Skip to main content Skip to log on Skip to search Accessibility at CommBank

What is the NSW Emergency Services Levy (ESL)?

The ESL, also referred to as Fire Services Levy (FSL), contributes to funding for fire and emergency services in NSW. These services include Fire and Rescue (FRNSW), Rural Fire Services (RFS) and State Emergency Services (SES).

Traditionally, insurance companies collect ESL as part of a customer’s premium on their home, car and some commercial insurance policies.

This ESL is charged by insurers on the basic premium to fund their liability to the emergency services contribution scheme.

How can I check how much ESL I am currently paying?

The ESL charge that you are currently paying is listed on your current Home and/or Car Certificate of Insurance.

I have received my Home or Car insurance renewal, how can I compare my new premium to what I paid last year?

The Home and Car policy renewals are now showing comparisons between your current renewal versus your last year premiums paid.

Will I get a refund of the ESL if I cancel my policy?

If you paid ESL on your policy and your policy is cancelled, you will be refunded the remaining pro-rata premium including a pro-rata ESL.

Explore the range of insurance products

Tell me more

Things you should know

Home Insurance and Car Insurance are provided and issued by Hollard Insurance Partners Limited ABN 96 067 524 216, AFSL 235030 (Hollard) and distributed by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124, AFSL 234945 (CBA). Hollard is not part of the CBA Group. CBA and its related entities do not sell, issue or guarantee the obligations or performance of Hollard or the products Hollard offers and these insurance products do not represent a deposit with or liability of either CBA or any of its related bodies corporate. If you purchase a Home Insurance and/or Car Insurance policy, CBA is paid a commission which is a percentage of your premium.

For products issued by Hollard, information about the target market can be found within the product’s Target Market Determination available here.

This information has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs.  You should, before acting on this, consider the appropriateness of the product to your circumstances. A Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) is available at all Commonwealth Bank branches, by downloading them from commbank.com.au or by calling 13 2423 and should be considered before making any decisions about this product. You should also read the Premium, Excess and Discount Guide (PEDG), Key Facts Sheets (KFS), and Financial Services Guide (FSG) by clicking on the links, or by calling 13 2423 for a paper copy.