Insurance & Liability
Last updated: February 2026
Important Disclaimer
This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal, financial, or insurance advice. Every situation is different, and insurance policies vary significantly. Always consult with a qualified insurance broker or your insurance provider for advice specific to your circumstances.
1. Introduction
At SpotMate, we believe in transparency about how our platform works and what responsibilities fall on you as a user. Understanding insurance and liability is an important part of using any peer-to-peer sharing platform.
SpotMate is a marketplace that connects neighbours within residential buildings to share parking spots and storage cages. We facilitate these connections, but we are not an insurance provider, and we do not provide coverage for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may occur.
2. SpotMate's Role
It's important to understand what SpotMate does and does not do:
We Connect Neighbours
SpotMate is a platform that helps residents within the same building find each other and arrange the rental of parking spots and storage spaces. We provide the technology, communication tools, and payment processing.
We Are NOT Insurance Providers
SpotMate does not provide any insurance coverage whatsoever. We do not insure your vehicle, your stored items, the parking space, the storage cage, or any other property. We are not licensed to provide insurance products in Australia.
Users Are Responsible for Their Own Arrangements
Both hosts and renters are responsible for ensuring they have appropriate insurance coverage for their circumstances. This includes checking existing policies and obtaining additional coverage if needed.
3. For Hosts — Your Insurance Considerations
If you're listing a parking spot or storage cage on SpotMate, there are several insurance matters you should consider:
Check Your Strata Insurance
Your building's strata insurance typically covers common property areas. Contact your strata manager to understand what is and isn't covered, particularly for your individual lot and any activities like short-term rentals.
Review Your Home & Contents Insurance
Your home or contents insurance policy may have clauses about renting out parts of your property. Check if your current policy covers liability for incidents involving third parties using your space.
Short-Term Rental Coverage
Some insurance policies specifically exclude short-term or peer-to-peer rental activities. Review your policy documents carefully or contact your insurer to confirm you're covered.
Some Insurers Have Exclusions
Be aware that some insurers may deny claims or void your policy if you engage in rental activities without informing them. It's always better to check first rather than find out when you need to make a claim.
Document Your Space Before Listing
Take clear, dated photos and videos of your parking spot or storage cage before you start renting it out. This documentation can be invaluable if you ever need to make an insurance claim or resolve a dispute.
4. For Renters — Your Insurance Considerations
If you're renting a parking spot or storage space through SpotMate, consider the following:
Your Car Insurance Should Cover You
Most comprehensive car insurance policies cover your vehicle regardless of where it's parked, including in a privately rented spot. However, it's worth confirming this with your insurer, especially for long-term rentals.
Contents Insurance for Stored Items
Your home contents insurance may cover items stored away from your home, but this often has limits and conditions. Check your policy to see if items in a rented storage cage would be covered for theft, damage, or loss.
Consider Additional Coverage for Valuables
If you're storing valuable items, consider whether you need specific insurance. Some items may require scheduled or specified cover. Rental storage insurance products are available from various insurers.
Take Photos Before Using the Space
Document the condition of the space when you first access it and keep a record of what you store. This helps protect you if any disputes arise and supports any insurance claims you may need to make.
5. What SpotMate Does NOT Cover
To be completely clear, SpotMate does not provide insurance or accept liability for:
- Damage to vehicles — including scratches, dents, accidents, or vandalism
- Damage to stored items — from any cause including water, pests, or accidents
- Theft or loss — of vehicles, contents, or any personal property
- Personal injury — to hosts, renters, or any third parties
- Property damage — to the parking spot, storage cage, or building
6. Understanding Strata Insurance
If you live in an apartment building, understanding strata insurance is important:
Common Areas Covered by Strata
Building common areas, including shared driveways, lifts, and common property structures, are typically covered by your strata insurance. This is paid for through your strata levies.
Individual Lots Are Your Responsibility
Your individual lot (including your assigned parking space and storage cage) and all contents within them are generally your responsibility to insure. Strata insurance typically does not cover personal property or contents.
Contact Your Strata Manager
For specific details about what's covered in your building, contact your strata manager or body corporate. They can provide a copy of the strata insurance policy and clarify coverage boundaries.
7. Tips for Protection
While SpotMate doesn't provide insurance, here are some practical steps you can take to protect yourself:
Document Everything
Take photos and videos before and after each rental period. Date-stamp them and keep them organised. This creates a clear record if issues arise.
Communicate Through the Platform
Keep all communication within SpotMate's messaging system. This creates an official record that can help resolve disputes or support claims.
Report Issues Immediately
If you notice any damage, issues, or concerns, report them through the app right away. Prompt reporting protects everyone involved.
Keep Records of Valuables
If storing valuable items, keep a detailed inventory with photos, receipts, and estimated values. This helps with any insurance claims.
8. Dispute Resolution
If something goes wrong during a rental, here's how we can help:
Contact Support First
Reach out to our support team as soon as an issue arises. We're here to help facilitate communication between both parties and find a resolution.
Provide Documentation
Share all relevant photos, messages, and details about the issue. The more information you provide, the better we can assist in resolving the matter.
We'll Help Mediate
Our team will review the situation and work with both parties to reach a fair resolution. While we can help mediate, ultimate responsibility remains with the users involved.
Note: SpotMate's dispute resolution is limited to matters within our platform. For significant losses or damages, you should contact your insurance provider and seek independent legal advice if necessary.
9. Our Recommendation
Talk to Your Insurance Broker
We strongly recommend speaking with a qualified insurance broker before listing or renting through SpotMate. They can review your current policies, identify any gaps in coverage, and suggest appropriate products for your needs.
- Review your existing home, contents, and car insurance policies
- Check for any exclusions related to short-term rental or sharing
- Consider additional coverage if storing valuable items
- Understand your liability exposure and how to protect yourself
10. Contact Us
If you have questions about insurance or liability matters, or need assistance with a dispute, please contact our support team:
See also: Terms of Service • Safety Guidelines • Host Guide