Company Title Block of Flats: Who Owns the Policy?

Company title block insurance starts with a legal-identity question: who owns the building, and who has authority to act for that owner? A shareholder may have the right to occupy a flat without personally owning the company’s building asset.

That makes policyholder and claim authority central to the 2026 insurance review. This article explains the document map, not anyone’s legal rights in a specific company.

How does company title differ from strata title?

Company title and strata title use different ownership structures. Revenue NSW’s company title overview explains that one company holds legal title to the land and building, while shares grant occupation rights connected with a specific unit.

That legal framework is NSW-based. Properties elsewhere need local title and legal advice.

By contrast, strata title issues separate folios for individual lots. So a strata owners corporation policy can’t simply be copied across without checking the company title documents.

The land-tax treatment is a separate legal topic and does not determine an insurance claim.

For the broader property context, compare Tank’s block of units insurance guide with non-strata insurance.

Who should own a company title building policy?

The correct policyholder needs to be resolved from the title, company identity and insurer’s requirements. Don’t infer it from the name of the person collecting levies or speaking with the broker.

Use this evidence chain:

Document	Question it answers	Insurance use
Current title search	Which entity holds legal title?	Proposed named insured
ASIC company extract	Is the entity correctly identified?	Legal name and ACN
Constitution or articles	How is the company governed?	Authority and decision process
Share register	Who holds shares linked to occupation?	Occupancy and interest context
Board or member resolution	Who can arrange or change cover?	Evidence of authority
Policy schedule	Who did the insurer accept?	Contracting party and insured interests

This isn’t a legal conclusion about a particular scheme. A solicitor or company adviser can interpret the constitution and resolutions where authority is uncertain.

Who can notify or manage a claim?

Claim authority can involve several layers. A resident can report damage, but the insurer may require instructions from the named insured or an authorised representative before agreeing works, appointing suppliers or settling a building claim.

ASIC notes that a company’s constitution can set rights and responsibilities between the company, officeholders and members in its shareholder guidance. The policy adds its own notification and co-operation conditions.

A claim-authority checklist can cover:

• Identify the named insured exactly as shown on the schedule.
• Record the person reporting the event and their role.
• Confirm who can instruct the broker and insurer.
• Locate any board resolution, delegation or managing-agent agreement.
• Separate building damage from a resident’s contents.
• Preserve invoices, photos, access records and emergency-work evidence.

Tank’s building insurance page explains the shared structure. The contents insurance guide helps distinguish company property from resident-owned contents.

What should be checked before renewal or a claim?

Reconcile the title and policy schedule first. Then check building and common-area sums insured, company-owned contents, machinery, liability, loss-of-rent or alternative-accommodation wording, excesses and claim-contact authority.

For claims mechanics, read Tank’s guide to insurance claims for non-strata unit blocks. Legal questions about shareholder rights, company decisions or occupancy rights need separate legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

Is company title the same as strata title?

No. Under company title, a company holds the legal title and share ownership is connected with occupation rights, subject to the scheme documents.

Can one shareholder make a building insurance claim?

That depends on the named insured, policy terms, company constitution, delegations and the insurer’s claim requirements.

Who should be named on company title block insurance?

The correct named insured must be confirmed from the title and company documents, then accepted by the insurer.

To discuss the insurance document map, call Tank Insurance on 02 9000 1155 or email [email protected].