Victorian property owners and occupiers who do not insure their property or assets should consider the risk in the event of loss or damage from fire.

Section 87 of the CFA Act 1958 and Section 66 of the MFV Act 1958 specifies that if property or assets are uninsured, then the owner or occupier shall be liable to pay reasonable costs for fire fighting services provided by CFA or the MFB.  This cost would be in addition to the property lost or damaged.

Those who do insure their property or assets against fire with insurance companies or insurance intermediaries, and contribute to the Victorian fire services are exempt from payment for fire fighting from payment for fire fighting activities.

All owners or occupiers of property have a choice to insure and subsequently contribute to the Victoria fire services.  You should also be aware that there may be significant costs incurred if you do not take out fire insurance.