaction and our ability to swiftly deliver and set up your portable home makes us a leading choice for those in need of immediate, reliable, and comfortable temporary or emergency accommodation.

Not sure where to start? Moneysmart.gov.au provides you with a step-by-step guide on how to claim on your home and contents insurance:

1. Contact your insurer as soon as possible.
2. Take reasonable steps to prevent further loss or damage.
3. Make a list of lost, stolen, or damaged items.
4. Provide proof of ownership where possible.
5. Keep receipts and records of costs you incur for repairs or temporary accommodation.
6. Fill out the claim form provided by your insurer.
7. Work with your insurer to assess the damage and agree on the repair or replacement.

Read more Moneysmart.gov.au

Other useful links from your insurance provider:

1. CommBank: How to make a claim
2. NRMA: Claims Home Insurance
3. Allianz: Home Insurance Claims
4. AAMI: How to make a home insurance claim
5. QBE: Home insurance claims
6. Suncorp: Make a home insurance claim
7. Youi: Home insurance claims
8. Westpac: Home insurance claims
9. Budget Direct: Home insurance claims

Are you facing a temporary housing challenge? Let PennyGranny provide the perfect solution with our range of comfortable and affordable prefab portable homes for hire. Whether you’re in the midst of building or renovating and need on-site accommodation, searching for a granny flat for an elderly relative, or an adult child looking to save for their own home, we have options that suit every need. Our portable homes also offer a fantastic opportunity to monetise your rural property with affordable farmstay accommodations. If you have access to land through friends or family, why not explore our affordable rental accommodations? 

Discover the full spectrum of our portable buildings available for hire or purchase by visiting our website. With PennyGranny, your next step towards secure, temporary, or supplemental housing is just a consultation away. Ready to explore your options or need more information? Visit us at PennyGranny Contact Page for all your inquiries. Our team is eager to assist you with your temporary or long-term accommodation needs, no matter what unforeseen circumstances you may be in, and to help you communicate with your insurance provider ensuring you find the perfect solution in any situation.