Safety is the priority
- Safety is the priority - don’t do anything that puts anyone at risk.
- If you were directed to evacuate your property, only return to your property when emergency
services give the go ahead. - If water has entered the property, don't turn on the electricity until it has been inspected by an
electrician. - Do not drive your vehicle if it has suffered water damage
Contact your insurer
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to lodge a claim and seek guidance on the claims process.
- Let your insurer know if you've sustained roof damage.
- Speak to your insurer before you attempt or authorise any building work, including emergency repairs, and ask for the insurer’s permission in writing, as unauthorised work may not be covered by your policy.
- Do not be concerned if you can’t find your insurance papers. Insurers have electronic records and need only your name, address and date of birth.
- If you are in urgent financial need you can ask your insurer to fast track your claim and make an advance payment within five business days of you demonstrating your urgent financial need. Any advance payment may be deducted from the total value of your claim.
Yes you can clean up but check these tips first
- Remain mindful of safety.
- Before you start your clean-up take photos or video of damage to your property and contents / possessions to support your claim.
- Remove any water damaged items from the property that may pose a health risk such as soft furnishings and carpet. Take photos or keep small samples of water damaged items to support your insurance claim.
- Don’t throw away items that could be repaired, unless they pose a health risk.
- Make a list of damaged items, including the brand, model and serial number if you can.
- Speak to your insurer before you attempt or authorise any building work, including emergency repairs, and ask for the insurer’s permission in writing, as unauthorised work may not be covered by your policy.
