Top Tips to make a successful Storm Damage Claim
Top Tips to make a successful Storm Damage Claim
As we approach storm season it is important to be prepared.
Weather events cannot be avoided and if you have a policy in place then storm and cyclone damage to your property will be covered
Some policies offer a wide coverage and others have very limited definitions of what storm damage includes.
It is therefore important to read your PDS thoroughly so that you know exactly what you are covered for in the event of an incident.
The most common claims we see following a storm are caused by:
Water damage from blocked gutters/downpipes
Rainwater damage to roof caused by wind
Tree/branch impact
Hail Damage
Wind damage to fenced and shade sails
5 tips to help you make a successful insurance claim
1. Know who you need to call in the event of a claim.
Your insurer or broker should have a 24 hour emergency claims line. Tis means you can get an assessor to visit as soon as possible.
Insure Gold Coast has partnered with Johns Lyng Group who are a market leader in the supply of specialist building and restoration services to the Insurance Industry in Australia, operating for over 60 years.
Johns Lyng Group offers a 24 hour Emergency Response Hotline service, providing emergency MakeSafe & Restoration..
This service enables you to directly call a dedicated hotline in an emergency and speak to a representative. The call is then triaged to the appropriate technician who will attend the loss address to mitigate the damage.
2. If you need to make temporary emergency repairs to prevent further damage, and it’s safe to do so, don’t wait.
You can talk to your broker or your dedicated claim line for builder details or you can contact your preferred provider. Keep your receipts and take photos of the damage.
3. Make sure all guttering, and drains are clear so that water can drain away easily
As a property owner checking your roof and gutters should be part of your ongoing maintenance.
Ensure that you regularly clear leaves and debris from your gutters and check for blockages in downpipes.
4. Keep any damaged items. You may need them as evidence.
Gathering evidence including taking photos and making notes will help when putting together the claim.
5. Put together an emergency plan
Consider putting together an emergency plan so that everyone knows exactly what to do if the worst happens.
QLD SES provide a fee servicehttps://www.getready.qld.gov.au/plan
Policy Excess
When lodging a claim, you need to pay the policy excess listed on your policy schedule. Check your schedule to make sure you are happy with this figure as this can be changed as requested.
Claims:
If you use an Insurance Broker - remember we work for you an not the insurance company.
We will take care of the process and help you get the best possible outcome by working closely with you, the assessor and the insurance company.
The benefit of using a local insurance broker means that we can come along with the assessor and be your advocate every step of the way.
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