This post was updated 28/02/22 to provide most current information.
You've protected your family, ensured valuables were safe, and the storm has passed. Now what are you supposed to do? Do I place an insurance claim? HOW do I make a claim?
If you had to evacuate your property, only return when emergency services have advised that it is safe to do so. Understandably, you will want to check your property and possessions for any damage. It is important to identify areas of damage (safely)and
1. Assess Damage
Firstly, you'll need to assess the damage. There are four areas of your property that commonly experience damage during storm season; the building exterior, roof, vehicles, and outdoor areas.
If flooding occurred, then the interior of your home and any contents below the flood level will also be affected. Stay alert and avoid any potential hazards (e.g., broken glass, powerlines, murky water, etc. Again, make sure you only return to your home when authorities have deemed it safe to do so.
Ideally, you would have taken photos of your home and its contents prior to the storm. It is beneficial to take photos again after the storm to identify what has been damaged and will need replacing to ensure you are fully compensated.
Some areas of your home to document with photos are:
- Roof and gutters (if can be captured from a safe position)
- Damaged walls (internal and external)
- Broken windows or doors
- Flooding
- Moisture damage / Mould
- Damaged appliances
- Damaged furniture
If you need to clear out water or mud-damaged items form your property, ensure you do so in a safe manner. Mould, sewage contaminated water, and sharp objects can all pose a risk to your health, so take all precautions required to protect yourself from harm and possible infection.
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2. Call Your Insurance Company
If you needed to evacuate your home you may have already made contact with your insurance company. If not, now you will need to advise them of what affect the storm has had to your home and understand what your specific policy coverage is.
If your property requires urgent repairs (for instance, damaged roof or anything that might allow water ingress, or effect the livability of your home) your insurance company may organise this for you, or reimburse you when you present receipts for repair work conducted. These repairs are usually temporary fixes to prevent further damage until a more permanent solution is viable.
If your home has been severely damaged by the storm, you may need to consider staying with friends or family. Alternatively your insurance policy may cover staying at a hotel or other temporary housing for a period of time.
3. The Insurance Claim Process
If you find that an insurance claim is required and you have never navigated through this process before, it can be daunting. One major piece of advice we suggest is to become very familiar with your insurance policy.
The insurance company will send out an inspector to formally assess the damage.
Where repairs or replacement can be made, this will be organised, but depending on demand could take a significant amount of time. Sometimes cash settlement options are available but then you will need to organise your own replacement and/or repairs.
We have described the 6 steps commonly involved when placing an insurance claim in our FREE E-Book. We help you make sense of:
- What to do BEFORE contacting your insurer
- What is involved in contacting your insurer
- Lodging a claim
- Getting quotes (if required)
- Submitting quotes (if required)
- Getting the repairs done
This process can be lengthy and in the meantime your home will either remain damaged, or have temporary repairs in place whilst the claims process is conducted. Understanding the process and acting quickly will help ensure your claim is underway as swiftly as possible.
If you would like to learn more about assessing your home's storm damage or the
insurance claims process, download our
FREE Storm Season E-Book!
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