If you live in an HDB flat, fire insurance probably isn’t the most exciting thing on your mind. But in a city where nearly 80% of residents call public housing home, it’s a topic worth paying attention to; especially as fire incidents are rising.
In 2024 alone, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded to 1,990 fire cases, almost half of which happened in residential buildings.
And here’s the thing: if you’re paying off an HDB loan, fire insurance is compulsory. Yet, many owners aren’t entirely clear on what it covers, how much it costs, or whether it’s enough protection on its own.
That’s what this guide is for. We’ll unpack everything you need to know about HDB fire insurance in 2025 and help you get ready to protect your house.
Table of Contents
- What exactly Is HDB Fire Insurance?
- Who needs it, and who doesn’t
- The growing fire threat: Why the numbers matter
- How much does HDB Fire Insurance cost?
- Getting extra protection for your home
- How to apply for HDB Fire Insurance
- Buying additional home insurance
- Common mistakes HDB owners make
- Final thoughts
What exactly is HDB Fire Insurance?
With nearly 49% of Singapore’s fires happening in homes, having fire insurance isn’t just an optional add-on. It’s an essential layer of financial protection. While the chances of a fire may seem small, the cost of recovery after one can be significant, especially when it comes to repairing structural damage or reinstating fixtures.
If you’re an HDB flat owner, you’re automatically covered under the HDB Fire Insurance Scheme,. This is a mandatory insurance scheme for all HDB flat owners who are servicing an HDB housing loan. The scheme is currently underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd., appointed by the Housing & Development Board (HDB).
But here’s the part many owners misunderstand. This policy doesn’t cover everything inside your home. It’s designed specifically to protect the structure of your flat, including internal walls, doors, windows, and other original fittings provided by HDB. If a fire breaks out, the policy ensures you won’t be saddled with the cost of reinstating your flat to its original condition.
Managed by FWD Singapore, the HDB Fire Insurance Scheme focuses on restoring your flat to its original condition after a fire. This includes:
- Structural repairs for walls, floors, and ceilings
- Replacement of internal doors and windows
- Reinstatement of electrical wiring and built-in fittings
Think of it as “bare bones” protection. It safeguards the flat itself but not your furniture, electronics, renovations, or personal belongings. For those, you’d need a separate home contents insurance policy, which we’ll cover later.
Who needs it, and who doesn’t
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Mandatory for: Owners who bought their flat directly from HDB and are servicing an HDB housing loan.
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Optional for: Flat owners who fully paid off their HDB loan or bought a resale flat without an HDB loan.
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Not needed if: You own a private property, EC, or HDB flat fully financed without an HDB loan, but you might still want private fire or home insurance for peace of mind.
In other words, if you’re paying HDB monthly, you’re already enrolled in this policy automatically and paying the premium upfront when you sign your loan agreement.
The growing fire threat: Why the numbers matter
Every year, we hope fire statistics don’t climb. In 2024, Singapore faced 1,990 fire cases — a 1.8% increase over 2023 — as reported by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). Remarkably, nearly half of those fires occurred in homes, with 968 residential cases, leading to 80 injuries and five tragic deaths. These numbers are stark reminders that even in the safest spaces, fire risk is ever-present.
What’s more concerning is the surge in fires involving Active Mobility Devices (AMDs) like e-bikes and Personal Mobility Devices. These accounted for 67 incidents in 2024, up 21.8% from the previous year. Of these, 44 happened inside homes, signalling that everyday household devices are becoming unexpected hazards.
At-a-Glance: 2024 Fire Statistics
| Statistic | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total fire incidents | 1,990 |
| Residential fires | 968 (~49%) |
| Fire-related injuries | 80 |
| Fire-related fatalities | 5 |
| AMD-related fire incidents | 67 (↑21.8%) |
| AMD fires in homes | 44 |
All figures based on SCDF 2024 data
These rising figures aren’t just statistics. Residential fires, particularly those started by unattended cooking or electrical mishaps, remain alarmingly common. Add in the rising threat posed by AMD batteries, and suddenly, the need for even minimal fire cover looks far more essential.
How much does HDB Fire Insurance cost?
One of the best things about the HDB Fire Insurance Scheme is its affordability. Premiums are kept low because the coverage is very specific and it only restores your flat’s original structure and fixtures after a fire, nothing more.
Here’s a breakdown of the current premiums under the FWD-managed scheme, based on your flat type:
| Flat Type | 5-Year Premium (incl. GST) | Sum Insured |
|---|---|---|
| 1-room / Community Care Apt. | S$1.11 | S$37,900 |
| 2-room / Flexi / Studio | S$1.99 | S$57,000 |
| 3-room | S$3.27 | S$83,300 |
| 4-room / S1 | S$4.59 | S$117,000 |
| 5-room / S2 / 3-Gen | S$5.43 | S$144,800 |
| Executive / Multi-Gen | S$6.68 | S$176,700 |
Getting extra protection for your home
If you’ve spent thousands on renovations, electronics, or designer furniture, you may want to top up your basic HDB fire insurance with a comprehensive home insurance policy. These private plans offer:
- Renovation coverage which protects built-in fixtures and customised interiors
- Contents coverage for furniture, appliances, electronics, and valuables
- Alternative accommodation benefits which covers temporary housing if your home becomes unliveable
- Personal liability protection which covers you if a fire spreads to neighbouring units
If you’re looking to fill the gaps left by HDB fire insurance — like contents, renovations, or personal liability — here’s how some of the popular plans in Singapore compare:
| Provider | Typical Coverage | Approx. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| NTUC Income | Contents S$20k + Renovation S$40k (3-room); up to S$50k / S$80k (Multi-Gen) | S$39 (3-room); S$141 (Multi-Gen) |
| FWD (Home / TIQ bundle) | Up to S$100k contents & S$100k renovation | From ~S$44 |
| Tiq by Etiqa | HDB building + up to S$120k contents, S$180k renovation, S$500k liability | ~S$61 (3-room); ~S$80 (5-room) after promo |
| MSIG Enhanced Home Plus | Combined coverage S$125k–S$270k | S$119–S$223 |
Highlights of each plan:
- FWD: Flexible and affordable, with content and renovation coverage up to S$100k each; premiums starting from around S$44/year.
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Tiq by Etiqa: Generous coverage with emergency assistance, liability, and promos that can bring a 3-room annual premium to around S$61 and 5-room to about S$80.
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MSIG Enhanced Home Plus: Provides larger combined coverage (S$125k–270k) for moderate premiums between S$119 and S$223.
Looking for a HDB home in Singapore? Let us help…
445B Clementi Avenue 3
Singapore 122445 · D5
3
2
1,216 sqft
S$ 1,200,000
Peakview Estate
Jln Pari Kikis · D16
4
3
5,200,000 sqft
S$ 5,200,000
20 Queen’s Close
Singapore 140020 · D3
3
2
1,173 sqft
S$ 990,000
221 Hougang Street 21
Singapore 530221 · D19
4
3
1,614 sqft
S$ 1,180,000
314 Ubi Avenue 1
Singapore 400314 · D14
3
2
904 sqft
S$ 618,000
The Riverwalk
20 Upp Circular Rd · D1
1
1
818 sqft
S$ 1,488,888
162 Yung Ping Road
Singapore 610162 · D22
4
2
1,571 sqft
S$ 799,000
Chuan Garden
Chuan Garden · D19
4
5
4,133 sqft
S$ 4,280,000
569 Hougang Street 51
Singapore 530569 · D19
3
2
1,066 sqft
S$ 599,999
141 Lorong Ah Soo
Singapore 530141 · D19
3
2
1,571 sqft
S$ 900,000
854 Woodlands Street 83
Singapore 730854 · D25
3
2
1,119 sqft
S$ 3,400
Avenue South Residence
13 Silat Ave · D3
1
1
527 sqft
S$ 3,999
Botannia
29 West Coast Pk · D5
3
3
1,270 sqft
S$ 6,000
Lloyd Sixtyfive
65 Lloyd Rd · D9
1
1
904 sqft
S$ 5,400
Buckley Residence
6 Buckley Rd · D11
2
2
807 sqft
S$ 4,200
The Serennia
16 Pulasan Rd · D15
0
1
365 sqft
S$ 2,300
262 Upper Bukit Timah Road
262 Upp Bt Timah Rd · D21
0
1
100 sqft
S$ 2,600
Wing Fong Mansions
12 Lor 14 Geylang · D14
-1
2
1,238 sqft
S$ 8,000
467 Tampines Street 44
Singapore 520467 · D18
-1
1
224 sqft
S$ 1,100
Sea Esta
28 Pasir Ris Link · D18
-1
133 sqft
S$ 1,200
3
2
4
3
3
2
4
3
3
2
1
1
4
2
4
5
3
2
3
2
3
2
1
1
3
3
1
1
2
2
0
1
0
1
-1
2
-1
1
-1
Applying for HDB Insurance
Step 1: Log in to My HDBPage
Go to HDB’s website and log in using your Singpass.
Step 2: Access the Fire Insurance portal
Navigate to “My Flat” → “Purchase Fire Insurance”.
Step 3: Select your plan
HDB’s current appointed insurer (as of 2025) is FWD. You’ll see premiums based on your flat type.
Step 4: Make payment
Pay online using credit/debit card, PayNow, or eNETS. Once complete, you’ll receive a confirmation email and digital policy document.
Buying additional home insurance
Step 1: Compare plans
Use sites like MoneySmart, SingSaver, or ValueChampion to compare coverage and premiums.
Step 2: Choose coverage types
Most insurers let you customise protection. Always compare plans based on sum insured, premium cost, and claims process. Some insurers even offer bundled home + renovation packages designed specifically for HDB owners.
Step 3: Apply online
Almost all insurers now support instant online purchase. You’ll receive your policy within minutes.
Step 4: Sync with your HDB Fire Insurance
Keep both policies handy. The add-on policy complements, not replaces, your compulsory fire insurance.
Common mistakes HDB owners make with insurance
Even though fire insurance is mandatory for most HDB homeowners, many still end up underinsured or misinformed about what their policy actually covers. These mistakes can be costly when unexpected accidents happen.
1. Assuming HDB Fire Insurance covers everything
HDB’s compulsory fire insurance only covers structural damage like walls, ceilings, wiring, and fixtures provided by HDB. It does not cover your personal belongings, furniture, electronics, renovations, or alternative accommodation costs.
2. Not updating coverage after renovations
After upgrading your kitchen, adding built-in wardrobes, or installing smart home systems, your original fire insurance may no longer provide adequate protection. Many homeowners forget to increase their coverage after major renovations.
3. Overlooking alternative accommodation coverage
In cases where your home becomes temporarily uninhabitable due to fire or water damage, HDB fire insurance does not cover your living expenses. Without an add-on policy, you may need to pay for hotels or temporary rentals out-of-pocket.
4. Not comparing private insurers
Many homeowners stick with the default fire insurance but never explore other options. While the mandatory policy is straightforward, private home insurance can offer better customisation, higher coverage limits, and bundled protection.
5. Forgetting to renew on time
HDB fire insurance typically runs for five years, but many owners forget to renew their policies on time. A lapsed policy can leave you completely unprotected in case of fire or water damage. Set a calendar alert to renew your policy before expiry, or opt for auto-renewal if your insurer offers it.
6. Underestimating personal liability risks
Imagine a fire starting in your unit and spreading to your neighbour’s home. Without personal liability coverage, you could face significant financial claims.
Summary Table: Common insurance gaps & solutions
| Insurance Gap | Risk | Suggested Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No contents coverage | Out-of-pocket replacement costs | Buy home contents insurance (~S$30–S$100/year) |
| No renovation coverage | Partial claims after damage | Increase coverage sum to match renovation costs |
| No alternative accommodation | Paying for hotels/rentals yourself | Add optional accommodation benefits (~S$15/year) |
| No personal liability | Legal and repair claims from neighbours | Add personal liability protection (~S$10–S$25/year) |
Final thoughts
HDB’s mandatory fire insurance is an essential safety net, but it only goes so far. While it covers the structural repair costs of your flat’s built-in fixtures and walls after a fire, it does not protect your furniture, electronics, personal belongings, or renovation work. That means if you’ve spent thousands upgrading your kitchen, installing smart home systems, or buying premium appliances, you’ll need additional home contents insurance to stay fully covered.
Think of fire insurance as your foundation. It’s compulsory, straightforward, and affordable. But if you want true peace of mind, especially if you’ve invested in renovations or high-value electronics, upgrading to a comprehensive home insurance plan is a smart move.
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