The Federal Government’s north Queensland home insurance comparison website has begun operating, with information on policies from eight insurers.

The eight are Allianz, ANZ (including the OnePath brand), CommInsure, IAG (NRMA Insurance), QBE, RACQ, Suncorp (including AAMI and Apia) and Westpac.

Youi will join the website in May.

The site provides comparison information on home and contents policy features and indicative premiums for 195 north Queensland locations north of Rockhampton.

The website warns consumers they should choose policy features appropriate to their circumstances.

But National Insurance Brokers Association CEO Dallas Booth says he is concerned people will make decisions based on price alone and assume all cover is the same.

“An insurance [comparison] site can only go so far, and this website only does go so far,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

Mr Booth wants more emphasis on the importance of professional advice.

“Our view is that most people don’t understand insurance,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “The devil is in the detail of policy wording, terms and conditions, and when someone is struggling with that information that’s when they need to get advice from a broker.

“We strongly believe advice is critical and we’re disappointed the site doesn’t place stronger emphasis on the importance of consumers getting professional advice on their insurance needs.”

Mr Booth says NIBA has yet to make its views known to the Government, but “in due course we will”.

The website can be accessed here.

Also see ANALYSIS